Bloody trail leads to Toms River multi-burglary suspect
A burglar alarm and a trail of blood lead Toms River police to their prime suspect in a rash of business break-ins dating back to mid-September.
Township resident James DeLuise, 47, faces charges connected to after-hours lootings and trespassing incidents as far back as September 18 at All-Star Bagel, an AT&T store, the Blue Fountain restaurant, Schiano's Pizza - twice - and Shut Up and Eat!, where investigators found blood droplets on October 7.
According to department spokesman Ralph Stocco, officers who responded to the alarm found a broken window panel, an open cash register, a blood-spattered alarm panel torn from the wall, and blood on an apron.
When investigators encountered Deluise, his hands bore still-fresh, bleeding cuts, police said. Blood samples are now undergoing DNA analysis. Additionally, police said, surveillance video ties Deluise to at least one break-in.
Deluise is charged with six burglary counts, and a trespassing charge. He was placed in the Ocean County Jail, with bail set at $50,000.
The public is reminded that criminal charges are accusations only. Every criminal defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.