Weekly Police Blotter

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release

August 20^th thru August 26^th, 2013

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• DUI (Arrest) – On Tuesday, August 20, 2013, near 6:40 p.m., Officer Charles May was directing traffic at First Street in Forked River when the driver of a blue Jeep Wrangler failed to obey Officer May’s hand signals and verbal commands then continued driving east on First Street. A short while later, the vehicle and driver, 43-year-old George D. Hicks III of Annapolis Lane in Forked River drove back to the scene and demanded the name and badge number of Officer May. Upon speaking with George Hicks III, Officer May observed that his eyes were bloodshot and watery and smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of George D. Hicks III for DUI. He was issued summonses for DUI, reckless driving, and failure to obey officer’s commands. The vehicle was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
• Underage Possession of Alcohol (Formal Charge) – On Tuesday, August 20, 2013, Officer Kymberly Gudgeon responded to St. Pius Church for a report of a suspicious vehicle in the back of the church that may be involved in drug activity.  Upon arrival, four subjects were observed standing outside the vehicle, described as a beige Pontiac. Officer Gudgeon observed 20-year-old Joseph Ferenc of Capstan Drive in Forked River in possession of a 750mL bottle of Ciroc Vodka. Joseph Ferenc was issued a Complaint-Summons for Underage Possession of Alcohol and is awaiting a court date.
• Theft – On Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at approximately 8:41 p.m., Officer Charles May responded to the Lacey Inn on Route 9 in Forked River for a theft report. The victim reported that sometime during the early morning hours of August 11, 2013, her iPhone valued at $730 was stolen from the room she was renting.
• Theft (Residence) – On Wednesday, August 21, 2013, at approximately 9:26 a.m., Officer John Cernek responded to a Tampa Road residence in Forked River for a theft report. The victim reported that sometime during the overnight hours, an unknown person stole three bicycles from the front yard of the residence. Total theft is valued at $150.
• Shoplifting & Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Wednesday, August 21, 2013, at approximately 7:44 p.m., Officers Kymberly Gudgeon and Michael Eden responded to the Walmart store for a shoplifting incident. Upon further investigation, 34-year-old Christopher Haines of Seabright Road in Forked River was arrested for shoplifting merchandise valued at $45.93. C. Haines was also found to be in possession of CDS (Oxycodone and Aplrazolam). C. Haines was processed and later released after being charged with Shoplifting and for Possession of CDS.
• Criminal Mischief (Residence) – On Wednesday, August 21, 2013 at 7:45 a.m., Officer John Cernek responded to an Elwood Street residence in Forked River for a report of criminal mischief.  The homeowner reported that some time during the overnight hours unknown person(s) threw a substance on her vehicle which was parked in the driveway of the residence. The victim reported that someone also lit a bag on fire which destroyed her front doormat. The doormat was valued at $20.
• Drug Distribution & Possession (Arrests) – On the evening of Thursday, August 22, 2013, Lacey Detectives arrested three individuals involved in a drug transaction. The arrests were initiated after detectives witnessed a suspicious transaction on Clubhouse Drive in Forked River between a pedestrian and a vehicle. After the exchange, detectives approached the pedestrian, 18-year-old Casey Sinopoli of Lanoka Harbor, determining that he was in possession of heroin and Oxycodone. A traffic stop was conducted of the suspect vehicle occupied by the owner, 31-year-old Gregory Nelson and 26-year-old Nichole Post of 713 Buena Vista Road in Forked River. Both occupants were arrested and a search of the vehicle revealed heroin and a gravity knife. An additional search of Nelson’s home yielded other narcotics including heroin, marijuana, and MDMA.  MDMA is a schedule I drug often referred to as Molly or Ecstasy. Casey Sinopoli was charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and lodged in the Ocean County Jail in default of $5,000 bail.  Nelson and Post were also lodged in the Ocean County Jail after being charged with Distribution of a CDS and Possession of CDS. Gregory Nelson was also charged with Possession of a Prohibited Weapon.  Gregory Nelson’s bail was set at $30,000 while Nichole Post’s bail was set at $15,000.
