Two Kearny men are among four charged with a Fair Lawn home invasion and auto theft incident that left one homeowner injured, state officials announced.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
“The charges in this case show how breaking into homes to steal cars elevates the danger faced by the public,” New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin said in a statement.
“In this case, the homeowner heard the break-in, and when he tried to intercede, he was injured. We will vigorously prosecute anyone who jeopardizes public safety like this.”
Daniel Chipelo, 21, of Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania; Kasib Higgs, 20, of Old Bridge, and John Duncan, 20, of Kearny, are each charged with conspiracy, home invasion burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, theft of movable property, and aggravated assault.
They are also charged, along with Jason Cathcart, 22, of Kearny, with the use of a person 17 years old or younger to commit a crime.
Cathcart is additionally charged with conspiracy and receiving a stolen motor vehicle. The four defendants were indicted by a state grand jury on September 17th.
According to documents filed in this case, at approximately 4:28 a.m. on March 1st, the Fair Lawn Police Department received a report of a home invasion, and later notified the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) Motor Vehicle Crimes North Unit, which is part of the NJSP Auto Theft Task Force (ATTF).
It is alleged that the homeowners were asleep in their home when they were awakened by the sound of their front door being broken in.
One of the homeowners allegedly saw a group of individuals getting into his black 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and a black 2023 BMW X5, collectively valued at over $75,000.
The homeowner attempted to stop the suspects by putting himself between the cars and their escape route. The suspects allegedly tried to hit the homeowner with the vehicles as they fled.
The homeowner was able to avoid being struck by the vehicles by diving out of the way, but suffered lacerations to his knees and legs as a result. Before fleeing, Chipelo, Higgs, and Duncan also allegedly stole items from the homeowner’s residence and vehicles.
“These defendants are facing burglary and assault charges in addition to auto theft. Excellent investigative work by our law enforcement partners allowed us to obtain an indictment that levels serious charges – with potentially serious prison time – against these defendants,” added Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton.
Chipelo, Higgs, and Duncan were allegedly linked to the home invasion and motor vehicle thefts through a combination of electronic and physical surveillance, common clothing, and cellular data.
Further investigation by the NJSP ATTF revealed that all four defendants, Chipelo, Higgs, Duncan, and Cathcart, allegedly employed the use of a juvenile, as they all worked together to receive the stolen vehicles, with Cathcart also accused of driving one of the stolen vehicles.
Platkin thanked the Fair Lawn Police Department and the New Jersey State Police Motor Vehicle Crimes North Unit-NJSP ATTF for their work on the investigation.
Deputy Attorney General Jana Robinson is prosecuting the case for OIFP under the supervision of Assistant Bureau Chief Evgeniya Sitnikova and Bureau Chief Crystal Callahan.
First-degree crimes carry a sentence of 10 to 20 years in state prison and a fine of up to $200,000, while second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
Finally, third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
