Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – October 21, 2021 through October 28, 2021
Open Container: On Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 8:07 pm., Officers responded to the Mill Pond Trestle in Forked River, for a report of an unconscious male called in by Ocean County Security. Upon their arrival, officers met with an adult male and female who were both intoxicated. Open alcohol containers were located. Leonard Brown, 51, was issued a special complaint summons for possession of alcohol in a park and released.
Welfare Check/Possession of CDS (Heroin): On Friday, October 22, 2021 at 4:50 pm., Officers responded to the Walmart parking lot, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, to check the welfare of a male in a vehicle, possibly sleeping or unconscious. Officers located the vehicle and observed the sole occupant, Jonathan Desantis-Joiner, 32, who was asleep. Officers were able to wake him. As J. Desantis-Joiner exited his vehicle, officers located a wax fold of heroin in plain view, where he had been sitting. The wax fold was seized and J. Desantis-Joiner was subsequently arrested and charged with possession of heroin. He was transported to headquarters for processing and subsequently lodged in Ocean County Correctional Facility.
Fall Victim with Medivac: On Friday, October 22, 2021 at 5:27 pm., Lanoka Harbor First Aid Squad responded to the Lacey Township High School, located at 73 Haines Street in Lanoka Harbor, for a fall victim. The 16 year-old patient was flown to Jersey Shore University Hospital for their injuries.
Pedestrian Contact/Drunkenness/Open Container: On Friday, October 22, 2021 at 7:43 pm., while conducting a foot patrol of the Rail Trail near the Mill Pond Trestle in Forked River, Officers Anthony Ravallo and Daniel Biel met with Leonard Brown, 51, and Amy Haas, 47, both whom were intoxicated and drinking on the bench. Officers observed open containers of alcohol. Both A. Hass and L. Brown were issued a special complaint summons for alcohol in a park.
Fraud: On Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 5:14 pm., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to police headquarters for a fraud report. The manager of a local Route 9 business in Lanoka Harbor, stated upon arriving to work, a note was left for them to contact JCP&L about their electric bill. The manager stated they contacted the number that was left (1-800-492-2165), and the male who answered the phone stated they had to pay the balance of the bill, approximately $2,500, in 45 minutes or they were going to turn their electric off. The manger was instructed to send the money via Zelle. The manager sent the money and was then told it did not go through. The manager was then instructed to go to Country Farms with cash and get a gift card, which is when she realized it was a scam.
Arrest Warrant/MV Stop: On Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 12:53 pm, Officer Michael Hyle conducted a motor vehicle stop near the intersection of Route 9 and Game Farm Road in Forked River. Officer Hyle located a warrant for the registered owner, David Hamilton, 34. Officer Hyle made contact with the female driver, along with the passenger and vehicle owner, David Hamilton. D. Hamilton was arrested on the warrant, transported to headquarters and later released after posting bail. The driver was issued a motor vehicle summons for expired registration.
Motor Vehicle Crash/DWI: On Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at approximately 8:11 pm., Officer Dylan Emmett responded to the 400 block of Nautilus Boulevard in Forked River, for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles. Investigation at the scene determined one of the drivers, Catelynn Hagaman, 26, was under the influence. She was arrested and charged with DUI and reckless driving.
Defiant Trespass: On Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at 11:42 pm., Moses Sutton, 28, was found to be on the property of the Lacey Mall, an area where he is banned from. He was issued a Special Complaint summons for defiant trespass and released.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – October 14 through October 21, 2021
MV Accident- On Thursday, October 14, 2021, at 3:26 p.m., officers responded to a one-car motor vehicle accident that occurred on Lacey Road, west of the Parkway. Officers discovered that a vehicle driven by an 84 year-old female left the lane of travel and collided with a tree. The sole occupant was airlifted to a trauma center with serious injuries.
Stolen MV- On Saturday, October 16, 2021, at 2:09 a.m., Officer Bruce Carver conducted a registration inquiry of a suspicious vehicle. Officer Carver discovered that the vehicle was reported stolen out of Lakewood Township. The vehicle was parked on Orlando Drive although officers could not locate the driver. The vehicle was processed and returned to a Lakewood Township rental company.
