Missing Man Found After Evading Brick Police in Overnight Kayak Chase

A man who had been reported missing has been located after police initially came upon him around 3 a.m. Monday near the parking area adjacent to Forge Pond off Route 70.

According to a statement from police, patrol officers encountered a man, later identified as Christopher Therien, sleeping in the Forge Pond parking area located off the state highway.

“While the officers were speaking with Christopher, advising him of the park rules and hours of operation, he suddenly ran towards the water and jumped in,” the statement said. “Christopher then swam across Forge Pond, ultimately taking a resident’s kayak from their backyard, and paddled west into a wooded area located behind the Ocean County Golf Course.”

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Further investigation revealed that Therien had been previously entered into the National Database as a missing and endangered person. As of 2 p.m., multiple state, county, and municipal agencies continue to search for Therien, with police posting via social media that he was later located.

“At no time was the public at risk or compromised in any way,” the statement said.

Police Chief David Forrester thanked Brick O.E.M., Brick E.M.S., and the Breton Woods & Pioneer Hose Dive Rescue teams, along with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and the New Jersey State Police, all of which assisted in the search.