Weekly Police Blotter

Weekly Police Blotter

October 28th thru November 2nd, 2015

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• Traffic Accident, Drug Possession (Arrest), & Warrant Arrest – On Monday, November 2, 2015, at 5:01 p.m., Officer Kymberly Gudgeon and Dimitrios Tsarnas responded to the intersection of Lacey Road and Vaughn Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle accident. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 37-year-old Christopher R. Lawson of Stowaway Road in Manahawkin, NJ, for possessing several wax folds of Heroin and a hypodermic syringe. Christopher Lawson also had a Stafford Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $300. Christopher Lawson was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe. Christopher Lawson was also issued a summons for possession of Heroin in a Motor Vehicle. Bail was set at $2,500 and Christopher Lawson was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.

• Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Thursday, October 29, 2015, at 3:11 a.m., Officer Michael Verwey was on patrol when he observed a red Chevrolet Cavalier with its interior light on stopped in front of a residence on the 900 block of Center Street in Forked River. Upon approaching the vehicle, Officer Verwey observed a female asleep in the driver’s seat and a male asleep in the rear passenger seat. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the 17-year-old female driver and 20-year-old Timothy Daff of South Seas Court in Barnegat, NJ for possession of Heroin and a hypodermic syringe. Both subjects were transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters and processed. The 17-year-old female was charged on a juvenile complaint with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, and Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle. The female juvenile was turned over to the custody of her mother. Timothy Daff was charged with Heroin and Possession of Hypodermic Syringe.

• Shoplifting and Drug Possession (Arrests) – On Friday, October 30, 2015, at 1:43 p.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to Walmart, 580 Route 9 N. Lanoka Harbor, NJ for a report of two juveniles in custody for shoplifting. Investigation at the scene indicated that a 15-year-old female from Lacey Township and a 15-year-old male from Barnegat Township had attempted to shoplift two bottles of Mucinex DM Cough Medicine (Dextromethorphan – DMX)), valued at $21.74 each by removing the bottles from their packages and hiding the bottles in their pants. Marijuana and Paraphernalia were also found in the possession of the 15-year-old male. Both juveniles were transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where they were turned over to the custody of their guardians. Both juveniles were charged on juvenile complaints with Shoplifting. The male shoplifter was also charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

• DUI (Underage) Arrest – On Sunday, November 1, 2015, at 12:09 a.m., Officer Michael Verwey conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle on Stony Point Drive in Forked River for driving without headlights on and discovered that the vehicle was occupied by six juveniles, including one who had been riding in the trunk of the vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the 17-year-old male driver for DUI. The five other juveniles were issued juvenile complaints for underage consumption of alcohol and possession of open containers. The driver of the vehicle was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged with DUI, Reckless Driving, Headlights Required, and Open Container in a motor vehicle. All juveniles were turned over to the custody of their parents.

• Underage Drinking (Formal Charges) – On Saturday, October 31, 2015, at 10:28 p.m., Officer John McKee and Officer Michael Verwey responded to the 400 Block of Sentinel Drive in the Forked River section of the township for a report of an unconscious 14-year-old female. Paramedics arrived on scene and treated the patient for extreme intoxication. The 14-year-old female was transported from the scene to the Community Medical Center in Toms River. The adult homeowner, who was present in the residence, claimed that he was unaware that group of teens were drinking at his home. The parents of the 14-year-old female were notified and met her at the hospital. The incident is under investigation and formal charges are pending.

