Three suspects arrested after incident at home

JACKSON — A home invasion and robbery at a Southwind Circle residence has resulted in the arrest of three suspects. Two of the suspects are juveniles and one suspect is 18 years old.

Jackson police Capt. David Newman said in a press release issued on June 25 that on June 20 at 10:15 a.m. Jackson police officers Edward Howe, Mary Nelson and Andrea Falzarano responded to a report of a home invasion and robbery at a Southwind Circle residence.

He said the officers were greeted by the resident, Steven Saranza, 18, who said he had hosted a party at his home the previous evening and that during the party a 16-yearold boy was asked to leave after he had apparently become disruptive.

Newman said Saranza indicated that the same boy, whom he identified as a Howell resident, called a mutual acquaintance at 9:30 a.m. June 20 and said he was returning to Saranza's residence allegedly to pick up a bag he had left at the party.

At about 9:45 a.m. the boy from Howell arrived with two of his friends and entered Saranza's residence uninvited, Newman said.

According to police, one suspect wore a mask and the three individuals searched the residence for the drawstring bag. The bag was not found, and the individuals requested "collateral" or a payment in return.

Police said the three suspects then assaulted Saranza's friend, Timothy Johnson, 19. Police said a gold chain Johnson was wearing was stolen from him by the suspects. The suspects then fled the scene in a silver 1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass.

Johnson refused medical attention, according to police.

As the suspects fled from the scene, Jackson police dispatchers broadcast a description of the suspects and their vehicle to all Ocean County and Monmouth County police agencies.

Within minutes of the advisory, the suspects' vehicle was spotted by Howell Patrolman John Barroqueiro, who conducted a motor vehicle stop.

The only occupant of the vehicle was the 16-year-old boy from Howell. Police said the teenager was taken into custody and charged with robbery, burglary, theft and assault. He was initially lodged in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center and later was transferred to Monmouth County authorities.

Jackson police Detective Michael Kelly continued the investigation and tracked down a second suspect, a 17-year-old boy, also of Howell. That suspect was also charged with robbery, burglary, theft and assault and was lodged in the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center, Newman said.

At 11:30 a.m. June 26 the third suspect in the incident, who was identified by police as James King, 18, of Freehold Township, was arrested at his residence by Kelly and Jackson police Detective Scott Conover.

Freehold Township Police Officer James Santiago assisted Kelly and Conover in the arrest of King.

King was served with an arrest warrant charging him with robbery, burglary, theft and assault. Police said King was unable to post $100,000 bail and was lodged in the Ocean County jail, Toms River.