Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – February 10 through February 17, 2022
Warrant
On Friday, February 11, 2022, at 1750 hours, Officer Hyle responded to police headquarters to accept bail for a subject who was turning himself in. Officer Hyle met with John Rivera, 26, Cottontail La, Lanoka Harbor, who was posting bail for a $500 warrant out of Toms River Twp. J. Rivera posted his bail and was released.
Structure Fire
On Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 0600 hours, Officer Ricciardella responded to the 300 block of Independence Drive for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival heavy smoke was observed coming from the residence. Officer Ricciardella confirmed everyone had evacuated the home. Lanoka Harbor and Forked River Fire Departments responded and extinguished the fire. The NJ State Fire Marshal, The Ocean County Fire Marshal and Detective Bureau responded to the scene to assume the investigation which is ongoing at this time.
Fraud
On Tuesday, February 15, 2022 a resident on Plover Court reported to Officer Carver that she was the victim of unemployment fraud. The caller reported she received a notice in the mail from the Unemployment Office of New Jersey regarding her recent application for benefits. The caller reported she has been retired for the past twenty years and that she has never filed for unemployment benefits. The notice stated that the date the claim was filed was 01/02/2022. The Unemployment Office was notified of the fraudulent claim. No benefits had been paid out as of now and they have cancelled the claim.
Fraud
On Wednesday, February 16, 2022, Officer Carver responded to headquarters for a report of fraud. The victim reported on February 14, 2022, she was checking her email and opened a message from “Classmates.com.” The victim reported that a few minutes after opening the email, a phone number appeared on her screen instructing her to call Microsoft. The victim called the number on the screen and the person who answered informed her that her network has been compromised, and that there were illegal purchases made with her account. She was informed to withdraw $15,000.00 from her bank account and deposit it in various Bitcoin ATMs throughout the local area. The victim deposited all of the money and expected it to be reimbursed into her personal account. After sometime had passed, the money was not deposited and she reported it to this agency.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – February 3 through February 10, 2022
Shoplifting- On February 3, 2022, at 2:58 p.m., Officer Matthew D’Antonio responded to Walmart in reference to an attempted theft. Loss Prevention reported that an adult male attempted to exit the store with items valued at $300 after avoiding the registers. When approached, the suspect dropped the items and ran. The suspect was described as a white male with facial tattoos. Video surveillance is being used to identify the actor.
Arrest- On Friday, February 4, 2022, at 11:45 p.m., Officers Martin Julian and Randolph Plis were dispatched to Wawa, Lanoka Harbor, for a suspicious male. Once there, officers located the Atlantic City resident locked inside a bathroom stall. Investigation revealed that the suspect, who identified himself as Joshua Phillips, was in possession of narcotics and drug paraphernalia. During his arrest, officers located multiple credit cards belonging to others. At headquarters, officers processed the arrestee and identified him as Joseph Allen, 41, who had an outstanding $25,000 warrant. Allen was charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Theft of Credit Cards, and Hindering his own Apprehension. He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.
Arrest- On Saturday, February 5, 2022, at 10:03 a.m., Officer Dylan Emmett conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9. During the stop, Officer Emmett discovered that the Barnegat Township Municipal Court issued a warrant for the driver. Kathie Wilburn, Waretown, was arrested and later released after satisfying the $350 bail.
DWI- On Saturday, February 5, 2022, at 1:10 p.m., officers responded to the intersection of Lacey Road and Manchester Avenue for a motor vehicle crash. During the investigation, one of the drivers was deemed under the influence and arrested. Jo A. Seay-Seuffert, 65, was charged with DWI and Reckless Driving. She was released pending a Court appearance.
DWI- On Sunday, February 6, 2022, at 5:25 p.m., our agency received a call from Berkeley Police in reference to a possible intoxicated driver. The vehicle’s driver was reportedly sleeping at a traffic light prior to proceeding south into Lacey. Officer Dylan Emmett located the driver, Kathina Morgan, who was determined under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. Kathina was released from custody after being issued summonses for DWI and Reckless Driving.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – January 27 through February 3, 2022
Winter Storm Response
Beginning Friday, January 28, 2022 through Sunday, January 30 2022, officers handled numerous winter storm related calls assisting motorists and Lacey residents.
