JACKSON – Two men have been charged with attempted burglary after they tried breaking into a Jackson home in the early morning hours, police said.
On September 7 around 4:12 a.m., Officers Eric Fricks, Ryan Gladysz and Kevin Scheuerman from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to a home on Orchard Court regarding an attempted burglary in progress.
While on their way to the home, police received another report regarding a suspicious car in the area of the attempted burglary. Fricks then saw a car leaving the area and pulled it over.
According to police, the two males inside the car appeared nervous and Fricks observed various tools, gloves, clothing and a folding knife in plain view within the car.
Other officers arrived to the home where the resident explained they woke up to unknown suspect(s) attempting to enter through the window. Police also found that the homeowner’s Ring camera doorbell was ripped off and damaged.
After viewing the video footage, police matched the description suspects to the two men in the car Fricks had pulled over. In addition, police matched the knife used to pry the doorbell off as the same knife seen in the car. As a result, both men, identified as Brandon Murphy, 22, of Plainsboro, and Evan Menconi, 35, of Point Pleasant, were placed under arrest.
As detectives continued investigating, interviews were conducted and police recovered of several items suspected of being stolen from other locations, burglary tools and narcotics. All items were seized and the car was impounded pending potential forfeiture proceedings.
Murphy was charged with attempted burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, possession of burglar tools, criminal mischief, destruction/concealment of evidence, possession of Xanax, possession of heroin, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled dangerous substance while operating a motor vehicle. He was processed and released on summons pending a court appearance.
Menconi was charged with attempted burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, possession of burglar tools, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, criminal mischief and destruction/concealment of evidence. He was processed and released on summons pending a court appearance.
Detectives were able to follow up and identify ownership of some property recovered within the suspects’ car, which may result in additional complaints of receiving stolen property.
The public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
