Arrest Follows Interrogation Of Smash-n-Grab Heist

VILLAS – Lower Township Police Department responded to an alarm call at a jewelry store located in the 1800 block Bayshore Road in Villas Jan. 31 just after midnight. Their investigation exposed a burglary and theft had recently occurred at that location.  
The ensuing police investigation confirmed a male subject smashed a window with a hammer, entered the business and removed several watches and rings which have a total approximate value of $20,000.  
Later that same day, police investigated two male subjects that were wandering on foot in the area of Greenwood Avenue. The men claimed they were looking for their lost dog. One of the two males was taken into custody on an outstanding arrest warrant. He was identified as Richard M. Schofield, 37, from Del Haven. The second subject was sent on his way. 
During the processing for the arrest warrant, Schofield was interviewed in regards to the burglary and jewelry theft, due to him matching the physical description of the suspect. Simultaneously, officers from Lower Township Police Department and officers from the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit continued to search the area of the jewelry store and the surrounding neighborhood. These officers were able to locate the hammer that was used to smash the window and the jewelry that was taken during the burglary. 
The information obtained during the interview, in combination with physical evidence recovered and seized during the investigation, gave detectives from the Lower Township Police Department the probable cause they needed to charge Schofield with the crime. Schofield was charged with third degree burglary, third degree theft, fourth degree criminal mischief and also possession of a hypodermic syringe, a disorderly persons offense. 
At the completion of the investigation and processing, Schofield was transported to the Cape May County Correctional Center.
The investigation was conducted by the Lower Township Police Department Patrol and Detective Divisions along with assistance from the Cape May County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit. 
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.