Police drone helps capture burglary suspect hiding on roof in Morris County; second suspect at large
FLORHAM PARK BOROUGH, N.J. (Morris County) —A police drone helped Florham Park officers locate and arrest a burglary suspect hiding on a rooftop Sunday night after two suspects were caught in the act of burglarizing a commercial property on Hanover Road, authorities said. A second suspect remains at large.
According to police, the incident began earlier in the day, October 26, when officers took a report of a burglary at the property. The business reported extensive damage and the theft of a large quantity of materials.
Later that night, around 11:30 p.m., Sergeant Jared Orgel decided to monitor the property from an unmarked vehicle — and his timing “was amazing,” police said in a statement. As he arrived, Orgel saw two suspects in the act of burglarizing and stealing from the business using a commercial van.
When the suspects noticed his vehicle, they fled on foot in different directions, with one running back into the building. Florham Park police quickly received backup from numerous law enforcement agencies, including the Morris County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), which provided K-9, patrol, and drone units to help establish a perimeter and search the area.
During an interior search, officers from Madison Police and the Sheriff’s Office heard noises coming from the roof. East Hanover Police, who also deployed a drone team, located one suspect hiding on top of the building. Guided by the drone, officers were able to take the suspect into custody without injury.
The second suspect fled into a nearby wooded area and remains at large, police said.
Authorities recovered the suspects’ vehicle and a large amount of stolen property. The Florham Park Detective Bureau is continuing to investigate.
Police expressed gratitude to the multiple departments that responded for mutual aid, including Fairfield, Madison, East Hanover, Livingston, Parsippany, Harding, Morris Township, Chatham Borough, and Hanover Township Police Departments, as well as the Morris County Sheriff’s Office.
“The property in question is extremely large, inside and out, and we could not have done it safely or effectively without their help,” the department said.
No injuries were reported, and police said additional information will be released once the second suspect is located and charged.
