Police Charge South Toms River Man With Multiple Burglaries In Bayville

Berkeley police have arrested a South Toms River man in connection with several burglaries in a development off Hickory Lane, Detective Sgt. James J. Smith said.

The incidents occurred between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on April 15, one at a home on Timberline Road, one on Tupelo Road and one on Amsterdam Avenue, he said.

Walter Whited, 25, Baylor Street, South Toms River, was arrested at his home at 11 a.m. on April 17. He was charged with one count of possession of stolen property and numerous counts of burglary, Smith said.

Police expect to file more charges, he said.

"This investigation is far from over," Smith said.

Whited first pried open a sliding glass door in a vacant house on Tupelo Road, but left because the house was empty, said Smith.

He then moved on to an unoccupied Timberline Drive home and entered through a rear window. He is accused of taking jewelry, electronics, and a bike, Smith said.

He then went to the Amsterdam Avenue home and rang the doorbell. The homeowner did not answer the door because she didn't recognize Whited.

"He did notice the homeowner inside and went to the back of the house," Smith said. "He was wrapping a shirt around his fist to break the glass when the homeowner screamed."

Whited jumped back on the stolen bike and headed to a wooded area near Timberline Drive. He then fled on foot to the nearby Precision Gymnastics on Hickory Lane, where he had parked his car.

"He noticed an unlocked vehicle next to him, went into the vehicle and stole a wallet," Smith said.

Whited is lodged in the Ocean County Jail in Toms River in lieu of $50,000, with no ten percent option, Smith said.

This string of burglaries is not related to other burglary arrests Berkeley police made recently or to the gunshots fired in the Good Luck Point area earlier this week.

"This arrest was made through a very thorough neighborhood canvas as well as eyewitness descriptions," Smith said.

Anyone with any information should call Detective Jason Mroczka at 732-341-1132, ext. 122, or the main police department number at 732-341-6600.