Department News-Lacey Township Police Department-Burglary Arrest
BURGLARY ARREST
On April 25, 2019 at 3:24 p.m., the Lacey Township Police Department responded to a residence on Cedar Drive, Lanoka Harbor, for a report of an unknown male subject entering a residence. Officers responded to the scene and learned that the unknown male had entered the residence through an unlocked front door. After entering the home, the male was confronted by the resident of the home. The male then left the residence. The Lacey Township Detective Bureau was advised and responded to assist.
During the investigation, a detailed description of the suspect was quickly ascertained from witnesses and video surveillance. The investigation revealed the male had been riding a bicycle, while wearing a large backpack, in the area of Cedar Drive in Lanoka Harbor. The male subject was seen riding his bicycle onto several residential properties, where he would check areas of the properties for items of value, enter fenced in areas, as well as knock on doors to check and see if residents were home.
As the investigation continued, it was determined that several burglaries and thefts had occurred in the area. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department – Crime Scene Investigations responded and assisted in the investigation. A short time later, the suspect was located by officers of the Lacey Township Police Department, at a New Jersey Transit bus stop on Route 9 in Lanoka Harbor.
The suspect, Jeffrey C. Stiles Jr, 30, of Serpentine Drive, Bayville, New Jersey was found to be in possession of stolen property and placed under arrest. Jeffrey C. Stiles Jr. was charged on a criminal warrant with the following: 3 counts of Burglary, 2 counts of Theft, 1 count of Criminal Attempt to commit Theft, 1 count of Criminal Trespass, and 1 count of Obstructing the Administration of the Law. Jeffrey C. Stiles Jr was lodged in the Ocean County Jail.
The investigation is ongoing and any additional charges may be forthcoming.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – April 19th through April 25th, 2019
CDS/Warrant Arrest – On Thursday, April 18, 2019, Officer Anthony Sarno responded to a call for a suspicious female in the back seat of a vehicle at Serpentine Drive, Forked River residence. The female, Lauren Hartman, appeared to be under the influence of a chemical inhalant and was placed under arrest. Hartman was also found to have a no-bail criminal warrant issued by Middlesex County Superior Court. She was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
Shoplifting – On Friday, April 19, 2019, Officer Anthony Sarno and Officer Michael Hutman responded to Walmart for a shoplifter in custody. Devon Horvath, of Pine Beach, was placed under arrest for concealing $760.48 worth of merchandise in her purse. Devon was transported to Ocean County Correctional Facility in accordance with bail reform.
Burglary/Vehicle – On Friday, April 19, 2019, Officer Michael Baldasari and Officer Anthony Sarno responded the Spring Oaks Assisted Living. An employee reported when she went to walk to her vehicle in the parking lot she observed a male subject inside her vehicle. The male subject was wearing a black or gray sweatshirt, sweatpants, and a baseball hat. Nothing was reported stolen from the vehicle.
Dispute- On Saturday, April 20, 2019, officers responded to Sandyhook Drive, Forked River, in reference to a neighbor dispute. The dispute, which originated over a driving complaint, initiated a physical altercation between the two men. Both actors, 40 and 22, were advised of the criminal complaint process.
Shoplifting – On Saturday, April 20, 2019, Officer Scott Keefe, Officer Anthony Sarno, and Officer Michael Baldasari responded to Walmart for a shoplifter that fled from loss prevention. Officer Baldasari observed a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed from behind Walmart and conducted a motor vehicle stop. The driver, Jeffrey Styles, Jr., of Bayville, was identified as the person involved in the theft. The investigation led to the arrest of Styles and the recovery of $99.83 in merchandise. Styles was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
CDS Arrest – On Saturday, April 20, 2019, Officer Michael Baldasari, Officer Anthony Sarno, and Officer Patrick Watkins responded to Lacey Shell for the report of a possible overdose. Upon arrival, Officer Watkins made contact with the driver, Lisa Megill, 39, of Forked River. As the investigation continued, officers discovered an amount of narcotics including cocaine and heroin. Megill was charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Possession of Paraphernalia. She was released on her own recognizance.