Fire without Permit
On Friday, January 28, 2022, Officer Emmett responded to Biagio’s Restaurant, 509 Route 9 N, Lanoka Harbor, for a report of heavy smoke emanating from the rear of the building. Upon arrival, officers observed wooden pallets burning behind the building. Lanoka Harbor Fire Department responded to the scene and extinguished the flames. It was later determined that Randy Rizzolo, 28, of South Main Street, Forked River, was responsible for the fire.
Ocean County Fire Marshals responded to the scene and determined that the fire was not set maliciously. Randy Rizzalo was issued a Special Complaint Summons for Fires without a Permit.
Shoplifting
On Monday, January 31, 2022, officers responded to Walmart, for a report of a male shoplifter in custody. At the conclusion of the investigation, Michael Dolan, 40, of Brick Township, was placed under arrest for shoplifting. In addition to the arrest, an active Washington Township arrest warrant in the amount of $2000.03 was located. Michael Dolan was later transported to Ocean County Jail.
Defiant Trespass/Warrants
On Wednesday, February 2, 2022, officers responded to the area behind the Towne Square, 1 Lacey Road, for a report of a male believed to be dumpster diving. After checking the area, Officer Hutman located observed Moses Sutton, 28, who matched the description provided by the caller. Officer Hutman later learned Moses Sutton had three outstanding warrants for his arrest. The three warrants originated out of Lacey Township ($2500.00), Barnegat Township ($1500.00), and Pine Beach ($1500.00). Moses Sutton was placed under arrest, unable to post bail, and subsequently transported to Ocean County Jail.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – January 20 through January 27, 2022
Motor Vehicle Crash/Warrant Arrest
On Thursday January 20, 2022, at 1651 hours Officer Daniel Biel responded to Lanoka Farms for a report of a motor vehicle crash. During the investigation it was discovered one of the drivers, 34 year-old Justin Scialfa, had an active warrant for his arrest. He was place under arrest and later transported to Ocean County Jail.
DWI Arrest
On Friday, January 21, 2022 at 1348 hours, officers were dispatched to the area of Route 9 and Haines Street for a report of a possible intoxicated driver. The vehicle was located near the intersection of Lacey Road and Newark Avenue, where a motor vehicle stop was conducted. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 30 year-old Gregory Zambelli for DWI. Gregory was transported to police headquarters where he was processed. Through investigation Gregory was also found to be under the influence of CDS. He was charged on a complaint summons for Use/Being Under the Influence of CDS. He was also charged for DWI and Reckless driving. He was released in accordance with John’s Law.
MV Stop/Warrant Arrest
On Friday, January 21, 2022, at 2133 hours Officer Watkins conducted a motor vehicle stop near the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Lakeside Drive North for speeding. Investigation at the scene revealed the driver, 32 year old Robert Arminas, had an outstanding warrant issued for his arrest. Robert was ultimately arrested and transported back to Headquarters for processing. In the end, Robert was released on his own recognizance after being issued motor vehicle summons for driving while suspended and speeding.
Structure Fire
On Saturday, January 22, 2022 at 0620 hours, officers responded to a residence on Warren Avenue for a report of a heavy smoke condition inside a residence. The residents had been evacuated prior to arrival. Forked River Fire Department, Lanoka Harbor Fire Department and Bayville Fire Department all responded and extinguished fire. The State Fire Marshal and the Lacey Township Building Inspector responded and determined the residence to be uninhabitable due to damage from the fire and water.
