Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – January 11 through January 17, 2019
- Motor Vehicle Crash (Vehicle vs. Pole) – On Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at 8:45 p.m., Sergeant George Resetar, along with Officers Martin Julian and Jason Lee, responded to Laurel Boulevard and Route 9 in Lanoka Harbor for a report of a vehicle that struck a utility pole. The top of the utility pole was engulfed in flames, causing a power outage in the area. Upon arrival, both the driver and the passenger had exited the vehicle. The 20-year-old female passenger from Lanoka Harbor, was transported by helicopter to the Jersey Shore Medical Center for treatment. The 20 year-old driver from Tuckerton, NJ, was not injured. JCP&L was notified and power was restored after a brief period.
- Burglary and Theft (Auto) – On Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at 2:58 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer responded to Sheffield Drive in Forked River in reference to a motor vehicle burglary. The owner of the vehicle reported that an unknown person(s) entered her unlocked vehicle that parked in her driveway. The owner reported that an orange flashlight and keys valued at $20 were stolen.
- Burglary and Theft (Auto) – On Wednesday, January 16, 2019, at 8:22 a.m., Officer Alan Abrecht responded to the 1200 block of Tamarack Road in Forked River in reference to a motor vehicle burglary. The complainant stated that during the overnight hours of January 15 into January 16, 2019, an unknown person(s) entered their unlocked vehicle and removed two packages containing jewelry valued at $432. The incident remains under investigation.
- Warrant Arrest – On Monday, January 14, 2019, at 5:02 p.m., Officer Michael Baldasari conducted a motor vehicle stop near Manchester Avenue and Evans Street in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 22-year-old Brandon Carte of Point Pleasant Avenue, Bayville, NJ, on an outstanding Toms River Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $1250. Brandon Carte was transported to headquarters and processed. He was released after posting bail. In addition, Brandon Carte received traffic summonses for a cell phone violation and suspended license.
- Fraud – On Monday, January 14, 2019, at 2:04 p.m., Officer John Simonson responded to Atlantic City Court in Lanoka Harbor reference a fraud report. The victim reported that she was scammed out of a large sum of money. She stated that she ordered a medical alert device from a company to use in case of an emergency. Soon after ordering the device, she was contacted by an unknown male who told her his name was John Morrison. “John Morrison” claimed that she was overcharged for the device and in order to fix the overpayment, he advised her to purchase Google Play cards. She purchased six Google Play cards totaling $3000. She provided “John Morrison” with the security codes to each Google Play card. “John Morrison” was able to cash the Google Play cards with the codes she provided him. The victim realized she had been scammed and alerted the credit bureaus of the incident and contacted this agency.
- Criminal Mischief (School Property) – On Monday, January 14, 2019, at 8:34 a.m., Officer Michael Hutman responded to the Lacey Middle School on Denton Avenue in Forked River for a report of criminal mischief. The groundskeeper stated that between the hours of 3:30 a.m. and 3:40 a.m. on January 14, 2019, an unknown person(s) recklessly operated a pickup truck on the easternmost soccer field causing extensive damage to the turf. The incident remains under investigation.
- Shoplifting and Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, January 12, 2019, at 8:20 p.m., Officers Anthony Sarno and Scott Keefe responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a report of a shoplifter in custody. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 53-year-old Antonio Giudice of Deerhead Lake Drive in Forked River, for shoplifting merchandise valued at $65.37. In addition, he was found to have a warrant out of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office in the amount of $11,789.86. Antonio Giudice was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was charged with shoplifting and lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
- Criminal Mischief (Auto) – On Saturday, January 12, 2019, Officer Michael Baldasari responded the 600 block of Twin River Drive in Forked River for a report of criminal mischief to a vehicle. The complainant reported a dent in the rear door and damage to the passenger side mirror of her rental vehicle. The cost to repair the vehicle is estimated at $500.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – January 4th, 2019 through January 10th, 2019
- Credit Card Fraud – On Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at 10:55 a.m., Officer Alan Abrecht responded to the 800 block of Anchor Drive in Forked River for a report of fraudulent credit card use. The victim stated that she received a judgment letter from Mercer County Superior Court indicating they would garnish her wages for an unpaid credit card debt of $1486.86. An account was opened in her name with the address of Elm Avenue in Bordentown, NJ, the address of her deceased spouse. The victim was advised to contact the credit company regarding the incident and inform that a police report has been filed.
