Chatty Beer Guzzler Makes Off with Car, Police Say

It’s not just illegal to leave your engine idling in front of a convenience store—it can prove too tempting to a beer-drinking, cell phone using thief too.

One car owner learned this the hard way Friday night, said.

The driver left the car running and went into the 7-11 on Blackwood Clementon Road at 11:45 p.m. A thief, later identified as Eric J. Crager, of Oriole Place, Clementon, then made off with the car, according to reports.

Police spotted the vehicle minutes later on the Black Horse Pike and pulled it over. Crager, 41, exited the car while drinking a beer and chatting on a cell phone, police said. He also refused to comply with officers’ orders and engaged in a brief struggle before police put him under arrest.

Crager was charged with motor vehicle theft, resisting arrest and DWI, plus several motor vehicle summonses. He was sent to the Camden County Jail in default of $25,000 bail.

The car was returned to its owner undamaged.