• Warrant Arrest – On Thursday, August 22, 2013, at approximately 11:19 p.m., Officer Robert Flynn observed a suspicious male subject walking around the Bank of America on Lacey Road. After further investigation, the male subject, 38-year-old Christopher Williams of Mizzen Avenue in Manahawkin was arrested on two (2) outstanding warrants — one from Pine Beach for $500 and one from Newark for $500. C. Williams was unable to post and was turned over to the Pine Beach Police Department for transport to Ocean County Jail in lieu of his bail.
• Warrant Arrest – On Friday, August 23, 2013, at 8:55 p.m., Special Officer Travis Horton conducted a traffic stop of 45-year-old Dawn M. Jabush of Central Avenue in Mountainside, New Jersey after a computer inquiry indicated that she had an active Linden City warrant for $115. Dawn Jabush was arrested and transported to police headquarters where she was able to post bail.
• Theft – On Friday, August 23, 2013, at approximately 11:43 p.m., Special Officer Travis Horton responded to a Fanwood Drive residence in Forked River for a report of theft. The victim reported that sometime during the day, between 4:00 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., an unknown person stole a package containing two (2) black Limited Edition Accurate Fishing Reels from the front porch of the residence. The total theft is valued at $2,000.
• CDS (Arrest) – On Saturday, August 24, 2013, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Officer Andrew Slota and Officer Dimitri Tsarnas responded to the WAWA , 444 Route 9 South, in Forked River regarding a male subject sleeping in his truck in front of the store.  Upon further investigation, 21-year-old Thomas R. Luce of John Street in Forked River was arrested for Possession of Marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Thomas R. Luce was processed and later released after receiving a criminal summons. T. Luce was also issued a traffic summons for having CDS in a motor vehicle.
• DUI (Arrest) – On Saturday, August 24, 2013, at approximately 10:11 p.m., Officers George Resetar and Alan Abrecht responded to the area of Manchester Avenue and Hill Street in Lanoka Harbor for a report of a fight in a vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 31-year-old Ryan Jenkins of Camden Avenue in Whiting, New Jersey for DUI. Ryan Jenkins was later released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Breath Test Refusal, and Reckless Driving. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
• Noise Complaint (Formal Charge) – On Sunday, August 25, 2013, at approximately 3:21 a.m., Officers George Resetar and Dimitri Tsarnas responded to the residence next to Lanoka Farms in Lanoka Harbor for a loud party. Upon arrival, officers observed numerous people running from the area in an attempt to avoid the police.  Officer Tsarnas issued 27-year-old Phillip Porcellini of Heatherington Court in Lanoka Harbor a complaint-summons for the disturbance.
• DUI (Arrest) – On Sunday, August 25, 2013, at approximately 3:56 a.m., Officer Andrew Slota conducted a traffic stop in a parking lot off of Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 27-year-old Kevin Madden of Sloop Creek Road in Bayville for DUI. He was processed and later released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Speeding. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
• Burglary & Theft (Residence) – On Sunday, August 25, 2013 at 5:37 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer responded to a Clairmore Avenue residence in Lanoka Harbor in reference to a burglary and theft. The incident is believed to have occurred sometime between August 11, 2013 and August 25, 2013. The complainant reported that multiple power tools, nail guns, a chop saw, an air compressor, and two electric heaters were stolen. The residence is vacant and under construction. The suspects entered the residence by breaking through a wall inside a shed which is attached to the house. The estimated value of the stolen property is $600. 
• DUI (Arrest) – On Sunday, August 25, 2013, at 5:53 p.m., officers responded to the area of Western Boulevard in reference to a 2001 Dodge Intrepid that was unable to maintain its lane of travel and nearly had a head on collision. Officer Dimitri Tsarnas was investigating a hit and run motor vehicle accident in the parking lot of Fast Cash on Route 9 in Forked River. The vehicle involved in the hit and run was the same vehicle reported in the aggressive driving complaint. Lt. Michael DiBella located the vehicle and stopped the vehicle on Constitution Drive in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 27-year-old Viviana M. Hildum of Forepeak Drive in Forked River for DUI. She was issued summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane.
