On the morning of Tuesday, September 10, the Middle Township Police Department responded to reports of an armed robbery on Kings Highway in the Clermont area. According to early reports, 2 thinly built Black males, 1 of whom was riding a dirt bike, burglarized the home and fired at the homeowner before fleeing the area.
There have been a rash of bike thefts in that area recently though at this time it is unknown if they are connected to this crime. The suspects are still at large and are considered armed and dangerous. The New Jersey State Police has dispatched air assets to assist in the search and the Dennis Township School District sent out an alert to all parents telling them to keep their kids inside, initially suspending bus service before ultimately closing school for the day.
UPDATE: At approximately 9:15am on 9/10 users on Facebook reported receiving Shelter in Place Warnings on their television sets, advising residents of Cape May County to remain indoors. We have not received this alert at this time, though it is probably still a good idea to do so either way. Police are asking that you call 911 if you see any suspicious activity, but do not approach.
UPDATE: The Middle Township Police Department has issued the following statement:
UPDATE: There are reports that one person of interest is in Police custody.
UPDATE [12pm, 9/10/24]: The Cape May County Sheriff’s Office has announced that law enforcement activity in the South Seaville / Clermont area has ended and that “there are no active threats to public safety.” There are some reports that both suspects have been apprehended but we cannot verify that at this time. No injuries have been reported in relation to this event.
UPDATE: NBC10 out of Philadelphia has a report about this incident including video from the home’s security cameras. You can view that here: https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/armed-thieves-stole-a-dirt-bike-in-dennis-township-prompting-temporary-shelter-in-place-order/3965460/
UPDATE [10:30am, 9/12/24]: According to Police, Jamar Antoine Lovett of Cape May Court House was arrested in connection with this incident and faces multiple charges including armed robbery, unlawful possession of a handgun, and aggravated assault. He was located in the Tamerlane Campground and is currently being held in the Cape May County Jail as the investigation continues. One suspect remains at large.
This is still a developing story and details may change. We will update with further information when it is available.
Edited to change status of Dennis Township Schools.
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Thank you for this very timely report.