On Friday, May 25, 2018, at approximately 11:02 p.m., Lacey Township Police Officers responded to the 1200 block of Spruce Street in Forked River, for a report of a dispute. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the victim, identified as a 47-year-old female from Forked River, who informed officers that during the dispute with the accused he discharged a firearm inside the residence. Officers attempted to contact the accused outside, however, he refused and re-entered the residence. Attempts were made to contact the accused with negative results. It was also determined there were no additional persons inside the residence. The Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, consisting of law enforcement officers from various agencies throughout Ocean County, was requested and responded to the scene. The SWAT team secured the area and attempted to make contact with the accused who was still inside the residence. Approximately three hours later, the accused, identified as 44-year-old Matthew C. Foulks, LKA of New Jersey Avenue in Browns Mills, New Jersey, was taken into custody by members of the SWAT Team without incident.
Matthew C. Foulks was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters and processed. He was later charged on a complaint warrant with Terroristic Threats, Criminal Restraint, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons, Simple Assault and Criminal Mischief. Matthew C. Foulks was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility to await a bail hearing. There were no injuries reported.
-Chief Michael C. DiBella