• Criminal Mischief (Business) – On Monday, August 26, 2013, at 9:15 a.m. Officer Noah Schaffer responded to 623 Lacey Road for a report of criminal mischief. The complainant reported that sometime between 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 23, 2013 and 9:00 a.m. on August 26, 2013, unknown person(s) damaged the interior of both air conditioning condensing units located at the rear of his building. It was apparent that suspect(s) tried to cut out the copper coils from the units. Although the units were destroyed, the actor(s) failed to remove the copper coils. Estimated repair/damage is valued at $4,000.
• Theft – On Monday, August 26, 2013, at 6:46 p.m., a victim reported that on Thursday, August 22, 2013, she was at the Lacey Township Municipal Court located at 818 Lacey Road in Forked River conducting business as an attorney. She stated that sometime during the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., some person(s) stole her purse from within the court room. The total value of stolen property is $1,690.

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release

August 13^th thru August 19^th, 2013

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• Forgery & Theft (Arrest) – On Tuesday, August 13, 2013, 25-year-old Brittany Gibson of Parkside Drive in Forked River was arrested and charged with two counts of fraudulent use of a credit card, forgery, and theft. The arrest stemmed from a report filed by Joseph Mazza of Leeward Court in Bayville on Monday, August 5, 2013, that Brittany Gibson stole his TD Bank Debit Card and used it to make a $100 purchase at Wawa (Forked River) and a $100 purchase at Walmart (Lanoka Harbor). He also reported that she stole a Waterford Crystal decanter from his vehicle. As a result of the investigation, Brittany Gibson arrested, processed and charged with the criminal offenses. Brittany Gibson was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of $30,000 bail.
• Criminal Mischief & Trespassing – On August 15, 2013, at 8:15 a.m., Special Officer Moller responded to the Gille Park Skate Park in reference to criminal mischief to the skate park equipment. The damage is believed to have occurred during the overnight hours after the Township parks are closed and the gates locked. The damage was caused nightly at the skate park between at least Sunday, August 11, 2013 and Wednesday, August 14, 2013. It is evident that the persons responsible are destroying the fencing to enter the skate park with bicycles and subsequently damaging the equipment as well.
• Burglary & Theft – On Tuesday August 13, 2013, at 4:29 p.m., a resident of Glen Oak Drive in Forked River reported that someone stole jewelry from her home sometime between July 21, 2013 and August 1, 2013. The jewelry reported stolen included a yellow gold wedding band and a one carat diamond solitaire yellow gold ring. No signs of forced entry were located. The total value of the stolen jewelry is $3,900. 
• Disorderly Conduct & Theft (Formal Charges) – On Thursday, August 15, 2013, at 2:00 a.m., a male subject entered the 7-11 Store on Lacey Road and Holmes Avenue North in Forked River and purposely knocked over all of the items on a shelf then picked up a food item and walked out of the store without paying for the item. The matter was not reported to the police department until the late morning hours (7 hours later). Video tape evidence led to the identification of the responsible subject. Juvenile charges have been signed against the 16-year-old, Forked River male for both disorderly conduct and shoplifting.
• Use of CDS & Lewdness (Formal Charges) – On Thursday, August 15, 2013, at 2:18 a.m., Officer Resetar responded to Lake Barnegat Drive North in reference to a naked male running down the roadway. Officer Resetar located the juvenile suspect who appeared to be under the influence of drugs. The suspect appeared to be hallucinating and was not initially cooperative. The juvenile’s parents were notified, and he was transported to Community Medical Center by Officer Resetar. Juvenile charges are pending.
• Hindering Apprehension, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Arrest) – On Wednesday, August 14, 2013, Officer Donahue conducted a motor vehicle stop on Penn Avenue North near Stueben Avenue in Forked River. The driver, 32-year-old Jason P. Corliss, provided Officer Donahue with false information, including a false name and false date of birth. Further investigation led to the discovery of multiple warrants for his arrest. He was arrested and a search incident to the arrest uncovered heroin. Jason P. Corliss was charged with hindering his own apprehension, possession of heroin, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of $15,000 bail as well as the no bail Ocean County Sheriff’s Department warrant.
• Criminal Mischief (Township Property) – On Thursday, August 15, 2013, at 11:34 p.m., Special Officer Horton discovered damage to the Hebrew Park men’s room towel dispenser. Profanity and images were carved into the dispenser. Damage is estimated at $50.
