Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – May 27th thru June 2nd, 2014

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release

May 27^th, 2014 thru June 2^nd, 2014

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• Theft – On Monday, June 2, 2014, at 6:46 p.m., Officer Adam Ewart responded to the Kohls store located at 304 Route 9 North in Forked River for a theft report (Non-shoplifting). The victim reported that she was shopping at Kohl’s and left at approximately 6:20 p.m. After returning her shopping cart and preparing to walk to her car, she realized that she left her Coach wallet containing $100 in cash, credit cards, and her car keys in the shopping cart. When the victim returned to the shopping cart area the items were missing. The victim notified the store manager who reviewed the video surveillance. The video revealed that shortly after the victim returned her shopping cart, an unknown adult female used the same shopping cart to shop in the store. The unknown female was later observed walking the cart to her vehicle in the parking lot and placing the items inside her vehicle. The unknown female left the parking lot with the wallet and keys. The vehicle that the female left in is described as a silver or grey mid 90’s Chevrolet Tahoe SUV. The female appeared to be in her 30’s or 40’s and had long dark hair. No further description is available at this time. The theft is estimated at $580.

• Warrant (Arrest) – On Monday, June 2, 2014, at approximately 5:34 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe was conducting an investigation at police headquarters. During the course of the investigation, 33-year-old Michelle Mintchwarner of Kimberley Court in Forked River responded to police headquarters to meet with Officer Keefe. An outstanding Stafford Township Municipal Court Warrant in the amount of $750 was located for Michelle Mintchwarner. Michelle Mintchwarner was arrested on the warrant and processed. She was released after posting bail.

• Warrant (Arrest) and Traffic Accident – On Monday, June 2, 2014, at 3:43 p.m., Officers responded to Lacey Road in front of Lacey Police Headquarters (808 W. Lacey Road in Forked River) for a one-car traffic accident. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a street sign. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 38-year-old Thomas Britton of Asbury Avenue in Ocean Gate, NJ, on an outstanding Ocean County Sheriff’s Department warrant in the amount of $37,667. Thomas Britton was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail. As a result of the traffic accident, Thomas Britton was issued traffic summonses for Driving while Suspended and Careless Driving.

• Criminal Trespass and Warrant (Arrest) – On Monday, June 02, 2014, at 11:52 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of Penn Avenue North in Forked River for a report of an adult female having forced her way into a residence through a locked front storm door. The victim reported that she observed the female peering through several windows before making her way to the front door. The accused female reportedly forced open the locked front storm door to enter the residence. The victim, who was within the residence at the time, confronted the accused, identified as 26-year-old Melanie Callari of Penn Avenue North in Forked River, as she (Melanie Callari) was walking up the interior stairs to the second floor of the home. The victim contacted this agency. Melanie Callari was arrested at the scene by Officer Anthony Sarno for forcing her way into the residence (Criminal Trespass). Melanie Callari was also found to have an active municipal court warrant. Detective Robert Surtees and Detective Samuel Della Sala assumed control of the follow-up investigation. Melanie Callari was found to have moved back into Forked River from Lodi, NJ, two months prior to this incident. M. Callari was quickly identified as a suspect in other burglaries which occurred over the past two months within Lacey Township. Investigative evidence collected from other burglary scenes provided detectives with sufficient cause to charge Melanie Callari with multiple counts of burglary, as well as theft and criminal trespass of a dwelling. See below entries for further details. The Lacey Township Police Department detectives are continuing the investigation to determine if Melanie Callari was involved in any additional burglaries. Melanie Callari was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.  Additional charges are pending.

• Warrant (Arrest) – On Sunday, June 1, 2014, at 7:59 p.m., Officer Darrell Nick was investigating a road rage incident on Devon Street in Forked River. During the follow up investigation at police headquarters, it was discovered that one of the involved parties, identified as 19-year-old Nicholas Martinez of Devon Street in Forked River, had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. Warrant number one (1) was issued from the Manchester Township Municipal Court in the amount of $350 and warrant number two (2) was issued by the Lacey Township Municipal Court in the amount of $500. Nicholas Martinez was unable to post bail and was transported to Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail.

