STOLEN VEHICLE RECOVERED

DATE/TIME: 2/16/2008
LOCATION: Hwy 35 and Deal Road
OFFICERS INVOLVED: Jeffery Malone, Sgt. Wayne Stewart and Sgt. Eduardo Segarra.
ACCUSED: Unknown

NARRATIVE
     On 2/16/2008 at approximately 11:23 pm, Officer Jeffrey Malone was on patrol in the area of Hwy 35 and Deal Road. Malone observed a 2003 Green Ford Explorer traveling south on Hwy 35 and proceed through the red traffic light at the intersection of Deal Road. Malone subsequently followed after the Explorer and attempted to stop it in front of the Middlebrook Plaza on Hwy 35 south. The Explorer abruptly pulled to the shoulder portion of the highway and continued to travel slowly as Malone followed. The driver and front seat passenger of the Explorer then, as the Explorer was still moving forward, opened the doors and subsequently jumped out of the Explorer and fled on foot. The Explorer was now traveling down the highway driverless and still in gear. Officer Malone then quickly acted to position his patrol car and to stop the Explorer from dangerously continuing down the highway. It was then learned that the Explorer had been reported stolen out of Asbury Park on 2/9/08 and had fictitious license plates displayed on it.
     A K-9 Unit from Tinton Falls PD was called in to assist in the search for the driver and passenger of the Explorer. The K-9 and officers were unable to locate the pair. The driver is described as young black male last seen wearing a yellow winter coat and another unknown passenger wearing all dark clothing. The two were last seen in the area of the Middlebrook Shopping Plaza. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information about the incident is asked to contact Detective Patrick Martin at 732-531-1800.