BERKELEY – A township man faces a raft of charges, accused of breaking into a neighbors home, injuring himself in the process, then lying to officers, claiming he was the victim of a hit and run accident.
Berkeley Township Police said 56-year-old Denzel Ford lives on Esher Court, just a few doors away from the home he allegedly robbed on Friday afternoon.
Police said a call came in around 2:23 p.m. regarding a burglary at a home in a senior community on Esher Court.
The female victim stated that she arrived home and noticed the back window to her residence was broken with blood around the busted window.
Inside, the victim noticed blood all over the house and some personal property missing.
During the time of the burglary call, Berkeley Township Dispatch also received a call from Rite Aid (Mule Rd) regarding a male that was alleging that he was struck by a vehicle.
The caller also advised dispatch that the male had a laceration to his forehead, and the vehicle that struck the victim had left the scene.
Police arrived at the Rite Aid and learned the male refused any first aid and left on foot.
The officer located the man in front of the Clarion Hotel (Rt. 37 Toms River).
He was identified as Denzel Ford and he told police that he was struck by a vehicle by the Rite Aid but refused any medical attention.
Police realized his injuries were consistent with what was described at the burglary. They also found the victims property in his possession.
Police said the hit and run allegation was believed to be a ruse by Ford to cover up the injuries sustained during the burglary.
Ford was arrested and charged with Burglary Criminal Mischief and transported to Ocean County Jail pending a future court appearance.
