On Friday, October 27, 2017 at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers from the Manchester Township Police Department responded to Manchester Plaza on Route 70 to investigate the report of an unidentified male attempting to break into cars in the parking lot. Upon arrival, officers met with the caller who reported that he observed an unidentified white male attempting to make entry into multiple vehicles in the Lowes parking lot by trying to break out the windows. The caller advised the officers that the suspect was unsuccessful in doing so but was able to make entry into an unlocked vehicle in the lot. He reported that when he confronted the suspect as he was rifling through the vehicle’s glove box, that the suspect exited the vehicle, quickly pulled out a knife and pointed it at him. The caller advised the officers that he was able to flee the area and was not injured during the encounter. He also reported that the suspect fled the area in a tan minivan with Florida license plates. Despite being confronted by an armed assailant, the caller was able to provide officers with a description of the suspect and his vehicle but was only able to provide a partial license plate.
On November 8, 2017, the caller, who was again in the Manchester Plaza, observed the suspect and the vehicle from the original incident. This time, however, the caller was able to get the full license plate of the vehicle before the suspect left the parking lot. Patrolman Reilly, who took the initial report a week prior, responded back to the scene and met with the caller. With an updated physical description as well as a full license plate, Patrolman Reilly was able to make a positive identification of the suspect. He was identified as, 44-year-old, Shane W. Bowie of Sterling Street which is located in the Leisure Village West section of the Township.
On November 9, 2017, Patrolman Reilly, along with Detective Maccaquano, responded to the suspect’s residence to continue the investigation. Upon their arrival, they observed the suspect’s vehicle parked in front and confirmed the plate. The suspect, who met the officers at the front door, still had the knife in his possession. He was transported back to Manchester Police Headquarters without incident for further investigation. Upon completion, he was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Terroristic Threats, Simple Assault, Burglary and Criminal Attempt – Theft. After being processed and charged, Bowie was lodged in the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Residents are reminded that suspicious activity can be reported to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the “Tip Line” line.