• Underage Consumption of Alcohol (Formal Charges) – On Saturday, November 1, 2015, at 1:20 a.m., Officer Patrick Watkins and Officer Evan Androcy responded to the 500 block of Clairmore Avenue in the Lanoka Harbor section of the township in reference to a report of a loud party. Investigation at the scene led to the discovery of an underage drinking party being held at the residence. A highly intoxicated juvenile female was located in a bedroom of the residence and required immediate medical attention due to her high level of intoxication. The female was transported to the Community Medical Center in Toms River for treatment. Her parents were notified and met her at Community Medical Center. The parents of the remaining juveniles were contacted and responded to the residence to take custody of their children. The incident is under investigation and formal charges are pending.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Saturday, October 31, 2015, at 8:47 p.m., Officer Dimitrios Tsarnas was assigned to Drunk Driving Enforcement Patrol and stopped a vehicle on Lacey Road near Spaulding Avenue in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 36-year-old Matthew C. Foster of Arlington Avenue in Forked River, NJ for DUI. Matthew Foster was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, processed, and charged with DUI, Refusal to Submit Breath Samples, Reckless Driving, and Speeding. The vehicle was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Motor Vehicle Accident & DUI (Arrest) – On Friday, October 31, 2015 at 8:41 p.m., Officer Adam Ewart responded to the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Devon Street for a report of a one car motor vehicle collision. A white, 2005, Ford Pickup truck driven by 36-year-old Gary L. Thorpe of John Street in Forked River drove off of the roadway, struck a utility pole, and the vehicle then rolled onto its side. No injuries were reported. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Gary Thorpe for DUI. Gary Thorpe was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, processed, and charged with DUI, Reckless Driving, Use of a Wireless Telephone in a Moving Vehicle, and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle was impounded pursuant to John’s Law. The roadway was closed for several hours until JCP&L was able to replace the utility pole which had been split in half due to the collision.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Friday, October 30, 2015, at 9:40 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey conducted a motor vehicle stop of a vehicle on Lacey Road near Newark Avenue. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 41-year-old Donna Shaffery of Sequoia Court in Barnegat, NJ for DUI. Donna Shaffery was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, processed, and charged with DUI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Warrant Arrest – On Thursday, October 29, 2015, at 9:12 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe and Officer John McKee responded to 105 Fox Hollow Drive in Lanoka Harbor, NJ to serve an active outstanding Ocean County Sheriff’s Department warrant in the amount of $7,692.28 on 42-year-old Kenneth Wimbush. Kenneth Wimbush was located and placed under arrest. Kenneth Wimbush was transported him to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.

• Warrant Arrest – On Thursday, October 29, 2015, at 1:39 p.m., Officer Christopher Meyler, was on patrol when he conducted a motor vehicle stop. The driver, 22-year-old Anthony Brito 3rd, of Montauk Drive in Forked River had an outstanding Barnegat Township Municipal Court traffic warrant for his arrest in the amount of $500. Anthony Brito was arrested and transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, processed, and then turned over to the custody of the Barnegat Township Police Department.

• Theft from Auto – On Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at 9:41 p.m., a victim responded to Lacey Township Police Headquarters and reported that between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. on Monday, October 26, 2015, some person or persons entered her unlocked vehicle and stole her purse while it was parked at the McDonalds parking lot, 404 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, NJ. The victim reported that she was inside the restaurant when the theft occurred. The purple Kenneth Cole purse contained a tan Kenneth Cole wallet, which held various credit cards, ID’s, and $20 in cash. The victim estimated the loss of the purse and contents at $234.

• Shoplifting (Arrest) – On Monday, November 2, 2015, at 5:42 p.m., Officer Charles May responded to Walmart, 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, NJ, for a report of shoplifting. Walmart Loss Prevention employees reported that an adult male and an adult female shoplifted merchandise while they were in the store with a young child. The suspects fled the area in a silver Kia Optima after they had been confronted by the loss prevention employees. Officer Charles May observed the vehicle as the male driver pulled into the Field Crest Plaza parking lot, located at 44 Manchester Avenue in Forked River, NJ. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 33-year-old Manny J. Martinez and 35-year-old Marlena P. Maneta, both of Barnegat Boulevard in Barnegat, NJ, for shoplifting $107.70 worth of merchandise, which included DVD’s and a RUKU Streaming Stick. Manny Martinez and Marlena Maneta were transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, where they were processed and charged with Shoplifting. The Division of Child Protection & Permanency (DCP&P) was notified due to the child being present during the offense.

