A joint effort between Ventnor and Atlantic City police is being lauded as leading to the arrest of a man in two burglaries in the two towns in one day.
Ventnor police were called to the beach block of Vassar Square Aug. 10 for the report of jewelry missing from a residence, according to a release.
Officer Raymond Aiuto responded to the scene and conducted the initial investigation where it was determined that someone had entered the victim’s residence and committed a theft.
According to Ventnor Police Lt. David Gaeckle, Aiuto used surveillance video from the area to obtain a description of the suspect.
Aiuto was able to track the accused with help from the Atlantic City Police Department’s Surveillance Center, which provided clear images of what the suspect was wearing.
Saleem Ali, 64, of Atlantic City, was also being investigated for stealing items from a home in the 100-block of S. Dover Avenue in Atlantic City, according to the report.
Det. Mark Flanigan's investigation led to the burglary charge out of Atlantic City.
Atlantic City Officer La'Tray Butcher arrested Ali, who was found to have numerous warrants, including a burglary charge out of Buena Vista Township in July, court records show.
Ali's vehicle was seized as part of the investigation and a court authorized search warrant was conducted.
Ventnor Police Chief Joseph Fussner acknowledged the hard work and dedication of Officer Auito in identifying the suspect.
“His efforts demonstrate the lengths our officers are willing to take in solving crimes committed in our town," Fussner said.
Ali remains in the Atlantic County Justice Facility after he was ordered held during a detention hearing last month.
"I'm not a threat at all," Ali told Judge Pam D'Arcy after she made her decision. "I'm a very ill man right now."
