Stafford Police Arrest Two Barnegat Light Youths After 'All-Night Crime Spree'

The two boys from Barnegat Light had a very busy night.

Stafford police recently arrested two male youths - one 15, one 17 - on numerous charges after a all-night crime spree that left an officer injured, cars and businesses burglarized and a van stolen, according to the police report.

The juveniles were arrest on Sunday, April 5.

Stafford Police first responded to Wawa located at 320 Route 72 at 1:20 a.m. on a report of two juveniles who tried to shoplift merchandise, but fled into the woods before they arrived.

Police then responded to a burglary alarm at Ray’s New York Pizza on Millcreek Road, where they determined that someone broke into the business and took items before they fled, police said.

When police searched the area, they located a Bagel’s and Beyond van parked in the roadway of William Cook Blvd with a flat tire, and the keys in the ignition. The van was stolen from Bagel’s and Beyond bakery located on Millcreek road, the police report states.

The suspects then burglarized several unlocked vehicles in the area of Jane Drive and William Cook Boulevard before they stole a black 2004 Lincoln Town car from a residential driveway on William Cook Boulevard. The two took the vehicle on a joyride, which ended at the dirt portion of Breakers Drive in Barnegat when the vehicle became bogged down in soft sand. The suspects then vandalized the Town Car by smashing all of the windows, police said.

Police were able to quickly identify two suspects who were arrested after a brief investigation. Both suspects were charged with two counts of motor vehicle theft, two counts of burglary, two counts of criminal mischief and one count of conspiracy, according to the police report.

The 15-year-old male was also charged with aggravated assault on a police officer and resisting arrest after he assaulted Patrolman Allen Jillson and tried to flee when police attempted to take him into custody at a residence in Barnegat Light. Jillson suffered a small laceration to his leg and injuries to his knee after being struck with a chair during the struggle.

Both youths were released to the custody of their legal guardians, pending a future court appearance in Ocean County Juvenile Court.

Detective Drew Smith was the investigating officer, assisted by Jillson.