Perth Amboy police chief suspended, charged with theft

NEW BRUNSWICK (AP) -- Perth Amboy's police chief is facing a theft charge.

The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office announced the charge against Benjamin Ruiz on Tuesday.

The 53-year-old Ruiz is accused of authorizing a city mechanic to perform repairs to two of his personal vehicles, as well as a vehicle owned by a friend.

The mechanic allegedly performed the repairs while he was supposed to be fixing police vehicles.

Ruiz has been released on his own recognizance and has been suspended without pay. He's been a member of the Perth Amboy force since 1988 and has been chief there since September 2012.

It wasn't immediately known if Ruiz had retained an attorney.

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