DENNIS TOWNSHIP, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — Police brought one man into custody and are searching for a second suspect in connection with a stolen dirt bike and gunfire in Dennis Township, Cape May County on Tuesday, which led to a manhunt and school closures.
Jamar Antoine Lovett, 28, of Cape May Court House, was arrested and is facing weapons, robbery, assault and other charges, New Jersey State Police said on Wednesday.
Around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a shooting at a home on Kings Highway in Dennis Township.
A resident saw two men stealing his dirt bike from his garage, so he chased after them into the woods. The suspects shot at him but he was not hit, police said.
According to NBC10, the thieves first broke into the victim’s garage and took a wallet, a gun and keys to a trailer, where the bike was stored.
As police searched for the two suspects — with K9s on the ground and a state police helicopter in the air — the Dennis Township School District canceled classes and asked families to keep their kids inside. Some students, who are part of a before- and after-school care program, were already dropped off, so those students were able to shelter in place in a secure location with staff, the district said.
Lovett was located at the Tamerlane Campground, but there was no sign of the second person involved, state police said.
Over the last few days, at least three dirt bikes were reported stolen in Dennis Township, but police have not said if the incidents are connected.
NBC10 is a broadcast partner of KYW Newsradio.