Theft- On Thursday, October 1, 2020, at 7:02 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe was dispatched to Gary Smith Way for a theft report. A resident there reported that an unknown suspect(s) stole his bicycle from the front porch of his residence. The bicycle is valued at $300.
Fire- On Friday, October 2, 2020, at 8:41 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to a Lacey Road business after a fire was reported. The Forked River Fire Department was also dispatched and extinguished a fire that originated in the dumpster. The fire was contained to the dumpster and did not cause any damage to the business.
MVA- On Saturday, October 3, 2020, at 6:36 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of Route 9 and Laurel Boulevard for a one-car motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, officers discovered that a Ford F-150 left the roadway and struck a large utility pole causing extensive damage. The driver of the vehicle, who had fled the scene on foot, was located on the Rail Trail and transported to a hospital for injuries. Route 9 between Haines Street and South Street remained closed for a large portion of the day. The accident remains under investigation.
Theft- On Sunday, October 4, 2020, at 1:46 p.m., Officer John Simonson was dispatched to CVS for a reported shoplifting. The store staff reported that an adult male and a juvenile male entered the store and walked out with three large packages of paper towels. The suspects left the lot in a minivan. The theft is valued at $38.
DWI- On Sunday, October 4, 2020, at 6:01 p.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to a one-car motor vehicle accident on Mule Road. Upon arrival it was determined that the vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and had not been involved in a collision. Under further investigation, it was determined that the driver, Jason Novello, 42, was under the influence and that the vehicle had been reported as taken without the owner’s consent. Novello was charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, and Possession of Stolen Property.
Theft- On Sunday, October 4, 2020, at 7:53 p.m., a Forked River resident reported a theft from his home. The caller reported that an unknown person entered a safe inside his home and stole cash. No forced entry was noted. The theft is valued at $1,200.
DWI- On Monday, October 5, 2020, at 10:57 p.m., Officers Bruce Carver and Anthony Ravallo responded to a traffic stop on Lacey Road that was conducted by a Union Beach police officer. The Union Beach officer conducted the stop after witnessing the vehicle failing to maintain a lane of travel and nearly colliding with the toll booth as it exited the Parkway. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, Destiny Pappa, 24, after officers deemed her to be under the influence. Pappa was issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Submit to Breath Samples. She was released pending a Court appearance.
Theft- On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at 3:49 p.m., Officer Matthew D’Antonio met with a Lacey resident reporting a theft. The victim conveyed that her debit card had been used without her permission adding that the loss exceeded $1,600. The investigation led to criminal charges being filed against an acquaintance, Thomas Scalgione, 48. Scalgione was charged with Theft of Moveable Property and Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card.
Fire- On Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at 6:04 p.m., Officer Randolph Plis responded to a Sinclair Avenue home for a possible fire. Upon arrival it was determined that a pipe had burst causing an electrical short at the water heater. The Lanoka Harbor Fire Department also responded.
Criminal Mischief- On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at 9:16 a.m., Officer Noah Schaffer responded to a Route 9 business in reference to damage. The owner reported that an unknown suspect(s) injected an adhesive into each of the business’ locks making it unable to unlock. The damage is estimated at $220.