Michael Morgan and Erika Cruz (Photos: TRPD)
A Toms River couple was arrested after police say they were caught on surveillance video breaking into a township convenience store and stealing $2,700 worth of scratch-off lottery tickets and $500 worth of cigarettes.
Police spokeswoman Jillian Messina said Michael Morgan and Erika Cruz were identified by police and arrested hours after officers received a 6:40 a.m. call Wednesday reporting a burglary at the Bombay Food and International Grocery store on Route 166.
According to police, manager Mohamed Elgendy told officers that upon opening for the day, he discovered the rear door to the business had been pried open and three display cases containing $2,700 worth of scratch off lottery tickets along with $500 of Marlboro cigarettes were stolen from the counter area. The two suspects were identified after the manager showed police external surveillance video, Messina said.
“The success of this investigation was a direct result of the multiple surveillance cameras that were available to police that recorded the suspects and the crime in progress,” said Messina.
Both suspects are charged with burglary and theft. Morgan was housed in the Ocean County Jail and Cruz was released on her own recognizance.
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