Clifton PD: Burglar Bolts After Finding Family Home, Tracked Down By K-9

CLIFTON, N.J. -- A Clifton family scared off a would-be burglar, who was caught soon after by a police dog in a nearby backyard, authorities said.

Nigel Patel
Photo Credit: *MUGSHOT: Courtesy CLIFTON PD*

Jerry DeMarco

03/01/2018 5:26 p.m.

The Delawanna Avene residents were watching TV when a bedroom window burglar alarm sensor went off, Detective Sgt. Robert Anderson said.

One of the residents spotted 20-year-old Nigel Patel trying to get in, he said.

He bolted but was caught after police established a perimeter and the Passaic County Sheriff's Office brought in K-9 Officer Anthony Testino and "Luna" -- who tracked Patel to the backyard, Anderson said.

Patel was sent to the Passaic County Jail pending a detention hearing in Central Judicial Processing Court. He's charged with attempted burglary, criminal mischief and peering into windows.

Click here to follow Daily Voice South Passaic and receive free news updates.