Mistaken Report Of Kidnapping Leads To Chase, Arrest In Manchester

MANCHESTER, NJ — A man who took off when Manchester police tried to question him about a report of a possible kidnapping on Tuesday has been charged following a police chase that ended in Berkeley Township, Manchester police said Wednesday.

Thomas Stevens, 67, of South Toms River, has been charged with obstruction of justice, eluding, resisting arrest, and hindering his own apprehension after the incident that began with a call to police about 3 p.m. of a woman being forced into a vehicle at the Wawa at 1180 Route 70, Capt. Albert Vega said.

Officer Brian Volk quickly located the vehicle, a black 2005 Chevy Tahoe, and pulled it over on Route 530. The driver, Stevens, refused to give Volk an explanation or his driver's license and instead, took off, he said.

Volk, with assistance from Officer Jason Wiener, found the Tahoe again and tried again to pull it over, but Stevens refused to stop, leading to the authorization of a motor vehicle pursuit because of the suspected kidnapping, Vega said.

The officers pursued Stevens through Berkeley Township and South Toms River into the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township, where Stevens was finally stopped, he said.

He refused to cooperate with officers and was arrested, Vega said.

During the investigation, officers determined the woman in the Tahoe was Stevens' wife and was not being taken against her will, Vega said.

Stevens was released on a summons and has been scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

"The Manchester Police Department takes all reports of potential kidnapping seriously and remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all community members," Vega said.