North Caldwell Teen Accused of Mountain Avenue Burglary

A North Caldwell teenager is facing burglary and mischief charges for allegedly breaking into a home on Mountain Avenue earlier this month.

North Caldwell Police arrested Robert Tucker, 18, Monday after a nearly three-week investigation stemming from a burglary on July 11. Tucker was charged with four counts of burglary, two counts of criminal mischief and one count of receiving stolen property, according to police. 

A home on Mountain Avenue was burglarized on July 11 while a resident was sleeping. The resident told police someone entered his home, and stole cash, checks, a cell phone and various other items, according to said North Caldwell Police Chief Mark Deuer.  

A police investigation revealed Tucker allegedly entered the Mountain Avenue home by using a lawn chair to enter a first-floor window. In addition, Tucker broke into the home through an adjoining farm house and greenhouse, and rummaged through an unlocked vehicle in the driveway, Deuer said.

The police believed Tucker finally fled from the home after being scared off by the resident’s dog. 

Police arrested Tucker Monday at his North Caldwell home without incident. He was brought to police headquarters, processed and is currently being held in the Essex County Jail on $25,000 bail.

Tucker, who recently turned 18 in June and attended West Essex High School, was found in possession of the stolen cell phone when he was arrested, Deuer said.

Nearby towns have been contacted about the investigation, Deuer said, and Tucker is not a target in any other burglary investigations at this time.