NJ Troopers Arrest Pair Linked to 100 Vehicle Burglaries
State troopers have arrested two men for allegedly committing two armed robberies and approximately 100 vehicle burglaries across five towns between April and June.
Last Thursday, 21-year-old Mario Mondragon of Long Branch and 21-year-old Genaro Guzman of Shrewsbury Township were arrested by detectives from the New Jersey State Police and the U.S. Marshals Service NY/NJ Task Force.
According to police, during a five-month investigation, State Police detectives along with members of four municipal police departments identified Mondragon and Guzman as the suspects in armed robberies in Shrewsbury Township and Eatontown.
On Saturday, May 16, Mondragon and Guzman were burglarizing a vehicle at a Shrewsbury Township residence when they were confronted by the homeowners. During the confrontation, the suspects allegedly brandished a handgun and taser before fleeing. On Saturday, June 6, in Eatontown Borough, the duo sprayed a deliveryman with oleoresin capsicum (pepper) spray and physically assaulted him during a robbery.
Investigators were able to link Mondragon and Guzman to an additional 100 vehicle burglaries in Monmouth County.
Mondragon and Guzman were charged with armed robbery, unlawful possession of a weapon – handgun without permit, unlawful possession of a weapon – other weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose – firearm, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose – other weapon, aggravated assault by pointing a firearm, burglary, and theft. Both were lodged at the Monmouth County Correctional Institute pending a bail detention hearing.