RIO GRANDE — On Monday Dec. 14, Wildwood police put out a county-wide broadcast, searching for a stolen tan 1999 Lincoln Navigator.
At approximately 9:15 p.m., Middle Township Patrolman Steve Novsak spotted the vehicle during a routine patrol on Route 47, in Rio Grande, and followed the SUV into the Grande Center parking lot near Lowe’s.
After confirming that the vehicle was stolen, Novsak activated his over-head emergency lights to signal the driver to come to a stop. At that time, the SUV drove through the Lowe’s parking lot, ran a red traffic signal as it attempted to exit the shopping center, then crossed over Route 9, onto Linden Lane.
The vehicle traveled east on Linden Lane, until it struck a parked minivan, and came to rest in a dirt embankment, at the intersection of Maryland Avenue, that is currently under construction.
Novsak followed the SUV to its final rest, and saw the driver exit the vehicle and run eastward, behind a group of houses. Police officers from the county Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit, Lower Township, Wildwood and Middle Township searched the area for approximately one hour. The tracking dogs picked up the driver’s scent from the vehicle which then led them to the area of Route 9, but were unable to find the driver.
The suspect is described as a heavyset, adult white male, wearing blue jeans, a blue hoodie and a baseball cap. The SUV was reported stolen sometime between 8 and 9 p.m., from Pine Avenue, in Wildwood.
Anyone with information can contact Wildwood Police at 609-522-0222, or Middle Township Police at 609-465-8700. Anonymous tips may also be called in to the Cape May County Crime Stoppers, at 609-465-2800, where a reward may be given for tips that lead to an arrest and indictment.
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