Police Blotter ImageWeekly Police Blotter – Press Release

April 23rd thru April 30th, 2013

 

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  • DUI Arrest – At approximately 11:30 p.m., on Monday, April 29, 2013, Officer Charles May conducted a motor vehicle stop of a vehicle for driving without headlamps on Rt. 9 near Taylor Lane. Investigation led to the vehicle’s driver, 33-year-old Matthew Foster of Forked River, being arrested and charged with DUI, Reckless Driving, and Maintenance of Lamps. Matthew Foster also received a criminal summons for Possession of Handgun Ammunition without first obtaining a New Jersey Firearms Identification Card.
  • Shoplifting Arrest – At approximately 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 29, 2013, Officers Adam Ewart and Jeffrey Slota responded to Walmart for a shoplifter being detained.  Upon arrival of the officers, 24-year-old Brittany Gibson of Forked River was arrested for shoplifting. She was charged with shoplifting for attempting to conceal merchandise valued at $187.73 on her person. Brittany Gibson was later processed and released from police headquarters after receiving a criminal summons.
  • Shoplifting Arrest – At approximately 4:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 28, 2013, Officers Alan Abrecht and Evan Androcy responded to Walmart for a shoplifter being detained.  Upon the arrival of the officers, 21-year-old Kelsey Comerford of Manasquan was arrested for shoplifting. She was charged with shoplifting for attempting to conceal eight items valued at $46.79 inside her purse. Kelsey Comerford was later processed and released from police headquarters after receiving a criminal summons.  
  • Theft from a Residential Backyard – At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2013, Officer Noah Schaffer responded to a Sandy-damaged residence located on Sandpiper Drive in Lanoka Harbor.  The resident reported that unknown actor(s) stole a 1′ x 18″ copper bell from a ship valued at $500. The bell was being displayed in the resident’s backyard for decoration. The estimated value of the bell is $500.
  • Burglary of a Home – At approximately Noon on Sunday, April 28, 2013, Officer Scott Anderson was dispatched to a residential burglary at a home located on Oxgoose Drive, Lanoka Harbor. The homeowners reported that sometime between late December 2012 and April 28, 2013, their home was burglarized. Entry into the home was gained using force to break an upstairs window open. The homeowner reported that a wall-mounted 42-inch, ViewSonic LCD television and a wooden jewelry box containing costume jewelry were stolen during the burglary.  The value of the stolen property is approximately $500 and damage to the home is estimated at $500.
  • Arrest on Multiple Warrants – At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2013, Officer George Resetar performed a motor vehicle stop for speeding. This motor vehicle stop occurred on the 700 Block of Rt. 9 in Lanoka Harbor. During the stop, the vehicle’s passenger, Carmen Vargo, was observed not wearing a seatbelt.  Further investigation at the location of the stop led to Carmen Vargo being arrested on three outstanding warrants.  The warrants included: a $750 warrant issued by the Borough of Ship Bottom; a $757.79 warrant issued by Brick Township; and a $20,130.60 warrant out of Ocean County. Carmen Vargo was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.
  • Burglary of a Vehicle – At approximately 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2013, Officer Noah Schaffer took a report concerning a burglarized vehicle. The victim reported that sometime between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., on April 25, 2013, her vehicle was forcibly entered while parked at the Lacey Mall. It is believed entry was gained by forcing down a rear window that was left partially open. Once entry was made, the victim’s purse was emptied and her wallet was reportedly stolen. The property reported stolen includes: $20.00, credit cards, and medications totaling $170.
  • Theft from a Residence – At approximately 11:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2013, Officer Samuel Della Sala responded to a home located on Seabright Road in Forked River.  The resident reported someone stole jewelry and cash from within their home. The missing jewelry was valued at over $3,000 along with approximately $50 cash. Investigation by Officer Samuel Della Sala at the home led to the identity of the person who stole the jewelry and cash. The victims then indicated they did not wish to pursue this matter. 
  • Expired Driver’s License/Warrant Arrest – At approximately 8:30 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2013, Sergeant Michael DiBella and Officer Evan Androcy conducted a motor vehicle stop for failure to maintain a lane. The driver of the stopped vehicle, 47-year-old James Pollack of Whiting, was found to have an expired driver’s license and an active arrest warrant. The warrant in the amount of $250 was issued by the Manchester Municipal Court. James Pollack arrested and later released from police headquarters after posting the required bail.
  • Theft from a Residential Backyard- At approximately 6:40 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2013, Officer Evan Androcy responded to a residence located on Sinclair Avenue in Lanoka Harbor. The homeowner reported that approximately one hour earlier, an unknown male entered his backyard. While in the backyard, the male reportedly stole two extension cords. The first cord was green in color and 100’ long with three plugs on the end valued at $50.00. The second cord was 50’ long and red/orange in color and valued at $30.00. This theft occurred while the residents were inside their residence.  Investigation at the scene led to the development of additional witnesses and the suspect’s description. The suspect is described as a white male; approximately 17 years-old; short, dark hair; who was wearing a black sweater with khaki pants and a black backpack.  A suspect vehicle was also developed as follows: an orange/rust colored Jeep Wrangler with larger than normal tires. 
  • Warrant Arrest – At approximately 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2013, Officers Darrell Nick and Adam Ewart responded to the “trestle” which is located on the Cedar Creek northwest of Warren Avenue in Lanoka Harbor (behind Hebrew Park). The officers were investigating possible illegal activity occurring at the location. Upon the arrival of the officers, they made an inquiry concerning the individuals observed congregating.  One of the individuals, 50-year-old Rocco Selig of Lanoka Harbor, was found to have an outstanding warrant in the amount of $28,000.  He was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.
