A fugitive wanted for allegedly committing a string of burglaries at 20 convenience stores in South Jersey was arrested last week in Philadelphia, authorities said.
Tony Petrozzelli, 50, of Camden, was charged with burglary, theft, eluding, criminal mischief, receiving stolen property, and multiple traffic offenses, according to a release from the New Jersey State Police.
On May 8, troopers saw car parked in the lot of a Heritage Daily Store in Upper Pittsgrove Township and discovered that it was reported stolen and was wanted in connection to burglaries in the area, police said.
Petrozzelli allegedly tried to break into the convenience store and as troopers walked toward him, he got into the stolen car and drove off, authorities said. Troopers chased him north on State Highway 55 and then onto the Walt Whitman Bridge into Philadelphia before ending their pursuit, police said.
An investigation alleged Petrozzelli was linked to 20 convenience store burglaries throughout Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem counties and a warrant was issued for his arrest, police said.
Detectives later determined that he was staying in the North Philadelphia area and on June 9, the state police and United States Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force Philadelphia Division located and arrested him on Ruth Street in the city, officials said.
Petrozzelli was lodged at the Philadelphia County Correctional Facility pending extradition to New Jersey.
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Chris Sheldon may be reached at [email protected].
