Concerned Residents Help Toms River Police Capture Car Thieves

After witnessing two suspicious people in the area near Foodtown on Route 37 on Sunday night, a concerned citizen watched as the two individuals wipe off the door handles of the 2012 KIA they exited.   The incident took place at approximately 6:30 p.m.

“The citizen took photos with a cell phone and notified communications who relayed the information to patrol officers.  Officer Louis Taranto located the suspects in the Toms River Shopping Center lot,” said Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy.  ”Sergeant Ron Sermarini and Officer Vincent Pedalino assisted the investigation that quickly determined the vehicle was reported stolen out of Little Egg harbor Township Saturday night.”

The Officers arrested Albert Depaolo 27 of Aneglesea Ave, Ocean Gate and Justin Searlesyoung 19 of Stafford Township for possession of stolen property.

In a seperate incident, another concerned citizen reported observing a suspicious vehicle in his neighborhood on Arrow Drive around the same time.  A neighbor reported a suspicious white four door sedan with a white rear plate possibly a New York license plate, with no front plate.

“The neighbor than observed two males walking from a neighbors home and they stated they were looking for their lost Doberman,” Mastronardy said.  ”One male is black about 20 years old, 5’ 11” with facial and ear piercings,  the other male was Hispanic 20 yrs, 6’1” .  A white female was observed sitting in the rear of the vehicle as it drove away.”

Investigation by Officer Nicholas  Franco found that these suspects apparently removed a screen and entered a rear door.  While the rear door was found open the victim reported that apparently nothing was removed from the residence.

Posted by Ocean County News on Aug 13 2012. Filed under Police Blotter. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.