DWI- On Thursday, December 26, 2019, at 2:43 p.m., Officer Anthony Ravallo conducted a motor vehicle stop in the Lacey Mall parking lot. During the stop, Officer Ravallo determined that the driver, William Culver, 63, was under the influence. Culver was charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Wear a Seatbelt.
Stolen Vehicle- On Thursday, December 26, 2019, at 9:15 p.m., Officers Elton Copes and Brian Holt responded to a Bamber Lake residence in reference to the recovery of a stolen vehicle. Once there, they met with the complainant and his recovered vehicle. The victim reported that while having a gathering at his Manchester Township home, a partygoer took his Ford van without consent. The suspect could not be located and the van was returned without damage.
Fraud- On Friday, December 27, 2019, at 7:40 p.m., Officer Bruce Carver met with a Lacey resident who reported fraudulent charges. The victim stated that an unknown suspect opened a Pay Pal account using his personal information and made a $709 Internet purchase.
Warrant Arrest- On Friday, December 27, 2019, at 10:41 p.m., Officer Bruce Carver arrested Robert Caballero, 46. The arrest was made in connection with an outstanding warrant issued by the Hudson County Sheriff’s Department. Caballero was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail.
Theft- On Saturday, December 28, 2019, at 5:15 p.m., a 47 year-old man reported being assaulted on the Rail Trail near the Lacey Business Park. The victim reported that while riding north on the trail, unknown suspects pushed him down and stole his bicycle. The victim was also the suspect in an earlier investigation involving an assault and criminal mischief on the trail.
Fire- On Sunday, December 30, 2019, at 4:20 p.m., Officer Elton Copes responded to Eno’s Park in reference to a fire. The caller reported that upon entering the park bathroom he discovered a fire in the garbage can. The Forked River Fire Department and the Ocean County Fire Marshal responded. The fire caused minimal damage.
Arrest- On Tuesday, December 31, 2019, at 4:45 p.m., Officer Dan Ricciardella conducted a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Route 9 and First Street. During the stop, it was discovered that the driver, Dillon Dittenhofer, 33, was driving while his privileges were suspended. Additionally, three municipal court warrants were discovered from Lacey Township, Stafford Township, and Ocean Gate. Dittenhofer was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,614.
Fire- On Thursday, January 2, 2020, at 4:22 a.m., Lacey Police responded to a 911 call for a reported structure fire. Upon arriving at the Constitution Drive residence, Officer Patrick Watkins observed flames on the exterior of the home. The Lanoka Harbor and Forked River Fire Departments responded to extinguish the fire. The sole occupant of the home escaped without injury. The fire appeared to start on the exterior of the home and spread inward causing extensive damage. Detective Brian Flynn and the Ocean County Fire Marshal are investigating the cause and origin of the fire.