Hazlet PD Locates 6 Men In Connection To Car Thefts Investigation

HOLMDEL, NJ – A group of six individuals walking from Hazlet into Holmdel in the middle of the night on Wednesday were stopped and questioned by police officers, according to the Hazlet Police Department. The effort was part of a larger investigation into recurring car break-ins and thefts in the area.

Officers from the Hazlet Police Department stationed themselves near the Hazlet train station when the group of men in dark clothes exited the stop and began to walk in the direction of Holmdel at approximately 1:16 a.m. Police officers followed the group from a distance, observing the men walk down Moak Drive.

“Due to our ongoing investigation into the recent car burglaries/thefts we had in close vicinity to the train station our officers have been conducting surveillance in that area nightly,” Hazlet police wrote in a statement posted to social media. “Last night when the 1:16 a.m. southbound train pulled into the station our officers observed six male subjects dressed in dark clothing exit and begin walking down Holmdel Rd.”

It was when the six individuals changed directions to enter the Chestnut Ridge area of Holmdel that the group split up at approximately 2:03 a.m., with three subjects heading back to Hazlet. Holmdel police officers attempted to stop the three other individuals, but they fled on foot.

One individual was arrested at the scene near Holmdel Road and Crape Myrtle Drive and was arrested for obstruction. The three Hazlet-bound subjects, all identified as Newark juveniles, were stopped by officers and charged with a curfew violation.

The remaining two subjects who fled near Chestnut Ridge were later found in a vehicle driving near the Chestnut Ridge area, according to Holmdel police. The two individuals who fled were arrested for obstruction, while a third passenger, who was found to be in possession of marijuana, was also arrested.

The vehicle was uninsured and unregistered, according to police. It was impounded at the scene.

“Again, we ask our residents to remain vigilant and contact us if you see or hear anything at night,” Hazlet police wrote. “Also remember to lock your car doors and take your keys.”

Holmdel and Hazlet police urge area residents with any information or video surveillance of suspicious activity to contact the Holmdel Police Department at (732) 946-4400 or the Hazlet Police Department Detective Bureau at (732) 264-1705.

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