Colonia Homeowner Captures and Holds Break-in Burglar for Cops

A brave Colonia homeowner got into a struggle with a suspect who allegedly broke into his home with a view to robbery.

Woodbridge police received a 911 call on April 23 at 10:38 am that a burglary was in progress in a home on Highland Road. The homeowner had managed to trap the man and held him until police arrived to make an arrest.

The would-be burglar had two accomplices, who both fled the scene in a black Audi. The homeowner had managed to get the plate number of the vehicle, which was relayed to police.

Minutes later, detective and police units trapped the fleeing vehicle on St. Georges Avenue at the intersection of Inman Avenue in Rahway. The two suspects had loot from the robbery with them, Woodbridge police said.

The suspect trapped by the homeowner was Erik Yuseff Gutierrezmaravi, 18, of Elizabeth. One of the two suspects caught in the Audi was Luis Omar Bernabel, 22, also of Elizabeth. 

The third suspect was a 17-year-old male who also lives in Elizabeth. The suspect's name was withheld because of his age.

Gutierrezmaravi and Bernabel were charged with robbery, burglary, and the use of a juvenile to commit a criminal offense. They are both being held at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Facility in North Brunswick on $75,000 bail each with no 10 percent option.

The juvenile was charged with robbery and burglary and released to the custody of his parents, police said.

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