STOLEN CAR RECOVERED

NJSP, HPD find missing vehicle

HAMMONTON—The New Jersey State Police (NJSP) and Hammonton Police Department (HPD) worked together to find a stolen vehicle after the NJSP contacted the HPD at 5:30 a.m. on June 16, Hammonton Police Chief Kevin Friel said.

The Hammonton Police Department received a call from New Jersey State Police Red Lion that asked the HPD to go to an address in the 1000 block of Applefield Loop in reference to a vehicle located in their jurisdiction, Friel said.

The owner of the vehicle advised that his vehicle had been parked at a repair shop in the 300 block of S. White Horse Pike (Route 30) as he was attempting to get it repaired, Friel said.

The vehicle was found to be in the possession of Ryan Birch, 30, of Glendora, Friel said. Birch was involved with a call for service earlier in the evening in the prime block of the White Horse Pike, Friel said.

A blue backpack, which matched the exact backpack Birch had on his person, was located in a vehicle that was not taken in the 300 block of S. White Horse Pike, Friel said.

Birch was charged with two counts of burglary and one count of theft and will have to appear in Atlantic County Superior Court in Mays Landing, Friel said.

The vehicle that was taken was a 2002 Saturn four-door, Friel said, adding that the vehicle was taken between 12:15 a.m. and 5 a.m. on June 16. The vehicle was returned to the owner, Friel said.

Friel said Sgt. David Reustle is the charging officer, Friel said.

This report is comprised of arrests and investigations made by the men and women of local enforcement. All suspects and arrested are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.