Ocean Township, NJ – In a dramatic turn of events on February 16th, 2024, Ocean Township Police apprehended a man following a motor vehicle crash and subsequent foot chase. The incident began around 3:00 pm when officers were dispatched to Green Grove Road and Ascot Drive after reports of a crash. Witnesses reported seeing the driver, later identified as Frank E. Kopec, fleeing the scene on foot with a backpack.
Thanks to photographs provided by a witness, officers, with the assistance of the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit, located Kopec walking on Cold Indian Springs Road. Although Kopec had abandoned his backpack, a search of the area led officers to discover it hidden in nearby woods. Inside, law enforcement found several pieces of drug paraphernalia and a stolen handgun.
Kopec faces multiple charges, including Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Unlawful Possession of Hollow Point Ammunition, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by Certain Persons, Receiving Stolen Property, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, along with several motor vehicle violations. Following his arrest, Kopec was taken to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, where he awaits an initial court appearance.