Four men have been indicted in connection with a home invasion and auto theft that resulted in injuries to a homeowner, according to an announcement from New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP).
Daniel Chipelo, 21, of Mount Carmel, Pennsylvania; Kasib Higgs, 20, of Old Bridge, New Jersey; and John Duncan, 20, of Kearny, New Jersey face charges including conspiracy (second degree), home invasion burglary (first degree), theft of a motor vehicle (second degree), theft of movable property (third degree) and aggravated assault (second degree). All three are also charged with using a person under the age of 18 to commit a crime (first degree) along with Jason Cathcart, 22, also of Kearny. Cathcart is further charged with conspiracy and receiving a stolen motor vehicle (both second degree). The indictment was issued by a state grand jury on September 17.
Attorney General Platkin commented on the case: “The charges in this case show how breaking into homes to steal cars elevates the danger faced by the public. In this case, the homeowner heard the break-in, and when he tried to intercede, he was injured. We will vigorously prosecute anyone who jeopardizes public safety like this.”
DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton added: “These defendants are facing burglary and assault charges in addition to auto theft. Excellent investigative work by our law enforcement partners allowed us to obtain an indictment that levels serious charges – with potentially serious prison time – against these defendants.”
Interim Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Al Garcia stated: “Auto theft is not just a property crime—it’s a dangerous act that puts residents at risk and often times becomes a precursor to an act of insurance fraud. Stolen vehicles are often used to commit additional crimes or to file fraudulent insurance claims. Protecting the public means confronting both the immediate danger of violent auto theft and the broader fraud schemes it enables, and OIFP will continue to pursue these cases aggressively to keep New Jersey communities safe.”
Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police said: “The brazenness of breaking into someone’s home to steal a vehicle cannot be overstated. This crime is not simply about auto theft – it is about violating the sanctity of a home, injuring a homeowner, and shattering the sense of security every family deserves. No one should ever feel unsafe in the very place where they should feel most protected. We remain committed to investigating these crimes with our law enforcement partners to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.”
According to documents filed in court, police responded at approximately 4:28 a.m. on March 1 after receiving reports of a home invasion in Fair Lawn. The Fair Lawn Police Department notified members of the New Jersey State Police Motor Vehicle Crimes North Unit as part of its Auto Theft Task Force.
It is alleged that while homeowners were asleep their front door was broken down by suspects who then entered two vehicles—a black Jeep Grand Cherokee from 2015 and a black BMW X5 from 2023—together valued at over $75,000. When one homeowner attempted to block their escape route between vehicles and his driveway exit path he was nearly struck as suspects fled; he suffered lacerations after diving out of harm’s way.
Investigators allege Chipelo, Higgs and Duncan stole items from inside both residence and vehicles before fleeing. The three were identified through surveillance footage showing consistent clothing patterns as well as analysis of cellular data.
Further investigation found all four defendants allegedly worked together—including employing use of an underage accomplice—to receive stolen vehicles; Cathcart is accused specifically of driving one stolen car.
Attorney General Platkin thanked both Fair Lawn Police Department and NJSP Motor Vehicle Crimes North Unit for their roles in investigating this incident.
Deputy Attorney General Jana Robinson is prosecuting for OIFP under supervision from Assistant Bureau Chief Evgeniya Sitnikova and Bureau Chief Crystal Callahan.
If convicted on first-degree charges defendants could face sentences ranging from ten up twenty years imprisonment plus fines up $200,000; second-degree convictions carry five-to-ten year terms plus up $150k fines; third-degree convictions carry three-to-five year terms plus up $15k fines.
All allegations remain accusations unless proven otherwise at trial.
Defense attorneys include Heather Aguilar for Chipelo; Hassen Abdellah for Higgs; Steve Sciancalepore for Duncan; Michael DeBlis for Cathcart.
