Teen arrested in violent home invasion, string of burglaries
Mohamadu J. Betts, 18, of Somerset, was arrested Wednesday in Edison and faces home invasion, burglary, theft and criminal mischief charges stemming from multiple incidents.
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A Somerset County teenager faces first-degree home invasion burglary charges after investigators linked him to a Bridgewater robbery in which a homeowner was injured, as well as burglaries in Bernards Township and Green Brook Township.
Mohamadu J. Betts, 18, of Somerset, was arrested Wednesday in Edison. He faces multiple charges of home invasion, burglary, theft and criminal mischief stemming from incidents in three Somerset County towns last month.
According to authorities, Bernards Township police responded to a home on Oct. 19 around 9:32 p.m. after a resident reported finding a shattered window and possible blood droplets. The resident also reported that a jewelry box had been taken. Police said the suspect, seen on security video, had short blond and brown dreadlocks.
On Oct. 22 at 2:21 p.m., Green Brook police responded to a home on Warrenville Road after receiving reports of a suspicious male attempting to enter the residence.
"The same individual was reported to be seen sitting across the street from the residence for an extended period of time. The male was described as wearing a black jacket, dark pants, black sneakers, a half-lid motorcycle helmet, a balaclava covering his mouth and a bracelet. Upon their arrival, officers were unable to locate the suspect," authorities said in a joint statement.
Around 2:57 p.m. that day, Green Brook police received another call reporting that the same person had returned and entered the home through an unlocked window. The resident reported that costume jewelry and $800 in cash had been stolen.
On Oct. 29 around 9:55 a.m., Bridgewater police responded to a 911 call reporting a home invasion on Chimney Rock Road. The victim, who reported a laceration on her wrist, told officers the suspect assaulted her and took her phone to prevent her from calling 911.
According to authorities, the suspect then took jewelry valued at approximately $2,850 and fled on a dirt bike. He wore a black helmet, black mask, black and gray jacket, black shoes and a bracelet. Authorities said his clothing was similar to that worn by the suspect in the Oct. 22 Green Brook incident.
A joint investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies identified Betts as the suspect in all three incidents, authorities said. He was arrested and taken to Somerset County Jail pending a future hearing.
Anyone with information about these burglaries or related incidents is asked to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Burglary Unit at 908-231-7100 or use the STOPit app with the access code SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477).