• Criminal Restraint, Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest, and Obstructing (Arrest) – On Sunday, June 1, 2014, at 3:04 p.m., officers responded to Surrey Court in Forked River for a dispute involving possible criminal restraint. Sergeant Paul Sullivan located the involved suspect who was identified as 26-year-old John O’Neill of Surrey Court in Forked River. An investigation at the Surrey Court residence in the Pheasant Run development resulted in a determination that John O’Neill was going to be placed under arrest for criminal restraint of another. When John O’Neill was informed that he was under arrest, he fled the area on foot. Sergeant Sullivan pursued him on foot. Sergeant Sullivan and Officer Daniel Ricciardella were able to apprehend John O’Neill. John O’Neill physically resisted arrest and assaulted Sergeant Sullivan. John O’Neill was handcuffed and then transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged with Criminal Restraint, Obstructing the Administration of Law, Resisting Arrest, and Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer. John O’Neill had his total bail set in the amount of $25,000. John O’Neill was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail. The involved officers received minor injuries.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Sunday, June 1, 2014, at 12:02 a.m., Officers responded to the 400 block of Bay Way in Lanoka Harbor for a report of a possible overdose. During the investigation, Officer Michael Verwey determined that 42-year-old Lawrence Pater, Jr., of Briggs Avenue in Forked River, was driving while under the influence of CDS. Lawrence Pater, Jr., was arrested for DUI. He was later issued summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Driving with a Suspended Driver’s License, and Driving without a License. The vehicle Lawrence Pater, Jr. was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Burglary and Theft (Residential Shed) – On Sunday, June 1, 2014, at 11:18 a.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to the 800 block of Oxgoose Drive in Lanoka Harbor for a theft report. The complainant reported that between December 1, 2013, and June 1, 2014, an unknown person or persons entered his shed and stole property including but not limited to a 17 foot canoe, a generator, an air compressor, batteries, and various tools, with a total value of $5,259. There were no signs of forced entry to the shed.

• Burglary and Theft (Residence) – On Saturday, May 31, 2014, at 5:56 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to the 1100 block of Skiffway Drive in Forked River in reference to a burglary and theft from an unoccupied residence. The complainant reported that between Wednesday, May 14, 2014, and Saturday, May 31, 2014, $450 worth of tools were stolen from his residence. The tools were described as SkilSaw worm drive saw, a black and gray nylon tool caddy, and other miscellaneous hand tools. There were no signs of forced entry.

• Criminal Mischief (Auto) – On Saturday, May 31, 2014, at 5:41 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to the 800 block of Harbor Road in Forked River for damage to a vehicle. The complainant reported that between 8:00 a.m. on May 21, 2014, and 5:30 p.m. on May 31, 2014, an unknown person or persons placed a piece of concrete on the sunroof of his vehicle while parked in the driveway, causing several scratches. Damage is estimated at $500.

• Multiple Warrant (Arrests) – On Saturday, May 31, 2014, at 2:03 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno conducted a traffic stop on Lake Barnegat Drive in Forked River.     Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 21-year-old Heath Higgins of Edgemere Avenue in Forked River, on an outstanding warrant issued by the Lakehurst Borough Municipal Court. In addition, a passenger in the vehicle, identified as 22-year-old Stephen Jost ofNorth Central Parkway in Bayville, NJ, also had a Lakehurst Municipal Court warrant for his arrest. Both subjects were arrested and transported to police headquarters. A short time later, Heath Higgins’ brother, 23-year-old Jonathan Higgins, of Edgemere Avenue in Forked River, responded to police headquarters to post his brother’s bail and was subsequently arrested on a Beachwood Township Municipal Court warrant. All three subjects posted bail and were later released.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Saturday, May 31, 2014, at 12:36 a.m., Officer Dimitri Tsarnas conducted a traffic stop on Lacey Road near Lake Barnegat Drive in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 38-year-old Christopher G. Bartow ofOakwood Village in Flanders, NJ, for DUI. Christopher Bartow was transported to Lacey Police Headquarters and processed. He was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle Christopher Bartow was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Attempted Burglary (Residence) – On Friday, May 30, 2014, at 6:22 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to the 1200 block of Taylor Lane in Forked River for an alarm activation. The homeowner reported that at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2014, she received a phone call from her alarm company advising her that her residential burglar alarm had been activated. She responded home approximately a half hour later and observed both of her backyard fence gates, which back up to the walking path, wide open and a window screen from a rear window lying on the ground with part of the screen torn. The window was locked and not damaged and the residence was not entered. No other signs of forced entry were located. The incident is under investigation.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Friday, May 30, 2014, at 12:38 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to the parking lot of JT’s Bagel, located at 918 Lacey Road in Forked River, for a report of a female slumped over the wheel inside a parked vehicle. Lieutenant Christopher Kenny responded to assist. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 53-year-old Shelly A. Smialowicz of Veronica Court in Lanoka Harbor for DUI. She was transported to police headquarters and processed. Shelly Smialowicz was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI and Reckless Driving. The vehicle Shelly Smialowicz was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Theft – On Friday, May 30, 2014, at 12:21 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to Convexserv Technology in the Village Green Shopping Plaza, located at 118 Route 9 North in Forked River, in reference to a theft of an air conditioner condenser. The manager reported that over the last two weeks an unknown person or persons stole the air conditioning compressor from the central air conditioning unit behind the business. The air conditioning unit is valued at $3,000.

