The Ocean County Prosecutor says the suspect involved in an exchange of gunfire with Tuckerton Police Thursday morning was arrested at Penn Station in New York just after 8pm last night.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer says Miguel Angel Villegas, 29, of New Haven, Connecticut was taken into custody at the station by US Marshals and members of the New York City Police Department.

Billhimer says a massive manhunt began after Villegas exchanged gunfire with a Tuckerton police officer after a traffic stop at 10:22am Thursday. Villegas was  a passenger in the vehicle that fled a motor vehicle stop near Route 9 and North Green Street. A crash occurred with another vehicle and Villegas left the scene on foot.

Billhimer says the officer involved in the shooting was not injured.

“Villegas will be charged with Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Handgun for an Unlawful Purpose,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “It is my understanding that Villegas is wanted out of Connecticut. We will be seeking extradition from New York to bring him back here to Ocean County to face these charges,” Prosecutor Billhimer added.

"This was truly a team effort. The public can rest easy tonight knowing the men & women of law enforcement worked through the day into tonight to bring Villegas into custody peacefully,” Prosecutor Billhimer added.
“Even though Villegas is in custody, this remain an ongoing investigation. More details will be released as they become available,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.

 

 

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