Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – November 29th through December 5th, 2019
CDS Arrest- On Friday, November 29, 2019, at 12:49 p.m., Officers Michael Hein, Darrell Nick, and Dan Ricciardella responded to the parking lot of Walmart after a caller reported possible drug activity. As officers arrived they made contact with David Michaelson of Matawan and Robbiejo Ewan of Rahway. While speaking with the two, officers noticed drug paraphernalia on the floor of the vehicle. Both suspects were placed under arrest and a further search revealed an amount of heroin and additional paraphernalia. Both suspects were charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Michaelson was also issued a summons for Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle. Both were released on their own recognizance in accordance with bail reform.
Juvenile Delinquency- On Friday, November 29, 2019, at 4:30 p.m., officers responded to a wooded area behind Heritage Apartments for a juvenile problem. Officers located three juvenile males, all from Lacey, who appeared to be lighting fires in the area. Each was charged with Criminal Mischief and released to their respective parent.
Fires- On Friday, November 29, 2019, at 6:50 p.m., Officer Randy Plis responded to a Dogwood Lane residence for a reported fire. It appeared that a small fire had originated inside the oven and was extinguished prior to his arrival. The Forked River Fire Department and Lacey First Aid also responded.
DWI- On Friday, November 29, 2019, at 11:00 p.m., officers responded to the parking lot of Wawa, 701 Laurel Boulevard, for a driver asleep in her vehicle. Once arrived, officers located Gabrielle Chavalier, 46, asleep at the wheel of her running vehicle. Chavalier was ultimately charged with DWI and Reckless Driving. She was also charged criminally with Obstructing.
Arrest- On Saturday, November 30, 2019, at 2:57 a.m., officers responded to a Hilltop Drive residence during an investigation. While interacting with Jamie Moffett, 43, officers attempted to place her under arrest during which she resisted. Moffett was charged with Obstructing the Administration of Law and Resisting Arrest. She was released pending a Court appearance.
Theft- On Saturday, November 30, 2019, at 11:14 a.m., Officer Darrell Nick responded to a Route 9 business for a reported theft. The victim stated that during an unknown time since November 23, 2019, a catalytic converter was cut from a truck parked on the property. The theft is valued at $400.
Arrest- On Monday, December 2, 2019, at 10:41 a.m., officers were summoned to Gille Park for a reported assault. Officers met with an 18 year-old Bayville female who reported that she was involved in an altercation with another female. During the confrontation, the second female, Natalie Lees, 19, of Toms River, cut the fingers of the caller with a knife prior to fleeing the scene. Officer Andrew Slota charged Lees with Aggravated Assault, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. Lees arrived voluntarily at headquarters later in the day and was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in accordance with bail reform.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – November 22nd through November 28th, 2019
Theft- On Friday, November 22, 2019, at 1:20 p.m., Officer Anthony Ravallo met with a complainant reporting a theft. The victim reported that during an unknown date his Federal Hoffman custom bicycle was stolen. The bike is valued at $1,500.
Fraud- On Friday, November 22, 2019, at 2:00 p.m., Officer Michael Hein met with a Forked River resident who reported a fraudulent act. The victim stated that her eBay and PayPal accounts were hacked by an unknown person and her passwords were changed. Shortly thereafter, a purchase was made using the PayPal account in Winter Garden, Florida.
Criminal Mischief- On Friday, November 22, 2019, at 8:20 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to the Lacey Township Middle School in reference to criminal mischief. Staff reported that an unknown actor caused damage to the center mullion of a double door on the date of the report. The damage is estimated at $800.