• Theft – On Friday, May 30, 2014, at 11:58 a.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to Tony’s General Merchandise, located at 1015 Lacey Road in Forked River, for a report of a theft. The employees reported that between Thursday, May 29, 2014, and Friday, May 30, 2014, an unknown person or persons stole the air conditioning unit behind the River Church unit of the plaza. The employee reported that a customer had seen a brown mustang parked on the side of the complex prior to the time that the theft is believed to have occurred. No additional information regarding the Mustang or occupants was provided by the customer. The air conditioning unit is valued at $3,200.

• Burglary and Theft from Residence –On Friday, May 30, 2014, at 10:11 a.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to the 500 block of Brentwood Road in Forked River in reference to a burglary. The victim reported that someone stole jewelry from her residence between Wednesday, May 28, 2014, and Friday, May 30, 2014. The victim reported that on Thursday, May 29, 2014, she came home for lunch and observed that her garage door was open. The victim thought that she did not properly close the door and did not see any signs of a burglary at that time. She did not notice her jewelry missing until the next morning. The jewelry box was still closed as she had left it but items were missing from inside. No signs of forced entry could be located and nothing else in the house appeared to be disturbed. Twenty (20) pieces of jewelry valued at a total of $7,420 were reported stolen. The Lacey Township Police Detective Bureau responded to the scene. On Monday, June 2, 2014, the Lacey Township Police Department concluded its investigation into the above burglary and arrested 26-year-old Melanie R. Callari of 418 Penn Avenue North in Forked River. She was charged in this incident with Burglary and Theft with bail set at $15,000.00 with no ten percent. Melanie Callari was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail.

• Theft – On Friday, May 30, 2014, at 9:35 a.m., Officer John Cernek responded to the 700 block of Chesapeake Drive in Forked River for a theft report. The complainant reported that within the past week an unknown person or persons stole a grey vinyl boat seat cover off of his boat which was docked in the water behind his residence. The value of the cover is estimated at $500.

• Burglary and Theft of a Residence (Arrest) – On Thursday, May 29, 2014, at 8:00 p.m., a resident of the 1700 block of Fleetwood Drive in Forked River reported that earlier that morning, she discovered the door leading from her garage to the interior of her residence was pried open and a metal lock box containing prescription medications was stolen from a bedroom. The victim was able to successfully provide the name and information of a female suspect who was known to the victim. Officer Noah Schaffer located 27-year-old Julie A. Knoeringer at her home, located on the 1700 block of Longwood Drive in Forked River at 1:45 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2014. Officer Schaffer placed her under arrest for burglary and theft. Julie Knoeringer also had two outstanding warrants. Warrant number one (1) was issued from the Beachwood Municipal Court in the amount of $500.00 and warrant number two (2) was issued from the Lacey Township Municipal Court in the amount of $500. Julie Knoeringer was transported to police headquarters and processed. She was charged with burglary and theft with bail was set in the amount of $25,000 with no 10% option. Julie Knoeringer was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail.

• Warrant (Arrest) – On Thursday, May 29, 2014, at 1:15 p.m., Officer Frederick Anderson responded to Wawa, located at 444 Route 9 South in Forked River, in reference to a suspicious male subject in the front of the store. Upon arrival, Officer Anderson met with the male subject, identified as 22-year-old Ryan Territo of H Street in Carneys Point, NJ. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Ryan Territo for an outstanding warrant issued from the Toms River Municipal Court in the amount of $726. Ryan Territo was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. He was released after posting bail.

• Criminal Mischief (Auto) – On Thursday, May 29, 2014, at 9:54 a.m., Officer Frederick Anderson responded to headquarters for a criminal mischief report. The complainant reported that within the past week, an unknown person or persons placed a screw in one of her vehicle’s tires while the vehicle was parked in the driveway of her residence located on the 400 block of Nautilus Boulevard in Forked River. The cost to remove the screw and plug the tire was estimated at $10. The complainant reported that this is not the first time and believes that an unknown person or persons has been purposely putting nails and screws in her driveway.

