Stafford Township, NJ – On August 7, 2025, at approximately 2:56 PM, Stafford Township Police Communications received information from an off-duty Lacey Township Police Officer regarding the location of a possible suspect wanted by Toms River Police Department for an aggravated assault incident.
Stafford Township Police Officers responded to 25 Route 9 South in Manahawkin, where they encountered an individual resembling the description of the wanted suspect, 33 year-old Christopher Therien who resides on Portebello Road in Jackson, NJ. Therien was wanted in connection with the stabbing of a healthcare worker.
On scene, Stafford officers were able to confirm Therien’s identity through tattoos after he provided them with false information. As officers attempted to place him under arrest, Therien attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended. He resisted officers but was ultimately taken into custody. A search incident to arrest resulted in the recovery of two firearms, ammunition, and a knife.
Therien was transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center to be treated for injuries sustained during the arrest. He was then transported to Stafford Township Police Headquarters to be processed and subsequently lodged in Ocean County Jail.
Christopher Therien was charged with the following:
- Hindering Apprehension 2C:29-3B(4)
- Obstruction of Justice 2C:29-1A
- Unlawful Possession of Firearms 2C:39-5D
- Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person 2C:39-7B(2)
- Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer 2C:12-1B(5)(A)
- Resisting Arrest 2C:29-2A(3)(B)
Patrolman Patrick Walker and Patrolman Caporrino were the arresting officers.
As a reminder, the Stafford Township Police Department does not release arrest photographs of defendants. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.