the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Mahwah NJ, quick action by a sharp-eyed resident and Mahwah police officers led to the capture of two suspects linked to an international theft ring, one of whom was wanted for homicide in Colombia, authorities said.
Resident Tip Leads to Arrests
The arrests unfolded around 10 a.m. on Friday when a Mahwah resident noticed a suspicious vehicle dropping off two masked men carrying backpacks. The caller immediately alerted the Mahwah Police Department, reporting that the individuals had entered a neighboring property.
Officer Connor Gilgen was the first to arrive and quickly spotted the suspects fleeing on foot. After a chase through nearby properties, he successfully apprehended Cristian C. Bernal-Walles, 21, of Queens. While securing Bernal-Walles in a patrol car, Gilgen spotted the second suspect, Oscar H. Alvarez-Alzate, 28, hiding in nearby brush and took him into custody.
Suspects Linked to South American Theft Group
At police headquarters, officers identified both men as members of the South American Theft Group (SATG), a criminal organization known for burglaries in the area.
A search of their backpacks revealed burglary tools, including:
✅ A crowbar
✅ An angle grinder
✅ An extension cord
✅ Rope
✅ A cellular jammer
FBI Identifies International Fugitive
During the investigation, FBI agents were notified and arrived at the Mahwah Police Department. They confirmed that Bernal-Walles was wanted by Interpol for homicide in Colombia.
Both suspects were charged with:
🔹 Conspiracy to commit burglary
🔹 Possession of burglary tools
🔹 Resisting arrest
They were then turned over to the FBI for further investigation.
Police Praise Quick-Thinking Resident
Mahwah police emphasized that the alert action of the resident who called authorities was key to the arrests.
🔹 “Without the quick response from a Mahwah resident, these individuals may not have been apprehended,” the department said.
🔹 “If you see something suspicious, report it to your local police immediately.”
Contact Mahwah Police
For non-emergencies, contact Mahwah Police at 201-529-1000. For emergencies, dial 911.
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Another good reason to vote republican!
It’s scary enough that they’re roaming around in our neighborhoods but now they have cellular jammer so you can’t even call the police for help?
Time to round up these bad guys and deport ASAP!
The cellular jammer is likely to prevent burglar alarm from contacting central station if its not using a regular phone line. After s-storm sandy my copper lines were inoperative for a long period of time so my burglar alarm co installed a cellular connection.
Here’s a thought, don’t advertise WHICH brand of alarm your home has so the burglars will not have the info they need to block the cell notifications. Better yet if you have ADT and your neighbor has simply safe… swap signs with them