A suspect whose escape in the Dec. 10 burglary of a Catherine Street home was said to be witnessed by neighbors has been arrested, according to police Capt. Steve McCarthy, head of the detective bureau.

Milo Rainey, 28, who police said lives in both Red Bank and Keansburg, was arrested by Red Bank Ptl. Juan Sardo on Dec. 20 and charged with burglary, theft and criminal mischief.

Municipal Court Judge William Himelman set bail at $55,000, and Rainey was released on bond the same day, McCarthy said.

McCarthy said he was not at liberty to discuss what led police to identify Rainey as a suspect, other than the help of neighbors.

“We got really good cooperation from the public, which is sometimes difficult,” he said. “We’re always very appreciative of that.”

Now, McCarthy said, police are looking into a string of at least four other break-ins in the Catherine Street and Leighton Avenue area since mid-September to see if evidence links Rainey to those crimes.

Police had previously theorized that the burglar might be targeting the homes of Hispanic families and using a similar modus operandi — knocking on the front door to see if anyone was home and then breaking in through another entry. McCarthy said he had no updates on that aspect of the case.

Residents are encouraged to contact the detective division at 732.530.2719, or, if they wish to remain anonymous, to call the Tips Line at 732.450.9704.

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