Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Police ID Mahwah Mud Man

Ocean, NJ man was found Sunday afternoon naked, covered in mud and wandering through the woods in Mahwah

Mahwah police have identified a man who was , Mahwah Police James Batelli said Monday afternoon. 

say the mystery wanderer is Russell J. Cox, 36, of Ocean, NJ. According to Batelli, the Mahwah PD received a call at about 12:30 p.m. Monday from a man who recognized Cox from “past associations.” The caller recognized Cox’s face, and “distinct tattoos on his back and arm,” Batelli said. Police were able to confirm the caller’s identification through his driver’s license photo and the Motor Vehicle Commission, Batelli said.

Police have contacted family members who agreed to meet with physicians currently treating Cox at Bergen Regional Medical Center, Batelli said.

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Batelli said he could not give too many details on what may have prompted Cox’s bizarre trip to the township. “The family member was able to offer some insight into the actions of Mr. Cox, which will be addressed by his family,” he said.

Police are now looking for a gray Subaru Cox may have driven to Mahwah, he said.

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