LAKEWOOD, NJ – A minor gas theft earlier this month ended with criminal charges after a traffic stop in Lakewood led police to the suspect, authorities announced.
According to the Lakewood Police Department, officers responded to a local gas station on January 2 after a driver allegedly pumped about $20 worth of gasoline and left without paying, telling the attendant he would return with the money. When he failed to return, the employee provided officers with a transaction receipt and an image of the vehicle, which were documented by Patrolman Fink as part of the investigation.
The following day, January 3, Patrolman D’Angelo spotted the same vehicle traveling near River Avenue and Cross Street. A traffic stop was conducted, and the driver—later identified as 60-year-old Robert F. Nelson Jr. of Toms River—was found to have an active warrant. Nelson was taken into custody without incident.
Further investigation confirmed Nelson’s involvement in the gas theft, and he was charged with Theft of Services under $200, a petty disorderly persons offense under New Jersey statute 2C:20-2B(4)(A). He was released on a complaint summons pending a future court appearance.