Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – December 29th, 2017 through January 4, 2018
- Burglary/Theft of Motor Vehicle/Criminal Mischief/Resisting Arrest/Eluding – On Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at 5:07 a.m., the Lacey Township Police Department responded to the Lacey Business Park, located on Challenger Way in Forked River in reference to a power outage. Upon arrival, officers located damage to a utility pole. An investigation revealed that an unknown person or persons used a chain attached to a vehicle to pull the electrical service wire from the utility pole. As the tension was applied, a primary wire severed and caused an attached transformer to explode. Damage was also discovered to a nearby business that was supplied by the power wires. The damage is estimated at $20,000. Lacey Township Police Detectives were able to identify the vehicle involved as a dark-colored pickup truck, and determined that the incident occurred at 4:15 a.m. At approximately 12:oo p.m., a business owner in the area reported a black Ford pickup truck stolen from his parking lot. Officer John D. Simonson then observed the vehicle traveling on Newark Avenue in Forked River, and attempted to make a motor vehicle stop. The driver failed to stop and continued to elude police as it entered a wooded area near Argo’s Farm on Lacey Road, just west of the Garden State Parkway in Forked River. A short time later officers located the abandoned pickup truck approximately two miles south of Lacey Road in the woods. A New Jersey State Police helicopter responded to assist with air patrol while a K-9 Unit from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department searched the wooded area in an attempt to locate the suspects. The Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Unit processed the pickup truck for latent fingerprints and DNA. At approximately 3:50 p.m., a citizen traveling on the Garden State Parkway in Forked River contacted police and reported two male subjects on the center median. Officers responded to the area of Llewellyn Parkway in Forked River, a road that runs adjacent to the Garden State Parkway on the east side. Upon arrival the Officers located two men walking on Serpentine Drive. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 23-year-old Eric Anderson, of Newark Avenue in Forked River, and 25-year-old John Clifton, of Raleigh Drive in Toms River, NJ. Both suspects were charged with burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, criminal mischief, and resisting arrest. Additionally, Eric Anderson was charged with eluding police. They were both lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility to await a bail hearing.
- Warrant Arrest – On Wednesday, January 3, 2018, at 11:19 p.m., Officers Scott Keefe and Michael Baldasari responded to the Burger King, located at 346 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a suspicious vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 42-year-old Joseph A. Barbosa and 42-year-old Christian M. Barbosa, both of Annapolis Lane in Forked River, for outstanding warrants. Joseph Barbosa had an outstanding Trenton Municipal Court warrant in the bail amount of $2000 and Christian Barbosa had an outstanding Stafford Township Municipal Court warrant in the bail amount of $500. They were both transported to Police Headquarters and processed. Joseph Barbosa was released ROR by the Trenton Municipal Court. Christian Barbosa was unable to post bail and was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
- Theft (Residence) – On Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at 1:24 p.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to Police Headquarters for a theft report. The victim reported that between December 24, 2017 and January 2, 2018, an unknown person or persons stole a $50 Wawa gift card from the interior of her residence, located on the 1700 block of Inwood Place in Forked River. The gift card was later used at the Taylor Lane Wawa in Forked River for purchases totaling $14.19. The victim suspects one of her son’s friends might have taken the gift card. The incident remains under investigation.
- Burglary and Theft (Auto) – On Tuesday, January 2, 2018, at 11:47 a.m., Officer Dan Ricciardella responded to Police Headquarters for a theft report. The victim reported that between the early morning hours of January 1, 2018 and January 2, 2018, an unknown person or persons entered his unlocked vehicle that was parked on Holland Avenue in Forked River and stole his insurance card, registration card, and vehicle title with a total value of $5. The incident remains under investigation.
- Drug Arrest – On Monday, January 1, 2018, at 10:21 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Bullard Avenue and Lee Way in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 18-year-old Jeffrey J. Winiavski, of Avalon Avenue in Bayville, NJ, and the passenger, identified as 20-year-old Kyle P. Feery, of Woodland Road in Bayville, NJ, for possession of CDS. They were both transported to Police Headquarters and processed. Jeffrey J. Winiavski was released after receiving a criminal summons for Possession of Marijuana over 50 Grams and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In addition, he received traffic summonses for Failure to Signal, CDS in a Motor Vehicle, and Failure to Exhibit a Driver’s License. Kyle P. Feery was charged on a criminal warrant with Possession of Marijuana Over 50 Grams and was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility to await a bail hearing.
