By Matt Gray
Source nj.com
A police officer was struck by a vehicle and dragged after trying to stop a man stealing a catalytic converter, police reported.
The incident occurred shortly before 3:30 a.m. Friday on Main Street in Keyport after police received a call about someone trying to steal the device from a vehicle.
The man struggled with the officer and was then able to get into what was described as a light gray or silver, older model four-door sedan.
“In the struggle, the vehicle struck and dragged the officer as it was fleeing the scene,” police stated in a Facebook post about the incident, which included an image of the suspect.
The officer is “ok and recovering,” the post noted.
Anyone with information about the incident or the suspect is asked to contact Keyport Police Department Detective Robert Hassmiller at 732-264-0706.
Thefts of catalytic converters have been on the rise lately. They can cost several thousand dollars and are prized for their precious metals, including platinum and rhodium.
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