Brick Police arrested three suspects in connection with theft of copper piping, marine batteries and an air conditioning condenser unit from two homes damaged by Hurricane Sandy, police said.

The incident started Thursday morning when the Brick Township Police Department spotted Derek Lombarski, Joni Britton, and Walton Britto travelling in an orange color Chevy Sonic in the area of Drum Point Rd stealing metal from damaged homes. Detective Michael Feeney and Det. James Burgess began to investigate the incident. Detective Feeney confirmed that there was outstanding arrest warrant for Walton Britton and that Lombarski owns an orange Chevy Sonic.

While in the area of Drum Point Rd and Baywood Bl., Detective Michael Feeney and Det. James Burgess observed the vehicle driving in the area. With the assistance of Ptlm. John Alexander in a marked patrol car, they stopped the vehicle and subsequently arrested Walton Britton for the outstanding warrants. In the vehicle, the Detectives observed numerous marine batteries and copper piping in the rear of the car.

The resulting investigation lead to the arrest of Joni Britton and Derek Lombarski. All three suspects were charged with the theft of the copper piping and marine batteries, but also for the theft of an air conditioning condenser unit, which was reported stolen earlier in the week. The marine batteries and copper piping were stolen from Seville Dr., that morning, and the air conditioning unit was stolen from Rialto Dr.

There are pending charges against the three suspects in other jurisdictions for theft. Derek Lombarski and Joni Britton were released from the Brick Township Police on their own recognizance (ROR). Walton Britton remained in custody to satisfy the outstanding warrants. Lakewood Police Department assisted in the investigation. [TLS]