- DUI Arrest with Motor Vehicle Accident – On Monday, January 1, 2018, at 3:05 a.m., Officers Patrick Watkins, Elton Copes, and Scott Keefe responded to Donald Street in Lanoka Harbor for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a parked vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 25-year-old Thomas Granit, of Alameda Court in Eatontown, NJ, for DUI. He was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. Thomas Granit was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing, Reckless Driving and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
- Fire – On Monday, January 1, 2018, at 2:03 a.m., Officers Martin Julian, Michael Baldasari, and Scott Keefe responded to the 700 block of Bermuda Drive in Forked River for a report of a trash can on fire in the backyard of the residence. The Forked River Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the blaze, which was limited to two (2) garbage cans in the rear of the residence. It was determined that the fire originated from a discarded cigarette in one of the garbage cans. The damage caused by the fire is estimated at approximately $60.
- Shoplifting – On Sunday, December 31, 2017, at 6:54 p.m., Officers Elton Copes and Patrick Watkins responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for an adult male shoplifter. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 21-year-old James R. Carpenter of Tampa Road in Forked River, for shoplifting merchandise valued at $108. He was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. James R. Carpenter was charged on a complaint warrant with shoplifting and lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility to await a bail hearing.
- DUI Arrest – On Sunday, December 31, 2017, at 12:11 a.m., Officer Martin Julian responded to the intersection of Deerhead Lake Drive and Alpine Street in Forked River for a suspicious vehicle. Officers Andrew Slota and Noah Schaffer also responded. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 39-year-old Brian W. Kelly of Vaughn Avenue in Forked River, for DUI. He was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. Brian W. Kelly was later released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing and Reckless Driving, . The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
- Shoplifting – On Saturday, December 30, 2017, at 12:59 a.m., Officers Patrick Watkins and Elton Copes responded to the Wawa, located at 701 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a shoplifter. An employee reported that a male suspect was observed reaching over the counter and stealing a pack of cigarettes valued at $8.67. The male shoplifter exited the store and drove away in a gray Dodge pickup truck with an extended cab. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 20 to 25 years old, with brown curly hair, who was wearing a blue winter coat, a blue scarf, and jeans. The incident remains under investigation.
- Suspicious Incident and Criminal Mischief (Residence) – On Thursday, December 28, 2017, at 7:09 p.m., Officers Andrew Slota and Martin Julian responded to the 1400 block of G Street in Forked River, for a report of a suspicious incident. The homeowner reported that between December 23, 2017, and December 27, 2017, an unknown person or persons damaged four rear window screens on the residence in an attempt to force entry. In addition, the homeowner reported damage to her vinyl fence gate. At the time of the report entry does not appear to have been made to the residence and nothing appears to have been stolen. The total damage to the window screens and the fence gate is estimated at $100.
- Drug Arrest – On Thursday, December 28, 2017, at 6:03 p.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Falkenburg Avenue and Station Drive in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 39-year-old Cornelius J. Johanson, Jr., of Deerhead Lake Drive in Forked River, for Possession of CDS. He was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. Cornelius J. Johanson, Jr., was released after receiving a criminal summons for Possession of Marijuana 50 grams or less. In addition, he received traffic summonses for CDS in a Motor Vehicle and a Cell Phone violation.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – December 22nd, 2017 through December 28th, 2017
- Burglary/Theft/Impersonation-On Wednesday, December 27, 2017, Patrolman Michael Hein took an initial report for a suspicious incident. During his investigation, a Bayville resident reported that she suspected that she was the victim of fraud. The victim reported that she answered a rental advertisement posted on Facebook and made arrangements to see the Forked River home. The victim further added that she and a representative of the property management company came to an agreement and completed a lease. The victim also gave the representative a $2,025 security deposit. Several days afterward when the victim did not receive the keys for the home, she reported the incident to the police. As the investigation continued, Patrolman Hein and Detective Kymberly Gudgeon were able to confirm that the advertisement was fraudulent and identified the suspect as a Little Egg Harbor resident. On Thursday, December 28, 2017, Lacey detectives arranged for the victim to meet with the suspect under the auspice that she would be supplying the first month’s rent. The suspect, Jennifer Alvarez, 39, was arrested when she arrived to collect the money. Alvarez was charged with burglary, theft by deception, and impersonation. She was released pending an upcoming Court appearance.
