New Jersey

D'oh! Alleged Burglar Nabbed After Leaving His Wallet on Floor at Scene of Heist

A 41-year-old New Jersey man has been arrested after allegedly stealing a cash register with a few hundred bucks from a tire company -- and accidentally leaving his wallet on the floor of the business when he fled with the cash, cops say.

Police responded to Mavis Discount Tire in Fair Lawn for a burglary alarm shortly after 1 a.m. Thursday. They say they found a broken window on the back and side of the building and noticed the cash register, which had $300 in it, was gone. 

Then they found a wallet on the floor. It belonged to Raul Soto Mavis, a former employee at the tire company, authorities say. 

Less than five hours after the heist, two cops responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle in a diner parking lot encountered Soto in the passenger seat and Dana Wylam, 36, in the driver's seat. They were arrested after cops allegedly found drugs on both of them, as well as inside the car.

Cops connected the wallet to Soto. They say Soto and Wylam had also gone back to the tire company at some point to try to find the lost wallet.

Both face various drug charges; Soto is also accused of theft and burglary in the register heist.

It wasn't clear if the cash or register were recovered. It also wasn't immediately clear if either suspect had an attorney who could comment on the charges.

Contact Us