Stafford Township, NJ - On December 10, 2025 at approximately 5:30 PM, Stafford Township Police responded to the area of 691 Washington Avenue for a report of a suspicious male entering numerous vehicles in the parking lot of Dunkin Donuts and Goodyear Tire. Officers on scene obtained video surveillance of the suspect and began canvassing the area.  He was located nearby shortly thereafter.  The suspect, Jose Amaro (20 years old of N. South Carolina Ave, Atlantic City, NJ), attempted to flee from the officers and resisted arrest while they were taking him into custody.  He was charged with Burglary (2C:18-2A(1)), Attempted Burglary (2C:18-2A(1), Obstruction (2C:29-1A), Resisting Arrest (2C:29-2A(3)(A)), Harassment (2C:33-4B), Aggravated Assault (2C:12-1B(5)(A)), and Failure to Allow Fingerprinting (53:1-15).

In addition to the above charges, an ongoing investigation had identified Amaro as a suspect in a burglary and theft which occurred in the early morning hours of December 9, 2025 at the Hackensack Meridian Health Village on Route 72 in Manahawkin. While inside the medical office after hours, Amaro stole multiple items.  Officers located stolen items in Amaro's possession during the December 10th arrest which linked him to the medical office burglary. He was charged with Burglary (2C:18-2A(1)) and Theft (2C:20-3A) for this incident. 

After being processed at Stafford Township Police Department, Amaro was transported to Ocean County Jail awaiting a detention hearing by the Ocean County Superior Court.  Patrolman Zachary Otte and Patrolman Jacob Forlenza were the investigating Officers.

As a reminder, the Stafford Township Police Department does not release arrest photos of defendants. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.