Bridgeton Police Investigating A Fatal Home Invasion, In Addition To Two Similar Robberies
BRIDGETON, N.J., (CBS)– Bridgeton Police and the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office are investigating the shooting death of a 44-year-old man during a home invasion at his residence in the 200 block of South Ave. Monday night, in addition to two similar robberies one occurring just prior to the shooting and another Sunday night.
No one was injured in the other robberies, according to police.
Police said Enrique Santiago, 44, confronted the lone suspect once he forced his way into the front door of the residence and sustained a gunshot wound during the encounter.
According to police, the victim later died after being transported to the Inspira Regional Medical Center in Vineland.
Several other family members inside the residence at the time of the incident were not injured and the suspect fled following the shooting without taking anything.
Capt. Michael Gaimari said prior to the shooting, another home invasion occurred in the same 200 block just north of the shooting location where a suspect kicked in the front door of a residence, waved a handgun at the 33-year-old female victim and took a significant amount of cash and a cell phone.
The victim in that incident was not injured and the suspect fled on foot.
The suspect is described as a black male, approximately 5'10 to 6'0" tall, thin build wearing a black mask, black sweat jacket and dark pants.
Gaimari said a similar robbery also occurred on Sunday night in the 100 block of South Ave. During this robbery, a 36-year-old woman was approached by a similarly described suspect who held her up at gunpoint and took her purse containing money and identification.
He said detectives are pursuing leads that may link the incidents but that no arrests have been made at this time.
Gaimari said detectives worked through the night and evidence has been recovered from each of the crime scenes and the investigation is continuing this morning.
He said anyone with information on any of these incidents should contact police or call the Crimestopper TIP line at 856-455-5550 or text the information anonymously to TIP411 using the subtext "Bridgeton."
