WESTWOOD, N.J.—Police Chief Michael R. Pontillo announced the arrest of Sean P. Byrne, 51, of Union City on charges of attempted carjacking, burglary, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest, and said other charges may be pending.
According to Pontillo on March 6, the day of Byrne’s arrest, the Westwood Police Department received a 911 call reporting a burglary in progress from a Park Avenue resident at approximately 1:58 p.m. that day. Westwood police units were dispatched, as were Hillsdale units on mutual aid.
One of the residents chased the suspect. During that foot chase, the suspect attempted to enter a passing vehicle in an attempt to escape the scene, Pontillo said.
Byrne “did not make entry into the vehicle. The suspect was subsequently caught and placed under arrest. The investigation is continuing… and it is possible that additional charges may be filed,” Pontillo said in a press statement.
Byrne was scheduled for a first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court, Central Judicial Processing at the time of the statement.
Pontillo emphasized that Byrne is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. He also said that it is dangerous to attempt to confront criminals in the course of their crimes and that he asks residents “to contact the police and try to be the best witness that they can without placing themselves in harm’s way.”