Immediate Release
06/22/2023 |
|
|
|
| Contact: D/Lt. Stephen Ligato
609-581-4015 |
On 6/20/2023, Hamilton Patrol Officers were detailed to the area of Estates Blvd off Yardville-Hamilton Square Road for a possible catalytic converter theft in progress. Upon arrival, officers saw an individual crouched down near a vehicle. Due to the area having high incidents of catalytic thefts recently, the officers identified themselves as police officers and approached the individual. The individual attempted to flee, but the officers were able to catch up to him, and after a brief struggle, the individual was placed under arrest. He was identified as Omar Fernandez, 31 years old, from the Bronx, New York. Officers located a Sawzall in the roadway and a floor-jack under a vehicle near where they initially encountered Fernandez. Fernandez was charged with Theft, Burglar’s Tools, Criminal Mischief, Obstructing Administration of Law, Resisting Arrest, and Aggravated Assault.
Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Russell Newborn at 609-581-4128 or email at rnewborn@hamiltonpdnj.gov or the Hamilton Police Crime Tip Hotline at (609) 581-4008.
Hamilton Police continues to proactively investigate and deter catalytic converter thefts with the assistance of multiple other agencies, including the FBI.
Despite having been charged, every defendant is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.