Long Branch Police Arrest Home Invasion Suspect

The Long Branch Police recently nabbed a home invasion burglary suspect after a month-long investigation.

Police arrested Timothy Huggins of 73 Second Ave. on Jan. 12 and charged him with a burglary that took place on Dec. 12.

Long Branch Police Det. Michael Verdadeiro and Officers Josh Wagner and Stan Eskridge made the arrest according to Detective Lt. Frank Rizzuto.

Detective Lt. Rizzuto said a Second Avenue resident was resting in a back bedroom when he heard a noise coming from the kitchen area and discovered an adult male standing there.

"The suspect then clenched his fist and motioned as if he was going to attack the resident," Detective Lt. Rizzuto said. "The resident backed up, and the suspect used this opportunity to escape through the kitchen door."

The suspect allegedly entered the home through a kitchen window and used a discarded draw as a way to climb into the house.

Police eventually gathered enough evidence to charge Huggins with the crime.

Detective Lt. Rizzuto said Huggins was also found to have an outstanding arrest warrant from another jurisdiction.

Huggins was transported to Monmouth County Correctional Institute pending the posting of bail.

Detective Lt. Rizzuto commended Detectives Verdadeiro and Juan Vasquez for doing an "exceptional job in closing the case."