Police Blotter ImageWeekly Police Blotter – Press Release

February 18th, 2014 thru February 23rd, 2014

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  • Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Sunday, February 23, 2014, at 12:09 a.m., Officer Robert Duffy and Officer Andrew Slota were assigned to a special drug enforcement detail when they encountered a vehicle at the Cedar Creek Railroad Trestle. The vehicle was occupied by three juvenile females and three adult males. Upon speaking with the occupants of the vehicle, the officers detected the odor of Marijuana and observed Marijuana in plain view on the center console of the vehicle. After further investigation, 20-year-old Justian Morales of 503 Knollwood Court in Lanoka Harbor was arrested. Justian Morales was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with possession of Marijuana, and released on a summons pending a court date. The juveniles were released to their parents at the scene.

  • Theft from a Vehicle – On Sunday, February 23, 2014, at 9:25 a.m., Officer Tsarnas responded to the 1600 block of Lakeside Drive South in Forked River in reference to a theft. The caller reported that an unknown person or persons entered her 2004, Ford Escort and stole a cell phone and wristlet containing $65 in cash, a N.J. driver’s license, and a TD Bank card. She reported that on February 23, 2014, she parked the vehicle at approximately 9:10 p.m. and when she returned to her vehicle approximately 15 minutes later she noticed that the two items were stolen. The vehicle was unlocked and the items that were stolen were on the passenger side seat. The total value of the theft is estimated at $342.

  • Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Friday, February 21, 2014, at 11:40 p.m., Officer Dimitri Tsarnas and Officer Michael Verwey were assigned to a directed drug enforcement patrol when they observed a drug transaction between the occupants of two vehicles on Maple Road near Laurel Boulevard. Officer Tsarnas and Officer Verwey followed one of the vehicles into the parking lot of Wawa, located at 701 Route 9 in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 25-year-old Melinda Goetchius of 46 Staysail Court in Bayville, NJ, for possession of CDS (Crack Cocaine). Melinda Goetchius was transported to police headquarters where she was processed and released on Criminal Summons pending a future court date. Melinda Goetchius was charged with possession of CDS (Crack Cocaine), possession of Marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Melinda Goetchius was also issued a summons for possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle.

  • Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Friday, February 21, 2014, at 11:46 a.m., Officer Michael Eden responded to the 300 block of Nautilus Boulevard in reference to someone aggressively banging on the door of a residence. The suspect left prior to the arrival of officers, but the caller provided the name of the suspect and the description of the vehicle he was driving. The caller informed officers that the suspect was on his way to 7-11, 403 Route 9 in Lanoka Harbor, to conduct a drug transaction. The suspect vehicle was stopped by officers on Route 9 near Liberty Way in Lanoka Harbor. The driver was identified as 57-year-old Salvatore Abruzzo Jr. of 513 Ocean Gate Avenue in Ocean Gate, NJ. Investigation at the scene led to the discovery of Marijuana. Salvatore Abruzzo, Jr. was placed under arrest and transported to Lacey Police Headquarters. Salvatore Abruzzo, Jr. was charged with possession of Marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of CDS in a motor vehicle. Salvatore Abruzzo Jr. was processed and released on a summons pending a court date.

  • Theft – On Thursday, February 20, 2014, at 5:50 p.m., Officer Tsarnas responded to the 200 block of Boox Street in reference to a theft. The caller reported that during the overnight hours an unknown person or persons stole over $1,000 worth of copper piping from the rear yard of his residence.

  • Criminal Mischief – On Saturday, February 22, 2014, at 9:05 a.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to the 1400 block of Jay Street in Forked River in reference to criminal mischief. The caller reported that during the overnight hours, an unknown person or persons keyed three of his vehicles which were parked in the driveway of the residence. The damage consisted of vulgar writing, symbols, and numerous deep scratches. The vehicles that were damaged included a 2007 Chevy Cobalt, a 2009 Volkswagen Bug, and a 2007 Honda Accord. The total damage is estimated at $2,000.

  • Dog Bite (Municipal Ordinance) – On Thursday, February 20, 2014, at 3:38 p.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to 4 Hollywood Boulevard South in Forked River in reference to an ambulance call. Andrea M. Costantini reported that she was walking on the Taylor Lane portion of the Ocean County walking/bicycle path with her 2-year-old son, when she was attacked by two dogs, described as black Labrador Retrievers. During the incident, Andrea Constantini was bitten on her wrist. The dogs were retrieved a short time later by a juvenile who brought the dogs to a residence which backs up to the walking/bicycle path. Andrea Constantini refused medical treatment. Investigation led to the identification of the owner of the dogs, 49-year-old David J. Hupke of Taylor Lane in Forked River. David Hupke was issued a township ordinance violation for unlicensed dogs. Animal control and the Ocean County Health Department were notified and are further investigating the matter.

  • Warrant (Arrest) – On Wednesday, February 19, 2014, at 11:30 a.m., 25-year-old Jessica Bates of 609 Beach Boulevard in Forked River posted bail at police headquarters on a $1,028 Wall Township failure-to-appear warrant for possession of CDS. Jessica Bates posted full cash bail and is awaiting a new court date.

  • Warrant (Arrest) – On Thursday, February 20, 2014, at 8:55 p.m., Officer Evan Androcy stopped a vehicle near the intersection of Route 9 and Haines Street in Lanoka Harbor for a traffic violation. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the passenger, 25-year-old John R. Knoeller Jr. of 17 Cedar Drive in Lanoka Harbor on two outstanding traffic warrants – a $350 South Toms River Municipal Court warrant and a $500 Clark Township warrant. John Knoeller Jr. was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and then transported to Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.

  • Attempted Burglary & Criminal Mischief (Business) – On Tuesday, February 18, 2014, Officer Robert Flynn responded to Pan Asia Restaurant located at 416 Route 9 South in Forked River in reference to an attempted burglary. The owner reported that an unknown person or persons attempted to enter the business between 11:00 p.m. on Monday, February 17, 2014 and 10:45 a.m. on Tuesday, February 18, 2014. The owner reported that when he opened up the business he observed that the rear door locks had been damaged. Officer Flynn observed that the door knob and deadbolt to the door had been damaged and removed. A 5-gallon bucket filled with tools and a large pipe wrench were found lying on the ground near the door. Access to the business had not been gained. Access was also attempted through an unlocked utility room door. Nothing was reported stolen or missing.