Galloway Police Capture Man Who Crashed Car Stolen From Hammonton Following Pursuit

Galloway Township Police arrested a Newfield man who crashed a car that had been stolen from Hammonton about a month ago following a pursuit on Friday, Nov. 23, police said Friday afternoon.

John E. Hamlett, 30, of Northfield, was charged with possession of stolen property, obstruction of justice and several motor vehicle offenses, including reckless driving, driving while suspended, two charges of leaving the scene of an accident and two charges of failure to report an accident.

The arrest was made after Galloway Cpl. Gerald Houck observed a 2012 Mazda 6 with New York plates Galloway Police described as "suspicious" parked outside a residence near the intersection of Moss Mill Road Leipzig Avenue at 9:48 Friday morning.

He stopped and made contact with Hamlett, who said he was lost and asked for directions, police said. Hamlett then got in the car and hit a tree while attempting to leave the driveway, according to police. Hamlett then turned west on Moss Mill Road and fled, as Houck identified the car as having been reported stolen in Hammonton on Oct. 30, according to police.

Houck located the Mazda a short time later, just east of Bremen Avenue, police said. Hamlett had lost control of the car as he was travelling through a curve in the road, crossed the middle line and struck several trees, police said. Hamlett fled on foot, and several units reported to the area, police said.

Officer Daniel Choe spotted Hamlett emerging from a wooded area along Moss Mill Road a short distance away, police said. Police captured Hamlett, and the car was towed from the scene with extensive damage, police said.

Hamlett was transported to the Atlantic County Justice Facility, police said. His bail was set at $50,000 cash.