Police Apprehend Two Serial Burglars In Sicklerville
SICKLERVILLE, N.J. (CBS)—Beginning in September through the end of the November, 65 burglaries and burglary attempts with similar methods of entry were reported in Sicklerville.
The burglary suspects used a brick or similar item to smash windows or doors to the residences. Once inside, the suspects would ransack the homes looking for valuable items.
After a thorough investigation, police identified Daimer Kellam and Eric Schmitt as prime suspects.
On Friday, November 22nd, detectives discreetly followed Kellam and Schmitt into the yard of a Sicklerville home.
Detectives observed the suspects attempt to gain entry to the vacant home through a sliding glass door, but the suspects became startled by a neighbor and fled into the woods.
An hour and a half later, detectives heard glass break from a different residence on Chews Landing Road. The suspects immediately tried to flee the scene on foot.
Detectives chased Kellam and Schmitt into an apartment in the Tamerlane Apartment Complex.
During the pursuit, additional officers responded to make sure no additional suspects were inside. Inside the residence, officers found an elderly couple who were shaken up but unharmed.
After a brief struggle, detectives took Kellam and Schmitt into custody.
Officers observed a brick lying on the kitchen floor that had been thrown through the sliding glass door.
During a search of the apartment, detectives located numerous items believed to be stolen. The items were seized and taken back to police headquarters.
Detectives conducted lengthy interviews of both Kellam and Schmitt and subsequently charged them with burglary, conspiracy, theft, criminal mischief and resisting arrest.
Both were remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility on $100,000 full cash bail.
Additional charges are pending on Kellam and Schmitt, and possibly additional suspects, as detectives continue their investigation.
Efforts are being made to contact all of the victims and have them view the recovered property that has yet to be associated with a particular burglary.
