Fraud- On Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 11:53 a.m., Officer John Simonson met with a Forked River resident who reported identity theft. The adult reported receiving a letter from a collection agency in reference to several delinquent accounts. The company reported an open Comcast account in West Orange, New Jersey, where the victim had never resided. The total of the fraudulent charges was in excess of $1,300.
Arrest- On Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 3:32 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer, John Simonson, and Michael Baldasari responded to a Route 9 commercial parking lot in reference to a road rage incident. The caller reported that during an altercation with another driver, he entered the Dollar General at 717 Route 9. While inside the store, the second driver entered the lot and proceeded to damage the vehicle of the caller. Witnesses observed the actor use a crow bar to break the vehicle’s windows and dent the doors. The suspect fled the area prior to police arrival but was later located and arrested after being identified by witnesses. Anthony Leck, 25, of Howell, was charged with Criminal Mischief and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. He was released on his own recognizance in accordance with bail reform.
Fire- On Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 6:52 p.m., officers responded to a Donald Street residence in reference to a fire. The homeowner was alerted by a neighbor that a fire was burning in an upstairs bedroom. The homeowner was able to extinguish the fire with blankets prior to the arrival of police and the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department. The Ocean County Fire Marshal deemed the fire accidental after determining that it originated at a faulty power strip.
Fire- On Friday, February 28, 2020, at 2:47 p.m., officers were dispatched to a Penn Avenue home in reference to a structure fire. During the response, it was determined that the fire was contained to an outside garbage can. The fire was extinguished by members of the Forked River Fire Department.
Arrest- On Saturday, February 29, 2020, at 12:07 p.m., Officer Dan Ricciardella arrested a Lanoka Harbor female for an outstanding Municipal Court warrant. Jessica Judkins, 36, was taken into custody at her home and later released after the Seaside Heights warrant was satisfied.
Arrest- On Sunday, March 1, 2020, at 5:20 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Lacey Inn for a dispute. While interacting with Eric Campbell, 34, Officer Anthony Sarno discovered marijuana and hypodermic syringes. Campbell was placed under arrest and transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.
Fraud- On Monday, March 2, 2020, at 10:15 a.m., Officer Michael Verwey responded to a local store in reference to a fraudulent transaction. Store representatives reported that two male suspects entered the store and made a purchase at the register. The suspects apparently switched the receipt from the transaction to a fake receipt and convinced the teller that she added the cash back option of $100. The teller provided the suspect with the cash and did not realize what had happened until later in the shift. The two men are suspected of similar transactions in Howell, Toms River, Manahawkin, and Little Egg Harbor.
Theft- On Thursday, March 5, 2020, at 7:48 a.m., Officers Michael Verwey and Matthew D’Antonio were dispatched to Home Depot in reference to a theft. Upon arrival, a local builder observed several tools in another vehicle that belonged to him. The possessor of the tools explained that he had recently purchased the tools from an unknown individual in the parking lot of a convenience store. Shortly afterward, it was discovered that the builder’s jobsite in Bayville was burglarized during the overnight hours. Berkeley and Lacey Detectives are conducting a joint investigation into the matter.