Jhonn Pulido Betancur is charged with burglary in the second degree. Photo courtesy of the Mount Pleasant Police Department
The Mount Pleasant Police arrested two men suspected of being part of a South American burglary ring targeting Indian and Chinese American households in New York and multiple other states.
Police arrested Johan Matallana-Gomez, 29, and Jhonn Pulido Betancur, 46, while perpetrating the burglary of a residence on Swanson Drive. One of the suspects is in the country illegally.
At approximately 8:08 p.m. on Friday, November 1, a resident called the police and reported hearing breaking glass coming from her neighbor’s house. Mount Pleasant Police responded within minutes. Officer Lester soon discovered a broken rear window, and other officers swiftly set up a perimeter around the home.
At 8:15 p.m., Matallana-Gomez fled through a rear sliding door, and in a desperate escape maneuver, he vaulted a fence to a lower terraced yard, where he fractured his right ankle upon landing. Officers immediately apprehended him. Moments later, Pulido Betancur tried to escape by jumping from a second-floor deck, only to be swiftly tackled by Sergeant Mann, Officer Perucci, and Officer Fimmano.
Police Chief Paul Oliva noted that an accomplice likely fled the scene in a vehicle as police arrived, and the investigation remains ongoing.
“It was a fantastic job by patrol, and I am super proud of their quick response and professionalism,” said Chief Oliva. “Unfortunately, we are not immune from the problems caused by an open border policy, but we will continue to do our job to protect the community.”
Police discovered a Wi-Fi jammer brought by the duo and left in the residence when they fled. The jammer is used to disable security cameras and Wi-Fi connections. The investigation suggests these suspects may be connected to a broader criminal organization targeting families of Indian and Chinese descent. The victims fall into this category and the jammer is a tool that has been used by this particular burglary ring.
Police arraigned one suspect at police headquarters, and the other at Westchester Medical Center prior to undergoing surgery for his injuries. Both men have been charged with burglary in the second degree, a Class C felony. Matallana-Gomez remains in custody at the Westchester Medical Center and Betancur is currently remanded to the Westchester County Jail. Both men could be eligible for release this week due to the current bail legislation.
“On behalf of our entire community, I commend our Mount Pleasant Police Department for their swift and effective response to last night’s burglary. Thanks to their professionalism and quick action, two dangerous individuals were taken off our streets, and our residents can feel safer knowing that our officers are vigilant and prepared,” said Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi.