Fire—On Wednesday, April 24, 2019, Officer Abrecht responded to an Eleanor Road, Forked River residence for a shed fire. As a result of the damage, Detective Gudgeon and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to investigate. The Fire Marshal indicated the cause of the fire was undetermined at the time of this report.
Fire—On Wednesday, April 24, 2019, Officer Schaffer responded to a wooded area near Heatherington Court in reference to a forest fire. The Forked River Fire Department and the New Jersey State Fire Service responded to the scene and extinguished the fire that consumed approximately one-half acre. Nearby homes were not damaged.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – April 12th through April 18th, 2019
Brush Fire – On April 11, 2019, at 6:09 p.m., Officers Sarno and Barcalow responded to Earie Way, Forked River, for a reported brush fire. The fire, approximately ¼ acre in size, was extinguished by members of the Forked River Fire Company. The fire is under investigation.
DWI – On April 11, 2019, at 8:00 p.m., Officer Sarno conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Canterbury Drive and Sheffield Drive for failure to maintain lane. Further investigation led to the arrest of the driver, 69 year-old Thomas Maxfield of Forked River, for DWI. He was later released with traffic summonses for DWI, Reckless, Failure to Maintain Lane, Open Container, and Careless Driving.
Suspicious Fire- On Friday, April 12, 2019 at 9:20 a.m., Officer Darrell Nick responded to a Phillip’s Road, Bamber Lake, residence for two older vehicles on fire in the rear yard of the residence. The Forked River Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. Due to the suspicious nature of the fire, the Lacey Township Detective Bureau responded, along with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Ocean County Sherriff’s Department CSI, and the Ocean County Fire Marshal. The investigation remains under investigation, and a cause has yet to be determined.
Drug Arrest / Obstruction — On Monday, April 15, 2019, at 5:24 p.m., Officer Jason Lee responded to the Hometown Market, 725 Route 9 S, Forked River, for a report of two male subjects possibly under the influence of controlled dangerous substances. Upon arrival, the accused, 24-year-old Brian Burlew of Forked River, began to run north away from the area he was standing. Brian was quickly apprehended with the assistance of an off-duty US Customs Officer. Brian was later arrested without incident after being found to be in possession of a bag containing drugs and paraphernalia. Burlew was transported to the Ocean County Jail after receiving several charges including Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe and Obstruction.
Motor Vehicle Burglary / Theft – On Monday, April 15, 2019, at 7:13 p.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to a Brandywine Avenue home for a report of a vehicle burglary. The complainant reported that an unknown male subject had entered two of his vehicles during the early morning hours of the report date. Items stolen from the vehicles included a $20 check and approximately $10 in loose change. A Ring Security Camera captured the incident.
Criminal Mischief – On Monday, April 15, 2019, Officer Brian Holt located criminal mischief to the men’s bathroom in Gille Park. Unknown person(s) utilized a green marker to draw several symbols on one of the bathroom stalls.
Warrant Arrest– On Wednesday, April 17, 2019, Officer Brian Holt conducted a motor vehicle stop after an inquiry revealed that the vehicle’s registration was suspended. During the stop it was discovered that the driver, Albert Rentas, 65, was wanted for outstanding warrants from several different jurisdictions. Rentas was arrested and transported to headquarters where he was later turned over to Berkeley Township Police. Each of the five warrants were issued after Rentas failed to appear at a scheduled Court date. The total bail amount of $4,400 was set by the Berkeley, Middletown, Carteret, Toms River, and Linden Municipal Courts. Rentas was also issued motor vehicle summons for suspended registration and driving with a suspended license.
