Clifton PD: Burglar Bolts After Finding Family Home, Tracked Down By K-9

CLIFTON, N.J. -- A Clifton family scared off a would-be burglar, who was caught soon after by a police dog in a nearby backyard, authorities said.

Nigel Patel
Photo Credit: *MUGSHOT: Courtesy CLIFTON PD*

Jerry DeMarco

03/01/2018 5:26 p.m.

The Delawanna Avene residents were watching TV when a bedroom window burglar alarm sensor went off, Detective Sgt. Robert Anderson said.

One of the residents spotted 20-year-old Nigel Patel trying to get in, he said.

He bolted but was caught after police established a perimeter and the Passaic County Sheriff's Office brought in K-9 Officer Anthony Testino and "Luna" -- who tracked Patel to the backyard, Anderson said.

Patel was sent to the Passaic County Jail pending a detention hearing in Central Judicial Processing Court. He's charged with attempted burglary, criminal mischief and peering into windows.

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