Police: Real-Life 'Grinches' Steal Pemberton Family's Gifts From Under Tree Christmas Day; 3 Arrested
PEMBERTON Twp., N.J., (CBS) -- Police say three alleged "Grinches" are facing charges after gifts were stolen from under a Pemberton Township family's tree on Christmas Day.
Pemberton Township police officers responded at about 6 a.m. to a home on the 400 block of Colorado Trail, in the Presidential Lakes section for a burglary.
According to police, a resident reported that she awoke on Christmas morning, turned on her Christmas tree lights, unlocked her front door in anticipation of the arrival of guests and went out back to smoke a cigarette. The resident stated to police that she soon heard her front door open and discovered three suspects entering her residence and stealing her seven-year-old daughter's presents from under her family's Christmas tree.
Police say the resident chased the suspects up the street as they were carrying the presents, obtaining a description of the vehicle and contacted 911.
An officer was able to stop the suspect car from the victim's description and take all three suspects into custody.
Police say a vehicle burglary was reported by a second resident on Colorado Trail. The resident reported to police that nothing appeared to be missing from the vehicle, but all of the contents of his glove compartment and center console were emptied out onto his front seat.
During the investigation, interviews were conducted of the three arrested and police say confessions were obtained by detectives for both the burglary to the residence and the burglary to the vehicle.
A search warrant was conducted on the vehicle which police say revealed one of the presents which was stolen as well as pieces of wrapping paper which was consistent with the wrapping paper used by the one of the residents.
Police say a 17-year-old male juvenile, of Pemberton Township, was charged, processed, and released to his parents.
Police say 18-year-old Corey Morgan, of Pemberton Township, and 19-year-old Eric Conover, of Pemberton Borough, were charged, processed and lodged into the Burlington County Jail on $75,000 full bail.
Anyone with any information about any suspicious or criminal activity is asked to contact the Pemberton Township Detective Division at (609) 894-3310 or Police Confidential Tip Line at (609) 894-3352.
