Long Branch Police Arrest Two Burglary Suspects

The Long Branch Police have arrested and charged two men who allegedly burglarized several Long Branch residences.

Long Branch residents Bradley M. Courtney, of Franklin Avenue, and Ernesto Falu Jr. of 107 Atlantic Ave were arrested and charged with burglary.

On Jan. 14, police received a 911 call in regard to a burglary in progress at a private residence on Morrell Street.

Officers Lance Fanning, Todd Coleman and other responding officers were met by two residents who said two men had broken into their apartment through a rear door, according to Long Branch Police Detective Lt. Frank Rizzuto 

Once inside, the suspects identified themselves as immigration officers and took hold of one of the residents. The other resident was able to run from the house, and the two suspects fled shortly thereafter.

A nearby vehicle was then identified as being involved in this crime and was found to be registered to Courtney.

Courtney was later located by Officer Coleman and Det. Antonia Gonzalez and Forensic Det. Ben Cruz were dispatched to assist in the follow-up investigation.

On Jan. 16, police responded to a 911 call for a burglary attempt on Sixth Avenue.

Several police officers quickly arrived and arrested Falu at the residence, where he was found to be in possession of several items that he attempted to steal.

Detective Lt. Rizzuto said an investigation resulted in Courtney and Falu being charged with the burglary of the Morrell Street residence on Jan. 14. Falu was also charged for the Sixth Avenue burglary.

Falu was later charged with two burglaries that occurred in December.

The first occurred on Dec. 2 where the residents were detained in their Branchport Avenue home, while the suspect who identified himself as a police officer demanded identification and then searched the house, ultimately committing a theft.

The second occurred on Christmas Eve where. The suspect identified himself as a bounty hunter and demanded identification before committing a theft and leaving the house.

Detective Lt. Rizzuto said Falu was ultimately charged in connection with seven burglaries, and is currently being held at Monmouth County Correctional Institute (MCCI) on $233,500 bail. Courtney is also being held at MCCI on $250,000.00 bail.

This investigation is ongoing, and anyone having knowledge of similar incidents is encouraged to contact Det. Gonzalez at the at 732-222-1000.

Detective Lt. Rizzuto said Detective Sgt. Jeff Pilone along with the Long Branch Police Department’s Forensic Investigations Unit Detectives Cruz, Brian Garrett and Nick Cattelona, "did an exemplary job in coordinating this investigation."