Middletown police arrested a 38-year-old Fair Haven man last Friday on charges he went on a recent burglary spree in the township, smashing his way into at least eight retail businesses and restaurants since mid-March, they allege.
In each case, David Aochoa, 38, of Third Street, is alleged to have gained entry by throwing a red brick through a glass door, according to a series of MTPD complaints.
According to the reports, the crimes occurred on the following dates and locations when the businesses were closed:
• March 16, at the Raceway gas station and deli on Route 35.
• On the same date at the Jersey Shore Roasters Coffee Shop on Thompson Avenue in the Leonardo section of town.
• March 17, at the Booskerdoo coffee shop on Route 35, where police said Aochoa stole the cash register.
• March 26, at Mike’s Deli on Oak Hill Road, where police said he stole the cash register.
• Also on March 26, at the One Stop Deli on Main Street in Belford, where Aochoa’s alleged to have removed the cash register and cigarettes.
• Also on March 26, Slater’s Deli on Route 36 in the Leonardo section, where the cash register was stolen.
• April 10, the Welsh Farms store on Route 36 in the Belford section of town, where the suspect made off with “several cartons of Newport cigarettes.”
• June 3, at the same Welsh Farms in Belford, this time taking the cash register and loose change.
Aochoa faces multiple counts of burglary, theft and criminal mischief. Judge Honora Kilgallen set bail at $350,000, allowing Aochoa to post 10 percent.
