SHREWSBURY, NJ – A routine stop at a gas station turned into a nightmare for one driver on Friday night when a thief brazenly stole their vehicle in Monmouth County. The shocking event, captured on surveillance footage, unfolded at around 8:30 p.m. at a Shell Station located on Newman Springs Road.
The security video shows a suspect exiting a white BMW X5 with Pennsylvania license plates. The individual discreetly maneuvered out of sight of both the station attendant and the driver of the targeted black car. As the driver paid for gas, the thief seized the opportunity, slipping into the driver’s seat of the black car.
Initially, the car owner attempted to confront the suspect, but a brief struggle ensued. The victim, possibly fearing the suspect might be armed, soon backed away, allowing the thief to make a quick getaway. Both the BMW and the stolen vehicle sped off, heading west on Newman Springs Road towards the Parkway. The entire incident was over in just 30 seconds.
Witnesses who viewed the video for the first time expressed shock and concern. “It looks like they’ve done this before,” one woman commented, highlighting the suspect’s apparent confidence and skill. Another added that such incidents are alarming because they suggest a level of professionalism among car thieves.
Despite recent statistics from Governor Murphy indicating an 11% decrease in vehicle thefts in 2024—the lowest in three years—this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat. Many residents are accustomed to hearing about cars being stolen overnight while parked, but this bold daytime theft was particularly unsettling.
One bystander shared that their initial instinct would be to fight back against the thief. However, they acknowledged the need for caution, especially if the suspect is armed. Police have noted that the victim’s retreat might have been due to the belief that the assailant was carrying a weapon.
Authorities are urging anyone who might have information about the incident to contact Red Bank police. As investigations continue, the community remains on high alert, wary of the potential for similar crimes.