Matawan PD Arrest Two Men on Smash and Grab Burglary Charges

The Matawan Borough Police Department arrested two men believed responsible for several dozen burglaries across New Jersey early Tuesday morning following an extensive investigation that was launched after the July 25 .

As a result of the investigation, Matawan Det. Joseph Lovallo and Det. Steve Sakowski were recently able to identify one of the suspects and tracked his whereabouts for ten days, according to Lt. Jason Gallo. The detectives were aware that the burglary of Wine Nation was similar to several 'smash and grab' style burglaries committed across the state, Gallo said, after attending a statewide intelligence meeting.

During the detective's surveillance, the identified suspect returned to Matawan where he and a second suspect allegedly attempted to burglarize Milk Box, a Matawan business located on Route 34.

The pair, identified as Kareem Gary, 32, of Elizabeth and Herman Rozier, 46, of Linden, were taken into custody shortly after smashing Milk Box's window, Gallo said.

Police say the pair was cooperative following their arrest and admitted to committing several dozen similar crimes spanning at least ten counties in New Jersey.

During the arrest, a crow bar, bolt cutters, hammer, screw driver, ski masks, gloves, and pillow cases and other bags used to carry stolen items, were recovered from the suspects' car, according to Det. Lovallo. 

The pair allegedly stole cash, cigarettes, and scratch off tickets during the burglaries.

An alert was sent to police departments throughout the state to notify them of Gray and Kozier's arrest, Gallo said.

Charges against Gary and Kozier are pending in multiple municipalities in Warren, Passaic, Burlington, Middlesex, Monmouth Union, Somerset, Essex, and Bergen counties, Lovallo said.

Patrolmen Jospeh Dzwyl and Eric Budelmann assisted in the arrest.

Bail was set at $100,000 each, according to court documents.