Virginia man facing more than just driving charges in Stafford Township
Being involved in a minor three car crash Monday night around 9:55 pm may be the least of a Virginia man's problems.
Stafford Police say Christian Zolea, 27, of Hampton, Virginia got out of a 2016 Lincoln he had stolen from New York City and fled following the crash by the Wawa on Route 9 North in Manahawkin near Cedar Bridge Road.
He then stole keys from a home he entered on Route 9 North and "forcibly" took that persons keys to their 2007 GMC pickup around 10:47 pm.
The resident was not injured in the confrontation.
Stafford Police continued their search through the night.
Zolea tried fleeing a third time when police cornered him, but instead was placed in handcuffs after he crashed the truck into a tree in the woods behind a hunting lodge on Taylor Lane in Barnegat Township around 11:00 pm.
Zolea is charged with Burglary, Theft, Robbery, Possession of Stolen Property, Eluding, Resisting Arrest, Reckless Driving, Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident and Failure to Maintain Lane.
He was then brought to and lodge in the Ocean County Jail.
Stafford Police were assisted by Officers with the Barnegat Township Police Department.
The public is reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations, and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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