- Shoplifting Arrest- On Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 3:15 p.m., Officer George Resetar responded to Walmart, 580 Route 9, Lanoka Harbor, for a shoplifter. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 28-year old Jeni McDaniel, of Sarasota Drive, Forked River, for stealing $271.00 worth of various merchandise. Jeni McDaniel was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released on a criminal summons with shoplifting.
- DUI Arrest – On Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at 10:19 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Route 9 near the Lacey/Waretown Border. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 40-year-old Wendy E. Cutter of Wave Road, Manahawkin, NJ, for DUI. Wendy Cutter was transported to police headquarters and processed. She received motor vehicle summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle she was driving was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
- DUI Arrest – On Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at 11:50 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Oak Street and Route 9, Forked River, for speeding. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 28-year-old Monica Merry of Cranberry Road, Beachwood, for DUI. She was transported to police headquarters, processed, and later released to a family member. She received motor vehicle summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Refusal to submit to breath testing, and speeding. She also received a criminal summons charging her with Resisting Arrest and Obstruction of Justice. The vehicle she was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
- Shoplifting Arrest/Possession of CDS – On Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at 8:14 p.m., Officers Michael Verwey and Christopher Meyler responded to Kohl’s, 304 Route 9, Forked River, for a shoplifter. The suspect fled the store in a motor vehicle heading North on Route 9. Officer Anthony Sarno located and stopped the vehicle on Route 9 and Harbor Inn Road in Bayville. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest the passenger of the vehicle, 26-year-old Kaitlyn V. Ferdon of Red Bank Avenue, Ocean Gate, NJ. Proceeds of the theft, including jewelry and clothing, valued at $146.81, were located in her possession. Kaitlyn V. Ferdon was also found to be in possession of heroin and marijuana. She was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released on a criminal summons charging her with Shoplifting, Possession of CDS, Possession of Marijuana 50g or less, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
- Shoplifting Arrest – On Tuesday, December 26, 2017, at 12:17 p.m., Officer Dan Ricciardella responded to Walmart, 580 Route 9 North, Lanoka Harbor, for a report of a male shoplifter. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 52-year-old Michael J. Miceli of 3rd Street, Barnegat, NJ. Michael J. Micelli concealed $95 in merchandise and left the store without paying. Michael Miceli was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released after being charged on a summons with shoplifting.
- Theft from Residence – On Sunday, December 24, 2017, at 8:54 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to a residence on the 400 block of Barnacle Road in Forked River for a report of theft. The victims reported that between December 23, 2017, at 7:45 p.m. and December 24, 2017, at 1:00 a.m., unknown person(s) stole medications and four Lunar Wireless Blue Tooth headphones from the master bedroom of their residence. The total value of the theft is estimated at $35.00
- Fire – On Saturday, December 23, 2017, at 2:07 p.m., Lacey Township Police Officers responded to the Island Beach Distillery on Old Shore Road in Forked River for an explosion and structural fire. Forked River and Lanoka Harbor Fire Departments arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. Lacey Township First Aid responded and treated the victim and who was transported to Livingston Burn Center for 1st degree burns from his waist to his feet. Lacey Township Detective Brian Flynn, the Ocean County Fire Marshall, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Lacey Township Building Inspector responded. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
- Warrant Arrest – On Friday, December 22, 2017, at 4:06 p.m., Officer Alan Abrecht responded to a residence on Windsor Street in Forked River for a report of two males taking items out of a dumpster. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of one of the males, 49-year old Kevin R. Tice, of Enterprise Drive in Forked River, on a warrant out of Newark Municipal Court in the amount of $100. He was arrested and transported to police headquarters. After processing, Kevin R. Tice was released on his own recognizance.
- Shoplifting – On Friday, December 22, 2017, at 1:42 p.m., Officers Patrick Watkins and Alan Abrecht responded to Walmart, 580 Route 9 North, Lanoka Harbor, for a report of a female shoplifter. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 35-year-old Kristin A. Hansen of Oxford Drive, Lanoka Harbor for shoplifting. Kristen A. Hanson attempted to steal approximately $146.05 worth of merchandise, including cosmetics and holiday cars. Kristen Hansen was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released after being charged on a criminal summons with shoplifting.