  • Burglary of a Home – at approximately 12:40 p.m.on Friday, April 26, 2013, Officers Noah Schaffer and Jeffrey Slota responded a home located on Musket Road in Lanoka Harbor for a residential burglary. Investigation at the home revealed that unknown actor(s) used physical force to gain entry into the residence during a period the residents were not home. A resident stopped home for lunch and upon entering the house heard the front door slam.  Upon checking the home’s interior it was discovered that the home was burglarized. The home sustained more than $600 in damage due to the forced entry. An inventory of the home revealed that more than $8,000 in jewelry was stolen. The on-scene police officers were aided by Detective Sergeant Christopher Cornelius and a K-9 Team from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.   A search of the surrounding area yielded no suspects at the time. 
  • Weapons Possession Arrests – At approximately 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2013, several police officers responded to a 911 call concerning a dispute involving a knife. The dispute was reported at the NJ Transit bus stop located on Rt. 9 and Jones Road in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the recovery of two folding knives and one fixed blade knife believed to be used by combatants during a heated argument.  There were no reported injuries. The involved parties, 29-year-old Eduardo Andrade of Toms River and 30-year-old Sergio Cruz-Miranda of Beachwood, were arrested at the scene and transported to headquarters. Both, Eduardo Andrade and Sergio Cruz-Miranda, were charged with Obstructing the Administration of Law, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.  Both defendants were taken to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the $10,000 bail set for each. 
  • Theft from School Locker – On Thursday, April 25, 2013, a male student at the Lacey Township High School reported that sometime between 8:55 a.m. and 9:40 a.m. cut the lock to his gym locker inside the boys’ locker room and stole an iPad valued at $500.00. The Ipad was later located within the school and the matter was handled by school officials.
  • Suspended Driver/Warrant Arrest – At approximately 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, April 25, 2013, Officer Adam Ewart conducted a motor vehicle stop for speeding near the intersection of Manchester Avenue and Hill Street. During the motor vehicle stop, it was determined that the vehicle’s driver, 21-year-old Brittany Windsor from Ocean Gate, had a suspended driver license. It was also determined that there was an active Wall Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $104.00 for Brittany Windsor’s arrest. Brittany Windsor was released ROR for the warrant and received summonses for Speeding and Driving while Suspended.
  • Theft from a Closed Business – At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, an alert business owner reported suspicious activity at the location where the Shark Finn Inn was located. This alert business owner described seeing a pickup filled with air conditioning units exit the inn’s parking lot. The witness did an excellent job of recording the suspicious pickup’s description and registration. Investigation led to the identity of the pickup’s owner and confirmation that air conditioning units and other commercial refrigeration components were stolen from the inn. This investigation is ongoing and formal charges are expected in the near future concerning items stolen from the currently closed restaurant. 
  • Drug/Paraphernalia Possession – Atapproximately 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, Police Lieutenant James Veltri arrested 20-year-old Jesse Ehrnstrom of Lanoka Harbor for Possession of Marijuana 50 Grams or Less and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Prior to being arrested, Jesse Ehrnstrom was observed parking his vehicle directly across the street from the Ash Road “Kiddy” Park near the corner of Ash Road and Basin Road in Lanoka Harbor).  Jesse Ehrnstrom and an adult male passenger exited the vehicle and entered the woods behind the park.  After approximately 30 minutes, the pair returned to Basin Road and again began walking towards the woods. Upon their interaction with Police Lieutenant James Veltri, Jesse Ehrnstrom, who smelled strongly of burnt marijuana, was found to be in possession of marijuana and a smoking device.  Jesse Ehrnstrom, after being arrested, was processed and released on a criminal summons.  Jesse Ehrnstrom’s passenger was not charged during the incident.
  • Theft of Marine Equipment – At approximately 9:40 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2013, Officer Keith Pearce met with a resident of Sheppard Avenue in Forked River. This resident reported his “Lee” marine battery and wire harness stolen from his boat trailer sometime during the morning hours of April 23, 2013. The battery was mounted on the front of boat trailer and was used to operate the trailer electric winch. The value of the stolen equipment is estimated at $100 for the Lee battery, $20 for a black ratchet strap, and $40 for a wire harness; totaling $160.
  • Struck Bicyclist – At approximately 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2013, police responded to a 911 call of a bicyclist being struck by a pickup truck. Several police officers responded to the intersection of Deerhead Lake Drive and Lakeside Drive North in Forked River. The bicyclist, 81-year-old Edmund Sayer, was struck while traveling westbound in eastbound lane of Deerhead Lake Drive.  Edmund Sayer exited the sidewalk and was attempting to cross Lakeside Drive North where it crossed Deerhead Lake Drive. The involved vehicle, a 2002 Ford F-250, was being operated by 41-year-old Keith Cicerello of Forked River. Edmund Sayer was treated at the scene by members of Lacey EMS and paramedics. He was then transported to Jersey Shore Trauma Center.  The investigation concerning this accident is ongoing. Keith Cicerello was issued a citation at the scene for failing to obey a stop sign.
  • House Fire – At approximately 5:40 a.m. on Monday, April 22, 2013, Officers responded to a 911 call from a residence on Sinclair Avenue. The resident reported that an abandoned home in their neighborhood was on fire. Several police officers and the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department responded. The fire was extinguished but had caused a significant amount of damage. The cause and origin of the fire remains under investigation. This investigation is being conducted by the Lacey Township Police Department’s Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Criminalistic Investigation Unit.  There were no reported injuries. The Lacey Township DPW boarded up the residence in default of the owner of record taking responsibility for securing the property.

 Releasing Authority:    Chief David A. Paprota, Ed.D.