Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – September 16 through September 23, 2021
Trespassing- On Thursday, September 16, 2021, at 12:14 p.m., Officers Michael Hein and Scott Anderson were dispatched to Spirits Liquors in reference to a trespassing complaint. Officers discovered that Moses Sutton, 28, was inside the store refusing to leave after being advised previously that he was not welcome on the property. Sutton was issued a complaint for Defiant Trespass.
Theft- On Friday, September 17, 2021, at 2:49 p.m., Officer Dan Ricciardella was dispatched to a Lanoka Harbor residence for a theft report. The owner reported that unknown suspect(s) forced open the rear gate of his property stealing items from within. The theft, that is valued at $3,500, consisted of copper line sets, fittings, and scrap.
Burglary- On Saturday, September 18, 2021, at 9:29 a.m., Officer Matthew D’Antonio was dispatched to Cycleworld for a reported burglary. The owner reported that during the overnight hours, unknown suspect(s) cut locks and entered numerous storage trailers on the property.
Burglary- On Monday, September 20, 2021, at 6:31 p.m., officers responded to a Birch Lane residence for the report of men fighting. Investigation at the scene revealed that a male subject unlawfully entered the home and assaulted the homeowner. The suspect was later identified as Patrick Kerney, Jr. Kerney’s vehicle was discovered parked in the rear of Eric Plaza although he was not present. Kerney later surrendered at headquarters and was charged with Burglary, Simple Assault, and Criminal Mischief. He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.
DWI- On Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at 5:23 p.m., officers were dispatched to Lacey Road near the area of Argo’s Farm in reference to an erratic driver. The caller reported that the vehicle in front of him was traveling at a high rate of speed with no rear tire on one side. The vehicle was located and stopped on the Garden State Parkway as it proceeded on three tires. The driver, Charles Anderson, was deemed under the influence and arrested. Charles was issued summonses for DWI and Reckless Driving.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – September 9 through September 16, 2021
Arrest- On Friday, September 10, 2021, at 8:46 a.m., Officer John Simonson was dispatched to the parking lot of Walmart for a man slumped over the wheel of a vehicle. Officer Simonson identified the driver as Marco Espositocostaglio. During their interaction, Espositocostaglio was found in possession of narcotics. He was taken into custody and charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Marco was released in accordance with bail reform.
Arrest- On Friday, September 10, 2021, at 9:25 p.m., Officer Dylan Emmett responded to Walmart in reference to shoplifting. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 30 year-old Rachel Wimmer for shoplifting. Rachel attempted to return merchandise at the courtesy counter that she had just taken from the shelves. Rachel was charged with shoplifting and trespassing since she was previously advised that she was not permitted on the property. She was released pending a Court appearance.
Theft- On Friday, September 10, 2021, at 12:03 p.m., a contractor reported items missing from a Tiller Drive property. The victim stated that he left supplies near the road’s edge that were taken by an unknown person. The items included chains and shackles used for the installation of a pool. The theft is valued at $500.
Theft- On Friday, September 10, 2021, at 3:53 p.m., a Meadowlark Drive resident reported a theft from her home. The caller described that several pieces of jewelry, valued at $6,000, were stolen during an unknown timeframe. No forced entry was observed.
Arrest- On Saturday, September 11, 2021, Officers Scott Keefe and Joseph Pandorf were dispatched to the report of a suspicious person at Wawa, 701 Route 9. Officers identified the person as Kurt Maniaci who was a wanted person. Kurt was placed under arrest for an active warrant issued by the Ocean County Superior Court and ultimately lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.
DWI- On Monday, September 13, 2021, at 8:21 a.m., Officer Jason Lee was dispatched to Lakeside Drive after a man was reportedly seen slumped over the wheel of a vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Robert Davenport, III. Davenport, 50, was charged with DWI and Reckless Driving prior to being released.
Intoxication- On Monday, September 13, 2021, at 3:48 p.m., Officer Matthew D’Antonio was requested at the Rail Trail near Mill Street for intoxicated subjects. During his arrival, Officer D’Antonio identified the actor as Leonard Brown who was actively consuming alcohol. Brown was issued a local ordinance summons for Possession of Alcohol in a Public Park in addition to a second summons for Littering.