Dispute- On Sunday, October 17, 2021, at 12:18 a.m., officers were requested at a Beach Boulevard home for a physical dispute. Officers found that multiple adults were involved in the matter that ended prior to their arrival. All parties were referred to Court to sign criminal complaints on their own behalf.
Open Container- On Monday, October 18, 2021, at 10:15 a.m., Officer Noah Schaffer was patrolling the Rail Trail at the intersection of Mill Street and Station Drive. During the patrol, Officer Schaffer observed an adult female in possession of an open container of alcohol. Amy Haas was released on her own recognizance after being issued a summons for the Township ordinance violation.
DWI- On Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at 5:26 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer was dispatched to the intersection of Hillwood Road and Crestwood Drive for a disabled motor vehicle. During the investigation, the driver reported that a passing vehicle on Deerhead Lake Drive struck his vehicle. During the interaction, it was determined that the driver, Brian Powers, was under the influence. Brian was arrested and charged with DWI and Reckless Driving. Further investigation revealed that the damage to Brian’s vehicle was caused by a hit and run motor vehicle accident that occurred in Ocean Gate earlier in the day.
Stolen Vehicles- On Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 5:38 p.m., our agency received a call from the Little Falls Police Department concerning a stolen vehicle. Police in Little Falls reported that a motor vehicle was stolen from a gas station in their jurisdiction. The suspects left behind the vehicle that they arrived in, a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, that was registered to a Lacey Township resident. Officer Bruce Carver was dispatched to Sandpiper Drive where he met with the victim. The victim reported that the vehicle was last driven the night prior and must have been taken during the overnight hours.
Vehicle Burglary- On Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at 7:24 p.m., Officer Randolph Plis met with a resident of Bowsprit Point regarding a theft from her vehicle. The victim reported that during the overnight hours an unknown suspect(s) entered her Infinity Q70 stealing items from within. The stolen items included a Michael Kors tote, a keychain, and a small amount of cash.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – October 7 through October 14, 2021
MVA- On Thursday, October 7, 2021, at 7:03 a.m., Officer John Simonson responded to the area of Manchester Avenue and Grove Street for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a utility pole. Investigation at the scene revealed a Honda Pilot was traveling northbound on Manchester Avenue. During this time, the vehicle crossed the center line, entered the southbound lane and collided with a utility pole. The pole was broken in half causing the road to be shut down for several hours.
Arrest- On Friday, October 8, 2021, at 4:08 a.m., Officer Joseph Pandorf was traveling on Beach Boulevard and made contact with several pedestrians. During the interaction, Officer Pandorf discovered that one of the pedestrians caused damage at several nearby residences by kicking mailboxes and garbage cans. Gerard O’Connor, 19, was arrested and charged with criminal mischief. He was released on his own recognizance.
Burglary- On Friday, October 8, 2021, at 9:53 a.m., Officer Michael Baldasari and Nyeem Calhoun were dispatched to 121 Route 9 South in reference to a burglary. Upon opening the business, the owner discovered that an unknown suspect(s) pried open the rear door during the overnight hours. Once inside, the actor(s) forced open an ATM and stole the cash contained within. A second business in the same shopping center was also forcibly entered. An amount of cash was stolen from inside. Anyone with information pertaining to the burglaries is asked to contact Detective Brian Flynn.
Robbery/Burglary- On Friday, October 8, 2021, at 11:02 p.m., Officers Michael Hyle and Scott Keefe responded to the Lacey Mall in reference to a vehicle burglary. A business owner stated that a male subject entered her delivery van stealing documents from within. The victim provided a description of the actor adding that he walked toward the Kohls parking lot. During the same timeframe, Officer Patrick Watkins was dispatched to the parking lot of Anthony’s Pizza for a similar incident. The caller stated that an unknown person entered his vehicle between deliveries stealing several checks and his passport. This entry was captured on surveillance video that identified the suspect as the same person who committed burglary at the Lacey Mall. While searching the area, patrol officers located William McMenamin near the Sunrise Boulevard Extension. William was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters.
