Galloway Officer Injured After Strong Arm Robbery Arrest in Motel Parking Lot

James J. Hastings Jr.

On Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 4:02 a.m., the Galloway Township Police Department received a 911 phone call from The Red Carpet Motel indicating that a strong arm robbery had just occurred in their parking lot.  

Upon police arrival, the victim, 29, of Woodstown, NJ, indicated that another male subject who was staying at the hotel forcibly stole his cell phone.  The victim was able to provide police with a description of the suspect as well as the room where he may be staying.

Police located the suspect, James J Hastings Jr. 23 of Lodi, NJ who was still in possession of the victim’s phone.  

Hastings refused to return the phone and refused to comply with the police when told that he was under arrest.  Hastings physically resisted arrest before being placed in custody.  

One officer received minor injuries from the incident and was transported to The Atlanticare Regional Medical Center Mainland Division for treatment. Officer Keith Smith was the arresting officer.

James J. Hastings Jr. was charged with numerous offenses including robbery and resisting arrest.  

He was lodged in The Atlantic County Justice Facility in lieu of $75,000 bail.  The stolen cell phone and hat were both recovered and returned to the victim.