Cops in Manahawkin, New Jersey, were surprised to find much more than they were looking for after apprehending a suspected shoplifter last week.
In a surprising sequence of events, Stafford Police detained a man involved in a recent shoplifting incident.
On June 1, around 6:00 PM, officers were alerted to a shoplifting incident at ShopRite, located at 297 Route 72 West.
The suspect, identified as 23-year-old Matthew Keithley from Mays Landing, New Jersey, was found nearby with a reusable shopping bag. During the interaction, a fawn peeked out from the bag, leading officers to detain him for illegal possession of a deer. Keithley initially provided false identity information and attempted to escape on foot but was swiftly captured.
Upon arrest, Keithley was found in possession of suspected crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia. Further checks revealed two outstanding warrants for his arrest in Atlantic County. He has been charged with illegal possession of a deer, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest by flight, and providing false information to a law enforcement officer.
When police inspected his bag, they found a fawn stuffed inside and he was charged for illegal possession of the deer.
Keithley is currently being held at Ocean County Jail, and the fawn was safely returned to its natural habitat. Officer Moslowitz was credited with the arrest.