VENTNOR – Two juveniles were arrested Saturday and charged with burglarizing a property while police and firefighters were battling a 3-alarm fire several blocks away.

According to a release from the Ventnor City Police Department, dispatch received a 6:30 p.m. call from a resident on the unit-block of S. Vassar Square reporting that five males had just entered a neighboring property through several first-floor windows. Blocks away, police were assisting the Ventnor City Fire Department with traffic and crowd control as they battled a 3-alarm fire on the 5200-block of Ventnor Avenue.

Sgt. Bill Borrelli and Patrol Officer Raymond Aiuto and James Arentz Jr. left the fire scene to investigate the break-in. Upon arrival, Borelli observed two males exit one of the windows and several others exit the front door of the property.

All the suspects fled on foot in different directions. All three officers engaged in foot pursuits and were able to apprehend two of the males, both 16-year-old juveniles. One was from Atlantic City and the other from Clementon.

They were each charged with burglary, resisting arrest and obstructing the administration of law. They were released to their guardians pending court proceedings.

Categories: Downbeach

Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

Award winning journalist covering news, events and people of Atlantic County for more than 20 years.