Jhonn Pulido Betancur is charged with second-degree burglary. Photo courtesy of Mount Pleasant Police Department

Mount Pleasant Police have arrested two men suspected of being part of a South American burglary ring that targeted the homes of Indian and Chinese Americans in New York and several other states.

Police arrested 29-year-old Johan Matallana-Gomez and 46-year-old Jhonn Pulido Betancur during a burglary at a residence on Swanson Drive. One of the suspects is in the country illegally.

At approximately 8:08 p.m. on Friday, November 1, a resident called police and reported hearing glass breaking from her neighbor’s home. Mount Pleasant Police responded within minutes. Officer Lester soon discovered a broken rear window and other officers quickly established a perimeter around the home.

At 8.15pm, Matallana-Gomez escaped through a rear sliding door and, in a desperate escape manoeuvre, jumped fences and landed in a low terraced courtyard, breaking her right ankle when she landed. Officers immediately arrested him. Moments later, Pulido Betancur attempted to escape by jumping from a second-floor deck, but was quickly overpowered by Sergeant Mann, Officer Perucci, and Officer Fimmano.

Police Chief Paul Oliva stated that when police arrived, the accomplice had fled the scene, possibly in a vehicle, and the investigation was ongoing.

“It was a great job by the patrol and I am extremely proud of their quick response and professionalism,” Chief Oliva said. “Unfortunately, we are not immune to the problems caused by the open border policy, but we will continue to do our job to protect our society.”

Police found the Wi-Fi jammer the duo had brought and left it at home when they fled. The jammer is used to disable security cameras and Wi-Fi connections. The investigation suggests these suspects may be linked to a broader criminal organization targeting families of Indian and Chinese descent. Victims fall into this category and the jammer is a tool used by this particular theft ring.

Police took one suspect to police headquarters and the other to Westchester Medical Center before he underwent surgery for his injuries. Both men were charged with second-degree burglary, a Class C felony. Matallana-Gomez remains in custody at Westchester Medical Center and Betancur is currently in custody at the Westchester County Jail. Both men could be released this week due to current bail legislation.

“On behalf of our entire community, I commend our Mount Pleasant Police Department for their quick and effective response to last night’s burglary. Thanks to their professionalism and quick response, two dangerous individuals were removed from our streets and our residents can feel safer knowing our officers are alert and prepared,” said Supervisor Carl Fulgenzi.