Lawrence Police arrest Trenton man in connection with school break-in, multiple burglaries

A Trenton man was arrested Tuesday, March 17, after police linked him to a break-in at Notre Dame High School, multiple burglaries at a local apartment complex, and an aggravated assault at a fast food restaurant, authorities said.

Erick Alvear Vizcaino, 26, was taken into custody around 9:30 a.m. after officers spotted him riding a bicycle near Brunswick Pike and Darrah Lane. He was later found at a business in the 2700 block of Brunswick Pike and arrested without incident. A search following his arrest turned up stolen property, a controlled dangerous substance, and drug paraphernalia.

The investigation began earlier that morning when Notre Dame High School initiated a shelter-in-place after officials learned an unknown man had broken into the building overnight. Police determined that the suspect entered through an unsecured door around 11:10 p.m. Monday, damaged property, and stole several items before leaving around 11:30 p.m. Officers and detectives searched the building as a precaution; the suspect was not found inside. Authorities said there was no known threat to students or staff at any point.

Investigators determined the Notre Dame suspect matched the description of a man connected to several other recent incidents in the township. On March 3, the suspect allegedly became involved in a verbal argument at the McDonald’s on Brunswick Circle Extension, during which he brandished a knife at the victim. Also on March 3, and again on March 13-14 and March 17, the suspect allegedly forced entry into the mailroom at Carriage Park, an apartment complex at 100 and 2000 Colts Circle, stealing packages on each occasion.

Vizcaino faces charges of third-degree aggravated assault, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, five counts of third-degree burglary, five counts of third-degree theft, two counts of criminal mischief, third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was processed and sent to the Mercer County Correctional Center pending a detention hearing.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Det. S. Girard at sgirard@lawrencetwp.com or (609) 844-7124, or Det. D. Sawasky at dsawasky@lawrencetwp.com or (609) 844-7125.