![Cops: Rio Grande Woman Attempts to Elude Police in Stolen Box Truck](https://townsquare.media/site/564/files/2019/10/Police-Lights.jpeg?w=980&q=75)
Cops: Rio Grande Woman Attempts to Elude Police in Stolen Box Truck
Cops in Middle Township say a woman has been arrested after she crashed a stolen box truck into a van Tuesday morning.
Middle Township Police say at around 8:45 Tuesday morning, an officer observed a box truck with West Side Meats on the side traveling north on Route 9 with smoke coming from the vehicle. While following the truck, cops say the driver ran a red light at Route 9 and Indian Trail.
With additional officers following the truck, it continued up Route 9 on to Stone Harbor Blvd. and then onto the Garden State Parkway. Once on the Parkway, the truck exited at exit 25 where it went through a red light and crashed into an Atlantic City Electric van, causing it to overturn.
At the accident scene, authorities say 28-year-old Melissa Lapworth of Rio Grande was arrested for eluding and she was placed in the custody of troopers from the New Jersey State Police. Police say Lapworth was also found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
The driver of the van, who reported no injuries, was taken to Cape Regional Medical Center as a precaution.
Further investigation revealed that the box truck had been stolen from Westside Wholesale Distributors on Railroad Avenue in Rio Grande.
This case is still currently being investigated and charges are pending.
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