Pair Accused of Car Burglaries, Theft, Armed Robbery

Two Elizabeth men have been accused of a series of vehicle thefts and burglaries that have occurred over the last several months in Summit, police said.

Jason R. Madrey, 28, was arrested after surveillance footage led Summit police to a store he frequented where he allegedly paid using stolen credit cards. Summit detectives observed Madrey on Oct. 29 allegedly drive into the parking lot in a stolen car. He was arrested without incident, police said. 

Following Madrey's arrest, Summit police were able to connect him to additional similar crimes, including an Oct. 26 armed robbery in neighboring New Providence, police said.

With the assistance of the New Providence Police Department, Summit detectives identified Jamie Fontanez, 36, as Madrey’s accomplice, police said. Summit and New Providence detectives arrested Fontanez last Thursday at his apartment in Elizabeth.

Summit Police charged Madrey and Fontanez each with four counts of burglary and theft and four counts of receiving stolen property. Both men are also facing additional criminal charges in other jurisdictions.  Madrey and Fontanez are being held at the Union County Jail in lieu of $12,000 bail.