Weekly Police Blotter

October 20th thru October 27th, 2015

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• Warrant and Possession of Heroin (Arrest) – On Friday, October 23, 2015, at 1:08 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno was on patrol when he observed suspicious activity in the parking lot of the Lacey Inn, located at 229 Route 9 North in the Forked River section of the township. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 48-year-old Beth Donnamarie of Maple Drive in Bayville, NJ on a no bail Ocean County Sheriff’s Department warrant and Howell Township Municipal Court Warrant in the Amount of $750. Beth Donnamarie was also found to be in possession of Heroin. Beth Donnamarie was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, processed, and charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Beth Donnamarie was then turned over to the custody of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

• Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin (Arrest) – On Thursday, October 22, 2015, Officer Anthony Sarno was conducting an investigation into the possible possession and distribution of Heroin when he observed 47-year-old Edward F. Smith standing on the corner of Greenwood Lane and Sunrise Boulevard in Forked River. Officer Sarno was aware of an outstanding arrest warrant for Edward Smith out of New York State with a full extradition order. Officer Sarno approached Edward Smith while Edward Smith was talking on a cellular phone. Upon seeing Officer Sarno, Edward Smith began to run from the uniformed officer. As Officer Sarno ran after Edward Smith, the officer observed Edward Smith throwing items onto the lawn of a residence along the 200 block of Sunrise Boulevard. The items were recovered and determined to be packets of Heroin. Edward Smith was apprehended by Officer Sarno. Edward Smith initially resisted arrest and was quickly restrained. Officer Michael Verwey responded and assisted with the arrest. Once Edward Smith was under arrest and in custody, the officers recovered 330 bags of Heroin. Lacey Township EMS was called to the scene, and Edward F. Smith was transported under guard to the Community Medical Center in Toms River after complaining of not feeling well. Lacey Township police officers have been assigned to stand guard at the hospital facility in Toms River until Edward Smith is cleared by staff to be transported to a correctional facility.  Edward Smith, formerly of East Lacey Road in Forked River was most recently residing at the Lacey Inn on Route 9 in Forked River. Edward Smith was charged with Possession with the Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of Heroin, as well as Obstructing the Administration of Law and Resisting Arrest.  Bail was set at $150,000 by Honorable D. Murray.

• Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Thursday, October 22, 2015, at 2:36 p.m., Officer Darrell Nick and Officer Jesse Dalziel responded to the 200 block of Stafford Avenue in the Lanoka Harbor section of the township in reference to a report of juveniles in a green SUV engaging in drug activity. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the 17-year-old male driver of the vehicle. He was taken into custody and transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, where he was processed and turned over to the custody of his mother. He was charged on a juvenile complaint with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

• Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at 9:26 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey responded to the area of Sussex Place in the Pheasant Run section of the township for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 39-year-old Michael A. Ramirez of Bay Way in Lanoka Harbor, NJ for possession of Marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Michael Ramirez was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, processed, and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

• Maintaining and Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) Production Facility (Arrest) – On October 21, 2015, detectives of the Lacey Township Police Department concluded an investigation involving a Marijuana grow in a wooded area of Lacey Township near the Manchester Township border.  The investigation led to a suspect being identified as Brian Keough of South Toms River. A search warrant was sought and obtained for a search of his home at 406 Dover Road, South Toms River, NJ.  During the execution of the search warrant, detectives recovered more than 25 Marijuana plants, a large quantity of raw Marijuana, and assorted equipment and paraphernalia associated with operating and maintaining a controlled dangerous substance production facility, including grow tents, grow lights and ballasts, seeds, fertilizer, packaging materials, and scales.  The target residence was located directly across the street from the South Toms River Elementary School.

