Two Pinched For Failed R’Wood Break-In
Before they could gain entry into a Ridgewood apartment last Tuesday, Aug. 14, a Brooklyn man and a juvenile accomplice were caught red handed by police allegedly trying to pry open the front door with a crowbar, law enforcement sources said.
One of the suspects was identified by authorities as 20-year-old Jonthan Encarnacion of Third Avenue in the Boerum Hill section of Brooklyn. A juvenile accomplice was also taken into custody; that person’s identity was withheld due to the age.
According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, the attempted break-in took place at around 1:20 p.m. at an apartment house on Starr Street near Woodward Avenue.
P.O. Anthony Rodriguez of the 104th Precinct, on patrol in the area, reportedly spotted Encarnacion and the juvenile suspect standing at the front door of the residence. It is al- leged that Encarnacion was seen moving his hands around the lock on the front door.
Seconds later, law enforcement sources, officers observed Encarnacion allegedly opening the front door and calling the juvenile suspect into the home.
Police moved into the residence shortly thereafter and stopped the duo as they stood in front of the door to a third-floor apartment. According to the criminal complaint, Encarnacion allegedly dropped a crowbar as the officers approached them.
Law enforcement sources said that the front door had experienced minor damage as a result of the break-in attempt. During a search, two wrenches were recovered from a backpack Encarnacion allegedly carried.
Encarnacion was taken into custody by Officer Rodriguez and charged with third-degree burglary, criminal trespassing, possession of burglar’s tools and criminal mischief.
According to court records, he was arraigned last Wednesday, Aug. 15, in Queens Criminal Court before Judge Lenora Gerald, who ordered him held on $15,000 bail. The suspect is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 29.