While searching for the stolen property, Detective Adam Ewart discovered that McMenamin was involved in a third incident after committing the burglaries. A resident of the Lacey Inn described that he was assaulted while seated in his vehicle. The victim reported that during the assault, McMenamin stole his sneakers.
McMenamin, 29, was ultimately charged with Assault, Theft (3 counts), 3rd degree Burglary (2 counts), 2nd degree Burglary, and Robbery. He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.
MVA- On Monday, October 11, 2021, at 11:13 a.m., Officer Noah Schaffer responded to Beach Boulevard for a one-car motor vehicle accident. The investigation revealed that the driver was distracted by a dog inside the vehicle causing her to collide with a utility pole. The driver was transported to the hospital for minor injuries.
DWI- On Monday, October 11, 2021, at 9:33 p.m., officers were dispatched to Bowline Drive for a report of two men fighting. During their arrival, officers discovered that two neighbors were involved in a physical alteration. Further investigation revealed that one of the participants used his vehicle in attempt to damage the neighbor’s vehicle while under the influence. Patrick Kerney was arrested and issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Submit the Breath Testing. He was released pending a Court appearance.
Arrest- On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, at 5:36 p.m., officers responded to the Mill Pond trestle for an intoxicated female. While there, Officer Matthew D’Antonio arrested Leonard Brown for an outstanding warrant issued by the Lacey Township Municipal Court. Leonard was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of $1,000 cash bail.
Arrest- On Wednesday, October 13, 2021, at 11:37 a.m., Officer Michael Hutman and Tyler Walsh responded to the Lacey Mall in reference to a man harassing patrons. Officers discovered Moses Sutton on the premises and identified him as the actor. Moses was arrested and charged with Defiant Trespass. He was later released on his own recognizance.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – September 30 through October 7, 2021
Theft- On Thursday, September 30, 2021, at 3:01 p.m., Officer Michael Baldasari responded to Walmart, 580 Route 9 N, to meet with asset protection regarding a theft of money from a cash register involving an employee. Officer Baldasari’s investigation revealed Juana Martinez, 19, had stolen a total of $485.00 over the course of a few days. Juana Martinez was placed under arrest for the theft and released on a summons.
Theft- On Thursday, September 30, 2021, at 6:41 p.m., Officer Michael Hyle responded to Ralph’s Italian Ice for a theft report. The owner reported that someone had stolen money out of the tip jar. Investigation revealed the identity of the suspect as Marie Ortiz, 35. Officer Hyle and Officer Keefe located Marie Ortiz who admitted to the theft. Marie Ortiz was issued a special complaint for theft of approximately $19.00.
Fire- On Friday, October 1, 2021, at 5:28 p.m., Officers responded to a wooded area behind a Nautilus Boulevard residence for a report of a brush fire. Upon arrival, officers observed logs and brush smoldering. The Lanoka Harbor Fire Department responded to the scene and quickly extinguished the fire without any further damage.
Burglary and Theft- On Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 12:36 p.m. Officer Joe Pandorf responded to a Gary Smith Way residence for a report of a Burglary. Officer Pandorf met with the victim who reported numerous items of value stolen from the residence. It also appeared that forced entry was made into the residence. Detective Brian Flynn responded and is continuing the investigation.
Hit and Run/Assault by Auto- On Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 11:40 p.m., Officers Michael Hyle and Scott Keefe responded to the intersection of Route 9 and Musket Road for a hit and run motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, contact was made with the victim who stated they were hit from behind by another vehicle, whose driver was later identified as Donna Powell. The two parties interacted for a brief period, but upon hearing that the police were going to be called, Donna Powell, left the scene. The victim complained of an injury due to the crash and was treated for same. A later investigation revealed that the Ocean Township Police Department stopped Donna Powell for DUI shortly thereafter and was currently at their police station. Donna Powell was charged by our agency with Assault by Auto, and also issued several traffic summonses, regarding the crash in Lacey Township while intoxicated.
