Police: Tinton Falls Man Sprayed Chemical at Couple During Burglary

A Tinton Falls man allegedly burglarized a vehicle in Middletown and sprayed the owners with an unknown chemical substance, according to court records.

Rufus Monroe, 66, of Peach Street faces multiple charges for the incident, which took place on Marvin Road on Sunday, Sept. 30.

According to the arrest warrant, Monroe allegedly broke into a vehicle owned by a female on Marvin Road and stole a Coach bag valued at $380. During the course of the burglary, Monroe allegedly attacked the woman’s husband with an unknown chemical irritant and then wrestled with the woman before dousing her with the spray, as well.

Police say Monroe then fled, hopping the fence of a nearby Park Avenue property. He allegedly provided police with a false date of birth during the course of the investigation. Patrolman Lawrence Seymour of the Middletown Township Police Department took Monroe into custody.

Monroe faces burglary, assault, hindering and weapons possession charges. His prior criminal record includes convictions for drug possession in September 2003; fraudulent use of a credit card in October 2007; and possession of stolen property and drug possession in January 2008.

Monroe is being held in Monmouth County Correctional Institution on $190,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent cash bond. His initial appearance date has been set for Monday Oct. 8 in front of Judge Joseph P. Quinn.