Trespassing- On Wednesday, September 14, 2021, at 11:09 a.m., Officers Noah Schaffer and Scott Anderson responded to Spirits Liquors in reference to a subject harassing customers. The suspect was not present upon the arrival of officers but was identified. The suspect, who is prohibited from the complex, is being sought in reference to trespassing.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – September 2 through September 9, 2021
DWI- On Thursday, September 2, 2021, at 9:13 p.m., Officers Brian Holt and Joseph Pandorf responded to the parking lot of Walmart in reference to a possible intoxicated driver. The officers located Kenneth Munz who was deemed under the influence. Munz was arrested and charged with DWI and Reckless Driving. Criminal charges were also prepared charging Munz with Possession of a Controlled Substance. He was later released pending a Court appearance.
Arrest- On Friday, September 3, 2021, at 6:27 p.m., Officers Brian Holt and Jason Lee were dispatched to Forked River Wine and Spirits after a male subject was reportedly kicking the front door of the business. Officers identified the actor as Charles Maulbeck, 48, who was present upon their arrival. While speaking with Maulbeck, he threatened a female subject who was present. As officers attempted to arrest Maulbeck, he resisted and kicked Officer Lee. Maulbeck was ultimately charged with Terroristic Threats and Aggravated Assault on Police. He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.
MV Theft- On Sunday, September 5, 2021, at 4:36 p.m., Officers Brian Holt and Joseph Pandorf were dispatched to a Laurel Boulevard home in reference to a stolen vehicle. The victim reported that while visiting a family member an unknown actor(s) stole her 2021 Range Rover from the driveway. A stolen vehicle tracking service later located the vehicle in a Newark, New Jersey parking lot. The owner recovered the vehicle.
Fire- On Monday, September 6, 2021, at 11:06 a.m., Officer Nyeem Calhoun responded to a Hemlock Lane residence for a fire. Once arrived, Officer Calhoun discovered a fully engulfed boat in the driveway of the residence. Forked River Fire Department arrived and extinguished the boat. Although no injuries were sustained, excessive heat from the fire damaged the victim’s home and vehicle. The Ocean County Fire Marshal and Detective Jesse Dalziel are investigating the cause.
MV Accident- On Monday, September 6, 2021, at 11:43 p.m., an off-duty Lacey officer observed a vehicle being operated without a tire. Officer Dylan Emmett located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop after witnessing the vehicle being driven on the rim without a tire. The stop revealed that the vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run accident several days earlier on Musket Drive. The damage from the original accident caused the tire to deteriorate and come off the rim. The driver, Joseph Costic, Jr., 40, was issued separate summonses for each incident.
MVA- On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 4:11 p.m., police dispatch was alerted by an officer that he was involved in a motor vehicle accident. Officers responded to the intersection of Lacey Road and Newark Avenue where the two-car accident was located. The driver of the second vehicle and his passenger were transported to a local hospital for injuries. The officer was also transported to the hospital for injuries sustained. The driver of the second vehicle was issued summonses for Driving While Suspended and Reckless Driving.
DWI- On Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 8:01 p.m., Officer Dallas Gant arrested the driver of a vehicle in the parking lot of Wawa, 444 Route 9. An investigation by officers discovered that Leonard Brown drove the vehicle to the lot while under the influence. Brown was charged with multiple offenses including DWI.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – August 26th through September 2, 2021
Fraud- On Thursday, August 26, 2021, at 10:42 a.m., Officer Michael Hutman met with an elderly resident reporting fraud. The victim complained that she was contacted through Facebook by a person she believed to be a congressional representative. The victim contributed $1,300 as a donation prior to realizing the scam.
Arrest- On Friday, August 27, at 6:36 a.m., Officer Jason Lee was dispatched to the Second Lake for a male lighting fireworks. Officer Lee located James DeCarlo, 28, in the center of the lake utilizing a boat owned by the Township. DeCarlo was ultimately charged with Theft and released on his own recognizance. After reviewing surveillance footage, officers discovered that DeCarlo was responsible for damage in the area valued at $2,000. The damage included graffiti with the words “Kill Lacey Police.” Several hours later, DeCarlo was located at Wawa, 444 Route 9, where he had spray-painted the fence. While arresting DeCarlo, officers discovered an amount of heroin and drug paraphernalia in his possession. DeCarlo was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility after being charged with Criminal Mischief, Possession of Heroin, Possession of a Hypodermic, and Possession of Burglar Tools.
