Can’t Blame It All On the Dog, Say Toms River Police

A dog found a poor spot to mark some territory - inside a clothing store, say Toms River police, who now seek a Jackson woman believed to be the owner on charges of eluding and obstruction.

Theresa M. Tumbleson, 35, is identified as the individual whose dog urinated on 14 dresses and 11 pairs of pants in the Lane Bryant shop on Hooper Avenue Monday afternoon, police said. She was identified by physical description and the license plate of the Chevrolet Malibu which scooted off when officers arrived, police said.

Store workers reported at about 1 PM that a woman entered the store with a small dog, which proceeded to relieve itself on the clothing and leave damage estimated at about $2,000, authorities said.

She became combative when asked to leave, but was seen peeling out of the lot in the Chevy, running several red lights with cops in pursuit, sirens blaring and lights flashing, police said.

Police stopped the pursuit out of consideration that wet, slick road surfaces posed an unnecessary public safety hazard, but signed charges, and have more to be filed regarding the ruckus inside the store, police said.

If you know Theresa or her whereabouts, police are still looking for her. Reach Officer Carl Basile through the Toms River Police Department Facebook page, or by phone at 732-349-0150, extension 1348.