OCEAN TOWNHIP — Police are asking for the public’s assistance in finding a man suspected of a hit-and-run at the Ocean Township Elementary School earlier this month.
The incident occurred on June 11, when police received a report of a burglary in progress followed by a report of a hit-and-run that took place at the school during a statewide soccer tournament.
Ocean Township Police Officer Rand Slawksy arrived on the scene and reportedly observed a late-model sport-utility vehicle leave the scene after having struck a pedestrian in the lot, according to police reports.
Slawsky attempted to catch up to the vehicle but was unsuccessful.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect had entered a vehicle that was parked in the lot and attempted to take a pocketbook, according to police. The suspect was then confronted by the vehicle’s owner and fled on foot. Amale bystander gave chase and tackled the suspect, but he was able to escape, according to police. The suspect then entered his vehicle, and two bystanders attempted to stop him from driving away before the police arrived but he sped away, according to reports.
The vehicle then allegedly struck and seriously injured a 52-year-old man from Woolwich Township who was walking in the parking lot. He was subsequently taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, by the Oakhurst First Aid Squad.
The suspect was reportedly driving a 2009 or 2010 white Dodge Journey, possibly with a rear Pennsylvania license plate.
He is described as a white male, approximately 25 to 35 years of age, 6 feet to 6 feet 2 inches tall, with short dark hair and a thin build, according to police. He was last seen wearing a dark-colored T-shirt and shorts. He also may have an injury to his right knee as a result of the struggle with the bystanders, according to police.
The Dodge was last seen traveling east on Park Avenue near Norwood Avenue into the Elberon section of Long Branch at a high rate of speed, according to police.
Anyone with information about the incident, driver or vehicle is asked to contact the Ocean Township Police at 732-531-1800.