Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – December 7th through December 13th, 2018
- CDS Arrest- On Thursday, December 13, 2018, at 12:33 a.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 near Taylor Lane. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 38-year old Bernard Homefield 3rd of Wild Oaks Court, Little Egg Harbor for possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released on a criminal summons charging him with possession of marijuana under 50g and possession of drug paraphernalia. Additional motor vehicle summonses were issued for driving while suspended and possession of CDS in a motor vehicle.
- Criminal Mischief – On Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at 12:28 p.m., Officer Scott Anderson responded to police headquarters to take a criminal mischief report for a mailbox that was dented and damaged at 1200 block of Laurel Boulevard, Lanoka Harbor. The incident occurred sometime between November 29 and December 11, 2018. The damage is estimated at $25.
- Theft from Auto – On Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at 11:59 a.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to police headquarters to take a report of a theft from a vehicle. The victim believes someone entered his unlocked vehicle that was parked in the rear of the Municipal Building at approximately 9:50 a.m. A black Soundbox Sound Bar about 12” in length was missing. The total value $80. The incident remains under investigation.
- Warrant Arrest – On Monday, December 10, 2018, at 11:36 p.m.., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 South near the power plant. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 21-year-old Jonathan M. Barrett of Leeward Road, Manahawkin, NJ, for having an outstanding child support warrant out of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department. He was placed under arrest and transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility without incident. Jonathan Barrett was issued a traffic summons for driving while suspended.
- Shoplifting – On Sunday, December 9, 2018, at 4:50 p.m., Officer Randolph Plis responded to Walmart on Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a shoplifter who attempted to leave the store through the Garden Center without paying. The suspect dropped the box containing a battery-powered Razor dirt bike valued at $222. The suspect entered a vehicle described as a gray Hyundai Elantra that was waiting for him. The incident remains under investigation.
- Warrant Arrest/Criminal Trespass – On Friday, December 7, 2018, Officers Scott Keefe, Anthony Sarno, and Michael Baldasari responded to the 400 block of Barnacle Road in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 20-year-old Dynasia T. Olivo and 18-year-old Jarett P. Dempsey both of Sheridan Avenue, Seaside Heights, NJ, for criminal trespassing, after having entered a vacant residence. They were transported to police headquarters and processed. Jarett Dempsey was found to have a warrant from Seaside Heights Municipal Court in the amount of $400. Both were transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility without incident.
- Shoplifting Arrest – On Friday, December 7, 2018, Officers Scott Keefe and Christopher Meyler responded to Walmart on Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a shoplifter in custody. The suspect, 31-year-old Jeremy K. King of Igor Way, Bayville, NJ, was observed placing merchandise totaling $47.76 in his jacket pocket and attempting to leave the store. He was transported to police headquarters and processed on a summons for Shoplifting. After processing, Jeremy King was released on his own recognizance.
- Fraud – On Friday, December 7, 2018, Officer Christopher Meyler responded to police headquarters to take a report of fraud. The victim reported that he received a package in the mail containing two iPhone cases and two iPhone glass screen protectors from Verizon Wireless that he did not order. He contacted Verizon Wireless’s fraud department who informed him that an unknown person purchased two IPhones at the Apple Store in Bridgewater, NJ. The unknown person opened a Verizon Wireless account to activate the phones using his social security number and email address. Verizon immediately froze the phones and reported it as fraud within the company. The homeowner was advised to contact the three major credit bureaus and monitor his account.
- Shoplifting Arrest – On Friday, December 7, 2018, at 1:09 p.m., all units in the vicinity of Walmart were dispatched for a shoplifter driving a Dodge pickup truck heading west on Haines Street. Special Officer John Cate stopped the vehicle matching the description. Officer Michael Hein arrived to assist. The suspect, 48-year-old David M. Hoffman of Buttonwood Lane, Cinnaminson, NJ, concealed merchandise totaling approximately $175 before fleeing the store. David Hoffman was transported to police headquarters where he was processed on a summons and released on his own recognizance.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – November 30, 2018 through December 6, 2018
- Theft – On Tuesday, December 4, 2018, Officer Andrew Slota responded to police headquarters to take a report of theft. The victim reported that she went shopping at Walmart on December 3rd and went to the self-service register. She purchased her items using a Wells Fargo debit card. The victim left the store realizing she did not have her debit card and then went back into the store. Loss Prevention played the surveillance video for her showing a female putting the card in her pocket. She contacted her bank and cancelled her debit card. The incident remains under investigation.
