A reported gas theft last Friday resulted in criminal charges after police located the suspect vehicle during a traffic stop in Lakewood.
According to police, officers responded on January 2 to a local gas station following a report that a driver had pumped approximately $20 worth of gasoline and left without paying. The driver reportedly told an employee he would return with the money but never did.
The gas station employee provided officers with a receipt and an image of the suspect vehicle, which were documented as part of the investigation conducted by Patrolman Fink.
The following day, Patrolman D’Angelo located the suspect vehicle while on patrol in the area of River Avenue and Cross Street. A traffic stop was initiated, during which police determined that the registered owner had an outstanding warrant. The individual was taken into custody.
Further investigation connected the driver to the earlier gas theft. Police identified him as Robert F. Nelson Jr., 60, of Toms River.
Nelson was charged with theft of services under $200, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-2B(4)(A), and was issued a complaint summons.