Tenant Catches Burglar Looking for 2-Year-Old Drugs in Home, Police Say

A Ledgewood woman was caught trying to burglarize a Dupont Avenue residence early Monday morning, according to Hopatcong Police.

Becki Parris, 51, was charged with burglary, criminal mischief and possession of burglary tools.

Just after midnight, a tenant returned home with his wife and kids and found a black Mitsubishi SUV in their driveway, Lt. Thomas Kmetz said.

The husband went into the house to get a flashlight to investigate the vehicle and found a woman standing in his bedroom who was holding a pry bar and a wood chisel, Kmetz said. He recognized the woman as Becki Parris, who is friends with the owner of the home, Kmetz said.

Police believe the woman forcibly entered the building through the exterior kitchen door, as officers found pieces of the molding and door lock on the floor, the lieutenant said.

Kmetz said Parris explained she was trying to find drugs that may have been left in the attic two years ago, when her brother helped some friends move out of that home.

As the tenant was calling the homeowner to ask about the drugs, Kmetz said, the woman slipped out of the house.  Roxbury Police were called and found Parris, in possession of burglar tools, at her Ledgewood house, Kmetz said. Police determined she ultimately had taken nothing from the Dupont Avenue home.

After being arrested and questioned, the woman was released on her own recognizance pending a court appearance.