• Warrant Arrest – Special Officer Horton conducted a traffic stop on Route 9 North. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the driver, 21-year-old Brooke O’Rourke of Briggs Avenue North in Forked River, had an active $240 warrant out of the Pine Beach Municipal Court. Brooke O’Rourke was arrested, processed, and released after posting bail. She also received summonses for driving while suspended, driving an uninsured motor vehicle, and driving with a suspended registration. The vehicle was impounded for suspended registration and no insurance.
• Internet Fraud Alert – On Friday, August 16, 2013, at 12:51 p.m., a resident of Forked River reported that on Thursday, August 15th, 2013, he observed that his home computer was locked (frozen) with an unusual message across the monitor. The message stated, “Prism Computer Prosecution Section” and underneath that it stated, “Your computer has been locked due to suspicion of illegal content downloading and distribution.” The message also indicated that the matter could be “resolved” without issue if he paid a fine of $300. The message stated that he should pay the $300.00 utilizing “Moneypak”, and that he could purchase the voucher elsewhere and then enter the bar code into the computer message to unlock it. The complainant contacted his Internet provider and learned that the incident was actually a recent computer virus going around and was not legitimate.
• Hit & Run MVA, DUI, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Arrest) – On Saturday, August 17, 2013, at 12:52 a.m., Special Officer Horton observed a vehicle fail to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Lake Barnegat Drive North onto Haines Street in Lanoka Harbor. The vehicle then proceeded eastbound on Haines Street where it began to drive in the wrong lane of travel towards on-coming traffic. Special Officer Horton was traveling westbound on Haines Street and had to swerve out of the way of the vehicle in order to avoid an accident. Officer Horton turned around and stopped the vehicle in the parking lot of Walmart. The vehicle also had “fresh” damage to the front end indicating that it had just been involved in an accident. The vehicle was being driven by 18-year-old Gregory J. Fenton of Dugout Drive in Lanoka Harbor. It was determined that Gregory Fenton struck a vehicle parked in front of a residence on Adolphus Street in Forked River and left the scene without reporting the accident. Gregory Fenton appeared to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Field sobriety tests were conducted at the scene and Gregory Fenton was arrested for DUI. A white, powdery substance and a pen tube commonly used for inhaling CDS were seized. Gregory Fenton was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released. Gregory Fenton was issued criminal charges for possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also issued motor vehicle summonses for DUI, underage DUI, possession of CDS in a motor vehicle, failure to stop, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, failure to exhibit registration, failure to exhibit a valid insurance card, and probationary license holder violation for driving after hours. 
• Burglary & Theft (Residence) – On Saturday, August 17, 2013, at 8:33 a.m., Officer Anderson responded to a residence on Surrey Court in Forked River for a report of theft. The resident reported that between June 5, 2013 and June 11, 2013, she was away on vacation and upon returning home she discovered that her Sentry key safe was partially pried open. The resident stated that some of her jewelry was missing. The value of stolen property is estimated at $9,000. There were no signs of forced entry to the residence.
• Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, August 17, 2013, at 11:29 a.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota observed Shannon Augustino walking in the area of Deerhead Lake Drive and Alpine Street in Forked River and believed that she had a warrant for her arrest. Upon further investigation, Shannon Augustino was arrested on an outstanding $750 Lacey Township Municipal Court Warrant and an outstanding $300 Lacey Township Municipal Court Warrant. Shannon Augustino was unable to post bail and was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
• DUI – On Saturday, August 17, 2013, at 8:19 p.m., Officers Anderson and Nick responded to the area of Anchorage Drive and Binnacle Road in Forked River for a report of a disoriented male in a vehicle. The vehicle was occupied by 60-year-old Martin A. Weaver of Forked River. It was determined that Martin Weaver was DUI. Officer Anderson arrested Martin Weaver for DUI and transported him to police headquarters. Martin Weaver received motor vehicle summonses for driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, and obstructing passage of other vehicles.
• Burglary & Theft (Residence) – On Sunday, August 18, 2013, at 2:39 p.m., Officer McKee responded to a Cambridge Road home in Lanoka Harbor in reference to a burglary and theft from a residence. The resident reported that sometime between June 24, 2013 and July 9, 2013, someone entered the residence and stole $5,500 worth of jewelry. The residence is currently listed for sale and there was no sign of forced entry.

