Teen Accused of Smashing Window, Stealing Cash, Cigarettes

A 16-year-old Hopatcong resident allegedly smashed through a local deli's window, stealing cartons of cigarettes, rolling papers and cash. 

Hopatcong police said the burglary happened at the 3&1 Deli on Monday at 4:37 a.m. The juvenile reportedly was charged after he came in with his parents on Thursday and admitted to the crime. A second juvenile, a 15-year-old, was charged with possession of stolen property in connection to the incident, police said.

Police said they responded to an alarm at the deli, finding the front window had been smashed and that cartons of cigarettes, individual packs, a box of rolling papers, several rolls of coins, and cash wrapped in an elastic band were on the ground.

After a check of the building, a search by the Sussex County K-9 unit did not yield any information, according to police.

When the juvenile came to headquarters, police said he told them he broke into the deli and later gave his 15-year-old friend some of the cases of cigarettes to sell to other friends. That juvenile was later called in and charged.

The 16-year-old was charged with burglary, criminal mischief, and theft. Police said both juveniles were charged and released to their parents.

Police said that four cartons and 15 packs of cigarettes, and $174 in cash were recovered, and the the total amount taken plus the broken window repair was estimated at $1,520.37, according to the owner of the deli.