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Burglar Found In Clifton Home Fights With Resident, Flees

CLIFTON, N.J. -- A burglar who fought with a Clifton resident after breaking into his home fled but was caught by an alert police sergeant two hours later, authorities said Monday.

Nelson Ovalles

Nelson Ovalles

Photo Credit: MUGSHOT: Courtesy CLIFTON PD

A Main Avenue woman awoke to a noise and found 28-year-old Nelson Ovalles rummaging through a bedroom dresser at 4:30 a.m. Saturday, Lt. Robert Bracken said.

Also at home at the time were her husband and 1-year-old daughter, he said.

She screamed, waking her husband, who rushed the burglar, Bracken said.

Ovalles fled the house with about $1,000, leaving the injured homeowner behind, the lieutenant said.

Police who found a broken window on the side of the home flooded the area.

About two hours later, Sgt. Gene Hayes grabbed Ovalles walking along the 1500 block of Main Avenue, Bracken said.

Ovalles was carrying the stolen jewelry, which was returned to the owners, he said.

A judge ordered him held in the Passaic County Jail, pending a detention hearing, on charges of robbery, burglary, theft and weapons possession, among other offenses.

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