Trespassing- On Sunday, October 3. 3021, at 9:27 a.m., Officers Michael Hein and Nyeem Calhoun responded to the area near the Dollar Tree in Lacey Mall for a report of a male that was yelling and screaming. Upon arrival, they met with Moses Sutton, 28, who had been previously advised to stay off the property of the Lacey Mall. Moses Sutton was issued a special complaint summons for Defiant Trespass and released.
Trespassing- On Monday, October 4, 2021, at 02:24 a.m., Officer Dallas Gant responded to the area behind TJ Maxx in the Lacey Mall for a report of a male subject screaming. Upon arrival, Officer Gant made contact with Moses Sutton, 28, who was previously advised that he was banned from the area and was subsequently issued a special complaint summons for Defiant Trespassing and released.
Disorderly Conduct / Possession of Alcohol in a Park / Littering/Obstruction / Possession of a Weapon / Resisting Arrest- On Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at 5:58 p.m. multiple officers responded to the Mill Pond trestle bridge for a report of two males fighting. Upon arrival, officers observed numerous bystanders fleeing the rail trail on foot due to the violent behavior of Moses Sutton, 28, and Leonard Brown’s, 51. Officers made contact with Leonard and Moses and an investigation at the scene led to the following charges. Moses Sutton was charged with Littering, Possession of Alcohol in a Park, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Resisting Arrest, and Disorderly Conduct. Leonard Brown was charged with Littering, Possession of Alcohol in a Park, Disorderly Conduct, and Obstruction. Moses Sutton was transported and lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
Burglary and Theft Investigation- On Wednesday, October 6, 2021 08:29 a.m. the Lacey Township Detective Bureau executed Search Warrants at a Hemlock Lane residence in Forked River. The search warrants were related to an investigation of a burglary and theft that occurred in Lanoka Harbor and was reported on September 17, 2021. The theft involved copper and other metals valued in excess of $3,750. At the scene, a suspect, identified as Bernard K. Kappen, 30, of Forked River was arrested and transported to headquarters for processing. Bernard Kappen was charged with Burglary, Theft, Criminal Trespass, and Receiving Stolen Property and lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility. Bernard Kappen’s vehicle, which he used to further facilitate his crimes, was seized.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – September 23 through September 30, 2021
Theft- On Thursday, September 23, 2021, at 2:11 p.m., Officer Nyeem Calhoun was dispatched to take a theft report. An employee of CVS reported that her mountain bicycle was stolen from outside the store. No suspects were noted.
Suspicious Person- On Monday, September 27, 2021, at 3:58 p.m., Officers Michael Hutman and Tyler Walsh responded to Wawa, 444 Route 9, in reference to a suspicious male. Two juvenile females reported that they were approached by an adult male who was harassing them. The suspect was identified as Leonard Brown who was ultimately issued a summons for Harassment. He was released at the scene.
DWI- On Monday, September 27, 2021, at 8:58 p.m., Officer Martin Julian conducted a motor vehicle stop on Beach Boulevard. The vehicle was stopped for excessive speed and not having headlights illuminated. During the encounter, Officer Julian determined that the driver, Jessica Yannacone, was under the influence. Jessica was charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, Refusing to Submit to Breath Samples, Speeding, Headlights Required, and Failure to Maintain Lane. She was released on her own recognizance.
Fraud- On Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at 11:56 a.m., Officer Tyler Walsh took a report involving fraudulent bank activity. A Forked River resident reported that an unknown person accessed her bank account using the phone app “Klara.” The unknown suspect made numerous withdrawals totaling $3,975.
DWI- On Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at 6:03 p.m., Officer Jason Lee conducted a motor vehicle stop on Lacey Road after the driver failed to yield right of way. During the stop, the driver was deemed under the influence and placed under arrest. Daniel Smith III, was issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Yield. He was released pending a Court appearance.
MV Accident- On Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at 8:19 a.m., officers were dispatched to a one-car motor vehicle accident on Route 9 near Haines Street. Investigation revealed that a vehicle traveling northbound on Route 9 left the roadway and collided with a tree. The 65 year-old Ocean Gate woman was airlifted to a trauma center for serious injuries. Further investigation is being conducted by Officer Jason Lee.