Morris Prosecutor: Hanover and Paterson Pair Charged with Burglaries in Butler, Hanover and Pequannock

PAIR ARRESTED FOR RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES AFTER MULTI-AGENCY

INVESTIGATION – (RealEstateRama) — Authorities have arrested two men for a series of burglaries that targeted residential properties in three Morris County towns in January and February following as the result of a short term, multi-agency investigation, it was announced today jointly by Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp, Butler Police Chief Ciro Chimento, Pequannock Police Chief Brian C. Spring, Hanover Police Chief Mark Roddy, Riverdale Police Chief Kevin Smith and Kenilworth Police Chief John Zimmerman.

Knapp said that Pequannock Police developed information concerning individuals committing residential burglaries in Morris County, which prompted the larger probe. A joint investigation subsequently was conducted by the Pequannock, Hanover, Riverdale, Kenilworth (Union County), and Butler police departments, which was coordinated by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Intelligence Unit.

This investigative effort focused on residential burglaries that occurred in multiple jurisdictions between Jan. 6 and Feb. 6, 2017.Pequannock Police badge

The investigative efforts culminated on Feb. 6, while members of this multi-jurisdictional investigative detail were conducting a surveillance operation. Detectives observed Ryan McNamee, wearing red gloves and a hooded sweatshirt, run from the rear of a house in Butler, enter the passenger’s seat of his Chevrolet Tahoe, and depart the area.

Detectives conducted a property check of the residence and observed a hole punched through a window at the rear of this residence. This type of entry method was consistent with that in other burglaries under investigation. Officers pursued McNamee and attempted to make a motor vehicle stop. But the driver who was operating the vehicle refused to stop, ultimately crashing into the yard of a residence in Pequannock.

After the crash, Andrew Kirchner (the driver) was apprehended while McNamee, the vehicle’s passenger, exited the vehicle and fled the scene, and was apprehended after a foot pursuit. Police recovered the proceeds from the burglary that had occurred at the Butler residence. The Chevrolet Tahoe was seized and will be subject to a Civil Forfeiture action by the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office.

The following individuals were arrested.

Ryan McNamee, 32 of Hanover Township:

One count of third degree burglary, one count of third degree theft, and one count each of conspiracy to commit these offenses, stemming from an incident in Pequannock on Jan. 6.
One count of third degree burglary, one count of third degree theft, and one count each of conspiracy to commit these offenses, stemming from an incident in Hanover on Jan. 31.
One count of third degree burglary, one count of third degree theft, and one count each of conspiracy to commit these offenses, stemming from an incident in Butler on Feb. 6.
One count of third degree receiving stolen property and one count of fourth degree resisting arrest (by flight), stemming from an incident in Pequannock on Feb. 6.
Andrew Kirchner, 30 of Paterson:

One count of third degree conspiracy to commit burglary and one count of conspiracy to commit theft, stemming from an incident in Butler on Feb. 6.
One count of second degree eluding and one count of receiving stolen property, stemming from an incident in Pequannock on Feb. 6.
Both individuals were lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility in Morris Township on arrest warrant complaints. They were release pending further court after a First Appearance before Judge Michael Carlucci.

Prosecutor Fredric A. Knapp
Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp
“The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office continues its commitment to investigating and prosecuting burglars who prey on our residents and who violate the sanctity of their homes,” said Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp. “The police departments and officers who participated in this investigation are commended for their efforts and information sharing, which led to these arrests, and which demonstrates their commitment to keeping Morris County safe.”

Prosecutor Knapp also thanked the Morris County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Section and K-9 Unit for their efforts related to this investigation.

This case will be prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Erin Callahan of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Division.

Inquiries should be directed to Public Information Officer Paul Merkler, at pmerkler (at) co.morris.nj (dot) us or 973-285-6215.