Arrest- On Friday, November 22, 2019, at 9:04 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno made a motor vehicle stop on Haines Street. The stop was conducted after the vehicle’s registration revealed an active warrant for the owner. Robert Kovacs, 29, of Bayville, was arrested for a no-bail warrant and found to be in possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia. The warrant had been issued by the Detective Keith Pearce in connection with a residential burglary that occurred in September 2019. Kovacs was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
Arrest- On Saturday, November 23, 2019, at 5:16 p.m., Officer Michael Hein conducted a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Route 9 and Lakeside Drive. During the stop it was determined that a passenger, Heather McMillan, 36, of Waretown, was a wanted person. McMillan was placed under arrest in lieu of the New Jersey State Parole warrant and transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
Aggravated Assault- On Saturday, November 23, 2019, at 6:32 p.m., officers were dispatched to Walmart for the report of an intoxicated man. Upon arrival, officers met with Jason Stewart, 37, of Bayville, and his two-year old child. During the investigation, officers attempted to arrest Stewart as he resisted. Stewart was charged with Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Obstructing the Administration of Law, and Disorderly Conduct. He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
Arrest- On Monday, November 25, 2019, at 1:00 a.m., Officer Bruce Carver arrested 32 year-old Anthony Romanowski after he voluntarily arrived at Headquarters. Romanowski had an outstanding warrant issued by the Toms River Municipal Court. Romanowski was turned over to Toms River Police.
Burglary- On Tuesday, November 26, 2019, at 2:51 p.m., Officer Alan Abrecht and Andrew Slota responded to the area of Bay Avenue in reference to a suspicious person. Once in the area, officers met with the caller and the suspect, Richard Docherty, 46, of Manahawkin. The investigation revealed that Docherty entered a dry-docked boat at a Bay Avenue marina and attempted to steal the batteries. Docherty was arrested and charged with Burglary and Possession of Burglary Tools. He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.
Fire- On Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at 4:15p.m., officers were dispatched to Gille Park for a brush fire along with members of the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department. Once on scene, firemen extinguished a small fire that originated in leaves near the pavilion. A witness provided a description of a juvenile male that is suspected of lighting the fire. No further damage occurred.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – November 15th through November 21st, 2019
CDS Arrest- On Friday, November 15, 2019, at 12:27 p.m., Officers John Simonson and Michael Hein responded to Wawa, 800 Lacey Road for the report of an unconscious man. Upon arrival, officers found Christopher Iorio, 36, of Philadelphia asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle. While speaking with Iorio, officers located drug paraphernalia and a hypodermic syringe. Iorio was arrested and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Possession of a Syringe. He was released pending a Court appearance.
Warrant Arrest- On Saturday, November 16, 2019, at 6:43 p.m., our agency was contacted by the Atlantic City Police Department advising us of an arrest. Tyler Conroy, 23, of Waretown, was arrested for an outstanding Lacey Township warrant. Officer Brian Holt took custody of Conroy in Atlantic City and transported him to the Ocean County Correctional Facility. Conroy is being held without bail.
MV Accident- On Sunday, November 17, 2019, at 2:50 p.m., officers responded to Route 9 for a reported two-car accident. The driver of one vehicle was treated at the scene and transported to a local hospital for injuries. The second vehicle, a light-colored sedan, fled prior to the arrival of officers and has not been located.
Fire- On Sunday, November 17, 2019, at 3:36 p.m., Officers Alan Abrecht and Dallas Gant were dispatched to Lacey Used Auto, Route 9, Lanoka Harbor for a fire. Officers and firemen discovered that three salvaged vehicles on the property were burning. Route 9 was closed temporarily to access nearby hydrants. The detective bureau responded and is following up on the cause and origin of the fire.
Fraud- On Monday, November 18, 2019, at 10:51 a.m., Officer Andrew Slota met with a Forked River resident who reported fraud. The victim reported being contacted through Facebook by a relative who needed assistance. After the victim forwarded cash through Western Union, it was discovered that an unknown person was impersonating the relative.
Fraud- On Monday, November 18, 2019, at 11:18 a.m., Officer Andrew Slota met with a local attorney in reference to a fraudulent email. It was reported that an unknown actor portraying themselves from the firm requested a client to forward a large amount of cash for an upcoming closing. The act was deemed fictitious prior to any funds being forwarded.