• Brian T. Keough, age 33, of 406 Dover Road, South Toms River, NJ, was arrested at the scene and charged with the following crimes:

• Maintaining and Operating a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS) Production Facility (1stDegree)
• Manufacturing & Possessing with the Intent to Distribute CDS (2nd Degree)
• Possession with Intent to Distribute CDS within 1000 feet of a School (3rd Degree)
• Possession of More than 50 grams of Marijuana (4th Degree)Brian T. Keough also had the following outstanding warrants:
• The Honorable James M. Blaney, J.S.C., set bail at $150,000.
• Toms River Warrant #TR 80128 (Traffic Warrant) – $350 Bail
• South Toms River Warrant #SC 2014 3487 (Criminal Warrant) – $1,500The South Toms River Police Department, Ocean County Prosecutors Office-Special Operations Group, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department-Crime Scene Investigation assisted in the investigation.
• Brian T. Keough was processed and lodged in Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.

• DUI & Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Sunday, October 25, 2015, at 11:23 p.m., Officer Elton Copes and Officer Adam Ewart responded to the parking lot of the Forked River Diner, located at 317 Route 9 South in the Forked River section of the Township, for a report of a male subject impaired behind the wheel of a vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 25-year-old Anthony Cipolletti of Harborage Avenue in Bayville, NJ for DUI and possession of Heroin. Anthony Cipolletti was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, processed, and charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Anthony Cipolletti was also issued traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Possession of Heroin in a Motor Vehicle.

• Shoplifting – On Tuesday, October 20, 2015, Officer Jason Lee responded to CVS Pharmacy, located at 700 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, NJ for a report of shoplifting. The store manager reported that a male and female entered the store and stole approximately $931 worth of shaving razors. The suspects had exited the store before the store employees were able to determine that items had been stolen and hidden in a back pack. The suspects are described as white female and a white male approximately 50 years of age.

• Theft – On October 20, 2015, at 5:16 p.m., Officer Christopher Meyler responded to police headquarters for a report of theft. The homeowner, Megan McKenna, reported that she recently purchased a residence on Harrison Avenue in Forked River. The homeowner reported that on October 7, 2015, she discovered that the plumbing was not working and upon contacting a plumber was informed that over sixty feet of copper was cut out from the crawlspace of the residence. The damage and stolen copper was estimated at approximately $2,500. The incident is believed to have occurred between August 14, 2015 and October 7, 2015.

• Theft – On Monday, October 26, 2015, at 10:17 a.m., Officer Jason Lee responded to the 300 block of Bayside East Parkway in reference to a report of theft. The homeowner reported that some person or person stole Halloween decorations from the front of his residence. The stolen items were described as a cast iron metal pumpkin, a metal lantern, and mums. The value of the stolen items is estimated at $50.

• Theft – On Monday, October 26, 2015, at 8:44 a.m., Officer Noah Schaffer responded to the cellular telephone tower, located at 510 Route 9 South in the Forked River section of the township, for a report of theft. The complainant reported that some person or persons cut out and stole wire from the cell tower property. A preliminary assessment of the damage estimates it at $1,200.

• Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, October 25, 2015, at 2:52 p.m., Special Officer Edgaras Lenkauskas conducted a motor vehicle stop of a vehicle on Lacey Road near Arlington Avenue. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 33-year-old Michael Angelo of Forked River, NJ, on an outstanding Tinton Falls Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $1,000. Michael Angelo was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and released after posting bail.

• Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, October 25, 2015, at 3:28 a.m., an off-duty Lacey Township detective reported that two suspicious males were in the area of Holmes Avenue North on bicycles. Officer George Resetar located both subjects in the area of Vaughn Avenue and Lacey Road. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of one of the bicyclists, 29-year-old Matthew C. Clinton of Devon Street in Forked River, NJ, on numerous outstanding warrants. The warrants included: Two Lacey Township Municipal Court warrants in the bail amount of $500 each; one Berkeley Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $750; one Tinton Falls Borough Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $701; one Harvey Cedars Borough Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $500; and one Barnegat Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $500. Matthew Clinton was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, processed, and then transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.

• Fire – On Friday, October 23, 2015, at 8:40 a.m., Officer Keith Pearce responded to the area of Switch Road near Route 532 for a report of a brush fire. The fire was extinguished by the Waretown Volunteer Fire Department. The incident is under investigation by Detective Brian Flynn of the Lacey Township Police Department and District Warden Scott Knauer of the NJ Forest Fire Service.

