Suspect trying to trade stolen car for drugs

A man working at M&M Beverage in Hardwick had his car stolen, and police said the suspect was trying to trade the car for drugs. Wendell C. Walbridge Jr, 37, of Morristown, failed to show up in Caledonia Superior Court for arraignment on a felony charge of aggravated vehicle operation without the owner’s consent. Judge Michael R. Kainen then issued an arrest warrant with bail set at $500. On July 15, at 1:38 p.m., Shawn Lincoln, 48, reported his car was stolen from M&M Beverage in Hardwick. Lincoln stated that he was at work, when Walbridge asked Lincoln if he could borrow a tool from Lincoln’s car. Lincoln handed him the keys to get the tool out. The vehicle was a white 2001 Volkswagen Jetta Wagon. Then, one of Lincoln’s co-workers saw the car leave and told Lincoln. Lincoln immediately called the Hardwick Police Department to report that Walbridge stole his vehicle.  Walbridge faces a possible sentence of five years in prison and a $2,000 fine.