Police: Man linked to 8 commercial burglaries in Toms River
Michael Arsenault, 54, has been charged in connection with a string of recent burglaries in Toms River. (Photo: Ocean County Jail)
A thirty-day investigation into a recent string of commercial burglaries in Toms River cultimated in the arrest of a township man Wednesday night, police announced today.
Michael Arsenault, 54, of the American Motel was charged with numerous burglaries, thefts, and criminal mischiefs, said Ralph Stocco, spokesman for the Toms River Police Department, in a release.
He is linked to burglaries at Pisces Seafood, AIC Insurance, Twin Roofing, Safelight Auto Glass, John’s Riverside Florist, Villa Amalfi Restaurant, and Firestone Auto Repair, Stocco added.
Ptl. Eric Harris spotted Arsenault walking on Route 166 near James Street with a large box on top of his head at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to Stocco. Arsenault dropped the box after Harris approached, and following a chase and brief struggle, he was taken into custody.
“Hidden in his pants was a plastic bag full of cash. Inside of the box was a large amount of perishable food that was still cold, a flashlight, and some tools commonly used by burglars for breaking into structures,” Stocco said. “Some of the money had writing on it which linked it to a nearby restaurant. A check of ‘Shut up and Eat’ Restaurant at 804 Main Street located a smashed out window frame. The phone wires had cash and food.”
Arsenault was additionally charged with resisting arrest, obstruction of law, and possession of burglary tools and remains lodged in the Ocean County Jail on $180,000 bail.
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