Police: E.B. man broke into homes, stole car

EAST BRUNSWICK - A 20-year-old township man was arrested last week in connection with a series of local burglaries and the theft of a car.

David DeMarco, 20, of Pennsbury Way, is alleged to have burglarized homes on Alexander Drive and Ardmore Place in March and June, respectively, and to have broken into the clubhouse at the Kingswood Station development on June 12. Police said DeMarco stole cash totaling about $500 and miscellaneous items during those burglaries.

DeMarco also stands accused of stealing a 2005 Mercury on June 11 when its owner left it running at the Hess gas station at 232 Route 18. The vehicle was recovered on June 20 in Helmetta.

Police also charged DeMarco with stealing a cell phone and wallet from a family member on June 17.

Police connected DeMarco to the string of burglaries and thefts after arresting him at the Beauty Rest Motel on Route 1 in Edison at 1:40 p.m. on June 20, according to a press release from the East Brunswick Police Department. Police had been seeking DeMarco due to several contempt-of-court warrants out of the township totaling $4,425, as well as violation of his probation.

East Brunswick police received information that he was staying at the motel, and Detective Sgt. Gerald Ravaioli, Detective Martin O'Neill and Patrolman Jason Haykel responded and located DeMarco near the lobby. He was taken into custody and transported to East Brunswick police headquarters. Further investigation resulted in him being charged in the burglaries and thefts.

DeMarco was charged with three counts of burglary, one count of motor vehicle theft and five counts of theft. He was also charged with violating probation and in contempt-of-court warrants totaling $4,425.

DeMarco was transported to the Middlesex Adult Correction Center, North Brunswick, with bail set at $25,000.