Say Ridgewood Man Was Thief Behind Break-Ins In Manhattan

Following a lengthy investigation of a series of recent burglaries at a midtown Manhattan office building, detectives arrested a Ridgewood man last Tuesday, Dec. 23 suspected of carrying out the capers, it was reported.

The suspect was identified by police as 46-year-old Wilfredo Cortijo of Jefferson Avenue.

According to law enforcement sources, the perpetrator broke into and swiped valuables from several businesses located inside a building on West 38th Street near Eighth Avenue during the Labor Day weekend.

Reportedly, the burglaries occurred between the hours of 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 29. Police said Cortijo allegedly forced his way inside three locations housed within the commercial structure: Kumarco N.Y., Inc., Ninajon Fashions and Georgeta Salon.

In all, police said, the alleged burglar removed a total of four laptop computers as well as an undetermined amount of money.

The burglaries were reported to members of the 14th Precinct on Tuesday, Dec. 2 after workers discovered entrances damaged and property missing. The case was later presented to the Midtown South Detective Squad for further investigation.

According to the criminal complaint, surveillance camera footage obtained from the crime scene contained images of the suspect at the time of the burglaries.

During questioning by detectives, law enforcement sources said, Cortijo allegedly admitted to breaking into and removing items from each of the locations after being presented with evidence.

The suspect was taken into custody by members of the NYPD Midtown South Detective Squad and charged with three counts of third-degree burglary.

According to a spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau, Cortijo was arraigned on Dec. 24 in Manhattan Criminal Court and ordered held in custody on $30,000 bail or $60,000 bond.