UPDATE: Police Investigate Burglary, Home Invasion; Two Charged with Drug Possession

WHITESBORO – Middle Township Police Department received a 911 call reporting a black male attempting to force entry into a residence located on West Wiley Street in the Whitesboro section of Middle Township Dec. 12 at approximately 3:40 a.m.
It was further reported the black male was in possession of a handgun. Upon the arrival of patrol officers, it was learned Justin Roper, 30, suffered a laceration on his head from being struck with the handgun during an altercation with the black male, forcing his way into the residence. A witness observed two black males running from the front of the residence on foot, west towards the railroad tracks. Roper was ultimately transported to Cape Regional Medical Center for treatment and subsequently released.
Witnesses described one black male as approximately 6’0 tall, approximately 220 pounds with a stocky build and wearing all dark clothing.
Later in the afternoon, information was developed by members of the Department’s Major Crimes Unit and Detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office that resulted in the execution of a court-authorized search warrant upon the residence of Justin Roper. As a result of the search, distribution quantities of marijuana was seized along with a large amount of cash. Roper was charged with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana in an amount over one ounce, but less than five pounds, a crime of the third degree. Also charged with the same crime was Melissa Marquez, 32, who resides in the residence with Roper. Both Roper and Marquez were released on their own recognizance.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is requested to contact the department’s Major Crimes Unit at 609-465-8700 or the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135. Also, citizens can report information anonymously through the Cape May County Sheriffs Tip Line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or through the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-465-2800 or 877-465-2801.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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PREVIOUS COVERAGE:
Middle Township police and the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office van have been on Wiley Street Dec. 12 through the morning.
According to Middle Township Police Capt. John Edwards, a burglary and home invasion took place. There was no further information available.