The incident happened around 2 a.m. in Clementon, when three suspects attempted to enter a Dodge Durango, police said. Officers responding to the scene approached the vehicle as the suspects gained entry, and one officer ran up to the car and ordered them to the ground.
Instead, the suspects fled, police said. The suspect, who had been in the driver's seat, head-butted an officer as he escaped.
One suspect, identified as 49-year-old Russell Colistio of Philadelphia, was apprehended. The other two suspects remain at large.
Police said the investigation began after the homeowner noticed suspicious activity outside and quickly called 911.
"He was a vigilant homeowner who had an alert that his vehicle was attempting to be started," said Lt. Shaun McCann of the Clementon Police Department.
Authorities said Colistio was found with a gun, hollow-point bullets, and a key fob cloning device that police believe was used to access the vehicle. Investigators are working to determine whether the attempted theft is connected to other incidents in the area, as vehicle thefts have become more common in South Jersey.
Some residents said the incident has prompted them to take extra precautions.
"Moving forward, I think I'll be making sure my car is locked, windows all closed," said Victoria Sawyer of Gloucester Township.
"My complex got cameras. So I keep my doors locked and that's all," said Siani Lee of Clementon.
Police said surveillance footage has become a key tool in investigations like this one.
"The best thing for us that we can use are surveillance cameras and Ring cameras," McCann said. "Especially when somebody's going to get an alert that somebody is on your property."
Colistio is being held in Camden County. The officer who was assaulted suffered a minor facial injury and did not need to be hospitalized. Police said the suspect believed to be responsible for that assault is still on the loose.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Clementon Police Department.