LAKEWOOD – A reported drive-off at a local gas station resulted in theft charges for a Toms River man after police located the suspect vehicle during a routine patrol, authorities said.
Police identified the suspect as Robert F. Nelson Jr., 60, of Toms River.
Officers in Lakewood were called on January 2 after Nelson allegedly pumped about $20 worth of gasoline and left without paying, telling an employee he would return with the money. Police said he never came back.
The station employee provided investigators with a receipt and an image of the vehicle involved. The incident was documented as part of an investigation handled by Patrolman Michael Fink, according to police.
The following day, Patrolman Nicholas D’Angelo spotted the suspect vehicle near River Avenue and Cross Street while on patrol. After conducting a traffic stop, officers determined the registered owner, identified as Robert F. Nelson Jr. had an active warrant and took him into custody.
Further investigation linked the driver to the earlier gas theft.
Nelson was charged with theft of services under $200 and issued a complaint summons. Authorities noted that all charges are accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