- Credit Card Fraud – On Monday, December 3, 2018, at 5:57 p.m., Officer Michael Hutman responded to police headquarters to take a report of fraud. The victim stated that between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. on December 3rd, he received a package from Best Buy containing surveillance equipment and cameras that he did not order. He contacted Best Buy and was advised that an unknown person opened a CitiBank Best Buy credit card under his name carrying a balance of $7,000. Best Buy deactivated the account upon the phone call. The victim contacted the appropriate credit agencies and advised them of the incident. No additional fraudulent activity as December 3rd has been discovered.
- Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, December 2, 2018, at 2:28 a.m., Officers Anthony Sarno, Patrick Watkins, Scott Keefe, and Sergeant Robert Surtees responded behind the Municipal Utility Authority near Railroad Avenue in Forked River to serve active criminal warrants on 29-year-old Shaddiy Whittaker who was living in the woods. Shaddiy Whittaker was arrested without incident on a Monmouth County Child Support warrant in the amount of $29,765 and a Howell Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $1001. She was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility without incident.
- Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, December 1, 2018, at 10:23 p.m., Officer Michael Moeller was on patrol near Rail Avenue in Forked River when he made contact with a subject. Officer Scott Keefe arrived to assist. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 55-year-old James G. Stine of Frelinghuysen Avenue, Newark, NJ, on an outstanding warrant out of Roselle Park Borough Municipal Court in the amount of $568.00. James G. Stine was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was released on his own recognizance after receiving a new court date.
- Shoplifting Arrest – On Saturday, December 1, 2018, at 3:32 p.m., Officer Randolph Plis and Officer Dan Ricciardella responded to the Walmart on Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a shoplifter in custody. The suspect, 51-year-old Gregory J. Mernar of East Point Pleasant Avenue, Ocean Gate, NJ, attempted to steal merchandise worth approximately $55. He was transported to police headquarters, charged with shoplifting, and released on a summons.
- Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, December 1, 2018, at 11:29 a.m., Officer Michael Hein and Randolph Plis were dispatched to the wooded area behind Applebee’s on Route 9 South in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 44-year-old Amy V. Haas of Sandpiper Lane, Bayville, NJ, on an outstanding warrant out of Beachwood Township Municipal Court in the amount of $600. Unable to post bail, Amy Haas was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility without incident.
- CDS Arrest/Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, December 1, 2018, at 8:12 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno was dispatched to the McDonald’s on Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a suspicious vehicle. Officers Michael Baldasari and Christopher Meyler arrived to assist. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 24-year-old Eric S. Anderson of Bennington Drive, Toms River, NJ, for possession of MDMA, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Eric Anderson was found to have a No Bail warrant out of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department. He was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility without incident. A passenger in the vehicle, 28-year-old Matthew S. Diaz of Adriana Court, Brick, NJ, was arrested for possession of MDMA, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Matthew Dias was transported to the Ocean County Correction Facility without incident.
- Suspicious Incident – On Friday, November 30, 2018, at 2:13 p.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to police headquarters to speak with a subject regarding a suspicious phone call with a male claiming to be from Social Security. The subject eventually provided the caller with his SSN. The subject felt that the phone call was most likely a scheme to get his SSN and wanted to report it. He was advised to contact the three major credit bureaus and alert his bank that his personal information may have been compromised. When Officer Hein tried the contact the suspicious phone number, it was no longer in service.
- Theft from Auto – On Friday, November 30, 2018, at 1:43 p.m., Officer John McKee responded to Cedar Drive in Lanoka Harbor for a report of a theft from a vehicle. The victim believes that while he was parked at the Home Depot on Route 9 in Forked River, between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m., his Husqvarna chainsaw was stolen from the bed of his truck. This incident remains under investigation.
- Fraud – On Friday, November 30, 2018, at 9:09 a.m., Officer John McKee responded to police headquarters to take a report of fraud. The victim reported that about two years ago, an unknown person obtained his Bank of America credit card number and completed fraudulent transactions. He cancelled the credit card and was issued a new card by the bank. Recently, Bank of America informed the victim that someone from New York with a NY driver’s license, again tried to use his cancelled credit card. The NY driver’s license was discovered to be invalid.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – November 23rd, 2018 through November 29th, 2018
- Shoplifting Arrest — On Thursday, November 29, 2018, at 6:52 p.m., Officers Scott Keefe and Julie Barcalow responded to Walmart 580 Route 9 North in reference to a shoplifter in custody. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 32-year-old Graham Luepke of Maple Avenue, Toms River for shoplifting $9.99 worth of merchandise. G. Leupke was also found to have an outstanding warrant out of Barnegat Township in the amount of $475.00. G. Leupke was processed and released on a criminal summons for shoplifting. The outstanding warrant out of Barnegat was paid during processing.
