Crime & Safety

A Step in the Wrong Direction

A shoe-print links a suspect to alleged break-ins in Scotch Plains and Hillside

Cinderella’s shoe led to a marriage date with a prince. John Lapierre Jr.’s shoe led to a court date, courtesy of the . On Monday, the department announced in a press release that it had arrested Lapierre, 31, of South Plainfield, for the Feb. 23 attempted burglary of a home on Coles Avenue, days after he was arrested for burglarizing a residence in Hillside. A shoeprint and other evidence lifted from the scene in Scotch Plains ultimately connected him to the incident in Hillside, Detective Lt. Brian Donnelly said in a telephone interview.

“We had already put out information to adjoining towns with burglaries, and it was kind of the same M.O.,” Donnelly said. “Then we linked the physical evidence.”

Scotch Plains police charged Lapierre with attempted burglary, which carries a sentence of three to five years, and criminal mischief, which carries a maximum sentence of 18 months. Lapierre, unable to post $50,000 bail set by the Scotch Plains Municipal Court, is being held in Union County Jail, Donnelly stated. He is scheduled to appear in Union County Superior Court in Elizabeth on Wednesday.

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According to police, Lapierre tried to gain entrance to the Coles Avenue residence by cutting and removing the basement window screen. According to witness accounts from neighbors, he apparently got nervous and fled the scene. 

“For some reason, he was spooked off,” Donnelly said. “We don’t know why. We’ve heard it from a couple residents. Maybe it was dogs, but we don’t know.”  

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It is believed that Lapierre, who has a prior criminal record that includes time served in prison for burglary, acted alone, Donnelly added.

Those with information about the Scotch Plains or Hillside incidents, or who have had contact with Lapierre, are urged to contact Donnelly by calling 908-322-7100, ext. 111.


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