• Suspicious Incident – On Friday, October 23, 2015, at 11:42 a.m., Office Daniel Ricciardella responded to the 1400 block of Daytona Road in the Forked River Beach section of the township for a report of criminal mischief. The complainant reported that during the overnight hours some person or person threw white paint onto her car while it was parked in the driveway of the residence. The substance was able to be cleaned off and no damage was reported.

Weekly Police Blotter

October 13th thru October 19th, 2015

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• Shoplifting & Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Monday, October 19, 2015, at 2:19 p.m., Lieutenant Michael DiBella was traveling west on Lacey Road, when he observed a vehicle driving erratically. Lieutenant DiBella stopped the vehicle on Lacey Road near Trenton Avenue. While investigating the incident, it was discovered that the driver of the vehicle had just fled from employees of Kohl’s, located at 304 Route 9 North in Forked River, NJ, after reportedly shoplifting two cameras and a GPS unit valued at approximately $400. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 30-year-old Christopher Wells of 286 Roosevelt Avenue in Bayville, NJ, for shoplifting. Christopher was also found to be in possession of Heroin and drug paraphernalia. Christopher Wells was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, processed, and charged with Shoplifting, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Hypodermic Syringe, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Christopher Wells was also issued motor vehicle summonses for Tailgating, Failure to Signal, and Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle. The vehicle he was operating was impounded.

• Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, October 17, 2015, at 11:03 p.m., Officer Charles May responded to the parking lot of Wendy’s, located at 301 Route 9 North in Forked River, NJ, for a report of a possible DUI. Investigation at the scene determined that the driver was not DUI, but had an outstanding Marlboro Township Municipal Court Warrant in the amount of $1,000. Officer May placed 34-year-old Richard Buck, Jr. of Western Boulevard in Bayville, NJ, under arrest and transported him to Lacey Township Police Headquarters. Richard Buck, Jr. was processed and then turned over to the custody of the Marlboro Township Police Department.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Thursday, October 15, 2015, at 10:18 p.m., Officer Verwey conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 near the intersection of Lacey Road. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 53-years-old Dennis Hardwick, Jr. of Oak Avenue in Forked River, NJ for DUI. Dennis Hardwick, Jr. was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged with DUI, Speeding, and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle he was driving was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Warrant Arrest – On Thursday, October 15, 2015, at 11:57 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe stopped 21-year-old Emma Maddaloni of Forest Circle in Toms River, NJ, for driving while suspended. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Emma Maddaloni on a Point Pleasant Borough Municipal Court Traffic Warrant in the amount of $500 and a Toms River Municipal Court Traffic Warrant in the amount of $350. Emma Maddaloni was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, processed, and then transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.

• Warrant Arrest – On Thursday, October 15, 2015, at 1:32 a.m., Officer Anthony Sarno stopped a vehicle on Parkers Point Boulevard near Route 9 South for careless driving. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 26-year-old Russell Hawk of Roosevelt Avenue in Bayville, NJ on an outstanding Eatontown Township Municipal Court traffic warrant in the amount of $354. Russell Hawk was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and then released after posting bail.

• Warrant Arrest – On Tuesday, October 13, 2015, at 5:10 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to a residence on the 900 block of Lakeside Drive North in Forked River in reference to serving warrants on 26-year-old Kyle Ranghelli of Bayview Avenue in Bayville, NJ. Kyle Ranghelli was located and placed under arrest on an Atlantic City Municipal Court criminal warrant in the amount of $500, an Atlantic City Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $250, and a Seaside Heights Municipal Court Warrant in the amount of $350. Kyle Ranghelli was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, processed, and then transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.

• Warrant Arrest – On Tuesday, October 13, 2015, at 5:09 p.m., Officer Watkins conducted a motor vehicle stop near Taylor Lane in Forked River and determined that the driver, 19-year-old Alexandra Woodcock of Windsor Street in Forked River, NJ, had an outstanding Atlantic City Municipal Court traffic warrant in the amount of $400. Alexandra Woodcock was arrested and transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where she was processed and released after posting bail.