Fraud- On Monday, November 18, 2019, at 6:15 p.m., Officer Bruce Carver met with a Forked River resident who reported that an unknown actor opened a credit card in his name. The card apparently originated at a Princeton beauty supply store where a purchase was made for nearly $600.
Assault Arrest- On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at 9:52 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Lacey Inn for a disturbance. Upon their arrival, officers made contact with Steven Carter, 46, a resident of the motel. While officers were making an arrest for Criminal Mischief, Carter became combative striking one officer in the eye. A second officer sustained cuts to his face after Carter kicked the rear window out of the officer’s patrol car. Carter was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility after being charged with two counts of Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing the Administration of Law, and two counts of Criminal Mischief.
Warrant Arrest- On Wednesday, November 20, 2019, at 9:44 a.m., Officer Michael Hein was dispatched to the Sunrise Beach section of town in reference to a suspicious vehicle. Officer Hein located the van on Willow Lane and discovered that the vehicle was having mechanical issues. While speaking to the driver, Shane Delaney, 42, of Forked River, Officer Hein discovered an outstanding warrant for Delaney. Delaney was placed under arrest and transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility. The no-bail warrant had been issued by the Middlesex County Superior Court.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – November 8th through November 14th, 2019
Fraud- On Friday, November 7, 2019, at 8:00 p.m., a Township resident reported that he received an email from the US Tech Support Plan in reference to his vehicle warranty. When the victim contacted the number the male subject asked for bank account information. The subject further directed the victim to purchase gift cards and provide the bar code information. Residents should be aware that this type of solicitation is normally fraudulent and that bank account or social security information should never be provided over the phone.
Vehicle Fire– On Friday, November 7, 2019, at 9:20 p.m., officers responded to a Maxim Drive residence for the report of a fire. The fire originated in a motor home that was parked at the residence. The Lanoka Harbor Fire Department responded to assist.
Shoplifting– On Friday, November 7, 2019, at 10:50 p.m., Officer Randolph Plis responded to Wawa after a shoplifting was reported. Employees reported seeing a juvenile male go behind the counter and steal several items prior to running from the store. Officers were able to identify the actor and take him into custody. The theft was valued at $32.
Fraud– On Saturday, November 8, 2019, at 1:23 p.m., Officer Bruce Carver met with a Forked River resident reporting fraudulent activity. The victim reported that she was contacted by a person representing himself as a McAfee Security Software employee. The male suspect explained that the victim had overpaid her account by $400. The suspect then explained that the company had mistakenly credited the victim’s bank account $4,000 and asked her to purchase and forward gift cards for the $3,600 difference. The victim was able to close her bank accounts prior to any fraudulent activity.
Burglary– On Saturday, November 8, 2019, at 3:06 p.m., a resident of Saltspray Drive reported that an unknown actor(s) had entered her vehicle during the overnight hours. While inside, the suspect stole the victim’s purse containing cash and credit cards.
DWI– On Sunday, November 10, 2019, at 11:40 p.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 after it failed to maintain a lane of travel. During the stop, the driver, James Pavlick, 57, was placed under arrest. Pavlick was charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane.
Criminal Mischief– On Monday, November 11, 2019, at 10:55 a.m., Officer Noah Schaffer met with a Route 9 business owner reporting damage to the sidewalk in front of the store. Unknown actor(s) etched obscenities into the concrete and spray painted a sign affixed to the building. The damage was estimated at $200.
Theft– On Tuesday, November 12, 2019, at 1:27 p.m., Officer Darrell Nick responded to a Lakeside Drive North residence in reference to a theft. The caller stated that she had a package delivered to her porch by Fed Ex at 12:11 p.m. Upon returning home approximately 30 minutes afterward, the package had been stolen. The package was valued at $400.
Burglary– On Wednesday, November13, 2019, at 9:00 p.m., a Sussex Place resident reported a theft from her vehicle. The victim reported several personal items missing from her vehicle during an undetermined time.
