2021 News Release

State Police Arrest Fugitive Wanted for Committing 20 Burglaries Across South Jersey

Philadelphia, PA - The New Jersey State Police have arrested Tony Petrozzelli, 50, of Camden, N.J. who was wanted for allegedly committing a string of burglaries at multiple convenience stores in Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Salem Counties.

On May 8, troopers from Woodstown Station observed a vehicle parked in the parking lot of the Heritage Dairy Store in Upper Pittsgrove Township, Salem County and discovered that it was reported stolen and wanted in connection to various burglaries in the area.

As troopers entered the parking lot, they observed Petrozzelli attempting to break into the store. When troopers approached Petrozzelli, he immediately entered the stolen vehicle and fled the scene. Using their lights and sirens, troopers pursued Petrozelli as he traveled northbound on State Highway 55 and then onto the Walt Whitman Bridge into Philadelphia, PA where they ceased their pursuit.

During the on-going investigation, detectives from the Troop “A” Criminal Investigation Office linked Petrozzelli to approximately 20 convenience store burglaries across South Jersey. As a result, detectives charged Petrozzelli with burglary, theft, eluding, criminal mischief, receiving stolen property, and multiple traffic offenses and issued a warrant for his arrest.

Through various investigative means, detectives determined that Petrozzelli was staying in the North Philadelphia area. On Wednesday, June 9, detectives from the State Police Fugitive Unit along with members of the United States Marshals Regional Fugitive Task Force Philadelphia Division located and arrested Petrozzelli on Ruth Street in Philadelphia. He was lodged at the Philadelphia County Correctional Facility pending extradition to New Jersey.

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused is considered innocent until proven guilty.

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