Child Birth– At 3:30 am, Thursday, April 18, 2019, officers responded to a Lanoka Harbor residence after receiving a call for a woman in labor. Prior to the officers’ arrival, the mother had given birth to a baby boy. Officers provided assistance to both prior to being transported to the hospital by the Lanoka Harbor First Aid and Medics. Both mom and child are doing fine.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – April 5th through April 11th, 2019
- Criminal Mischief/Graffiti — On Monday, April 8, 2019, Officer Alan Abrecht responded to 514 Route 9, Lanoka Harbor for criminal mischief. An unknown person(s) entered the Lidl Grocery Store construction site and spray painted various areas of the building, to include a swastika painted on the rear exterior of the building. The damage occurred during the overnight hours from April 5th to 6th. The damage is estimated at $1000.
- Theft from a Motor Vehicle – On Monday, April 8, 2019, Officer Dimitri Tsarnas responded to Crestwood Drive, Forked River for a report of a vehicle burglary. The victim reported that his unlocked vehicle was entered at approximately 4:04 am, as viewed on home surveillance video. The suspect could only be described as a white male. Approximately $323.00 in cash and credit cards was reported missing. The detective bureau responded and is investigating further.
- Warrant Arrest — On Saturday, April 6, 2019, Officer Frederick Anderson charged 46 year-old Keith Kientopp, Route 70, Whiting, NJ, with violation of a Court order. Kientopp was arrested on April 7, 2019 by Manchester Township Police. Officer Anderson assumed custody of the accused and transported him to the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.
- Criminal Mischief – On Sunday, April 7, 2019, Officer Noah Schaffer responded to the 700 block of Sinclair Avenue, Lanoka Harbor in reference to criminal mischief to a vehicle. The victim reported that his work van, a white 2011 Chevrolet, was damaged while it was parked in front of the residence. Two small pry marks were discovered on the driver’s side door. The total estimated damage is $500.00.
- Fireworks – On Sunday, March 31, 2019, Officer Noah Schaffer observed a fireworks display at a Lanlac Drive, Lanoka Harbor, home. A resident of the home, Derek Lazok, 32, was issued a summons for the violation.
- DWI – On April 6, 2019, at 3:06 a.m., Officer Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Hollywood Drive and Serpentine Drive for careless driving. Further investigation led to the arrest of the driver, 28 year-old Stephen Mongiovi of Forked River. Stephen was charged with Driving Under the Influence, Reckless Driving, and Careless Driving.
- Warrant Arrest – On Thursday, April 4, 2019, at 9:34 p.m., Officer Watkins responded to Berkeley Township Police Department where 47 year-old Orian Speicher of Lakeside Drive South, Forked River was arrested for an outstanding Lacey Township warrant. Speicher was lodged at the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.
- Theft from a Motor Vehicle – On Thursday, April 4, 2019, at 7:43 p.m., Officer Julian responded to police headquarters for a report of a theft from a motor vehicle. The victim, a resident of Donald Street, reported that someone entered his unlocked vehicle during the overnight hours of April 3rd. Stolen from the vehicle was his wallet containing his driver’s license, several credit cards, and a small amount of cash.
- Theft – On Wednesday, April 3, 2019, Officer Barcalow responded to headquarters for a report of a theft. The Sea Bright Road resident reported that his hedge trimmer, valued at $80, was stolen from his residence.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – March 29th, through April 4th, 2019
- Theft — On Thursday, April 04, 2019, at 7:43 p.m., Officer Martin Julian responded to the area of the 200 block of Donald Street for a report of a theft. The victim stated that an unknown person(s) entered his unlocked Honda Civic and removed his wallet, credit cards, driver’s license and debit card out of the vehicle. The theft remains under investigation.
- Warrant Arrest — On Thursday, April 04, 2019, at 1:38 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to the area of the 1400 block of Clearview Street for a report of a suspicious incident. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 29-year-old Christopher Cox of Jay Street, Forked River, on two outstanding warrants. The first warrant was out of Seaside Heights Municipal Court in the amount of$450. The second warrant was out of Robbinsville Municipal Court in the amount of $1,168.99. He was transported to police headquarters, processed and turned over to Robbinsville Police Department in lieu of bail.
