Shooting, Dirt Bike Theft Closed Jersey Shore School: Police

DENNIS TWP., NJ — One suspect has been charged and another is still at large in connection with a shooting and dirt bike theft in a Cape May County town this week that caused a school district to close for the day, New Jersey State Police said.

Earlier this week, the Dennis Township School District announced that there would be no classes held due to a "threat in the area." Read more: 'Threat In Area' Closes Jersey Shore School District Tuesday

"We remained in regular contact with the State Police about the developing situation. As you know, due to the continued threat of danger, we canceled school for the day," district Superintendent Susan S. Speirs said in a letter home to families.

At about 5:30 a.m. on Sept. 10, police responded to a shooting at a Kings Highway home in Dennis Township, a New Jersey State Police spokesperson told Patch.

The victim saw two people stealing a dirt bike and confronted one of them, police said. That suspect fled into the woods on foot and the victim chased after him, and reported being shot at, police said.

An investigation identified one of the suspects as Jamar Antoine Lovett, 28, from Cape May Court House, police said. Lovett was found in the Tamerlane Campground in Cape May Court House, police said.

He was charged with unlawful possession of a handgun prior NERA (No Early Release Act) conviction, armed robbery, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, aggravated assault, certain person not to have weapon prior conviction, burglary, theft and conspiracy. He sits in Cape May County Jail pending a detention hearing.

The second suspect remains at large, police said. No information was given regarding the identity of the second suspect. Police are continuing to investigate the situation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the NJSP Troop “A” Woodbine Station at (609) 861-5698. Anonymous tips are welcome.