Stafford Township, NJ – June 14, 2024 – Following a joint-investigation with law enforcement agencies throughout the tri-state area, Laqua A. Tucker, age 20 of Pleasantville, New Jersey, and Devin J. Arnold, age 22 of Galloway, New Jersey, were arrested in relation to two commercial burglaries within Stafford Township during the month of May, as well as burglaries throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and motor vehicle theft related offenses.
On May 7, 2024, Lighthouse Tobacco, located at 521 E Bay Avenue, reported a burglary that occurred overnight. Investigation revealed Tucker and Arnold used a stolen motor vehicle from Monroe Township, New Jersey, to travel to Stafford Township and then committed the burglary. The suspects forced entry into the business and stole various merchandise and money.
On May 25, 2024, the Corner Store, located at 1636 Route 72 W, reported a burglary that occurred overnight. Investigation revealed that Tucker and Arnold used an additional stolen motor vehicle from Lower Township, New Jersey, to travel to Stafford Township and then committed the additional burglary. The suspects again forced entry into the business and stole various merchandise and money.
On June 14, 2024, members of the Stafford Township Police Detective Bureau, Stafford Township Police Drug Enforcement Unit, Galloway Township Police Detective Bureau, Pleasantville Police Detective Bureau, and New Jersey State Police Crime Suppression South Unit, arrested Tucker and Arnold at their respective residences.
Tucker and Arnold were charged by this agency for multiple counts of Burglary in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:18-2A(1), Theft in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3A, Criminal Mischief in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-3A(1), and Receiving a Stolen Motor Vehicle in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-10.2A. They were both subsequently lodged in the Atlantic County Jail.
This investigation was conducted jointly with the following law enforcement agencies: Barnegat Township Police Detective Bureau, Lacey Township Police Detective Bureau, Little Egg Harbor Police Detective Bureau, Toms River Police Detective Bureau, Lakehurst Police Department, New Jersey State Police, West Penn Township Police Department (PA), Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Monroe Township Police Department, Lower Township Police Department, Freehold Township Police Department, Galloway Township Police Detective Bureau, Pennsylvania State Police, and the New York State Police.