TOMS RIVER, N.J. (AP) - Of all the driveways in all the towns in all of New Jersey, he pulls into this one.

Police in Toms River say a man who stole a car in nearby Beachwood nonchalantly turned onto a side street and pulled into a driveway in an effort to elude his pursuers.

There was only one problem: The driveway is at the home of Toms River Police Chief Michael G. Mastronardy.

It turns out Mastronardy was on his way home Wednesday when he received a call about the stolen car, and he and another officer were following it at the time.

The driver, George Parker of Bridgeton, got out of the car and was immediately confronted by police. He's been charged with auto theft.

Toms River has about 34,000 homes.





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Information from: Asbury Park Press, http://www.app.com



(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

AP-NY-11-27-08 1027EST