- Criminal Mischief (Residence) — On Wednesday, November 28, 2018, at 11:22 a.m., Officer Noah Schaffer responded to the 300 block of Constitution Drive in reference to criminal mischief to a residence. The homeowner reported that someone spray painted a section of his white vinyl fence with “Truss 357” causing approximately $200.00 in damage.
- Warrant Arrest — On Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at 4:34 p.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to police headquarters to process 30-year-old Jeffrey C. Stiles of Serpentine Drive, Bayville, NJ. Jeffrey Stiles had an outstanding warrant out of Lacey Township Municipal Court in the amount of $600. J. Stiles posted the bail in the full amount and he was processed and released.
- Warrant Arrest — On Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at 8:20 a.m., Officer Michael Hutman responded to police headquarters to process 30-year-old John V. Lepeshko of Serpentine Drive, Forked River, on two outstanding warrants. The first warrant out of South Toms River Municipal Court was in the amount of $1000. The second warrant out of Middletown Township Municipal Court was in the amount of $750. J. Lepeshko posted the bail in the full amount and he was processed and released.
- Burglary (Residence) — On Monday, November 26, 2018, at 2:00 p.m., Officers Andrew Slota and Michael Hutman responded to Penn Place for a report of a residential burglary. The victim reported that upon returning to her home at approximately 1:00 p.m., she went into her home office and noticed that her Lenovo 520 Pentium computer tower was missing. Nothing else appeared to be missing from the residence. The computer is valued at $529.
- Noise Ordinance Violation — On Sunday, November 25, 2018, at 10:35 p.m., Officer Jason Lee responded to the 200 block of Sinclair Avenue in Lanoka Harbor for complaint of loud music coming from the garage. The homeowner was advised to turn the music down. Shortly thereafter, another noise complaint was called in. Officer Lee went back to the residence and issued a special complaint for violating the noise ordinance to the homeowner.
- Shoplifting Arrest — On Sunday, November 25, 2018, at 4:57 p.m., Officer Jason Lee responded to Walmart, 580 Route 9 North, Lanoka Harbor for a shoplifter in custody. The suspect, 32-year-old Joshua Rivera of Forked River, had merchandise worth approximately $116 concealed in a backpack while attempting to leave the store. Joshua Rivera was transported to police headquarters and charged with shoplifting and released on a summons.
- Down Wires — On Sunday, November 25, 2018, at 6:18 a.m., Officer Noah Schaffer was dispatched to the area of Oxford Road for power outage and wires down. Upon arrival, Officer Schaffer noticed that wires were down on the ground and power was out all along the street. JCP&L was contacted and the road was blocked until repairs were made.
- DWI Arrest — On Sunday, November 25, 2018, at 3:24 a.m., Officers Martin Julian and Christopher Meyler responded to Hilltop Drive in Lanoka Harbor for a Motor Vehicle Accident. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 30-year-old Filiberto Sacramento of Pheasant Drive in Bayville, NJ, for DWI. Filiberto Sacramento was transported to police headquarters and processed. He received motor vehicle summonses for Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle he was driving was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
- Transformer Fire — On Sunday, November 25, 2018, at 12:43 a.m., Officer Martin Julian was dispatched to the area of Nautilus Boulevard for a transformer sparking. Upon arrival, Officer Julian noticed that wires were down on the ground and the transformer was smoking. Forked River Fire Company along with JCP&L was contacted and the road was blocked until repairs were made.
- Warrant Arrest — On Saturday, November 24, 2018, at 12:23 a.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor. Officer Julie Barcalow arrived on scene to assist. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of both passengers on outstanding warrants. They were transported to police headquarters and processed. Passenger number one, 24-year-old Chelsea N. Damico of Devon Lane, Hainesport, NJ, had two warrants out of Moorestown, NJ, totaling $2600. She was processed and released on her own recognizance. The second passenger, 21-year-old Joseph T. Hayden of Monroe Street, Mt. Holly, NJ, had a no bail warrant out of Delaware County, PA. Joseph Hayden was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility. The driver of the vehicle was issued motor vehicle summonses for Maintenance of Lamps and Unregistered Vehicle.
- Water Leak — On Friday, November 23, 2018, at 11:12 p.m., the Lacey Township Police Department was notified that large amounts of water was coming out of the curb near the 1100 block of Skiffway Drive. Lacey MUA was notified and the water was turned off until the damage could be repaired.
