Manahawkin Police Report: Man Charged with Taking Car

A 31-year-old Barnegat man was arrested and charged with the unlawful taking of a car last week.

On Sept. 5, at approximately 3:45 p.m. Stafford Township police were dispatched to Leeward Drive for the report of a vehicle taken without consent.

While headed to the call, Stafford police observed the reported vehicle, a blue minivan, traveling on Route 72 eastbound in the area of Mermaid Drive.

The minivan then exited Route 72 east and entered the Lowes parking lot.

After making multiple loops around the parking lot, the vehicle came to a stop, police said.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as Jonathan Ford, was then arrested and charged. Ford was transported to the Stafford Township Police Department where he was processed and charged with unlawful taking of means of conveyance, eluding, obstruction, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance. Mr. Ford was lodged in Ocean County Jail in lieu of bail, and he is pending future court dates.

In other news, on Friday, Sept. 7, Stafford Township police  arrested and charged Steven Rowan, 19, of Manahawkin, for criminal mischief to a township police car.

Rowan was being investigated on Mill Creek Rd. for a possible fight when he punched the passenger door of a township patrol car, leaving a dent in the door, police said.  He was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and later released pending a court hearing in Stafford Township Municipal Court. He was also issued a township ordinance for disorderly conduct. Patrolman John Morrin was the arresting officer.

Also, Stafford Township police arrested and charged Scott E. Semchenko of Manahawkin on the strength of two outstanding warrants.  Semchenko was processed and released after posting full cash bail.