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The driver summoned police Friday to the parking lot of the Panera Bread off Route 46 in Teterboro, where Sgt. Jeff Napolitano and Officer Dan Leoncini removed 37-year-old John J. Buonocore, Police Chief Richard Behrens said.
Buonocore was known to police: Earlier this year, he tried to convince former Elmwood Park Mayor Robert Colletti’s wife that he was a utility worker who’d come to fix the furnace. He was arrested moments later.
SEE: Elmwood Park Mayor, 65, Foils Utility Scam, Arrest Made
On Thursday, Buonocore “admitted to breaking into the van with the intent to take tools and other items of value to support his heroin addiction,” Behrens said.
He also agreed to a search of the vehicle that he drove to the parking lot, which led to the discovery of a hypodermic syringe, the chief said.
Buonocore was released pending a hearing on burglary and drug possession charges.
The chief, meanwhile, reminded motorists to always lock their vehicles, keep valuable items out of view – especially in parking lots – and never leave keys or key fobs inside.
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