- Criminal Mischief – On Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at 7:48 a.m., Officer Alan Abrecht responded to the 200 block of Predmore Avenue in Lanoka Harbor for a report of criminal mischief to a vehicle. The victim stated that an unknown person(s) smashed the driver side window of his 1997 Ford pickup. The victim believes the incident occurred during the evening of January 8, 2019, at around 10:30 p.m. The damage to the vehicle is estimated at $250.
- Credit Card Fraud – On Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at 2:21 p.m., Officer Dimitrios Tsarnas responded to Orlando Drive in Forked River to take a report of possible credit card fraud. The complainant reported that she received a Chase Credit Card in the mail, which she did not request. No charges were placed on the account and the account was closed by the complainant.
- Credit Card Fraud – On Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at 1:16 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey responded to Easy Street in Lanoka Harbor to take a report of fraud. The victim reported that on January 7, 2019, she received two credit statements from “Seventh Avenue”, a retail company located in Monroe, Wisconsin. The statements indicated that a security camera system and an HP Computer was delivered to an address in Miami, Florida. The victim also contacted FedEx, who confirmed delivery of the packages. The matter remains under investigation.
- Warrant Arrest – On Monday, January 7, 2019, at 7:18 p.m., Special Officer John Cate conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 North in Forked River for expired registration. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 39-year-old Jeffrey V. Johnson of Woodland Road, Forked River, for an outstanding Point Pleasant Beach Municipal Court warrant for $250. The passenger in the vehicle, 42-year-old Robert Johnson of Potomac Avenue, Barnegat, NJ, was arrested for an outstanding Ocean County Sheriff’s Department warrant in the bail amount of $11,081. Jeffrey Johnson was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and released on his own recognizance. Robert Johnson was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail.
- Criminal Mischief – On Monday, January 7, 2019, at 2:54 p.m., Officer Michael Hutman responded to the 200 block of Maple Lane in Forked River for a report of property damage. The homeowner reported that between the hours of 2:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on January 7, 2019, an unknown person(s) threw an unidentified object at the window shattering the bedroom glass window. The damage to the window is estimated at $400.
- Credit Card Fraud – On Monday, January 7, 2019, at 1:07 p.m., Officer Darrell Nick responded to police headquarters for a report of fraud. The complainant stated that on or about December 27, 2018, he received a letter from Chase Bank stating that an unknown person(s) opened an Amazon Chase credit card on December 5, 2018, in his name. The letter from Chase Bank stated that after receiving the application for the credit card, they closed the account as they could not confirm any information. No purchases were made on the account. The complainant was advised to call the credit bureau to protect his credit.
- Criminal Mischief – On Sunday, January 6, 2019, at 10:38 p.m., Officer Christopher Meyler responded to the 500 block of Ashwood Place in Lanoka Harbor for a report of Criminal Mischief to a motor vehicle. The owner of the vehicle reported that sometime between 9:10 p.m. and 10:50 p.m. on January 6, 2019, his rear window of his 2005 Ford Mustang had been broken. The spoiler of the vehicle also sustained damage. The damage to the vehicle is estimated at approximately $900.
- Vehicle Burglary – On Sunday, January 6, 2019, at 1:30 p.m., Officer Randolph Plis responded to the 1300 block of Cypress Street in Forked River to take a report of a vehicle burglary. The complainant reported that during the overnight hours, an unknown person(s) rummaged through both vehicles that were parked in the driveway of their residence. The vehicles were unlocked and no force was used to gain access. Nothing appeared to be missing from the vehicles.
- Hit and Run Accident – On Saturday, January 5, 2019, at 1:53 a.m., Officer Elton Copes responded to the intersection of Taylor Lane and Kennebec Road in Forked River for a report of a vehicle that struck a telephone pole and left the scene. The vehicle was described as a dark pickup truck, possibly a Dodge. Evidence at the scene consisted of broken headlight pieces. The telephone pole sustained minimal damage and JCP&L was notified. The incident remains under investigation.
