Photos, Carlstadt Police Department From top, Jose Devargas-Garcia and Jimmy E. Del Rosario

By Alexis Tarrazi / Senior Reporter

CARLSTADT (Feb. 5, 2010, 10:10 a.m.) — A burglar’s attempt to escape authorities in the early hours of Monday, Feb. 1 was foiled when he got stuck in the mud by Berry’s Creek, according to police.

Jose Devargas-Garcia, 26, of Hackensack, and Jimmy E. Del Rosario, 25, of Brooklyn, N.Y., were arrested Feb. 1 at 12:10 a.m. following the burglary of a trailer at Cheng’s Trading Company at 68 Broad St. in Carlstadt.

The owner of Cheng’s called police after reportedly seeing Devargas-Garcia and Del Rosario break into the trailer. Carlstadt Police Officers Felix D’Amico and Steve Ondrof responded while the alleged burglars were still on the scene.

Both suspects fled on foot.

Devargas-Garcia was immediately apprehended by police and Bergen County K-9 Unit officers. Del Rosario, on the other hand, was able to run into a nearby marsh area located next to Berry’s Creek, according to Carlstadt Police Detective John Cleary.

East Rutherford and Wood-Ridge police also responded and set up a perimeter of the area. After one hour, Cleary said that Del Rosario began screaming for help because he was stuck in the mud.

Members of the Wallington Fire and Rescue squads responded with a boat to capture Del Rosario. He was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center for treatment of possible hypothermia.

Police reported the pair stole six pairs of pants worth $1,037.40 and a GPS unit worth $600, which were recovered.

Devargas-Garcia was charged with four counts of third-degree burglary; two counts of theft of movable property; criminal trespass; hindering the apprehension of another; hindering his own apprehension; providing false information to police; and obstruction of justice. Bail was set at $32,500 with no 10-percent option.

Del Rosario was charged with four counts of third-degree burglary; two counts of theft of movable property; criminal trespass; hindering his own apprehension; and obstruction of justice. Bail was set at $25,000 with no 10-percent option. Both were transported to Bergen County Jail.

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