A 91-year-old man was presented today a $3,000 check at the Linden City Hall from an anonymous donor after someone stole $6,000 from his home during a diversion burglary last month.
On September 11, “John”, the victim, answered his front door and was lured out of his house by a man who wanted to show him a fence being repaired in the backyard.
During this time, police believe a second individual entered the house and went to his bedroom stealing $6,000 in cash which he had stored in a box. The first man received a call on his cell phone and abruptly left the area. No other suspect was ever observed. The victim later discovered the money missing when he went to check his bedroom.
“John” later told his story on an evening broadcast, a viewer felt bad for victim and contacted reporter at the TV station. The viewer offered to give “John” some of the money anonymously.
The surprise $3,000 check was made out to John and presented to him by WABC-TV reporter Nina Pineda and Linden Mayor Richard J. Gerbounka.
The reporter also read “John” a letter from the donor saying how he was “touched” by John’s gentle personality and kindness.
Detective Kevin Mikolajczyk, the case detective, said the burglary remains an active investigation.
Full Story: Burglars Swipe 6K in cash from 91-Year-Old Man in Linden