AUGUST 6, 2015, 6:51 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2015, 6:57 PM
BY ALLISON PRIES
STAFF WRITER |
THE RECORD
PARAMUS – An alert resident may have put an end Thursday to a series of overnight break-ins throughout North Jersey that included incidents in Ridgewood and Allendale.
James M. Rainsford, 47, is also being looked at in connection with similar crimes in North Haledon, Little Falls and elsewhere.
A River Edge resident called Paramus police at 8:41 a.m. to say he saw a person who he believed he recognized from media releases that was wanted for burglaries.
Related: Little Falls police seek man accused of burglarizing township houses
Rainsford was arrested a short time later while walking by a wooded area near Howland Avenue and Spring Valley Road in Paramus by Paramus Police Officers Mark Pinajian, Justin Sicari and Jack Cacamis on active burglary warrants from Allendale and Paterson.
Rainsford was found to be carrying a crack pipe and two small flashlights when he was arrested, according to a press release from Paramus Police.
He was interviewed by detectives from several local agencies and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office at Paramus Police Headquarters.
Allendale Police have charged Rainsford for a July 17 incident in which he allegedly was caught on video opening an unlocked door at a Franklin Turnpike home, while residents slept. A home alarm system woke them and they dialed 911. Rainsford allegedly fled when the alarm sounded, Allendale Police Det. Michael Dillon said.
Allendale Police compared notes with Norwood and Closter Police who, Dillon said, were familiar with Rainsford because he used to live in the Northern Valley. And they also got help from police in Little Falls, North Haledon and Ridgewood who are investigating their own incidents that may involve Rainsford, Dillon said.
I thought he was taking a vacation on the West Coast? I guess they meant the west coast of River Edge.
Thats what the Village Manager said at Wed meeting.
Just another example of her controlling the narrative and playing the blame game.
If the Allendale Police had not released this guy’s photo and name, he’d still be committing B&E’s. Got that Roberta; it’s good to let the press know about what’s happening.
He looks like he’s got an allergy to shellfish.
He just looks like an allergy.
I went to HS with his brother, Andrew. True.
Look at that mug… This guy was BORN to be a burglar…just awesome.
Bad things happen in villages all over the country all the time. No surprise there. But this Village Manager gets so upset when anything like this is reported. How ridiculous she is. We all have a right and a reason to know about these things. She wants to control the press just like Paul wants to control the press.
That’s my cousin. OMG so sad to see his decline.Comes from a very respectful family.The curse of addiction.Hope he gets the help to turn his life around.Best wishes James…..cousin Martin.Newport Ireland