Fraud- On Friday, October 4, 2019, at 2:40 p.m., Officer Darrell Nick met with a Barnegat resident reporting fraudulent activity on his credit card. The victim reported that an unknown suspect used his credit card number to book two nights at a local hotel. The incident is being investigated by the detective bureau.
Burglary- On Saturday, October 5, 2019, at 11:50 a.m., Officer Dan Ricciardella responded to a Pine Street, Lanoka Harbor residence for a reported theft. The victim reported that an unknown person entered his unlocked vehicle during overnight hours. The suspect stole miscellaneous items valued at $23.
Burglary- On Saturday, October 5, 2019, at 2:37 p.m., a Bricktown resident reported that her car was entered while parked in a commercial lot. The victim reported that the suspect stole an undetermined amount of cash and gift cards from her purse that was located inside.
Shoplifting- On Saturday, October 5, 2019, at 3:20 p.m., Officer Dan Ricciardella responded to Walmart in reference to a shoplifter. Louis Spotorno, 56, of Bayville, was arrested and charged with Shoplifting after he attempted to conceal items in his clothing. Spotorno was released on his own recognizance pending a Court appearance.
Theft- On Saturday, October 5, 2019, at 3:35 p.m., Officer Darrell Nick met with a Neptune, NJ resident. The complainant stated that while in the process of moving from her former residence in Lacey Township, an unknown person stole her Apple iPhone. The phone was valued at $500.
Fire- On Saturday, October 5, 2019, at 4:26 p.m., Officer Darrell Nick was dispatched to a Spar Drive residence for a kitchen fire. The fire reportedly originated in a toaster oven spreading to the wall cabinets above. The fire was extinguished by the homeowner prior to the arrival of the Forked River Fire Department.
DWI- On Saturday, October 5, 2019, at 10:50 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop on the Railroad Avenue Extension. The stop was conducted after a license plate inquiry revealed that the owner had an expired driver’s license. During the stop, Lawrence Havens, 57, of Whiting, NJ, was arrested for DWI. Havens also had an outstanding probation warrant issued by Jacksonville, Florida. He was issued summonses for DWI and Reckless Driving. Jacksonville denied extradition for the warrant.
Robbery- On Sunday October 6, 2019, at 2:20 p.m., a West Creek resident reported to Officer Michael Hein that he was robbed at gunpoint. The incident reportedly occurred during early morning hours as the victim and suspect were inside the suspect’s vehicle. The victim was not injured and was deprived of $160.
Fire- On Monday, October 7, 2019, at 1:08 p.m., Sergeant Robert Surtees discovered a small fire on the outside of Rite Aid, 101 Route 9, Forked River. The Forked River Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire that originated in a mulch bed. No damage was sustained.
Taking Motor Vehicle without Consent- On Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at 8:30 p.m., Officer Jason Lee responded to a Deerhead Lake Drive home in reference to a motor vehicle taken without the owner’s consent. The vehicle was located in Stafford Township and returned to the owner. The driver was issued a summons for Driving While Suspended.
Fire- On Wednesday, October 9, 2019, at 12:38 p.m., Officer Frederick Anderson was dispatched to a heater smoking inside a residence in the area of Admiral Road in Forked River. The Forked River Fire Department responded and turned off the electrical breaker. No damage was sustained.
Shoplifting- On Thursday, October 10, 2019, at 7:09 p.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to Walmart in reference to a shoplifter. Megan Waldhelm, 28, of Toms River, was arrested, processed and released on a criminal summons for shoplifting.