Mount Olive police are searching for a man suspected of stealing money from a vending machine at a Budd Lake NJ gas station.

According to the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the theft occurred at the 76 gas station, which is located at 18 Route 46 in Budd Lake, New Jersey. The suspect reportedly broke into a vending machine at the gas station and stole an undisclosed amount of money.

Sometime after gas station workers noticed the damage to the vending machine, they notified the Mount Olive Police Department. Police officers were then sent to the scene to conduct an investigation.

Police obtained video surveillance footage that reportedly shows the suspect in the process of committing the theft.

According to law enforcement, the suspect is a heavyset white man who showed up at the gas station in a two-door sedan. He reportedly used an object to crack open the lock on the vending machine door and then took the component containing the money. After getting the cash, the suspect reportedly got into his vehicle and drove away.

When he allegedly committed the theft, the suspect was wearing a light blue shirt, dark blue pants, and white shoes.

If the suspect is eventually identified and apprehended, he would like face criminal charges for theft of movable property. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:20-3, theft can be classified as a third degree crime if the value of the stolen items is greater than $500. A conviction on third degree theft charges could lead to a sentence of 3-5 years in NJ State Prison.

Investigators have asked for the public’s help with the case. Anyone who has information about the suspect should get in touch with detectives at 973-691-0850.

For additional information about this case, see the NJ.com article entitled “Mt. Olive Police Looking for Thief Who Hit Vending Machine.”