Fraud– On Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at 9:47 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno met with a Forked River resident who reported a suspicious phone call. The resident stated that a male subject representing himself as a Social Security Officer contacted him stating that a warrant had been issued for his arrest due to an issue with Social Security. The suspect urged the victim to purchase gift cards in the amount of the bail and provide the serial numbers. The caller, realizing the scam, hung up and contacted police. The call back number was contacted and the fraud was confirmed.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – October 31st through November 7th, 2019
Fraud Arrest- On Thursday, October 31, 2019, at 9:10 a.m., Officers Michael Verwey, Dallas Gant, and Bruce Carver met with a Lanoka Harbor resident reporting fraudulent activity. The victim reported that a delivery truck was at her home with appliances that she did not order. As the investigation continued, the delivery driver received a call from a male suspect changing the delivery location. With assistance from the delivery driver, officers were able to locate two male suspects who were involved with the scam. Abdul Idriss and Mamouda Abdul, both of Brooklyn, New York, were arrested after they attempted to receive the delivery. During the arrests, officers and detectives discovered that the vehicle being driven by the suspects had fictitious tags and an altered vehicle identification number. The investigation revealed that the victim’s credit card information had been stolen and used to order the appliances estimated at $12,000. It appears that the suspects intended to ship the appliances and the vehicle to Ghana.
Warrant Arrest- On the afternoon of October 21, 2019, Officer McKee responded to Wells Fargo Bank for a hit and run accident. Witnesses reported that the driver of a motor home struck the drive thru overhang and left the scene. On Friday, November 1, 2019, at 10:37 a.m., bank employees contacted police reporting that the driver had returned to the bank. Upon the arrival of Officers Michael Verwey, Dallas Gant, and Bruce Carver, the driver was identified as Albert Rentas, 65, of Lanoka Harbor. During the investigation, several outstanding warrants were discovered for Rentas who was placed under arrest. Rentas was confined in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the Middletown and Berkeley Township warrants.
Theft- On Saturday, November 2, 2019, at 6:55 a.m., Officer Noah Schaffer responded to a Sinclair Avenue residence for a theft report. The homeowner reported that during overnight hours, an unknown suspect stole his 1997 Harley Davidson motorcycle from the driveway. The motorcycle was located, undamaged, one block away from the home.
DWI Accident– On Saturday, November 2, 2019, at 7:32 p.m., Officers Jason Lee, Brian Holt and Robert Duffy responded to Route 9 and Laurel Boulevard for a report of a vehicle that struck a utility pole. The driver, 50-year-old Lawrence Lapham of Beachwood, was subsequently arrested for DWI. The front seat passenger, a 40-year-old female, was transported to the hospital for a head laceration and leg pain. Lapham was arrested and charged criminally with Vehicular Assault in addition to summonses being issued for DWI, Open Container in a Motor Vehicle, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane.
Shoplifting- On Monday, November 4, 2019, at 11:50 a.m., Officers Darrell Nick and Anthony Ravallo responded to Walmart for a shoplifting. Loss Prevention reported that an unknown male was captured on surveillance video during overnight hours stealing merchandise. The theft is valued at $219.
Theft- On Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at 11:00 a.m., Officer Michael Hein met with a Falkenburg Avenue resident in reference to a theft. The victim reported noticing that two of his personal checks were missing and immediately checked his account information. The victim found that the two checks had been cashed in another jurisdiction. The investigation is ongoing.
Shoplifting- On Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at 4:00 p.m., Officers Darrell Nick and Anthony Ravallo responded to the Home Depot for a shoplifting. The investigation revealed that two suspects purchased items and later returned to shoplift the same items and attempted to return them for a cash refund with the receipt from the earlier purchase. Lawrence Mann, 34, and Shiabon Poff, 40, both of Waretown, were arrested and charged with shoplifting. Both suspects were transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in accordance with bail reform. The theft was valued at $820.