- Fraud – On Friday, January 4, 2019, at 12:04 p.m., Officer Dimitrios Tsarnas responded to police headquarters in reference to a report of fraud. The complainant reported that on January 4, 2019, he received a call from his bank, Wells Fargo, inquiring about a check that appeared to have been altered. The bank confirmed the fraudulent transaction occurred out of state and advised him that his account would not be charged.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – December 28, 2018 through January 3, 2019
- • Shoplifting – On Thursday, January 3, 2019, at 1:45 p.m., Officer Darrell Nick responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a shoplifting. Investigation led to the arrest of 25-year-old Samantha V. Binford of Seaside Heights, NJ, for shoplifting merchandise valued at $52.77. She was transported to police headquarters and processed. Samantha V. Binford was charged on a complaint summons with shoplifting and released.
• Theft – On Thursday, January 3, 2019, at 10:51 a.m., Officer John McKee responded to a Lacey Township residence for a theft report. The complainant reported on December 27, 2018, he responded to his residence located on the 800 block of Dolan Street in Lanoka Harbor, and observed $4450.00 worth of property missing from a fenced in area. The property included but was not limited to aluminum siding, steel braces and pins, a cement mixer, a ladder, and various masonry tools.
• Theft by Deception/Forgery Arrest – On Wednesday, January 2, 2019, at 3:19 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to the Lacey Shell Station, 922 Lacey Road in Forked River for a report of fraud/theft involving a counterfeit $100 bill. Officer Ricciardella met with an employee of Shell, who reported the $100.00 bill had been used to purchase fuel. The bill was found to be counterfeit. A vehicle description was provided to Officer Ricciardella, and he provided the vehicle description over the radio. At the same time, Officer Michael Hein responded to Home Depot, 244 Route 9 N for an unrelated call for service. While on scene at the Home Depot, Officer Hein observed the suspect vehicle and conducted a motor vehicle stop in the Home Depot parking lot. Officers Randolph Plis and Darrell Nick responded to assist Officer Hein with the motor vehicle stop. During the motor vehicle stop multiple reports of fraud/theft were received from Medicine to Go, 528 Lacey Road, the UPS Store and Hand and Stone, located in Lacey Mall, 344 Route 9 N, for counterfeit $100 bills being used to make purchases in the stores. Similar descriptions of the suspects as well as the vehicle description were provided. Investigation at the scene (Home Depot parking lot) yielded several other counterfeit $100.00 bills as well as proceeds from the other establishments. The four occupants were identified as; 19-year-old Omari J. Kiser of Central Avenue, Brooklyn, NY, 23-year-old Khalil T. Montez of E 85th Street, Brooklyn, NY, 25-year-old Sharnon Henry of Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, NY and 26-year-old Quayshaun L. Mckinnonsmith of Lott Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. They were all arrested and all charged with Theft by Deception, Forgery, Conspiracy as well as Possession of CDS. The driver, Quayshaun L. Mckinnonsmith was charged with motor vehicle charges for careless driving as well as CDS in a motor vehicle. All were transferred to Ocean County Jail in accordance with bail reform. This investigation is ongoing and anyone with additional information or knowledge is urged to contact the Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau at (609)693-6636 or through the Lacey Township Police web page at laceypd.org, Crime Tips.
• Fraud – On Wednesday, January 2, 2019, at 10:57 a.m., Officer Randolph Plis responded to police headquarters for a fraud report. The complainant stated that she received an Amazon Visa credit card in the mail that was opened in her name by an unknown person(s). She immediately called the bank and cancelled the card. The bank advised her that they would freeze the credit card so no purchases could be made. The complainant was advised to call the major credit bureaus and monitor her credit.
• Theft – On Wednesday, January 2, 2019, at 8:24 a.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to the 1400 block of Jay Street in Forked River for a theft. The complainant reported that between December 20, 2018 and January 2, 2019, an unknown person(s) stole two batteries from a flat bed tow truck parked in the driveway of the residence. The value of the batteries is estimated at $400.
• Warrant Arrest – On Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at 6:48 p.m., Officers Dan Ricciardella and Michael Hein responded to the Main Street Laundromat, located on Route 9 South in Forked River after receiving a call for suspicious activity. The caller believed that a male and female were attempting to gain access to a vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 44 year-old Amy V. Haas of Forked River, on an outstanding Beachwood Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $750. Amy Haas was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released on her own recognizance.
