MV Accident- On Thursday, April 30, 2020, at 4:00 p.m., officers responded to a wooded area near Eno’s Park in reference to an injury. Officers discovered that two juveniles riding a quad lost control and collided with a tree. Both victims were transported to hospitals for non-threatening injuries.
Arrest- On the afternoon of Friday, May 1, 2020, detectives arrested Jeni McDaniel in reference to a theft. The case originated on March 15, 2020 when a Forked River resident reported losing her purse and wallet at TJ Maxx. The investigation revealed that McDaniel was responsible for removing the purse and it’s contents from the store after finding it ultimately leading to her arrest. In addition to the criminal charge of theft, McDaniel was wanted by three jurisdictions including Lacey, Trenton, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department for outstanding warrants. The warrants totaled $6,000. McDaniel was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
DWI- On Saturday, May 2, 2020, at 8:25 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop on Challenger Way. During the stop, the driver was determined to be under the influence and arrested. Jonathan Laureigh, 22, was charged with DWI and Reckless Driving.
Dispute- On Sunday, May 3, 2020, at 3:46 p.m., Officer Alan Abrecht took a report involving an altercation. The caller reported that he and his wife were threatened by three male subjects during a dispute over a traffic issue. The matter is under further investigation.
DWI- On Sunday, May 3, 2020, at 10:01 p.m., Officers Patrick Watkins and Michael Hein responded to the Laurel Boulevard area for a possible dispute. Officers located a vehicle suspected to be involved and made a motor vehicle stop on Lawrence Drive. After further investigation, the driver, Ashlynn Kicki, was arrested for DWI. Kicki, 26, was charged with DWI and Reckless Driving.
Attempted Burglary- On Monday, May 4, 2020, at 12:45 p.m., Officer Alan Abrecht met with a Forked River business owner who reported an attempted burglary at his business. The victim reported that on Saturday, May 2nd, a sole male suspect damaged his building and attempted to break in. The footage was used to quickly identify the actor as a local juvenile.
Arrest- On Monday, May 4, 2020, at 1:53 p.m., dispatch received a call from employees of Chase Bank in reference to a threatening customer. Bank staff reported that after the suspect left the drive thru, he came into the foyer and was threatening to kill the employees. Officer Jason Lee arrived and witnessed the suspect, Thomas Vance, 41, driving recklessly from the parking lot. During a traffic stop on Eagleswood Place, Vance was arrested for DWI. Vance was ultimately charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, Terroristic Threats, and False Public Alarm. Vance was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in accordance with bail reform.
DWI- On Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at 6:50 p.m., officers along with the Forked River Fire Department responded to a reported motor vehicle accident on Route 9 near Oyster Creek. The driver, Robert Ewan, apparently left the roadway striking a utility pole. Ewan, who was uninjured, was placed under arrest after officers deemed he was under the influence. He was charged with DWI and Reckless Driving.
Threats- On Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at 9:04 p.m., Officer Patrick Watkins met with a Forked River resident in reference to threats. The female caller stated that while walking on Conifer Drive she passed three men conversing in front of a residence. As she passed, a comment was made toward her about not wearing a mask. One of the men reportedly made a threatening gesture. The men were identified and denied the allegation.
Burglary- On Tuesday, May 5, 2020, Officer Matthew D’Antonio took four separate reports in reference to vehicle burglaries. Each victim, all who reside in the Oakfield section of Lanoka Harbor, reported that their unlocked vehicles were entered during the early morning hours of Monday, May 4th. Victims reported personal items and cash stolen. Any residents in the area with information should contact Detective Brian Flynn.
Fire- On Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at 8:15 a.m., Officer Noah Schaffer and members of the Forked River Fire Department responded to a Commodore Drive home in reference to a fire. A small fire that originated at the outside of the residence damaged the vinyl siding but no structural damage occurred. The Ocean County Fire Marshal deemed the incident accidental.