Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Attempting to Break Into Vending Machines

WILDWOOD CREST – Police were dispatched to the 5500 block of Ocean Ave. on a report of a male attempting to break in to a soda machine July 20 at 4:07 a.m.
Petty Officer James Mulholland arrived to find the suspect, Joseph Walthour, 45, of Camden, near a soda machine carrying a backpack. Petty Officer Mulholland attempted to stop Walthour but Walthour fled from the area on a bicycle. Petty Officer Mulholland gave chase on foot. Patrolman Mulholland along with Special Officer Ron Sutton were able to arrest Walthour a short distance from the scene without incident.
The investigation led officers to find numerous vending machines that were damaged and burglarized as well as missing money and parts. Walthour was found in possession of various bottles of soda and water as well as a large amount of change and currency and parts of different vending machines. Numerous cutting and pry tools were also discovered in the backpack. Walthour was also found to be a fugitive of justice from the state of Delaware and wanted from the city of Whippany, NJ, both for alleged charges of burglary and burglary tools.
Walthour was charged with the following:
Aggravated assault, theft, possession of burglary tools, criminal mischief, burglary, obstruction of justice, fleeing, being a fugitive of justice and outstanding warrants.
Walthour was lodged at the Cape May County Correctional Center in default of bail from Wildwood Crest Municipal Court and the city of Whippany Municipal Court and is awaiting extradition to Delaware.
Any business’s having damaged vending machines are asked to contact the Wildwood Crest Police Department.
The Wildwood Crest Police urge the public to report any suspicious activity to them.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.