Stafford Police Charge Toms River Man With Theft Of Trailer

Stafford Police recently arrested a Toms River man and charged him with the theft of a trailer from the Ocean International Market on Route 9 in Manahawkin, Officer Christopher Fritz said.

Vilhelm H. Rasmussen IV, 48, was charged yesterday with third-degree theft after a resident called to tell police the suspect and the vehicle were both parked at the Wawa on Route 9 near Hilliard Boulevard. The caller had seen the Facebook post by Stafford police asking for help to identify a bronze Ford F350 full cab pickup and a man next to it.

Fritz and his K9 partner Ollie responded and positively identified Rasmussen as the man and the truck in the surveillance footage. He was taken into custody without incident, Fritz said.

Stafford Police were able to post three still photographs to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram - with a request to identify either the truck, the suspect, or both.

"Fortunately, the truck was unique in that it was a very particular color - a bronze Ford F350 full cab," Fritz said. "The Facebook post alone received over 55,000 views."

At headquarters, Rasmussen was processed, charged with third-degree theft and released pending a future court date in Stafford. The trailer was returned to its owners.

"The men and women of the Stafford Township Police Department would like to take a moment to thank our residents and the citizens around us who continually support us and assist us in the performance of our duties," Fritz said. "It's been said that "it takes a village", and that applies to many things. It certainly applies to community policing and the service of law enforcement. We realize the importance of having the public's support, and we witness the value in this every day. Solving crimes requires the full cooperation of the police and the public. Social media has changed the way all of us communicate, and it has certainly helped law enforcement on many occasions. We are grateful for it. Thank you to all of you who assisted with this incident."

Image: Stafford Township Police Department