Police Arrest Man Suspected in Home Burglaries

Police have arrested a man wanted in connection with a home burglary in Fanwood.

Craig Grant, who has residences in Piscataway and Plainfield, was arrested in Plainfield at 9 p.m. on July 20 after he was found driving a Subaru vehicle that was reported stolen from a Fanwood home on July 9.

Fanwood Police Lt. Richard Trigo made the announcement of the arrest Friday morning. Trigo said that Plainfield police spotted the stolen Subaru and began chasing it, prompting Grant to crash the vehicle. Once stopped, Grant was arrested and transported to Union County Jail, where he is currently being held on $50,000 bail.

Plainfield police contacted Fanwood police to search the Subaru, since it was stolen out of their town. Trigo said that in searching the vehicle police recovered numerous items similar to those reported stolen in Fanwood and other towns.

Grant is being held on charges related to stealing the Subaru, but more than a dozen other charges are currently pending. Fanwood police are currently working with police in Middlesex, Dunellen, Scotch Plains, Piscataway and North Plainfield to investigate whether Grant was responsible for similar burglaries in those towns. The departments all formed a task force after noticing a string of home burglaries in which the suspect entered the home, while residents were sleeping.

"We're packing up some clothing, sending out DNA for evidence, and comparing fingerprint remains from all the burglaries in the forementioned towns," Trigo said.

The burglary in Fanwood occurred sometime between 11:55 p.m., July 9, and 6 a.m., July 10. Trigo said the burglar entered the home on Helen Street by cutting holes into the corner of the ground floor screen and then opening an unlocked window.

The suspect stole a purse, iPhone, Blackberry and another cell phone. He also found the keys to the 2005 Subaru, and drove off with it.

The residents were at home and were sleeping at the time.

At this time, police are still investigating whether anyone else was involved in the crimes.

Despite Grant's arrest, police are still warning residents to keep their doors and windows locked and to watch out for suspicious activity. Anyone who notices something out of the ordinary is encouraged to call Fanwood police at 908-322-5000 or Scotch Plains police at 908-322-7100.