• Burglary and Theft (Residence) – On Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at 4:51 p.m., Officers Randolph Plis, Dan Ricciardella and Julie Barcalow responded to Hemlock Drive in Lanoka Harbor, for a reported burglary. The complainant reported that between Sunday afternoon, December 30, 2018 and Tuesday morning, January 1, 2019, an unknown person(s) forced entry into the residence and stole two surveillance cameras valued at $200, along with $300 in cash. The Lacey Township Police Detective Bureau is investigating.
• DUI Arrest – On January 1, 2019, at 1:02 a.m., Officers Julie Barcalow, Scott Keefe, and Anthony Sarno responded to Route 9 and Beach Boulevard in Forked River for a hit and run motor vehicle crash. While responding, another motor vehicle crash was reported at Route 9 and Lacey Road; both involving a silver vehicle. Officer Martin Julian stopped the silver vehicle in the Walmart parking lot, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 45-year-old Sean R. Whitley of Wood Drive in Brick, NJ, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Sean R. Whitley was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Report an Accident and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
• Motor Vehicle Crash (Bicyclist Struck) – On Monday, December 31, 2018, at 6:47 p.m., Officers Martin Julian and Julie Barcalow responded to Route 9 near the Lacey Amoco gas station in Forked River for a report of a bicyclist who was struck by a vehicle. The 38-year-old male bicyclist was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center for his injuries. The crash in under investigation.
• Theft (Township Property) – On Monday, December 31, 2018, at 8:57 a.m., Officer Michael Hein was on patrol and observed that the street sign at the intersection of Conifer Drive and Fernwood Lane in Forked River had been stolen. The estimated value of the sign is $250.
• Stolen Vehicle Recovered – On Sunday, December 30, 2018, a passerby reported an abandoned vehicle on a trail in the woods near Edge Avenue off West Lacey Road. The vehicle was confirmed to be the vehicle reported stolen from Taylor Lane in Forked River on December 27, 2018. Detective Adam Ewart, along with Crime Scene Investigation officers from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene. This incident remains under investigation - Theft – On Saturday, December 29, 2018, at 10:02 a.m., Officer Alan Abrecht responded to the 600 block of Elwood Street in Forked River, for a theft report. The homeowner stated that between 4:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. on December 28, 2018, an unknown person(s) stole an ornamental flood light located in the front yard of the residence. The flood light is valued at $40.
- Theft – On Friday, December 28, 2018, at 8:47 p.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel responded to the 500 block of Rosewood Drive in Lanoka Harbor for a theft report. The victim reported that between the evenings of December 27 and December 28, 2018, an unknown person(s) stole his Christmas Laser Light decoration from the front yard of his residence. The estimated value of the decoration is $35.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – December 21st through December 27th, 2018
- Warrant Arrest – On Thursday December 27, 2018, at 11:58 p.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel was investigating an incident at the Walmart, Lanoka Harbor, when he came across a male subject identified as Michael Bowman, 50, of Gladney Ave, Toms River, who had multiple warrants issued for his arrest. Michael Bowman was arrested on a no bail warrant out of Ocean County, and two Lakewood Municipal Court Warrants totaling $1732.00. He was lodged in Ocean County Jail.
- Warrant Arrest– On Wednesday, December 26, 2018, at 10:26 a.m., Special Officer John Cate conducted a motor vehicle stop at Newark Avenue and Lacey Road in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 52-year-old Tammy A. Cirone of Newark Avenue, Forked River, to have an active warrant out of Lacey Township Municipal Court in the amount of $600. She was processed and released on her own recognizance.
- DWI Arrest – On Monday, December 24, 2018 at 4:09 a.m., Officers Scott Keefe and Anthony Sarno responded to the area of Briggs Avenue and Chelsea Street in Forked River for a suspicious vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 59-year-old Charles E. Wilbert of Clearwater Drive, Waretown, for DWI. Charles Wilbert was transported to police headquarters and processed. He received motor vehicle summonses for Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving. The vehicle he was driving was impounded pursuant to John’s law.
- House Fire – On Monday, December 24, 2018, at 6:28 p.m., Officer Randolph Plis responded to the 400 block of Pleasantville Court in Lanoka Harbor for a house fire. Upon Officer Plis’s arrival, the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department had extinguished the fire. The homeowner reported that upon returning home, the house was filled with smoke and black soot. It was determined that the fire originated in the kitchen. The Ocean County Fire Marshal was called to the scene.