- Residential Burglary- On Friday, December 22, 2017, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a resident of Roanoke Drive in Forked River, witnessed a suspected burglary to a home across the lagoon from hers. The caller witnessed a male subject break the glass of a sliding door and enter the Ranger Drive residence. The caller also alerted her son, who was able to provide dispatch with a description of the suspect’s vehicle. Officers responded and searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect or his vehicle. The homeowner, who was not home at the time of the burglary, was able to provide a list of items stolen from her home that included a specific list of jewelry. As the investigation continued, a suspect was identified as a person Lacey Township Police Officers had dealt with earlier in the morning. At approximately 7:00 a.m., patrol officers were dispatched to Sinclair Avenue in Lanoka Harbor, for a suspicious person. Once there, officers spoke with 30 year-old Thomas Laffey, of Oak Road in Lanoka Harbor, who was sleeping in his parked vehicle. He was released at the scene without incident. At approximately 12:00 p.m. Berkeley Township Police Officers located the suspect’s vehicle in the Baywick Plaza. Lacey Police detectives responded there and met with the driver, Thomas Laffey. He was ultimately arrested and charged with the burglary, theft, and criminal mischief after detectives discovered a piece of jewelry missing from the victim’s home. Thomas Laffey was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility to await a bail hearing. The investigation also led to the recovery of all the stolen jewelry.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – December 15th, 2017 through December 21st, 2017
- Burglary(Auto) – On Thursday, December 21, 2017, at 12:13 p.m, Officer George Resetar was dispatched to a residence on Wellesley Road, Lanoka Harbor, in reference to a burglary to a motor vehicle. The victim reported that between 6:00 p.m. on December 20, 2017 and 9:00 a.m. on December 21, 2017, unknown person(s) entered the unlocked vehicle and stole $12.00 in change. The vehicle was parked in the victim’s driveway at the time of the theft.
- Warrant Arrest – On Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at 5:29 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey was dispatched to the area of Hometown Market, 725 Route 9 South in Forked River, in reference to a male subject who was harassing store patrons in the parking lot. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 38-year-old Jason M. Avalos of Shetland Drive in Lakewood, NJ, on an outstanding Hamilton Township Municipal Court warrant in the bail amount of $254. Jason M. Avalos was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and released on his own recognizance under the authority of the Hamilton Township Municipal Court Clerk.
- Theft – On Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at 4:48 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey responded to Lacey Township Police Headquarters in reference to a report of theft. The victim reported that between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on December 18, 2017 some person or persons stole a Fire Police radio from his vehicle while it was parked in the parking lot of Walmart, 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, NJ. It is believed that the vehicle was not locked at the time of the theft. The stolen property is described as a two way Wouxun Fire Police Radio belonging to the Medford Township Fire Department Fire Police. The value of the stolen property is estimated at $200.
- Warrant Arrest – On Monday, December 18, 2017, at 2:40 a.m., Officer Jason Lee conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Briggs Avenue and Lacey Road in Forked River for failure to maintain lane. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 32-year-old Vincent Terrizzi of First Avenue in Toms River, NJ, on an outstanding Toms River Township Municipal Court warrant in the bail amount of $250. Vincent Terrizzi was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving While Suspended and Failure to Maintain Lane. Vincent Terrizzi was unable to post bail and was turned over to the custody of the Toms River Police Department.
- DUI Arrest – On Monday, December 18, 2017, at 11:21 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno was on patrol in the area of Bamber Lakes when he conducted a motor vehicle stop of a driver for careless driving in the area of Dover Road and Hurry Road. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 48-year-old Laurie L. Harrison of Goodluck Road in Forked River, NJ for DUI. Laurie Harrison was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where she was processed and charged with DUI, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, Open Container in a Motor Vehicle, and Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle. Laurie Harrison was also charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Resisting Arrest. The vehicle Laurie Harrison was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
- Shoplifting – On Monday, December 18, 2017, at 5:14 p.m., Officer Jason Lee responded to Walmart, 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a report of shoplifting. The loss prevention employees reported observing a female subject conceal clothing items inside a shopping bag and then attempt to leave the store without paying for the merchandise. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 37-year-old Stacey M. Colfer of Cambridge Court in Lakewood, NJ for shoplifting. Stacey Colfer was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where she was processed and charged with Shoplifting merchandise valued at $83.26.