- CDS Arrest – On Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at 7:17 p.m., Special Officers Matthew Edwards and John Cate conducted a motor vehicle stop on Beach Boulevard in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 24-year-old Tyshon Jackson of Alden Drive, Toms River, NJ, for possession of CDS. He was transported to police headquarters, processed and released on a criminal summons for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. He also received motor vehicle summonses for Failure to Stop, Suspended Driver License, CDS in a Motor Vehicle, and Open Container. Tyshon Jackson was released on his own recognizance.
- CDS Arrest – On Tuesday, April 2, 2019, at 2:21 a.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 near the power plant. Sergeant George Resetar arrived to assist. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 27-year-old Shelby A. Devlin of Richard Place, Forked River. She was transported to police headquarters, processed and released on a criminal summons for Possession of Less than 50 Grams of Marijuana along with two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She also received motor vehicle summonses for Failure to Maintain Lane and Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle.
- Criminal Mischief – On Sunday, March 31, 2019, at 4:45 p.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to the 100 block of Chestnut Drive in Lanoka Harbor for a report of criminal mischief to a vehicle. The complainant advised that between midnight and 5:00 a.m., his pickup truck was keyed while parked in his driveway. The damage is estimated at $1000.
- Shoplifting Arrest – On Sunday, March 31, 2019, at 3:47 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to Walmart on Route 9 North, Lanoka Harbor, for a shoplifter in custody. An Asset Protection Associate observed 25-year-old Krysta D. Badgett of Bayberry Drive, Waretown, NJ, conceal various items totaling over $29 in her purse. Krysta Badgett was transported to police headquarters, processed and taken to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in accordance with bail reform.
- Theft – On Sunday, March 31, 2019, at 12:32 p.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota responded to the area of Carriage Road in Forked River for a report of a theft. The victim reported that she had some clothing in the amount of $80 stolen from her. The incident remains under investigation.
- Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, March 31, 2019, at 12:17 p.m., Officers Alan Abrecht and Dimitri Tsarnas responded to the 1700 block of Hillwood Road in Forked River for a dispute. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 36-year-old Ellaree L. Davis of Hamilton Avenue, Seaside Heights, NJ, on six outstanding warrants: Trenton Municipal Court for $2500, Howell Township Municipal Court for $1500, Barnegat Township Municipal Court for $475, Seaside Municipal Court for $450, Camden City Municipal Court for $100, and Atlantic City Municipal Court for $100. Ellaree Davis was transported to Lacey police headquarters and processed. Howell Township Police took custody of Ellaree Davis.
- Theft – On Sunday, March 31, 2019, at 11:54 a.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to the Wawa on Laurel Boulevard and Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor. The victim reported that while he was sleeping, he believed that someone took approximately $400 from his wallet and a black knit hat located inside his backpack. The total amount of the theft is estimated at $405.
- Criminal Mischief – On Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 2:55 p.m., Office Dimitrios Tsarnas responded to the 200 block of Beach Boulevard, Forked River, for a report of criminal mischief to a residence. The complainant reported that she was away March 24-30, 2019. When she returned home, she noticed a brick shattered the back window. Damage occurred to the sheet-rock, a mirror, louvers in the window, and a thermostat. The total damage is estimated at $500.
- Power Outage – On Saturday, March 30, 2019, at 1:46 p.m., Officers Michael Verwey, Alan Abrecht, Andrew Slota and Noah Schaffer were dispatched to the area of Lacey Road for multiple power outages reported involving numerous traffic lights out. Officers manned the lights for over thirty minutes in order to keep traffic moving safely. Power was restored by JCP&L.
- Shoplifting Arrest – On Friday, March 29, 2019, at 6:53 a.m., Officers Michael Baldasari and Scott Anderson responded to the Walmart on Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a shoplifter in custody. A Loss Prevention Supervisor reported that he observed 48-year-old Michael P. Connors of Gary Smith Way, Forked River, concealing merchandise in his pants. He was transported to police headquarters, processed and released on a criminal summons for Shoplifting.