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release
August 5th thru August 12th, 2013

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• Underage Consumption of Alcohol (Formal Charges) – On Monday, August 5,, 2013, at 8:04 a.m., Officers Barcalow and Eden responded to Jay Street in Forked River for a report of an intoxicated juvenile female in the roadway. Officers located the juvenile and confirmed that she was intoxicated and in need of medical attention due to her intoxication level. The juvenile was transported for treatment at the Community Medical Center in Toms River. As a result of the investigation it was determined that the consumption of alcohol occurred at a residence on Claire Road in Forked River and that the alcoholic beverages were provided by a male juvenile. The intoxicated female juvenile was charged with underage consumption of alcoholic beverages on private property and the male juvenile was charged with providing alcoholic beverages to a juvenile.
• Criminal Mischief (Arrest) – On Tuesday, August 6, 2013, at 2:59 a.m., Officer Gudgeon responded to the Walmart in Lanoka Harbor for Criminal Mischief done to a parked in the lot between the hours of 12:30 a.m. – 2:30 a.m. The car sustained yellow colored spray paint on several areas of the vehicle. The investigation revealed that 22-year-old, Robert Baker of Whitcomb Road in Forked River purchased the spray paint within the store and then spray painted the parked vehicle in the parking lot. Robert Baker was arrested and charged with Criminal Mischief and released.
• Lewdness (Arrest) – On Tuesday, August 6, 2013, at 6:48 p.m., Officers May and McKee responded to an East Lacey Road residence for a report of a male subject exposing himself while urinating on the property. Officers identified the suspect as 26-year-old, Francisco Garcia of Forked River. Francisco Garcia was arrested, charged with Lewdness, and released on a summons.
• Criminal Mischief – On Thursday, August 8, 2013, at 6:14 p.m., Officer Abrecht responded to a residence on Peach Tree Lane in Forked River for Criminal Mischief that occurred between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on August 8, 2013. A wooden fence securing an area of the property was knocked down and the damage is estimated at $30.
• Warrants (Arrest) – On Thursday, August 8, 2013, at 8:41 p.m., Special Officer Travis Horton responded to a motor vehicle accident and found that one of the drivers had outstanding warrants for weapons possession, aggravated assault, and bad checks. Arrested was 49-year-old James R. Magee of Hancock Avenue in Bayville. He was lodged in Ocean County Jail.
• Drug Distribution (Arrests) – On the evening of Thursday, August 8, 2013, detectives of the Lacey Township Police Department arrested seven individuals during a narcotics investigation. Detectives witnessed a male and a female exiting a home on Chelsea Street in Forked River recently suspected of drug distribution. A field inquiry of the two individuals and a third man meeting with them led to their arrests. Christopher Williams, 38 years-of-age from Manahawkin, was arrested for an outstanding $32,000 child support warrant. During his arrest, Christopher Williams was found to be in possession of heroin intended to be distributed to a third individual, 47-year-old Darrell Salter of Forked River. Darrell Salter was arrested and charged with Loitering to Obtain a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS). Christopher Williams was charged with Possession of Heroin and Intent to Distribute Heroin. Christopher Williams was lodged in the Ocean County Jail in lieu of the bail on the warrant, while Salter and Fagan were released on their own recognizance pending a court appearance. The third suspect, 18-year-old Katherine Fagan of Lanoka Harbor, was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin. Several hours later, detectives executed a search warrant at 650 Chelsea Street in Forked River. During the search, 132 folds containing heroin were discovered along with numerous hypodermic syringes. The findings led to four additional arrests inside the home. The homeowner, 24-year-old Shannon Augustino of Forked River, was charged with Possession of Hypodermic Syringes. David Bond, 24, of Little Egg Harbor was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe. Shannon Augustino and David Bond were released on a summons pending a court appearance. Another individual, 30-year-old Jesse Morrell of Toms River, was arrested for three outstanding warrants issued from Point Pleasant, Lacey, and Washington Township Municipal Courts. Jesse Morrell was lodged in the Ocean County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail. An additional arrest of 50-year-old Steven Concannon of Forked River was also made at the residence. Steven Concannon was charged with Possession of Heroin, Intent to Distribute Heroin, and Intent to Distribute CDS within 1000’ of the Lacey Township Middle School. Steven Concannon was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of $50,000 cash bail. Assistance was obtained from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Group and a K-9 Unit from the Ocean Township (Waretown) Police Department. Lacey Patrol Officers Andrew Slota and Alan Abrecht assisted with the warrant execution.