- Burglary (Residential) – On Sunday, December 17, 2017, at 8:20 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe and Officer Jason Lee responded to the 700 block of Princeton Avenue in Lanoka Harbor for a report of burglary. The victim reported that between 3:30 p.m. and 8:20 p.m. on December 17, 2017 unknown person(s) shattered the rear glass door of the residence and stole a plastic can containing approximately $400 in loose change from the laundry room of the residence. The damage to the glass door is estimated at $500. The Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau is following up on the investigation.
- Criminal Mischief (Auto) – On Sunday, December 17, 2017, at 1:18 p.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to the 600 block of Center Street in Forked River for a report of criminal mischief. The victim reported that between 3:00 p.m., on Saturday, December 16, 2017 and 1:00 p.m., on Sunday, December 17, 2017 unknown person(s) damaged her vehicle while it was parked in the driveway of her residence. The passenger side windshield, the passenger side-view mirror, and the passenger side running light of her 2012 GMC Terrain appeared to have been smashed. The damage did not appear to have been the result of a crash. The damage is estimated at approximately $1000.
- Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, December 17, 2017, at 12:18 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to Shop Rite, 348 Route 9 North, Lanoka Harbor, for a report of a male consuming alcohol on a bench near Shop Rite. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 27-year-old Michael A. Mele, Arizona Avenue, Toms River, NJ, on two outstanding Berkeley Township Municipal Court Warrants. The first warrant was in the bail amount of $583 and the second warrant was in the bail amount of $1179. Michael A. Mele was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and then turned over to the custody of the Berkeley Township Police Department.
- Fire (Business) – On Saturday, December 16, 2017, at 4:47 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey responded to the area of Route 9 and South Street for a report of a fire. Flames and smoke were observed coming from a large trailer parked on the property of G & D Paving located at 727 Route 9 North, Lanoka Harbor, NJ. The Lanoka Harbor Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. The owner of the trailer was heating the trailer with a wood burning stove at the time of the fire.
- Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, December 16, 2017, at 4:15 p.m., Officer Jason Lee responded to Lacey Township Police Headquarters for a warrant arrest. The subject, 53-year-old Kevin W. Kazmierski, North Shore Drive, Forked River, had an outstanding warrant out of Wall Township Municipal Court in the bail amount of $135. Kevin W. Kazmierski was released after posting bail.
- Criminal Mischief – On Friday, December 15, 2017, at 11:39 a.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel responded to the 1200 block of Taylor Lane in Forked River for a report of criminal mischief. The victim reported that at approximately 2:30 a.m. on Friday, December 15, 2017, he heard a loud noise near the garage. Upon checking the garage later that morning he observed damage to the garage door and the light fixture mounted near the garage. The total damage is estimated at $1030.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – December 8th, 2017 through December 15th, 2017
- Shoplifting – On Friday, December 15, 2017, at 6:29 p.m., Officers Elton Copes and Patrick Watkins responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a report of an adult female shoplifter. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 50-year-old Lisa A. Fultz of Bee Way in Forked River, for shoplifting merchandise valued at $377.10. She was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. Lisa A. Fultz was released after receiving a criminal summons for Shoplifting.
- Fires – On Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at 8:08 p.m., Officer Robert Duffy responded to West Lacey Road near the border of Manchester Township for a report of smoke in the area. Officer Duffy searched the area and located a small bonfire in the wooded area off of Dover Road known as “Carusoville.” The Bamber Lakes Fire Department extinguished the fire.
- Burglary and Theft (Auto) – On Wednesday, December 13, 2017, at 10:59 a.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel responded to the Heritage Apartments, located at 1031 Newark Avenue North in Forked River, for a report of theft from a vehicle. The complainant reported that between 11:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 and 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 13, 2017, an unknown person or persons entered their unlocked vehicle and stole a radar detector and an umbrella with an estimated valued of $50.
- Burglary and Theft (Auto) – On Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 5:08 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to the 900 block of Lakeside Drive North in Forked River, for a report of theft from a vehicle. The victim reported that between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2017, an unknown person or persons stole a welding cable from the bed of his truck that was parked in the driveway. The cable is described as a being ½” thick and approximately 100’ in length, black in color, with “600v”, “Flexa-prene” and “welding cable” embossed on it. The valued of the theft is estimate at $500.
