Police Seeking Public’s Help Locating Westampton Man Accused of Assaulting Elderly Neighbors, Stealing Their Car


                      

 

UPDATE, 8/4/21 @ 9:16 p.m.: Rhys Lershe was located and taken into custody without incident tonight at approximately 7:45 p.m. in Millville, New Jersey. Criminal charges are pending. Additional information will be released tomorrow morning by the Westampton Township Police Department.

 

Burlington County Prosecutor Scott Coffina and Westampton Township Police Chief Stephen Ent are asking for the public’s assistance locating a man who allegedly broke into his elderly neighbors’ home overnight and assaulted them before fleeing in their vehicle.

Police are actively searching for Rhys Lershe, 44 of the 100 block of Winstead Drive. The investigation began after the couple called police at approximately 12:30 a.m. today and reported the assault.

The investigation revealed that Lershe entered their residence through a bedroom window and demanded the keys to their 2014 black Kia Optima. He then assaulted the couple before leaving in the car. The victims were transported to Cooper University Hospital in Camden and admitted for treatment.

The license plate of the vehicle, which is registered in New Jersey, is LJH89D. Anyone who spots it or has information on Lershe’s whereabouts is asked to call 911 or the Westampton Township Police Department at 609 267-8300.

The incident is being investigated by the Westampton Township Police Department and the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office.   

2021-63 Westampton Township Assault

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