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Samuel Padilla, 42, of Paterson was carrying burglary tools, as well as stolen earbuds, cellphones, LED lights, sunglasses and jewelry when Officer Michael Warnet stopped him on Warren Street around 12:30 a.m. Thursday, authorities said.
He also was carrying several knives, crack pipes and a hypodermic needle, Detective Lt. Robert Bracken said.
Padilla has been suspicious, given the 15 or so car break-ins that have occurred within the area the past few weeks, Bracken said.
In addition to finding the various items on Padilla, police discovered that a vehicle in the area recently was burglarized, he said.
Padilla, who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, was taken into custody, Bracken said. He was charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools and drug-related offenses.
Detectives were trying to determine the owners of the valuables that Padilla was carrying, as well as proof of his involvement with the other vehicle burglaries, the lieutenant said.
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