This report is based on information received from law enforcement.
WILDWOOD – Wildwood Police Department received information from the Bethlehem Township Police Department June 21 that a subject wanted in Pennsylvania for numerous weapons-related offenses was likely residing at a Lake Road residence within the City of Wildwood.
According to a release, Wildwood police officers conducted surveillance on the residence, and at approximately 6:30 p.m. observed the subject, Matthew Colabella, 23, from Bethlehem, Pa. exit the building and enter a motor vehicle registered to him. As the vehicle left Wildwood over the George Redding Bridge, a high-risk motor vehicle stop was conducted, where Colabella and his passenger, Jennifer Norton, 24, also from Bethlehem, Pa. were taken into custody.
During the ensuing investigation conducted by Wildwood Police Department Detective Division and Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, a court-authorized search warrant was executed on the motor vehicle Colabella was operating at the time of his arrest. The search resulted in the recovery of an expandable baton and a quantity of hollow-point ammunition.
As a result of the investigation, Colabella was charged with being a fugitive from justice, fourth degree; unlawful possession of a weapon, fourth degree; certain person not to possess a weapon, fourth degree; and possession of hollow-point rounds of ammunition, fourth degree. He was lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center pending court for these most recent charges, and possible extradition to Pennsylvania.
Norton was charged with possession of hollow-point rounds of ammunition, fourth degree. She was released with a summons complaint pending court.
The individual(s) listed is/are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
