Missing Dog Sought After 4-Vehicle Crash In Stafford: Police

STAFFORD, NJ — Stafford Township police are asking for the public's help finding a missing dog after a four-vehicle crash Sunday on Route 9 in front of Southern Regional High School.

Police said officers responded at about 11:55 a.m. Nov. 8, 2026, to the crash scene. According to the preliminary investigation, a 2002 Lincoln LS driven by Thomas Locker Jr., 63, of Barnegat, was traveling southbound on Route 9 when he failed to observe stopped traffic ahead. Police reported that the Lincoln then struck the rear of a Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by John Croce, 83, of Manahawkin.

The force of the crash caused the Trailblazer to hit two more vehicles, a Kia Carnival and a Chevrolet Silverado, according to police. Stafford Township EMS responded and transported Locker, Croce, Terri Celeste, 56, of Manahawkin, and Nelson Rodriguez, 41, of Barnegat, to Southern Ocean Medical Center for further medical evaluation. Police said all four were wearing seatbelts and suffered minor injuries.

During the incident, a Chihuahua mix named Ophelia escaped from one of the vehicles involved and ran into a wooded area across from Southern Regional High School, according to police. Stafford Township Animal Control was notified and is actively working to find the dog.

The police department said Ophelia may be in the area of Cedar Bridge Road, Marybell Road, Beachview Avenue, Ridge Avenue, Silo Road, Oak Tree Lane and Fairview Terrace. Residents in those areas are being asked to stay alert and report possible sightings.

Anyone who sees Ophelia is asked to immediately call 609-597-1000, ext. 8525. Police advised residents not to chase, approach or call out to the dog because that could frighten her and cause her to run farther from the area.

The crash remains under review by the Stafford Township Police Department's Traffic Safety Unit. No additional information was available.