Monmouth Co. Man Found With Shoplifting Tools, Drugs: Police

MANALAPAN, NJ — A Manalapan man was arrested after being found asleep in a car with shoplifting tools and drugs, according to the Brick Township Police Department.

Christian Vatovec, 32, was charged with possession of shoplifting tools and several drug counts.

Police found him in a parking lot in Brick Township and arrested him last Friday.

Besides a large quantity of methamphetamine, police found Xanax, Suboxone and a hypodermic syringe.

Vavotec was also in possession of several shoplifting tools including devices used to remove security tags on merchandise, police said.

A large amount of electronics including laptops, drones, electric scooters and cell phones were found inside the vehicle, which police believed to be stolen from various department stores. Detectives are investigating the origin of the merchandise.

Vavotec was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, possession of paraphernalia for a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a syringe containing a controlled dangerous substance, possession of shoplifting tools, possession of xanax and possession of suboxone

Vatovec was taken to the Ocean County Jail but later released to await further court action.

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