Lower Detective Interrupts Burglary in Progress

ERMA — Lower Township Police Dispatch received a call May 12 at approximately 4:30 p.m from a passer-by indicating that a male subject had just crawled under the water tower located in the Cape May County Airport Complex.
Detective Donald Vanaman was in the area and immediately responded to the location of the complaint.
Upon his arrival to the area, he noticed a red in color, Ford F150, pick up full of scrap metal.
Vanaman also witnessed a hole that had been punctured through an overhead door at the old Everlon building.
Vanaman investigated the vehicle and could see in plain view, multiple edged weapons and burglary tools.
He could then hear movement inside the building and could see a suspects feet running through the building.
Vanaman ordered the suspect out at gun point. After several commands to exit the building, the suspect reluctantly exited the building through the same hole he entered.
Scrap metal in the truck was identified as belonging to Cape May County, who manages the building.
 
The suspect identified as, Robert H. Edwards, IV, 28, of the 100 Block of Greenwood Avenue in the Villas Section of Lower Township, was arrested at the scene and then transported to the Lower Township Police Department where he was processed and charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief.
Edwards is also charged with Possession of Prohibited Weapons. A search of his vehicle revealed a samurai sword, a highly sharpened machete, a black jack, a large dagger, numerous throwing spikes, a hatchet and other knives.
During a search of Edwards’ vehicle, numerous drug paraphernalia items were also seized along with a small quantity of a schedule 3 Controlled Dangerous Substance.
Edwards was also charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and drug paraphernalia.
Edwards was lodged in the Cape May County Jail in default of a $50,000 cash bail set by Lower Township Municipal Court Judge, Thomas Hillegass.