- Theft – On Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 1:42 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer responded to the 300 block of Yorktown Drive in Forked River, for a report of theft. The victim reported that a flat screen television had been stolen from his bedroom and some scrap metal had been stolen from the side of the garage. The victim reported that he believes another resident is responsible for the theft. The value of the stolen property is estimated at $230.
- DUI with Motor Vehicle Crash (Arrest) – On Sunday, December 10, 2017, at 5:20 p.m., Officers Daniel Ricciardella and Michael Hein responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a report of a hit-and-run motor vehicle crash. A black Ford F-150 pickup truck was traveling west on Haines Street when it made a right turn into Walmart and struck the rear of a silver Jeep Patriot that was waiting to exit the parking lot. The driver of the black Ford F-150 did not stop and fled the scene in the vehicle. Walmart employees assisted in finding the suspect vehicle, which was located in the parking lot of Walmart a short time later. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver of the Ford F150, identified as 56-year-old Clifton Loeser of Binnacle Road in Forked River, for DUI. He was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. Clifton Loeser 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.
- Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, December 10, 2017, at 4:21 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer responded to the 200 block of Station Drive in Forked River for a report of a fight in progress involving five people. Upon arrival the fight was over and no one on the scene reported being involved. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 25-year-old Robert M. Donahue of Crestwood Drive in Forked River, on an outstanding Brick Township Municipal Court warrant in the bail amount of $250. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Robert M. Donahue was released on his own recognizance (ROR) under the authority of the Brick Township Municipal Court.
- Burglary and Theft (Auto) – On Saturday, December 9, 2017, at 1:33 p.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to the 1000 block of Alpine Street in Forked River for a report of theft. The victim reported that during the evening hours of December 8, 2017 into the early morning hours of December 9, 2017, an unknown person or persons entered his unlocked vehicle parked at the residence and stole the keys and lanyard from the ignition. The value of the keys and the lanyard is estimated at $50.
- Burglary and Theft (Residence) – On Saturday, December 9, 2017, at 4:54 a.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to the 2000 block of Lakeside Drive South in Forked River for a report of a burglary that had just occurred. The victim reported that an unknown person had entered her residence and stole property from within while she and her family were sleeping. The victim reported that they had been woken up by sound of their dog barking at approximately 4:45 a.m. The victim stated that when she got up she observed that an unknown person had opened the garage door. The victim observed numerous items had been stolen from the residence, including an Xbox, Samsung Galaxy S8 cell phone, BMX bicycle, long board, and a laptop. The Lacey Township Police Department Detective Bureau responded. An investigation conducted by Detective Keith Pearce led to the arrest of 20-year-old Frank Marin of Kearny Avenue in Seaside Heights for the Burglary and Theft. He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
- Theft and Criminal Mischief (Auto) – On Friday, December 8, 2017, at 10:47 a.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to Lacey Self Storage, located at 703 Old Shore Road in Forked River, for a report of theft. The victim reported that between November 28, 2017 and December 8, 2017, an unknown person or persons had cut and removed the catalytic converter from his 2008 Ford recreational vehicle. The vehicle was parked on the property and was covered. The catalytic converter and damage caused by its removal is estimated at $2000.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – December 1st, 2017 through December 7th, 2017
- DUI Arrest – On Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at 3:59 p.m., Officers Elton Copes and Adam Ewart responded to the area of Walnut Drive, Lanoka Harbor, for a report of an erratic driver. The driver, 51-year-old Alice Errickson, of Walnut Drive, Lanoka Harbor, was stopped and found to be operating her vehicle under the influence of alcohol. She was placed under arrest, transported to police headquarters, processed and released on four motor vehicle summonses for DWI, Refusal, Reckless Driving, and Expired Registration. The vehicle she was driving was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
- Down Wires (Injury) – On Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at 6:31 p.m., Officer Adam Ewart was conducting traffic control for a road closure at the intersection of Route 9 North and Nautilus Boulevard in Forked River, for service repairs due to down wires. During the repairs, a JCP&L Lineman sustained electrical burns to his face. Local EMS responded to the scene and transported him to Southern Ocean Medical Center.
