'Marathon Runner' Barnegat Officer Catches Car Burglars: Police

BARNEGAT, NJ — Two teens burglarized vehicles Tuesday night in the Ocean Acres development on Catalina Drive. They ran away from the cop who found them, but the chase was a walk in the park for this particular Barnegat police officer.

"Ptl. (Rob) Armstrong is a physical training instructor at the police academy and a marathon runner," said Barnegat Police Chief Keith Germain. "Not good odds if you’re planning on running. Even if there are two of you."

The 17-year-old and 15-year-old stole property from five vehicles, police said. They dressed in dark clothing and wore gloves while pulling on vehicle door handles, according to Germain.

An alert resident witnessed the incidents and told police. Armstrong caught them on foot and took them into custody.

Police will contact victims who had property stolen, and they will hopefully get it back. Germain also reminded everyone to lock car doors.

"This is probably a good time to mention that midnight shifts are not a good time to run from our officers," Germain said. "I’m pretty sure we have more collegiate football standouts and PT instructors per capita than any midnight shift around."

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