Man Sleeping In Car In Brick Found With Shoplifting Tools, Drugs

BRICK, NJ — A Monmouth County man who was found with laptops, drones, electric scooters and other electronics in his car was arrested last week after he was found sleeping in his car at a convenience store, Brick Township police said.

Christian Vatovec, 32, of Manalapan, was charged with possession of shoplifting tools and several drug counts after he was arrested Dec. 17 by the Brick Township Police Street Crimes Unit, Patrol Officer Victoria Finelli said.

Vavotec was found sleeping in his vehicle about 11 p.m. in the parking lot of the Quick Chek at 715 Route 70, Finelli said. Detectives saw "a large quantity" of methamphetamine in the vehicle, and found Xanax, suboxone and a hypodermic syringe, she said.

Detectives also found several shoplifting tools, including devices used to remove security tags on merchandise, and "a large amount" of electronics including laptops, drones, electric scooters and cell phones.

The electronics are believed to be stolen and detectives were investigating the origin of the merchandise.

Vatovec was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of paraphernalia for a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a syringe containing a controlled dangerous substance, possession of shoplifting tools, possession of Xanax and possession of suboxone, Finelli said.

Vatovec was taken to the Ocean County Jail but later released to await further court action.

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