- Fire — On Friday, November 23, 2018, at 8:35 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to the 600 block of Lake Barnegat Drive North in Forked River for a report of an oven fire. Upon arrival, the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department was on scene. The fire was contained within the oven and no other property was damaged. The fire department deemed the residence safe after airing out the home.
- Gas Leak (Residence) — On Friday, November 23, 2018, at 5:21 p.m., Officer Randolph Plis responded to the 1200 block of Laurel Boulevard in Lanoka Harbor for a smell of natural gas inside the residence. Upon his arrival, the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department was on scene. Representatives from the NJ Natural Gas Company arrived as well and inspected the home. The gas company deemed the residence and surrounding area safe.
- Fraud — On Friday, November 23, 2018, at 11:36 a.m., Officer Randolph Plis responded to police headquarters to take a report of credit card fraud. The victim reported that his TD Bank debit card was hacked. He reported that he used the card to make a purchase at the Wawa on Lacey Road for $25. Later that night, he noticed that two other purchases of $100 were made at a Wawa in Woodbridge Township, NJ. He reported the fraud to TD Bank who advised him to make a police report. The case remains under investigation.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – November 16th, 2018 through November 22nd, 2018
- DWI Arrest — On Wednesday October 21, at 3:28 p.m., Officers Darrell Nick and Randolph Plis responded to 317 Route 9 North (Lacey Car Wash) for a motorist passed out behind the wheel. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 48-year-old Eric J. Holmberg of Penn Place, Forked River, NJ, for DWI. Eric Holmberg 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.
- Burglary (Residence) — On Monday, November 19, 2018, at 4:02 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to the 1200 block of Beach Boulevard in Forked River for a report of burglary to a residence. The homeowners found the back door had been forced open and pry marks were on the door-jamb. The damage to the door-jamb is estimated at $100. Nothing appeared to be missing.
- Criminal Mischief (Residence) — On Monday, November 19, 2018, at 3:37 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to Clearwater Drive in Forked River to take a report of criminal mischief. The homeowner stated that two decorative landscaping bulkhead pilings were knocked over. The walkway between the pilings was also damaged. The total cost of the damage is estimated at $500.
- Warrant Arrest — On Monday, November 19, 2018, at 1:46 p.m., Officer Michael Hutman responded to Orlando Drive in Forked River for a report of harassment. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 32-year-old Stephen P. Pajewski on four outstanding warrants. The first warrant was from the Lacey Township Municipal Court in the amount of $500. The second warrant was from the Robbinsville Municipal Court in the amount of $1000. Stephen Pajewski also had two outstanding Manchester Township Municipal Court warrants totaling $1151. After satisfying the Lacey warrant, a Manchester Township officer transferred Stephen Pajewski to their jurisdiction for processing.
- Fraud — On Monday, November 19, 2018, at 12:34 p.m., Officer Michael Hutman took a report of fraud at police headquarters. The victim reported that on Wednesday, November 14, 2018, she discovered fraudulent charges on her TD Bank Debit Card totaling $112.86. TD Bank advised the victim to file a police report. The bank cancelled her debit card and issued her a new account number.
- Fire (Business) — On Sunday, November 18, 2018, at 4:55 p.m., Officers Michael Hutman and Alan Abrecht responded to the Lacey Car Wash and Qwik Lube on Route 9 North in Forked River for a report of black smoke coming from the roof. The Lanoka Harbor Fire Department responded to the scene and assessed that the smoke was coming from the boiler. The fire department entered the structure and shut down the power source within the boiler room. There was no damage to the building and it was deemed to be safe. The owner was advised to have the heating source serviced.
- Forgery/Theft by Deception — On Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 7:21 p.m., Officer Jason Lee responded to Shop Rite on Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a theft. The manager stated that at approximately 7:00 p.m., four males entered the store and purchased a small amount of inexpensive items with seven counterfeit fifty-dollar bills. This incident remains under investigation.
- Theft — On Saturday, November 17, 2018, at 3:19 p.m., Officer Dimitrios Tsarnas responded to the Nitro-Girl Ice Cream Parlor on Route 9 in Forked River for a report of theft. The owner stated that when the store opened for business on November 17, the sign was missing. The plastic Nitro–Girl sign was affixed to the outer wall of the building. The estimated value of the missing sign is $250.