• Failing to Register under Megan’s Law (Arrest) – At 8:00 a.m. on Friday, August 9, 2013, Officer Darrell Nick of the Lacey Township Police Department conducted an investigation into a suspicious male who was reportedly living in the wooded area near the McDonald’s Restaurant in Lanoka Harbor. The man was located and identified as 55-year-old Norman Myers of Canyon Country, California. Computer inquiries led to the discovery of multiple NCIC warrants from California and Illinois; yet none of the warrants allowed for extradition. While Norman Myers was not subject to arrest and incarceration for the out-of-state NCIC warrants, further investigation revealed that he was in violation of New Jersey’s Sex Offender Registration law for failing to properly register. Norman Myer was placed under arrest by Officer Darrell Nick, processed, and lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 bail.
• DUI (Arrest) – At 2:26 a.m. on August 10, 2013, Officer Dimitri Tsarnas of the Lacey Township Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop on Lacey Road near Holmes Avenue. The motor vehicle stop led to the arrest of 50-year-old Judy Petersen of Vivas Drive in Barnegat for driving under the influence of alcohol. Additional motor vehicle summons were issued for reckless driving and failure to maintain lane.
• Attempted Burglary of Residence – On Friday, August 9, 2013, a resident of Sweetwood Drive in Forked River reported a possible attempted burglary of his residence. The homeowner reported that sometime during the past week, an unknown person or persons attempted to pry open the front door of the residence. The homeowner located pry marks on the front door as well as fresh scratches around the door jamb area and door knob. No entry was made; however the damage was estimated at approximately $100.
• Criminal Mischief to a Vehicle – At 4:32 a.m. on August 11, 2013, Officer George Resetar responded to a residence on South Street regarding criminal mischief to a motor vehicle. The victim, a resident of Manahawkin, informed Officer Resetar that her vehicle, a green 2003 Nissan Altima, was damaged while parked on South Street. The front driver’s side window was shattered out, and two large dents were made to the driver’s side doors. The estimated cost of damage to the vehicle is $1000.
• DUI MVA (Formal Charge) – On Sunday, August 11, 2013, at 6:38 p.m., Officer Robert Flynn and Officer Jeffrey Slota investigated a motor vehicle accident on Route 9 near the intersection of Jones Road. The initial witness statements suggested a white BMW was involved in the accident with a motorcyclist, after which, the white BMW reportedly fled the scene. The motorcyclist, 53-year-old Michael Kovacs of Lacey Road in Forked River, suffered injuries that required him to be flown via helicopter to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. With the help of the public after the information was posted through the police department website, the white BMW was identified and quickly determined to not have been involved in the motor vehicle accident. Members of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Support Team (FAST) responded to assist in the investigation. As a result of the investigation, Michael Kovacs is being charged with DUI.
• Shoplifting (Arrest) – On Sunday, August 11, 2013, at 12:54 a.m., Officer Charles May arrested Roseanne Speciale of Western Boulevard in Lanoka Harbor for shoplifting $22 worth of merchandise from Walmart. She was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released on a summons.
• Drug Overdose – On Sunday, August 11, 2013, at 7:35 p.m., officers responded to a residence on Joffre Road for a possible drug overdose. A 37-year-old, Forked River male who was visiting the residence became unresponsive and stopped breathing. Officers performed CPR and the patient regained a pulse. The man was transported to the hospital. The investigation uncovered paraphernalia including a hypodermic needle and stainless steel spoon.
• DUI (Arrest) – On Monday, August 12, 2013, at 8:04 p.m., Officer Barcalow responded to the area of Harrison Avenue and Elwood Street for a report of a suspicious vehicle in the area. Officer Barcalow located the vehicle driving in the area. Upon investigation, 36-year-old Keith Glover of Center Street in Forked River was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). In addition, he was charged with reckless driving and having an open container of alcohol in his motor vehicle.
