Off-Duty Newark Cop Helps Thwart Livingston Robbery

An off-duty Newark police officer and Livingston resident helped township police arrest three would-be house burglars Tuesday morning, according to Livingston police.

Sandra Almodovar, 38, her son, Edwin Medina, 20, and Michael Salcedo, 24, all of Newark, were arrested and charged with attempted burglary, possession of burglary tools (a crowbar), criminal mischief and conspiracy.

The off-duty officer was walking his dog at approximately 10:25 a.m. on Shadowlawn Drive when the officer heard a home security alarm go off. He then saw two men run around the back of a house, jump into a white station wagon and drive off, Livingston Det. Sgt. Anthony Dippold said.

The off-duty officer called 9-1-1 and provided a description of the station wagon and suspects, Dippold said.

The station wagon was stopped by Livingston police on East Cedar Street by South Livingston Avenue. Dippold said the off-duty officer was then brought in to identify the suspects and the vehicle. Nothing was stolen from the home.

Livingston police officers confirmed one of the home's back windows was pried open and there were other attempts at another window and door.  

Almodovar was released on $40,000 bail and Medina and Salcedo were still in the county jail on $40,000 and $50,000 bail, respectively, Dippold said Wednesday afternoon. They are due in Newark criminal court on March 8.

The Livingston police will check and see if the trio were involved with other recent burglaries and burglary attempts in the township.