Warrant Arrest
On Saturday, January 22, 2022, at 1504 hours Officer Biel responded to the area of Lacey Road and Lake Barnegat Drive North for a report of an erratic driver. While checking for the vehicle, Officer Biel later observed a vehicle commit a traffic violation and conducted a motor vehicle stop. During the stop it was discovered the driver, 40 year-old Saul Padilla, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was arrested and later transported to Ocean County Jail.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – January 13 through January 20, 2022
Burglary
On Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 1039 hours Ptl. Michael Hein responded to 200 block of Fernwood Lane for a report of a Burglary to a vehicle. Upon arrival Officer Hein met with the vehicle owner, who indicated her unsecured vehicle was entered sometime during the nighttime hours. There was no apparent damage to the vehicle. A black pair of women’s size 8 Timberland boots, valued at $100, was found to be missing from the front passenger seat. Officer Hein canvassed the area and found no additional victims.
DWI
On Friday, January 14, 2022, at 18:33 hours, multiple officers, responded to the area of Lacey Road and Arlington Avenue, for a report of a driver who was possibly intoxicated. The caller advised dispatch that a vehicle was swerving all over the road and struck a garbage can. Officer Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop on the suspect vehicle at the intersection of Lacey Road and Lake Barnegat Drive. Investigation at the scene revealed the driver, Victor M. Narvaez (Age 32), of Bayville, was driving while intoxicated. Victor was charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, Unlicensed Driver and Possession of an Open Container in a Motor Vehicle and released.
Motor Vehicle Crash (Hit & Run), DWI
On Friday, January 14, 2022, at 21:37 hours, Officer Walsh responded to Wendy’s, 301 North Main Street, for a report of a hit & run crash. Upon arrival, the complainant advised officers that a black Cadillac ATS, bumped the rear end of their vehicle when they were in the drive thru lane of the restaurant. The complainant reported that the Cadillac left the scene of the crash and headed eastbound on Nautilus Boulevard. Officer Walsh located the suspect vehicle in the driveway of 429 Nautilus Boulevard. Officer Walsh approached the running vehicle and observed the driver, Anthony V. Romanowski (Age 34), of 429 Nautilus Boulevard, sleeping at the wheel. Investigation at the scene revealed that Anthony was driving while intoxicated and he placed under arrest. Anthony was charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Report an Accident and Leaving the Scene of an Accident.
Fire (Residential)
On Saturday, January 15, 2022, at 22:41 hours, multiple officers, responded to the 200 block of Falkenburgh Avenue, for a report of a fire in the attached garage of the residence. Upon arrival, officers met with the homeowner who reported that he had the top burners lit on a gas powered stove which was located in the garage. The homeowner mentioned that the heating unit for the house broke, so he had the stove on to heat the garage for his cat and the house as well. The homeowner reported smelling smoke while inside of the residence and upon checking the garage, observed flames coming from the stove. Investigation at the scene revealed that the cat most likely knocked over a Lego set located next to the oven, which caused it to fall onto the burners and ignite the fire. Officer Keefe utilized his fire extinguisher to put out the fire. The Forked River Fire Department responded and assisted with extinguishing the oven fire. The Ocean County Deputy Fire Marshall responded and determined that the fire was not suspicious.
Lewdness
On Monday, January 17, 2022, at 18:42 hours, Officers responded to the parking lot of the Deerhead Lake, for a report of Lewdness. Upon arrival, officers met with the complainants, who reported that they were seated in their vehicle in the parking lot, at which time a black Honda CRV, pulled into the lot and parked perpendicular to their vehicle with its headlights on. Feeling uncomfortable with the driver looking into their vehicle, they repositioned their vehicle so it faced the Honda. At this time the driver of the Honda, later identified as Rodney Mikloski (Age 55), of 904 Chelsea Street, approached their driver side window and threatened to punch the occupant in the face and break his glasses. Rodney began to walk back to his vehicle, at which time he pulled his shorts down and exposed his buttocks for approximately three seconds. The complainant produced a video of the incident. Officers responded 904 Chelsea St, at which time Officer Julian charged Rodney with Lewdness on a Special Form of Complaint.