• Vehicular Assault (Arrest) – On Monday, August 12, 2013, at 3:05 p.m., Officer Keith Pearce handled a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Route 9 and Hollywood Boulevard in Forked River. A vehicle operated by 28-year-old Samuel Ramirez-Gonzalez of Long Branch struck a vehicle operated by 65-year-old David Alexander of Waretown. Alexander was traveling southbound on Route 9 when Samuel Ramirez-Gonzalez passed a stopped vehicle at the stop sign on Hollywood Boulevard and proceeded to travel into the path of David Alexander. David Alexander suffered serious injuries and was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center. Samuel Ramirez-Gonzalez was determined to be unlicensed and was arrested for the crime of vehicular assault for driving recklessly and causing serious bodily injury to another. Samuel Ramirez-Gonzalez posted $2,500.00 bail and was released.
• Warrants (Arrest) – On Monday, August 12, 2013, at 5:32 p.m., while investigating a separate incident, Officer May arrested 43-year-old Steven Gonzalez of Laurel Boulevard for several outstanding warrants. He was lodged in Ocean County Jail on the warrants.

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release

July 30^th thru August 6^th, 2013

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• Burglary and Theft (Residential) –On Tuesday, July 30, 2013, at 9:30 a.m., a resident of Capstan Drive in Forked River reported a burglary and theft that occurred sometime between July 8, 2013 and July 11, 2013. The resident reported that she heard noise coming from her garage and upon checking she observed two unknown white male subjects standing in her garage. One of the subjects held up an item and asked her if it was for sale. One of the subjects then asked if she had any watches for sale. She told the suspects that she had a battery powered watch for sale and was offered $20 by the suspect. The resident mistakenly gave the suspects a bag of gold Omega watches valued at $10,800. The suspects then left. The resident did not see a vehicle.
• Criminal Mischief – On Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 6:40 p.m., Officer Evan Androcy responded to Cedar Drive in Lanoka Harbor in reference to criminal mischief.  The homeowner reported that she was inside her residence around 6:40 p.m. when an unknown person threw a rock at her front bay window breaking the window. The damage is estimated at $1,500.
• Theft – On Wednesday, July 31, 2013, at 10:07 a.m., a resident reported that someone stole his black Apple iPhone 4s from the second lake around 3:00 p.m. on July 30, 2013.  The value of the phone is estimated at $200.
• Warrant Arrest – On Wednesday, July 31, 2013, Officer Travis Horton conducted a motor stop of 58-year-old Guy Sbar of Forked River in the parking lot of 524 Lacey Road after a check of his vehicle registration indicated that his driver’s license was suspended. Guy Sbar also had an active $164 Marlton warrant.  Guy Sbar was placed under arrest and transported to Lacey Police Headquarters where he posted full cash bail and was released. He was issued a summons for driving while suspended.
• Theft – On Thursday, August 1, 2013, at 12:42 p.m., Officer Scott Anderson responded to police headquarters in reference to a theft report. A resident reported that sometime between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. on July 31, 2013, someone went into her beach bag and stole her clutch purse while she was at the second lake beach. The purse contained money, jewelry, and medication valued at $330.
• Obstruction & Hindering Apprehension (Arrest) – On Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 9:32 a.m., Officer Alan Abrecht stopped a vehicle for speeding near the intersection of Sylvania Place and Spruce Road in Forked River.  The driver, (later identified as 34-year-old Elizabeth Epps of Forked River) stated that she did not have her driver’s license in her possession and provided the officer with the information of another female. Officer Abrecht checked the information provided to him and determined that the information provided to him was false. Upon further questioning, Elizabeth Epps gave her proper information, which was verified by Officer Abrecht. Officer Abrecht determined that her driver’s license was suspended and she had an outstanding $500 Lacey Township warrant. Elizabeth Epps was arrested and charged with Obstructing the Administration of Law and Hindering Apprehension. Bail on those charges was set at $500. Elizabeth Epps was able to post bail on both warrants. Elizabeth Epps was also issued summonses for Speeding and Driving While Suspended.
