Broome County Burglary Foiled After K9 Tracks Suspect Through Woods

Two men are facing felony burglary charges after being caught on a home security camera and arrested before they could escape in the Town of Union. The incident happened on Saturday, August 9, 2025, when a homeowner spotted intruders inside his Boswell Hill Road residence.

Homeowner Calls 911 After Spotting Intruders

The homeowner, who was not at home at the time, received an alert from his security camera system and saw two individuals with flashlights moving through his house. He immediately called 911, prompting a quick response from the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Road Patrol and Strategic Response Group, along with the New York State Police.

Deputies Confront Suspects Inside the House

When deputies arrived, they saw two individuals in a bedroom, one wearing a dark ski mask. As officers issued commands to exit the home, both suspects fled through the back door into a wooded area, running in separate directions.

First Suspect Apprehended After Foot Pursuit

After a brief chase, deputies and a New York State Trooper captured 43-year-old Matthew J. Ortloff of Chenango Forks. Ortloff was found carrying knives and a screwdriver, items consistent with burglary tools.

K9 Raven Tracks Second Suspect Through the Woods

Sgt. Thomas Holden and his K9 partner, Raven, were deployed to find the second suspect. For about a mile, Raven tracked 45-year-old Jeremiah P. Johnson of Endicott through ravines and dense wooded terrain before finding him hiding in tall grass along Old Newark Valley Road. Johnson was taken into custody without further incident.

Charges Filed Against Both Men

Following the investigation, Ortloff was charged with Burglary in the Second Degree, Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, Possession of Burglar Tools, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, and Criminal Mischief. Johnson was charged with Burglary in the Second Degree, Conspiracy in the Fourth Degree, Obstruction of Governmental Administration, Criminal Mischief, and Petit Larceny.

Suspects Remain in Custody

Both men were arraigned at Central Arraignment Part and are being held at the Broome County Correctional Facility. The Broome County Sheriff’s Office credited the successful arrests to teamwork between deputies, K9 units, and the New York State Police.

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Sheriff Praises Teamwork and Community Involvement

“Outstanding work by our entire BCSO team, as well as our partners at the New York State Police, in bringing these individuals to justice,” Sheriff Fred Akshar said. “This case serves as a perfect example of law enforcement and community members working together to make our neighborhoods safer."