Manahawkin Driver Charged After Stafford Route 9 Stop Leads To Eluding Case

MANAHAWKIN, NJ — A Manahawkin man was charged in connection with an eluding motor vehicle incident that began during a traffic stop on Route 9 in Manahawkin, police said.

According to Stafford Township police, patrol officers were involved in the incident March 18, 2026, after they initially attempted to stop a motor vehicle in the Route 9 area.

Police reported that the pursuit was terminated shortly after it began. The case was then referred to the Stafford Township Police Detective Bureau for further investigation.

Police said the follow-up investigation led detectives to identify the driver as James Reilly, 65, of Breakers Drive in Manahawkin. Investigators determined Reilly was the operator of the motor vehicle involved in the incident.

As a result of the investigation, Reilly was charged with one count of second-degree eluding. The charge stems from the March 18 incident tied to the attempted motor vehicle stop.

On March 22, 2026, Reilly was apprehended by the Atlantic City Police Department on a warrant, according to police. He was lodged in Atlantic County Jail pending extradition to Ocean County Jail.

Police said Reilly is expected to await a court appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.

Police did not include additional details about the circumstances of the initial stop or why officers ended the pursuit shortly after it began.