Two Monmouth County people who allegedly crashed a stolen SUV in the woods of Manchester, ducked police, and triggered a preschool lockdown late Thursday morning, now face a lengthy list of charges.

George Noonan, 31, and Kristina Noonan-Bath, 32, of Laurence Harbor, were arrrested after a 45-minute search, according to township police.

The first officer to encounter the GMC Envoy that was reported stolen in Old Bridge was Patrolman Michael Terranova, at about 11 AM. Police said that the sport-utility vehicle sped off when he tried to direct it curbside.

Soon afterward, patrol officers on Manchester Boulevard at Wranglebrook Road stopped to speak with drivers who had pulled to the roadsides and peered into the adjoining woods.

The SUV apparently careened about 100 feet into the trees, authorities said. Police, finding no one inside, surmised that damage to the doors had jammed them shut, and that the occupants escaped through the windows.

Township officers in the Investigations, Patrol, Narcotics Enforcement and K-9 divisions swarmed the area, summoning airborne surveillance by New Jersey State Police and a K-9 team from the Ocean County Sheriff's Office.

The search necessitated sheltering in place at the As We Grow Childcare center, police said. A text alert warned of the road closure and advised recipients to avoid the area. The pair was found waslking Wranglebrook Road.

Police charged George Noonan with possession of hypodermic needles and drug paraphernalia, receiving stolen property, eluding, and hndering apprehension. They allege that Noonan is the subject of numerous no-bail warrants.

Kristina Noonan-Bath was arrested on the strength of warrants totalling $5,500 from several jurisdictions, police said. They were remanded to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River.

The crash is under investigation by Traffic Safety Officer Douglas Higgins.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.

More From Beach Radio