Update: (5/9/2016 10:15 a.m.) – While the search efforts by state officials are focusing on Berkeley Township and north, Lacey PD is exercising caution and continuing to staff the areas of concern as well as extra patrols including quads, etc. NJSP advised Lacey PD that Arthur Buckel walked north on the GSP from the as early as 10 pm, 5/8/16. His believed departure from the township is now over 12 hours ago. Regardless, we are contining our precautions locally. The schools are not allowing outside activities as an extra precautionary measure. If any information becomes available to the contrary, we will advise the public.
Alert (5/9/16 6 a.m.) – On Sunday, May 8, 2016, just after 11 p.m. the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) notified the Lacey Township Police Department and the Berkeley Township Police Department that the NJSP were actively searching for Arthur Buckel who had reportedly last been seen at the Forked River Rest Area of the Garden State Parkway (GSP). The NJSP advised that Arthur Buckel had reportedly indicated a desire to turn himself in and had been making arrangements through family and the NJSP involving the rest area on the GSP but walked off prior to the arrival of the NJSP personnel.
Upon being notified of the search that was underway, both Lacey PD and Berkeley PD assigned personnel to assist in search efforts and assigned additional officers to patrol areas along the GSP. A command post was established in Berkeley Township at Bayville Fire Department where from the continuing efforts have been coordinated. The subject is believed to have initially moved north from the rest area on foot, but his movements thereafter are unknown. It is not known if he entered a vehicle at some point or is still moving on foot.
The New Jersey Department of Corrections and the NJSP are conducting the investigation with the assistance of the neighboring departments. As has been done throughout the night, both Lacey PD and Berkeley PD will have additional officers staffing the areas of concern, including the schools, during the morning hours and throughout the day.
Arthur Buckel is now clean-shaven and was last seen wearing a grey, long-sleeve sweatshirt; grey shorts; and work boots. The most recent photos are from the Forked River Rest Area prior to the initiation of a search by the NJSP on the night of Sunday, May 8, 2016.
District officials have been notified. While the focus of the search is on the west side of the GSP north and in Berkeley Township, the Lacey Township Police Department is assigning additional staff to the Mill Pond and Cedar Creek Schools along with extra patrols in the areas of concern for children at the bus stops. School personnel will be providing additional monitoring and supervision as well during the arrival of students. Parents are asked to take appropriate precautions while the children are at the bus stops.
Anyone who sees anything suspicious or believes they see Arthur Buckel should notify their local police department immediately. Additional information will be provided as it is available.