The following information was provided by the Medford Township Police Department.
On Friday, Nov. 25, at 8:20 a.m., Medford Township Police and EMS responded to a motor vehicle crash on Tabernacle Road near Forest Glen Drive. Additional information was provided indicating that an adult male and adult female fled the crash carrying a baby. The crash was serious in nature and the condition of the occupants that fled the scene was unknown. The New Jersey State Police, Mt. Holly Police, Lumberton Police as well as a K9 from the Evesham Police Department assisted Medford Police. The subsequent investigation revealed that Richard Scott III was the driver of the vehicle. Patricia Scott and their 17-month -old baby also occupied the vehicle.
They fled the scene due to having suspended driver’s licenses and outstanding arrest warrants. Child Protection and Permanency was contacted and with their assistance the child was located, approximately eight hours after the crash, and received treatment at Virtua Hospital. The Diamondback Trading Post in Southampton employs Richard Scott III. The owner of the Diamondback Trading Post, Renee Shanafelt, resides on Mockingbird Way and concealed the subjects in the basement of her residence. Renee Shanafelt also instructed the subjects to change their appearance by shaving facial hair and changing clothes. She also instructed Richard Scott III to send text messages to act as an alibi for his location at the time of the crash.
On Saturday, Nov. 26, Richard Scott III was charged with numerous motor vehicle violations. Richard Scott III and Patricia Scott were also charged with obstructing the administration of law.
On Wednesday, Nov. 30, Renee Shanafelt was charged with two counts of hindering apprehension. New Jersey State Police from the Red Lion Barracks arrested Shanafelt at her residence. During the arrest, Shanafelt resisted arrest and was charged additionally with resisting arrest. Renee Shanafelt was transported to the Medford Township Police Administration Building where she was processed and released on $10,000 full bail.
On Sunday, Nov. 27 at 9:27 p.m., Medford Police stopped a black Smart car for driving without headlights through the parking lot of 178 Route 70 (Medford Center). The vehicle was stopped on Route 70 near Jones Road. The odor of burnt marijuana was emanating from within the vehicle. A search of the vehicle revealed a vaporizer suspected to contain illicit drugs, partially burnt marijuana cigarette, raw marijuana under 50 grams, glass smoking pipe and two 50 ml bottles of New Amsterdam Vodka.
The evidence was secured and the driver, a 17-year-old female and her female passenger were placed under arrest. The items were recovered from the juvenile and passenger’s purses. The passenger was later released after being charged with 2C:35–10a (4) possession of marijuana under 50g, 2C:33–15A possession of alcohol under 21, and 2C:36–2 possession of CDS paraphernalia. The juvenile was released to her mother and charged with 2C:35–10a (4) possession of marijuana under 50g and 2C:36–2 possession of CDS paraphernalia.
