Middletown Man Lured Girl, 14, Police Say

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — Middletown Police say they charged a local man with trying to lure a 14-year-old girl on Saturday.

At 4:22 p.m. Saturday, May 28, Middletown Police responded to the area of Prospect Avenue in the North Middletown section, for a report of a man attempting to lure a juvenile girl.

Middletown Police Officers quickly responded to the area and located the victim, a 14-year-old girl, who was safe and physically unharmed.

Patrolman Julian Reis was able to locate the suspect vehicle, a blue Chevy Cobalt, based upon information provided by the victim and witnesses. As a result of the on-scene investigation, the suspect, Jason Klitch, 32, of Middletown, was taken into custody.

Klitch was charged with one count of luring/enticing a child, which is a second-degree crime. Klitch was also charged with the third-degree crime of child endangerment.

He was lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in Freehold.

“The safety and protection of our children, who are often the most vulnerable members of society, is of paramount importance and one of our highest priorities," said Middletown Police Chief R. Craig Weber. "Fortunately, the victim in this case was alert to her surroundings, and immediately called the police. I would also like to acknowledge and commend the quick response and outstanding police work by the Middletown Police Officers who apprehended this individual.”

The Middletown Twp. Police thanks the public for their assistance in this incident. Anyone with information about this case or other related incidents is asked to contact Detective First Class Adam Colfer at (732) 615-2048.