• Warrant Arrest – On Thursday, August 1, 2013, at 10:54 p.m., Ptl. Dimitri Tsarnas conducted a motor vehicle stop of 26-year-old Jeffrey Moissinac after a check of his vehicle registration indicated that he had an active $750 Lacey Township warrant. Jeffrey Moissinac was arrested and transported to Ocean County Jail in default of the bail. He was also issued a traffic summons for no insurance.
• Aggravated Assault, Defiant Trespassing, & Hindering Apprehension (Arrests) – On Friday, August 2, 2013, at 9:47 p.m., Officer Dimitri Tsarnas and other officers responded to the IL Giardino Restaurant in reference to an assault of an employee of the restaurant by two male suspects. The victim identified one of his attackers as being the husband of Aileen Racanelli, a waitress at the restaurant. The assault took place inside the kitchen area of the restaurant. The victim was punched and knocked to the ground and was then kicked while he was on the ground. The suspects then fled the scene. The victim was transported to the Southern Ocean Medical Center by Lacey Township EMS and received treatment for his injuries, which included pain in his neck and back, as well as blurred vision. Investigation at the scene led to the arrests of 52-year-old Michael J. Racanelli and his son, 21-year-old Anthony M. Racanelli who were each charged with Aggravated Assault and Defiant Trespass. Bail was set at $25,000 each. Aileen Racanelli was charged with Hindering Apprehension. Michael J. Racanelli and Anthony M. Racanelli posted bail at Lacey Township Police headquarters and are awaiting a court appearance.
• Warrant Arrest – On Friday, August 2, 2013, Officer Dimitri Tsarnas conducted a motor vehicle stop near the intersection of Route 9 and Taylor Lane of 50-year-old John Concannon of Bayville. The traffic stop was a result of a check of his vehicle registration which indicated that he had a suspended registration. Investigation at the scene led to arrest of John Concannon on two outstanding warrants – a $250 Berkeley Township warrant and a $500 Ocean Township warrant. John Concannon was arrested and transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was able to post bail. John Concannon was also issued a summons for suspended registration and driving while suspended. The vehicle was impounded due to the suspended registration.
• Criminal Mischief – On Friday, August 2, 2013, at 2:48 p.m., Officer Anderson responded to a residence on Whales Court in reference to criminal mischief to the home. The resident reported that someone shot holes in approximately thirteen (13) pieces of her house siding with an air-soft gun. No suspects could be identified at this time. The damage is estimated at $500.
• DUI (Arrest) – On Saturday, August 3, 2013 at 1:52 a.m., Officer Alan Abrecht stopped a vehicle for speeding and careless driving. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 30-year-old Thomas J. Scarola of Forked River, NJ, for DUI. Thomas Scarola was transported to headquarters, processed, and released after receiving traffic summonses for speeding, careless driving, reckless driving, and driving while intoxicated. The vehicle he was driving was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
• Burglary & Theft (Auto) – On Sunday, August 4, 2013, at 4:50 a.m., Officer Adam Ewart responded to an address on Deguise Street in Lanoka Harbor for a report of a burglary and theft from a vehicle. The resident was awakened by the sound of a car alarm, and after investigating, the resident observed the passenger door to her vehicle open. The vehicle was not locked at the time of the incident. Stolen from the vehicle were a wallet, driver’s license, and various credit cards.  The estimated value of the items stolen from the vehicle is $25.
• Criminal Mischief – On Sunday, August 4, 2013, Officer Julie Barcalow responded to an address on East Lacey Road in Forked River in reference to criminal mischief. The homeowner reported that between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on this date, someone damaged the garage door to his residence. The door was cracked down the middle, the left side of the door was bent inward, and the door frame was damaged.  The cause of the damage is unknown. The estimated damage done to the door is $1,500.
• Theft – On Monday, August 5, 2013, Officer Barcalow responded to a residence on Earie Way in reference to a theft. The homeowner reported that two males in a maroon extended cab pickup truck got out of the truck and entered her backyard. They picked up her large wooden picnic table and placed it in their pickup truck and then fled east on Lakeside Drive South. No further description was provided. The table is valued at $250.
• Criminal Mischief – A caller reported damage to his vehicle while it was parked in the Walmart parking lot. The damage occurred between the hours of 12:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 6, 2013. The vehicle was parked in front of the store when two unknown actors used yellow spray paint to damage the vehicle.  The estimated value of the damage is $250.