Criminal Mischief- On Thursday, July 2, 2020, at 9:20 p.m., Officer Bruce Carver was closing Hebrew Park when he observed damage to the women’s bathroom. The estimated cost of the damage is under $500.00.
DWI- On Saturday, July 4, 2020, at 12:39 a.m., Officers Scott Keefe and Anthony Ravallo responded to the area of Deerhead Lake Drive and Baldwin Street for a report of a vehicle striking a utility pole. Officer Ravallo checked the area and located a silver, 2017 Audi A4 with front passenger side damage, parked on Deerhead Lake Drive near Crestwood Drive. The driver of the vehicle, Timothy Lucas, 35, was asleep in the driver’s seat. Investigation at the scene revealed that Lucas had struck a guard rail. Lucas was arrested and charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Failure to Report an Accident.
Fire- On Saturday, July 4, 2020, at 11:01 p.m., Officer Bruce Carver responded to the area of East Hickory Drive for a report of brush fire. Upon arrival, a small fire was observed in the marsh area adjacent to the road. The Lanoka Harbor Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. The fire was not deemed suspicious.
Fire- On Sunday, July 5, 2020, 3:14 a.m., Officer Bruce Carver responded a Tampa Road residence for a report that the fence in the rear yard of that residence was on fire earlier. Upon arrival, Officer Carver observed a burned, six foot section of stockade fence and additional damage to the neighbor’s deck. The Forked River Fire Department and the Ocean County Fire Marshal responded deeming the fire accidental.
Fire- On Monday, July 6, 2020, at 3:36 p.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota was dispatched to a Clifton Street home for an electrical fire. It appeared that the fire originated at the home’s electrical service after being struck by lightning. Minor damage was observed to the siding.
MVA- On Monday, July 6, 2020, at 4:21 p.m., Officers Daniel Riccardella and Elton Copes were dispatched to two separate motor vehicle accidents near Haines Street. The same vehicle that was involved in both accidents fled the scenes prior to the officer’s arrival. The car was later located on Gary Smith Way and had sustained front end damage consistent with the accidents. Kristen Neil, 29, was issued numerous summonses that included Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Failure to Report an Accident.
Arrest- On Monday, July 6, 2020, at 9:30 p.m., Officers Scott Keefe and Anthony Sarno arrested Nicholas Battalla, 32, on Froghollow Road. Battalla was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail for a warrant issued by the Lacey Municipal Court.
Arrest- On Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at 11:37 p.m., Officers Patrick Watkins and Anthony Sarno were dispatched to Predmore Avenue in reference to a road rage incident. The caller reported that he was followed to his home by another driver who harassed and threatened him with a box cutter. Police confirmed the incident with neighbors and were able to identify the actor through his vehicle registration. The suspect, Brandon Desch, 22, of Brick, arrived voluntarily at headquarters and was charged with Terroristic Threats, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Harassment. Desch was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility pending a Court appearance.
MVA- On July 8, 2020, at 6:28 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Route 9 and Liberty Way for a motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a Chrysler Sebring left the roadway striking a utility pole. The driver, a Lanoka Harbor man, was airlifted with extensive injuries. An adult female passenger was transported to a local trauma center for head injuries. The cause of the accident is under investigation.