Man Charged in Break-ins, Tries to Flee, Caught

VILLAS – Patrolman Kyle Boyle and Patrolman Jordan Saini, both of the Lower Township Police Department, were dispatched to the area of West Florida Avenue in Villas regarding the report of a burglary March 12 at approximately 4:12 p.m. 
According to a release, during the ensuing investigation, two unoccupied summer residences were found to have broken windows. One of the two appeared to have been entered and ransacked. The officers located fresh blood on a broken window and immediately made entry. Inside they found Devon F. Onorato, 20, of Erma, lying on a bed with a bandaged finger. 
Onorato was placed under arrest and transported back to Lower Township Police Headquarters to be processed. While there, Onorato agreed to cooperate with members of the Lower Township Detective Division regarding other residential burglaries he admitted to committing. 
Later that same night, at approximately 9:05 p.m., Onorato was transported to the area of Lotus and Spruce avenues by Detective First Class Michael Majane, Patrolman Anthony Micciche, and Special Officer Michael Harkin, all members of the Lower Township Police Department. While in this area, still in custody, Onorato escaped from a police vehicle. After a brief foot pursuit, Onorato was apprehended in the area of Oak and Yale avenues. 
Onorato was transported back to Lower Township Police Headquarters to be processed. Upon arrival to headquarters, he was evaluated by Lower Township Rescue and subsequently transported to Cape Regional Medical Center regarding a pre-existing injury. 
Onorato was placed on three separate warrants regarding these incidents, all of which were approved by Judge Thomas Hillegass, charging him with the following: one count of escape, second degree, two counts of burglary, third degree, two counts of criminal mischief, fourth degree, and one count of resisting arrest, fourth degree.  
Onorato was transported to the Cape May County Correctional Center pending adjudication.
This is an active investigation and additional burglary charges are expected as officers continue to conduct property checks in the area. 
To report information regarding this or any other incident, provide information anonymously by logging into the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip Line at www.cmcsheriff.net and click on “anonymous tip” or go to www.lowertownshippolice.com and click on “submit an anonymous tip.” 
Additionally, residents can report anonymously by telephone, by calling Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-465-2800 or the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135. Residents can also contact the Lower Township Police Department at 609-886-2711. In the event of an emergency, please call 911 immediately. 
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.