Fraud– On Thursday, December 23, 2021, at 6:50 p.m., Wawa, 701 Route 9, Lanoka Harbor, reported that counterfeit cash was discovered in their deposits. Management conveyed that two $100 bills were deemed counterfeit as they attempted to deposit them into an electronic safe. Surveillance video captured two suspects using the bills for a transaction.
DUI– On Thursday, December 23, 2021, at 7:34 p.m., numerous 911 callers reported an erratic driver traveling east on Lacey Road. Officers located the vehicle at a Hillwood Road residence in Forked River, and identified the driver as John Hofer, 55. After being determined under the influence, Hofer was arrested and charged with several motor vehicle offenses including DUI, Refusal to Submit Breath Samples, and Reckless Driving.
Criminal Mischief– On Friday, December 24, 2021, at 11:48 p.m., officers responded to the Lacey Inn, 229 Route 9 North, Forked River, in reference to criminal mischief. Officer Dylan Emmett issued a summons to Brian Kelly, 43, after it was determined that he harassed a tenant by writing on the hotel room’s entry door.
Burglary and Theft (auto) – On Monday, December 27, 2021, at 10:14 a.m., Officer Michael Hyle met with a resident reporting theft from her vehicle. The victim stated that while walking in Gille Park, an unknown person stole an Apple MacBook from her vehicle. The theft is valued at $1,200.
Fire- On Monday, December 27, 2021, at 3:14 p.m., Officer Michael Hyle was dispatched to Ramp A at the intersection of Lacey Road, in Forked River, for a vehicle fire. Investigation revealed that the fire originated in the engine compartment of a 2002 Ford F-250 while waiting in traffic. Forked River Fire Department extinguished the fire and the driver was unharmed.