VIDEO: Gloucester Township Resident Surprises And Apprehends Would Be Cat Burglar Caught On Camera > > https://youtu.be/3SqSciTC5Qo
On Saturday, April 1, 2023 at approximately 1:20 AM, Officers from the Gloucester Township Police were dispatched to the 600 block of Chatham Road for a report of two men fighting out front of a residence.
Officers quickly arrived on location and separated both males, who were wrestling on the front lawn. Investigation discovered that the home owner, Richard P. Astley, observed a suspicious person on his CCTV system approach his home and attempt to make entry through his front door. Mr. Astley exited his home through a side door and ran to the front lawn, confronting the suspect identified as 52-year-old Phillip Collins. Mr. Astley stated to police that he was never going to give up as he wrestled Collins to the ground, holding him in his arm, until police placed him in custody. Further investigation revealed Collins attempted to break into several other surrounding homes.
Phillip Collins was charged with several counts of Burglary (3rd Degree), Simple Assault (3rd Degree), Theft (DP), and was found to have several outstanding warrants from other jurisdictions. He was remanded to the Camden County Correctional in accordance with the New Jersey Criminal Reform Act.
Chief David Harkins stated: “We’re together forever grateful for Mr. Astley’s brave actions. This was a great team effort by all involved which resulted in the apprehension of someone who kept slipping away into our neighborhoods. Whenever you need somebody, Gloucester Township Police will be there for our residents.”
Arrest: Phillip Collins, Age 52, 400 Block of Bee Lane, Somerdale, NJ
Media Release By: Lt. Bryan Adams
Approved By: Chief David Harkins
Date and Time Of Media Release: April 1, 2023 05:30 AM
