Police: Man Sprayed Chemical at Middletown Couple During Burglary
Rufus Monroe is accused of burglarizing a vehicle on Marvin Road and attacking the owners.
A Tinton Falls man allegedly burglarized a vehicle in Middletown and sprayed the owners with an unknown chemical substance, according to court records.
Rufus Monroe, 66, of Peach Street faces multiple charges for the incident, which took place on Marvin Road on Sunday, Sept. 30.
According to the arrest warrant, Monroe allegedly broke into a vehicle owned by a female Marvin Road and stole a Coach bag valued at $380. During the course of the burglary, Monroe allegedly attacked the woman’s husband with an unknown chemical irritant and then wrestled with the woman before dousing her with the spray, as well.
Police say Monroe then fled, hopping the fence of a nearby Park Avenue property. He allegedly provided police with a false date of birth during the course of the investigation. Patrolman Lawrence Seymour of the Middletown Township Police Department took Monroe into custody.
Monroe faces burglary, assault, hindering and weapons possession charges. His prior criminal record includes convictions for drug possession in September 2003; fraudulent use of a credit card in October 2007; and possession of stolen property and drug possession in January 2008.
Monroe is being held in Monmouth County Correctional Institution on $190,000 bail with no option to post 10 percent cash bond. His initial appearance date has been set for Monday Oct. 8 in front of Judge Joseph P. Quinn.
debbie
7:57 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Wow really this is disturbing, there is no safe place anymore. And people in their neighborhoods need to keep their eyes open for skeevy dudes wandering around looking into parked cars. Keep your doors locked even in your own driveway. And never leave anything of value in plain sight inside your car. To think it's against NJ law to own a taser esp. for women. They are non lethal and end problems like this quickly.
Judith
11:02 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
I wonder how much the methadone clinic in Middletown has to do with the rise in crimes like this
marylou
1:13 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
That clinic is nowhere near Marvin Rd.It's only open in the AM.I don't know anyone who uses it,but often pass it during the week.
Jessica
10:05 am on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Yeah, that's the reason why because a methodone clinic is in Middletown, because there were no drugs in our town before this clinic opened up.... This clinic was desperately needed if you haven't noticed there is a HUGE drug epidemic in our town and people need the help.
mike atl high
10:32 pm on Thursday, October 11, 2012
sorry but you need to know more about our oxy problem in this country . before you trash the clinic
debbie
12:02 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Judith-where is this clinic?
Jesse
12:24 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Debbie - the methadone clinic is on the corner of Rte 35 and Apple Farm Road. It's called Middletown Medical.
christine
10:46 am on Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Yes Judith,there was never any crime in Middletown before the clinic opened! Thats kind of a stupid comment considering this jerks rap sheet..The clinic is trying to help people,not let loose a criminal wave on Middletown! I guess you never knew anyone with an addiction problem that needs help..