Three Arrested After Authorities Locate Stolen U-Haul in Ocean County

Three Arrested After Authorities Locate Stolen U-Haul in Ocean County

During an early morning property check in Stafford Township police found a stolen U-Haul vehicle, and three Ocean County residents are facing charges, according to authorities.

While inspecting the ShopRite Plaza on Route 72 West at around 3:48 in the morning on March 7, Stafford Township Police Department Patrolman Ryan Cahill noticed a U-Haul box truck parked in the lot with two people inside.

Elizabeth I. Depasquale of Little Egg Harbor was the passenger, while Dominic A. Joa of Toms River was the driver, according to the police. Authorities said both were discovered dozing off in the taxi. After more research, it was discovered that the car had been reported stolen from Toms River.

A third, Shane M. Taggart of Ocean Gate, was also found by the officers hiding in the cargo section of the truck. According to authorities, Taggart had two active warrants: one from Lacey Township for contempt of court and another from the Ocean County Sheriff's Office for weapons charges.

Depasquale was accused of impeding apprehension and third-degree receiving stolen items. On a summons, she was freed until her next court date.

Joa and Taggart were placed in the Ocean County Jail for detention hearings after being accused of third-degree receiving stolen items.

Additional accusations, including fourth-degree receiving stolen goods, forgery, and criminal attempt, were brought against Joa after a court-approved search of the car on March 9. According to the police, Joa was found in possession of a stolen check and attempted to cash it illegally.

The public is reminded by authorities that unless proven guilty in court, all defendants are assumed innocent.