- CDS Arrest — On Friday, November 16, 2018, at 10:01 p.m., Officer Michael Baldasari was on patrol in the Forked River Beach area regarding a suspicious incident. Officer Baldasari stopped two males on Nantucket Road who fit the description of the suspects involved. Further investigation led to the arrest of one of the males, 18-year-old Thomas J. Crespo of Neptune Court, Forked River. Thomas Crespo was found to have marijuana under 50 grams in his possession. He was transferred to police headquarters, processed, and released on a summons.
- Fire (Transformer/Tree) – On Friday, November 16, 2018, at 1:08 p.m., Officer Randolph Plis responded to the area of Nautilus Boulevard and Ranger Road for a report of a transformer fire. Upon arrival, officer Plis observed that the transformer fire had caused a tree branch to catch on fire. The Forked River Fire Department was called to the scene to extinguish the fire. JCP&L was notified and the road was closed until the repairs were completed.
- Fraud — On Friday, November 16, 2018, at 10:31 a.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to Lacey Headquarters to speak with a victim of fraud. The victim advised Officer Hein that someone had forged her signature on medical documents. The information was turned over to the Lacey Township Detective Bureau and is currently under investigation.
- Down Wires – On Friday, November 16, 2018, at 6:09 a.m., Officers Martin Julian and Michael Hein responded to the area of Harrison Avenue and Tappan Street for a report of wires down. Upon arrival, officers observed wires in the roadway with a tree on top of them. Forked River Fire Company was notified along with JCP&L. The area was secured until repairs were made by JCP&L.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – November 9th, 2018 through November 15th, 2018
- Theft – On Thursday, November 15, 2018, at 8:59 a.m., Officer Michael Verwey responded to the 400 Block of Stony Point Drive, Forked River for a report of a theft. The victim indicated that missing from the residence was a Vizio laptop valued at $1500 and a check for $20,000.00. The incident remains under investigation.
- Fraud/Identity Theft – On Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at 1:48 p.m., Officer John McKee responded to 200 Block of Plover Court, Lanoka Harbor to take a report of identity theft. The Complainant stated she received a letter in the mail from Home Depot, which stated her late husband has been denied for a credit card application. The letter also stated that they were unable to verify identity information. The complainant reported a second letter was received from Best Buy, which was addressed to her husband. The letter stated that her husband was approved for a credit card through Citibank for $5,000.00. The complainant contacted Citibank, at which time they cancelled the account. The incident remains under investigation.
- Fraud/Credit Cards- On Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at 12:18 p.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to police headquarters for a fraud report. The officer met with the Complainant, who indicated his mother- in- law had been a victim of several fraudulent transactions. On approximately October 28, 2018, complainant stated that he noticed several transactions on victim’s debit card statement. Complainant indicated transactions were all for $100.00 and were completed at the ATM machine in the Wawa located at 701 Route 9 North, Lanoka Harbor. The total value of the fraudulent transactions was $1000.00. Complainant contacted Merrill Lynch, at which time they canceled the Visa Debit Card. The incident remains under investigation.
- CDS Arrest – On Monday, November 12, 2018, at 3:58 a.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel was patrolling the Walmart parking lot in Lanoka Harbor when he observed a suspicious vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 56-year-old William D. Perkins of Alpine Street in Forked River, for possession of heroin. William Perkins was transported to police headquarters and processed. He received summonses for possession of heroin and possession of a hypodermic syringe. After processing, he was released without incident.
- Criminal Mischief Auto – On Sunday, November 11, 2018, at 9:38 a.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to the 200 Block of Dogwood Lane, Forked River for a report of criminal mischief. The victim stated he just observed a large dent on the hood and passenger side front fender of his vehicle. The victim stated the vehicle had been parked at Home Depot between 1130 and 1200 hours on November 10, 2018, in the parking lot of Anytime Fitness shortly thereafter, and then in his driveway. The damage is estimated at approximately $1000.00.
- DWI Arrest – On Saturday, November 10, 2018, at 4:15 p.m., Officer Jason Lee observed multiple vehicles traveling around a stopped vehicle in the roadway near the intersection of Route 9 and Sunrise Boulevard, Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 51-year-old Alfred Mathieu of Bobwhite Court, Forked River, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed. Alfred Mathieu received summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, Impeding the flow of traffic, and Open Container. The vehicle he was driving was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
- Criminal Mischief – On Saturday, November 10, 2018, at 3:00 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to the 1800 Block of Serpentine Drive, Forked River for a report of criminal mischief. The Complainant advised that two rear windows in the house he resides in had the screen cut out and removed. The Complainant advised that the last time he was at the residence on November 6, 2018 he did not observe any damage. The estimated cost of the damage is $300.00.