• Shoplifting and Warrants (Multiple Arrests) – On Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at 3:57 p.m. Officers Noah Schaffer and Michael Hein responded to Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for two adult shoplifters in custody. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 26-year-old Heather Cavallaro of Angelsea Avenue in Ocean Gate, NJ, for shoplifting merchandise with a total value of $847. In addition, she had two outstanding Ocean Gate Municipal Court warrants for her arrest. Warrant number one (1) was in the amount of $250, and warrant number two (2) was also in the amount of $250. In addition to her arrest, 27-year-old Richard Payton of Angelsea Avenue in Ocean Gate, NJ, was also arrested at the scene for shoplifting merchandise valued at $847. Richard Payton was also found to have four (4) outstanding warrants for his arrest. Warrant number one (1) was issued from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department in the amount of $20,000 and warrant number two (2) was a no-bail warrant issued from the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Department. Warrant number three (3) was issued from the Lacey Township Municipal Court in the amount of $1,000 and warrant number four (4) was issued from the Barnegat Township Municipal Court in the amount of $250. The investigation at the scene continued and resulted in an additional arrest outside in the parking lot. A third subject, identified as 30-year-old Angeline Hatch of Rosewood Drive in Beachwood, NJ, was arrested for Possession of Heroin and Possession of a Hypodermic Needle. All three were transported to police headquarters and processed. Angeline Hatch was released after receiving a criminal summons for Possession of Heroin and Possession of a Hypodermic Needle. Heather Cavallaro was charged with Shoplifting with bail set at $500. Richard Payton was charged with Shoplifting along with one count of Hindering his own Apprehension for providing false information at Walmart in an attempt to conceal his identity. His bail was also set at $500. Both subjects were transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail.

• Possession of Burglary Tools and Drug Possession (Arrests) – On Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at approximately 12:00 p.m., Detective Robert Surtees observed a black, 4-door, Kia Optima with tinted windows which matched a description provided in a recent burglary investigation in the Pines Section of Forked River. The vehicle was observed stationary on a side street in the area of Bay Way in Lanoka Harbor. After observing the vehicle pick up a male subject who was walking all dressed in black with a black back-pack, Detective Surtees stopped the vehicle on Bay Way. Investigation at the scene led to the seizure of the vehicle to obtain a search warrant. After completing the five hour process of obtaining the search warrant and the corresponding search, both 25-year-old Mellisa Reed of Garfield, NJ, and 24-year-old Thomas Lomonico of Toms River, NJ, were placed under arrest. Thomas Lomonico was charged with possession of burglary tools while Melissa Reed was charged with Possession of CDS (Oxycodone). They were both released after receiving a criminal summons. The investigation is continuing.

• Warrant (Arrest) – On Wednesday, May 28, 2014, at 11:04 a.m., Officer Frederick Anderson observed Shannon Augustino in the area of Chelsea Street and Williams Avenue in Forked River. Officer Anderson identified two active Lacey Township Municipal Court warrants for Shannon Augustino. Warrant number one was in the amount of $300 and the second warrant was also for $300. Shannon Augustino was placed under arrest and was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Correctional facility in default of bail.

• Criminal Mischief (Auto) – On Tuesday, May 27, 2014 at 3:00 p.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to the 500 block of Baldwin Street in Forked River for damage to a vehicle. The complainant reported that between 6:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on May 27, 2014, an unknown person or persons damaged her vehicle while it was parked in the teachers’ parking lot of the Lacey Township High School located at 73 Haines Street in Lanoka Harbor. Scratches were observed around the outside of her rear windows. The damage to the vehicle is estimated at $100.

• Burglary of Residence (Arrest) – On Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at 11:45 a.m., Officer Michael Eden responded to the 400 block of Steuben Avenue in Forked River for a possible burglary. The complainant reported that approximately 10 minutes prior to contacting the police department, she observed and spoke with a white female who attempted to enter her residence through her bathroom window. The complainant reported that she told the female to get out of her residence and meet her in the front yard and the suspect complied. The female suspect met the homeowner in the front yard and told the homeowner that she thought the house was her friend’s home. The suspect reportedly stated that her friend was in the hospital and she was there to take care of the dogs. After the brief conversation, the suspect left the area on foot. The homeowner called the police after the female subject was out of the area. The Lacey Township Police Detective Bureau and Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Criminalistics Investigation Unit responded to the scene. On Monday, June 2, 2014, upon the completion of the investigation, the Lacey Township Police Department arrested 26-year-old Melanie R. Callari of 418 Penn Avenue North in Forked River for the above incident. She was charged with Criminal Trespass of a Dwelling with bail set at $2,500 with no ten percent. Melanie Callari was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail.

• Warrant (Arrest) – On Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at 1:58 a.m., Officer George Resetar conducted a traffic stop on Holmes Avenue near Lacey Road in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 53-year-old Lisa Bell of Elwood Street in Forked River, on an outstanding warrant issued from the Ocean Township (Ocean County) Municipal Court in the amount of $89. Lisa Bell was transported to police headquarters and processed. She was released after posting bail. Lisa Bell was also issued a traffic summons for Driving While Suspended.