- Burglary/Theft (Motor Vehicle) – On Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at 10:29 a.m., Officer Alan Abrecht responded to Shore Metric, 700 Challenger Way, Forked River, for a report of burglary and theft. The victim reported that between November 17, 2017 and December 5, 2017, an adjustable king-size mattress frame was stolen from the back of an unlocked box truck parked on the property. The bed is valued at $4000.
- Criminal Mischief (Residence) – On Monday, December 4, 2017, at 6:51 p.m., Officer Martin Julian responded to the 900 block of Beach Boulevard, Forked River, for a report of Criminal Mischief. The caller reported that someone threw a baseball through the window of her mother’s home between the hours of 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Nothing was missing from the residence. The damage is estimated at approximately $500.
- Theft (Residence) – On Monday, December 4, 2017, at 5:58 p.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel responded to the area of Tampa Road, Forked River, to take a report of theft. The victim reported that she believed a person known to her to have stolen her personal belongings, including a wedding ring and band, four pairs of Ugg boots, and two North Face jackets from the residence. The stolen items were valued at approximately $2000.
- Motor Vehicle Accident (Quad) – On Sunday, December 3, 2017, at 1:49 p.m., Officer Dan Ricciardella was dispatched to the wooded area behind 1250 Lacey Road “Argos Farm” Forked River, for a quad that had flipped over. The driver, 52-year-old Joseph R. Lombardi out of Staten Island, New York, was semi-conscious upon the officer’s arrival. He was transported by helicopter to Jersey Shore Medical Center due to his head and back injuries.
- Warrant Arrest (MV stop) – On Sunday, December 3, 2017, at 2:14 a.m., Officer Christopher Meyler conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 near the Forked River Diner for tinted windows & expired registration. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 39-year-old Quincy Saldona, Harrison Road, Toms River, NJ on an outstanding warrant out of South Toms River Municipal Court for driving while suspended in the amount of $350. He was transported to police headquarters, processed and released after posting bail. He received motor vehicle summonses for driving while suspended and unregistered vehicle.
- Warrant Arrest (MV stop) – On Saturday, December 2, 2017, at 10:16 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno conducted a motor vehicle stop on Chesapeake Drive near Beach Boulevard, in Forked River for maintenance of lamps. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 27-year-old Gilbert M. Tarantino, Naomi Way, Jackson, NJ on two outstanding warrants. Warrant number one (1) out of Lacey Township Municipal Court was for driving while suspended in the amount of $500 and Warrant number two (2) out of Ocean Township Municipal Court was for failure to change address on license in the amount of $61. He was processed and released after posting bail and receiving motor vehicle summonses for driving while suspended and maintenance of lamps.
- Fraud – On Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 10:24 a.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to police headquarters to take a report of fraud. The complainant reported that she received a call from a male with an accent who claimed his name was “Alex” stating that she was owed $300 for a software upgrade. Alex asked for her bank account information so that he could deposit the refund. After providing her information, Alex stated that he accidently transferred a thousand dollars into her checking account. To satisfy the overpayment, she was instructed to go to the nearest Rite Aid and purchase ten (10) $100 gift cards. After becoming suspicious, she contacted her bank and closed her bank account. The victim lost a total of $900.
- Warrant Arrest (MV stop) – On Saturday, December 2, 2017, at 12:45 a.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 North at the Berkeley Line in Lanoka Harbor. Officer Christopher Meyler arrived on scene to assist. The driver of the vehicle was issued a motor vehicle summons for Failure to Maintain Lane. The passenger of the vehicle, 35-year-old Marissa F. Gannon, Phelps Avenue, Bayville, NJ, was found to have two outstanding warrants out of Toms River Municipal Court. Warrant number one (1) was for DUI in the amount of $250 and warrant number two (2) was for possession of a syringe in the amount of $250. Marissa Gannon was transported to police headquarters, processed and released after posting bail.
- Fraud – On Friday, December 1, 2017, Officer Scott Keefe responded to police headquarters to take a report of fraud. The complainant stated that while shopping for gifts online, she received a message asking her to take a survey and that she would receive a check for her trouble. After a few days, she did receive a check and a letter instructing her to deposit the check into her bank account and then purchase three prepaid gift cards in the amount of $500 each. She was instructed to take a picture of the front and back of the cards and email them back. Becoming suspicious, she did not follow through with the instructions and was not victimized.