HANOVER — Hanover Township Police responded to a reported burglary at a commercial business along Route 10 East in the Whippany section of the township late Sunday night, January 4.
At approximately 11:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to the location following the activation of a burglar alarm. Upon arrival, an officer observed a white utility van exiting the business property at a high rate of speed. While following the vehicle eastbound on Route 10, the officer observed multiple motor vehicle violations related to the vehicle’s registration and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
The driver failed to yield to emergency lights and sirens, initiating a pursuit that continued along Route 10 and into nearby residential neighborhoods in the area of Troy Hills Road. The vehicle eventually stopped on a residential street, where three occupants fled on foot in multiple directions.
With several officers already in the area, one suspect was located near David Drive and taken into custody. Due to two additional suspects still outstanding, Hanover Township Police requested mutual aid from surrounding law enforcement agencies.
Assistance was provided by the East Hanover, Parsippany, Morris Township, and Morristown police departments, along with the Morris County Sheriff’s Office. Through the coordinated response, the remaining suspects were apprehended, the vehicle allegedly used in the burglary was secured, and items believed to be proceeds from the burglary were recovered.
The commercial business was confirmed to have been burglarized during the investigation.
The following individuals were arrested in connection with the incident:
Christopher Sollena, of Staten Island, New York
Luis Morales, of Brooklyn, New York
Joseph Rinaldi, of Staten Island, New York
All three individuals were charged with multiple criminal offenses, including third-degree burglary and second-degree theft. They were subsequently lodged at the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a pretrial detention hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Officer Stephen Manney at [email protected] or Detective Erick Magley at [email protected].
The Hanover Township Police Department thanked the assisting agencies and residents for their continued cooperation and support.
Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
