Action News was there Saturday night when Clementon, New Jersey police escorted a pregnant accused burglar into the department. She has been identified as 20-year-old Ashley Linderman.
It's hard to believe, but with her hands resting on her belly, investigators say she stood by as her male companion, identified as 23-year-old Justin Terry, broke into Norman Dudley's Lake Avenue house Thursday.
Both Lindeman and Terry are charged with burglary criminal mischief, conspiracy and two counts of theft.
"Why would she even being doing that, I feel sorry for that kid, it's a shame that people have to do this," Dudley told Action News.
Dudley was sleeping in the home with his 2-year-old son at the time of the burglary and didn't hear the break-in.
Surveillance video from the home shows the burglar using a screwdriver and violently hitting the sliding glass door twice causing it to shatter.
He delivered one forceful kick and the glass came crashing down.
Without hesitation, the couple walked right into the home.
"Honestly, I didn't know what to think. I didn't know maybe if they were still in the house, when it happened, a bunch of thoughts went through my head," Dudley said.
Police say the thieves put $7,000 worth of electronics, jewelry and cash in pillow cases and ran out.
"Possibly drug problems, economy problems, money issues, they're very desperate, they do this for approximately 10 minutes, they're inside for an additional 5 minutes," Clementon Police Sergeant Robert Worrick said.
Detectives believe in the past few weeks the pair has committed at least seven burglaries in the area.
"Property can be replaced, but not life, but that's my main concern, getting her help and out of this situation as quickly as possible by solving the crimes," Worrick said.
Police say Action News viewers saw the surveillance images of the two on 6abc.com and started calling in tips leading to the expecting mother, who is 7-months pregnant.
It appears Terry was already arrested on an unrelated charge and he's currently sitting in jail.
