On Thursday, March 21, 2024 at approximately 3:44AM, Burlington City Police patrols were dispatched to Mitchell Court for a report of two (2) subjects breaking into motor vehicles. As patrols arrived, they observed a vehicle leaving Mitchell Court onto Mitchell Ave at a high rate of speed. Officers made an attempt to catch up to the vehicle as it continued at a high rate of speed and eventually crashed into a fence in the 500 block of High St. Two (2) occupants exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Officers pursued both individuals and were able to apprehend them after a brief pursuit.
Further investigation revealed that the subjects broke into a total of four (4) vehicles in Burlington City. One (1) of the vehicles was stolen from a residence on Bordentown Rd., but was abandoned when it became disabled on Mitchell Ave. In addition, the vehicle that was used to flee the area was previously reported stolen in Philadelphia, PA.
Eric Santos, age 28 of Riverside, NJ and Valentin Paulino, age 23 of Camden, NJ were charged with numerous crimes and offenses, including Burglary, Theft, Receiving Stolen Property, Eluding, Obstructing, and Criminal Mischief. Santos and Paulino were lodged in the Burlington County Detention Facility pending a court appearance.
This incident remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this or other car burglaries is urged to contact Det. Jamie Lambing at (609) 386-0262, ext. 270 or message us on Facebook. All messages will remain confidential.
