Law enforcement officials have successfully arrested an individual suspected of carrying out a series of burglaries and robberies targeting businesses in Montgomery County and Philadelphia, Your Content has learned.
Jamal Reid, a 35-year-old resident of Philadelphia, was arraigned last week on multiple charges, including burglary, robbery, conspiracy, and theft by unlawful taking.
These criminal activities took place between May 2021 and March 2022, affecting establishments located in Abington, Bensalem, Cheltenham, Rockledge, Upper Moreland, and Philadelphia.
Reportedly, Reid primarily targeted commercial establishments housing skill machines during overnight hours. Once inside, he attempted to access cash registers, break into skill or gaming machines, and open safes.
Incidents involving Reid were captured on surveillance cameras, including one where he utilized a sledgehammer to tamper with a lottery machine in May 2021 on the 800 block of Huntingdon Pike in Rockledge, causing damage estimated at over $1,000.
Another incident occurred in October 2021, where Reid was seen using a crowbar to gain entry through the drive-thru window of a Dunkin Donuts on the 1400 block of West Cheltenham Avenue in Cheltenham. He managed to steal over $800.
Authorities have reported that Reid’s stolen items included a safe containing $16,000, a BMW, a Mercedes, and more than 50 vehicle keys. He was often captured on video with a sledgehammer or crowbar in hand, indicating his involvement in the crimes.
The cumulative losses incurred by businesses, encompassing property damages and thefts, amounted to $290,761.37.
Deputy Chief Chris Porter of the Abington Township Police Department stated, “For almost a year, this individual has been causing havoc in surrounding communities, resulting in nearly $300,000 worth of property damage and theft.”
Based on court documents, Reid became a suspect on February 27, 2022, during a burglary investigation at a Shell station. Video footage allegedly captured Reid operating one of the stolen vehicles.
On March 8, 2022, Philadelphia police located Reid operating a stolen Mercedes on the 1600 block of N. 68th Street, leading to his arrest after barricading himself inside a residence.
Following his arrest, authorities conducted a search of Reid’s devices, revealing photographs of him wearing the clothing used in some of the burglaries. Additionally, DNA and fingerprint evidence linked him to other crimes.
In May 2022, Bucks County authorities connected Reid to several related crimes. He has since pleaded guilty to two armed robberies that took place on April 14, 2021, and March 2, 2022.
In January 2023, a DNA report further linked Reid to additional crimes.
During an interview with Upper Moreland detectives at SCI Smithfield, Reid confessed to some of the burglaries. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 21, 2023, at 1 p.m, according to ABC6.
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