Shoplifting- On Thursday, August 15, 2019, at 4:20 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey arrested Christopher Jones, 31. The arrest came after Jones attempted to steal merchandise from Walmart valued at $171. Jones was processed and transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
Theft — On Friday, August 16, 2019, at 1:53 p.m., Officer McKee responded to 302 Route 9 South for theft of a wallet. Upon arrival, the victim reported while doing her laundry at the laundromat an unidentified woman was also present and must have removed her wallet from her purse when she was distracted. Reported missing was the wallet, $21.00, and credit cards.
Vehicle Burglary- On Saturday, August 17, 2019, at 8:00 a.m., a Maple Road, Lanoka Harbor resident reported that her vehicle was burglarized during overnight hours. The suspect reportedly stole personal items and $265 cash.
DWI- On Saturday, August 17, 2019, at 10:30 p.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Constitution Drive for an aggressive drive. The vehicle was subsequently located at McDonalds and the driver was determined to be under the influence. Martin Lawless, 56, was arrested and charged with DWI and Reckless Driving prior to being released.
Trespassing- On Sunday, August 18, 2019, at 3:38 a.m., Officer Baldasari discovered three adults on the WIBIT. Each of the three, Deja Rojas, 21, Anthony Trenchi, 23, and Thomas Fifield, 21, were issued summonses for being on the float after hours.
Shoplifting- On Sunday, August 18, 2019, at 9:25 a.m., Officer Michael Hutman responded to Walmart in reference to a shoplifter. Natalie Sabie was placed under arrest after the investigation revealed that she attempted to steal items valued at $46. Natalie was charged with shoplifting and released pending a Court appearance.
MV Accident- On Sunday, August 18, 2019, at 5:38 p.m., the New Jersey State Police responded to an accident near mile marker 71 southbound on the Parkway. It was discovered that an off-road vehicle driven by a 28 year-old Forked River man and a 15 year-old male passenger had overturned in a wooded area west of the Parkway. The driver was airlifted for serious head and spinal injuries while the juvenile was uninjured. The Lacey Township Detective Bureau is conducting a follow-up investigation.
Warrant Arrest- On Sunday, August 18, 2019, at 8:49 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop after his MDT revealed a suspended driver. During the stop, Officer Keefe discovered that the driver, Robert Hill, 57, had outstanding warrants. Hill was ultimately arrested and transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of $2,100 bail.
CDS Arrest- On Sunday, August 18, 2019, at 10:30 p.m., Officers Anthony Sarno and Michael Baldasari located a suspicious vehicle at the Cedar Creek Bathing Beach in Lanoka Harbor. During the inquiry, Donnel Dixon and Donte Dixon, both 18, were arrested after the officers discovered marijuana. Both were released pending a Court appearance after being charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Trespassing- On Monday, August 19, 2019, at 1:20 a.m., officers responded to a Center Street, Forked River home for an intruder. The investigation revealed that the suspect accidentally entered the wrong home prior to being restrained by the homeowner. Jesse Margaretta, 24, was charged with Criminal Trespass and transported to the hospital for minor injuries sustained during the struggle.
Burglary- On Monday, August 19, 2019, at 8:20 a.m., a delivery person discovered an unsecured door at Sunflowers Florist, 615 Lacey Road. Officer Michael Hein responded and discovered that the window to the door had been broken during overnight hours allowing the suspect(s) to enter. The business owner reported a small amount of cash missing. The detective bureau is conducting an investigation.
Pedestrian Struck – On Monday, August 19, 2019, at 9:47 p.m., officers responded to Route 9 in the area of the Lacey Moose Lodge for a report of a pedestrian struck. They located the pedestrian, a 25 year-old Forked River man, who reported he was trying to cross the road when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. Witnesses confirmed that the subject darted into the road at a no-crossing zone and the 27 year-old driver was unable to avoid the collision. The pedestrian sustained minor abrasions and scratches and was taken to the hospital to evaluate his injuries.
DWI – On Thursday, August 22, 2019, at 4:12 a.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel conducted a motor vehicle stop for a red light violation. During the course of the stop, it was determined that the driver, 20-year-old Jennifer McNerney, was operating the vehicle under the influence. The vehicle had sustained damage to the front passenger side tire which was apparently the result of colliding with a traffic sign on Lake Barnegat Drive North. Jennifer was arrested and issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Failure to Report an Accident. A special complaint summonses was also issued for underage possession of alcohol.