- Warrant Arrest – On Monday, December 24, 2018, at 2:03 p.m., Special Officer John Cate conducted a motor vehicle stop on Lacey Road in Forked River, near Jersey Mikes. Further investigation confirmed the driver, Michael J. Mancini of Rowan Boulevard, Glassboro, NJ, had an active warrant out of Bradley Beach Municipal Court in the amount of $500. Michael Mancini was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was issued a motor vehicle summons for Unlicensed Driver and released on his own recognizance after posting bail.
- DWI Arrest – On Friday, December 21, s018, at 1:14 p.m., Officers Andrew Slota, Jeffrey Slota, and Special Officer Austin Deane responded to the area of Dolan Street and Drew Avenue in Lanoka Harbor for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 55-year-old Carolyn H. Rehberger of Hoffman Road, Forked River, for DWI. Carolyn Rehberger was transported to police headquarters and processed. She was charged with Possession of CDS. She was also issued motor vehicle summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, and CDS in a Motor Vehicle. The vehicle she was driving was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – December 14th through December 20th, 2018
- Assist Other Agency – On Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at 10:45 a.m., Lacey Township Police Officers responded to the Garden State Parkway northbound for a motor vehicle accident. A pickup truck trailering a mini-excavator struck the overpass causing the excavator to be ejected from the trailer. A second vehicle was struck and the pickup truck crashed. The Garden State Parkway was closed for several hours. The westbound lane of Lacey Road over the parkway was closed until it was cleared for structural damage.
- Suspicious Incident – On Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at 5:09 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to police headquarters to speak with a subject about a suspicious incident. The subject stated that she was contacted via Facebook messenger stating she could win a large sum of money. Attempts were made to contact the solicitor, a female who stated she was from the Foundant Seekers Grant, but he number was disconnected.
- Attempted Fraud – On Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at 1:46 p.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to Chase Bank on Lacey Road in Forked River. Bank personnel reported that a female, attempted to withdraw funds from an account. The teller challenged the female’s identity and she fled the bank. No monetary loss was reported. The incident remains under investigation.
- Theft – On Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at 1:13 p.m., Officer Dan Ricciardella responded to Orlando Drive in Forked River for a report of theft. The victim reported that $1400 in gold coins and three checks totaling $275 were taken from his residence sometime in October of this year. The suspect is believed to be an acquaintance of the victim. The incident remains under investigation.
- Attempted Fraud – On Tuesday, December 18, 2018, at 12:24 p.m., Officer Randolph Plis responded to the Wells Fargo Bank on Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor to meet with bank personnel about a possible attempted fraud. An employee from the bank stated that a female, in a white SUV, attempted to withdraw money using suspicious identification. When the teller challenged the suspect’s identity, the suspect fled the scene. The victim was advised to check her accounts on a daily basis. No monetary loss was reported.
- Residential Burglary – On Monday, December 17, 2018, at 2:56 p.m., Officers Michael Hein, Dan Ricciardella, and Randolph Plis responded to the 800 block of Harrison Avenue in Forked River for individuals inside a vacant residence. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 18-year-old Zachary C. Syanovitz of Riviera Drive, Forked River, and 29-year-old Shaddiy R. Whittaker formerly of Elwood Street, Forked River, for burglary and possession of drug paraphernalia. After processing Zachary Syanovitz he was released on his own recognizance. Shaddiy Whittaker was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility without incident.
- Theft – On Monday, December 17, 2018, at 1:14 p.m., Officer Randolph Plis responded to police headquarters to take a theft report. The victim reported he left his wallet at the self-checkout register at 11:59 a.m. on Saturday, December 15, 2018, at the Walmart on Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor. On December 17, 2018, after returning home from police headquarters, his wallet was found in his mailbox with all the contents inside except $150 in cash.
- Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, December 16, 2018, at 10:31 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno conducted a motor vehicle stop on Lacey Road in the parking lot of Wawa. Officer Julie Barcalow arrived on scene to assist. Investigation at the scene found 49-year-old Richard A. Guiddy of Faith Drive, Ocean, NJ, to have an outstanding warrant out of Tinton Falls Boro. He was searched incident to arrest, transported to police headquarters, and issued a motor vehicle summons for Failure to Exhibit a Driver License before releasing him to Tinton Falls Boro Police.