Search Continues For Missing Couple In Stafford Township

STAFFORD, NJ — Police are continuing to investigate the whereabouts of a missing couple last seen on ATVs in the Pine Barrens of Stafford Township.

The two individuals were identified as Gary and Lorraine Parker, of the Warren Grove section of the township, police said. A search for the Parkers was conducted on Wednesday in a wooded area near County Road 539 and Warren Grove Road in Barnegat and Stafford Township.

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Stafford police announced Wednesday afternoon that the missing persons investigation was turned over to the Stafford Township Police Department’s Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

"We have completed our search of this area, which has included an extensive grid search by foot, ATVs, K9 dogs, drones, and air support. At this time, they have not been located," police said.

The search was initially launched Tuesday morning. Police have not stated how long ago the Parkers went missing.

Authorities urged hunters to be vigilant of the more than 100 searchers walking through the area on Wednesday morning.

The Stafford Township Police Department’s ATV unit had been conducting off-road searches of the Warren Grove area with assistance from the Ocean County Sheriff's Department and New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, police said.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the Parkers have been asked to contact police at 609-597-8581 or Detective Sergeant Neil McKenna at 609-597-1189, ext. 8440.

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