Wildwood Crest Police Charge A.C. Man With Theft, Burglary

WILDWOOD CREST – The Wildwood Crest police DEtective Division has completed a lengthy investigation into numerous daytime burglaries.
Saleem A. Ali of Atlantic City was arrested on Sunday, July 18, in connection with three separate investigations.
On June 26, a property on Orchid Road was allegedly entered by Ali. He was confronted by the homeowner and fled the residence prior to police arrival. Ali removed an undisclosed amount of cash from the residence.
On July 9, a property on Heather Road was allegedly damaged by Ali in an attempt to gain access to the residence. Ali again was confronted by the homeowner and again fled prior to police arrival.
On July 11, a property on Toledo Avenue was allegedly entered while the homeowners were sitting on their front porch. A large amount of jewelery was taken from the residence and alt fled the area. The homeowners did not confront Ali in this incident.
In all three incidents Ali was described by the victims to be a black male in his late 30s to early 40s, dressed nicely, carrying a black back pack, wearing glasses and having a beard.
On July 18, off-duty Wildwood Crest Police Sergeant William Kita spotted a black male fitting the description broadcast in the previous cases.
The subject, later identified as Saleem Ali, was stopped by Patrol Officer Jason Judice at Rosemary and New Jersey Ave. Ali was found to be wanted by the Northfield Police department on an outstanding warrant.
While being detained Det. Edward Gorski interviewed Ali.
Ali was found to be in possession of a black back pack and black shoulder satchel, in which Det. Gorski found a small amount of marijuana and numerous loose pry tools.
One of the victims who positively identified Ali as the suspect resides in Salt Lake City, Utah.
With the assistance of the Salt Lake City Police Department, the victim positively identified Ali as the suspect they confronted in one of the burglaries.
Det. Gorski charged Ali with three counts of burglary, two counts of theft, possession of burglar tools and possession of CDS under 50 grams.
After reviewing the facts of the case as well as the long detailed criminal history of Ali, judge Louis Belasco set bail at $75,000.
Ali was taken to the Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of the bail.
Any residents who feel they may have been a victim of a similar crime should contact the Wildwood Crest Police Detective Division at 609-522-2456.
The Wildwood Crest Police Department urges all residents to keep the doors of their residence and vehicle secured and locked at all times.any suspicious activity should be reported immediately to the police.