Suspicious Person Ran From Police In Area Of Tire Slashings: Cops

MANVILLE, NJ — Authorities are investigating a suspicious incident early Monday morning that may or may not be connected to the recent tire slashings in the borough.

While an officer was patrolling on North Side streets overnight they saw someone wearing dark clothing or a hoodie, Chief Mark Peltack said.

This is the same area of Manville where more than 155 cars had their tires slashed in three separate incidents in the past three months. (See Related: Serial Manville Tire Slasher Strikes Again: 80 Cars, 130 Tires)

The person did not stop and instead ran from police. Police chased the person around the same area between 1:45 and 3:30 a.m. on Monday before the suspicious person was able to escape, Peltack said.

No tires were found slashed.

Although this person was in the same area where the three tire slashing crimes occurred, Peltack said he is not sure at the moment if this person is connected to them.

Police sent out an alert to residents early Monday morning about the incident to try and get help in identifying this person.

Anyone with information or surveillance video is being asked to contact Manville Police at 908-725-1900 or anonymously via Crime stoppers 888-577-8477 (TIPS).

Tire Slashings

The most recent incident occurred on Aug. 22 between midnight and 3 a.m. where about 80 more cars (around 130 tires) had tires slashed within the northwest section of Manville Borough, specifically the areas of North 3rd Avenue and North 13th Avenue, between Knopf Street and Dukes Parkway, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson.

This was the third time this has happened in the borough. Previously 35 cars were slashed overnight on Aug. 2 on Green and Bleecher streets between North 13th Avenue and North 9th Avenue.

On June 11, 40 cars were also targeted in the north side of town where the tires were slashed and one was found burned.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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