The suspects also allegedly placed a phony 911 call to try to lure cops away from headquarters
GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP -- Four men have been charged with trying to steal a car from a police impound to prevent officer from finding drugs and a gun hidden inside the vehicle, police said Tuesday.
The Gloucester Township police said they found a suspicious car parked illegally in a fire lane at 3:44 p.m. on Aug. 23. Officers smelled marijuana coming from the car and charged the occupants on unrelated offenses, police said.
The car was towed to police headquarters and held in an impound lot behind the building. Around midnight, a man was seen on video surveillance trying to break into the car, but fled before officers could arrest him, police said.
Less than two hours later, two men were seen walking through the police headquarters parking lot before entering a vehicle and circling the building.
Police stopped the car and arrested four men inside. Police said the investigation determined the men were trying to steal the car and had also placed a phony 911 call about a fight involving an armed suspect in attempt to lure police away from headquarters. Investigators found a loaded .25-caliber handgun and marijuana in the impound car.
Andrew M. Jennings was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, possession of weapon, and false public alarm. Rhaman D. Smith Jr was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary, possession of a weapon, and a drug charge. Kevin J. Sager was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary. Maurice J. Wallace was charged with false public alarm and a drug offense.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.