MVA- On Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 11:28 p.m., several officers responded to Lakeside Drive South in reference to a motor vehicle accident. The investigation revealed that the driver of a 2021 Mercedes Benz swerved to avoid bicyclists and collided with a utility pole. The driver and passenger only sustained minor injuries. Lakeside Drive South was closed for numerous hours while the utility pole was replaced.
Theft- On Tuesday, August 31, 2021, at 6:38 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno was dispatched to the Lacey Mall for a reported theft. The caller stated that he entered the Dollar Tree while leaving his bicycle on the sidewalk. Upon returning, the GT Mountain bike had been stolen. The theft is valued at $600.
Trespassing- On Friday, August 27, 2021, at 5:36 p.m., Officers Michael Hein and Dallas Gant were dispatched to Dollar Tree for patrons being harassed by an unknown male. Officers identified Moses Sutton who was advised that he was no longer permitted on the property. On Tuesday, August 31, 2021, officers again responded to the Lacey Mall for similar circumstances. Officers located the violator, Moses Sutton, who was issued a summons for Trespassing.
Fraud- On Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at 10:17 a.m., Officer Scott Anderson met with a Forked River resident who reported a fraud. The victim stated that he was contacted and advised of an outstanding arrest warrant. The victim was coerced into purchasing a gift card and providing the caller with the identification numbers to satisfy the warrant.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – August 19th through August 25th, 2021
Arrest- On Thursday, August 20, 2021, at 10:05 p.m., officers responded to the Lacey Mall in reference to a disturbance. Employees of Forked River Wine and Spirits reported that a customer kicked the front door and spit on the glass after being advised that the business was closed. Officers located the subject, Kevin Unruh, 24, walking on Nautilus and attempted to speak with him. Kevin reportedly reached inside the patrol car slapping the computer screen. After exiting their vehicles, one officer was struck in the face by Unruh while another was bit in the hand. Unruh was arrested and placed in the rear of a patrol where he kicked out the rear window. Unruh was charged with Aggravated Assault on Police, Criminal Mischief, Terroristic Threats, and Resisting Arrest. He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.
DWI- On Friday, August 21, 2021, at 2:14 a.m., Officers Scott Keefe and Dallas Gant responded to a motor vehicle accident on Oxford Road. Officers discovered that the driver of a Mazda CX5 collided with a vehicle parked at the edge of the roadway. The driver, Lindsay Casteen, 32, was placed under arrest for driving while impaired. She was later released after being issued summonses for DWI and Reckless Driving.
Arrest- On Saturday, August 21, 2021, at 6:35 p.m., Officers Patrick Watkins and Nyeem Calhoun were dispatched to a South Street residence in reference to trespassing. The homeowner reported that an unknown female entered his home unannounced asking for a ride to Shop Rite. The homeowner escorted her out the home and contacted police. Officers located Amy Haas, 47, at an adjacent residence and placed her under arrest. Haas was charged with Criminal Trespass and released pending a Court appearance.
Arrest- On Sunday, August 22, 2021, at 9:38 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno arrested Randy Rizzolo in the parking lot of Town Square. Rizzolo was arrested on the strength of an outstanding warrant issued by the Lacey Municipal Court for a Driving While Suspended violation. Rizzolo was later released from custody after satisfying the warrant.
Arrest- On Monday, August 23, 2021, at 12:53 a.m., Sergeant Dimitri Tsarnas responded to a Laurel Boulevard home for a fall victim. Upon arrival at the home, a resident of the home threw a river rock at the patrol car. The rock passed through the open passenger side window striking Sergeant Tsarnas. The suspect, Aziz Rakhmann, was charged with Aggravated Assault on Police and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. He was released on his own recognizance.
DWI- On Monday, August 23, 2021, at 4:15 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella was dispatched to Route 9 in reference to an erratic driver. Officer Ricciardella located the vehicle in the Lacey Mall parking lot and ultimately placed the driver under arrest for being impaired. Geraldine Marshall, 51, was charged with DWI and Reckless Driving. She is pending a Court appearance.
MVA- On Tuesday, August 24, 2021, at 2:54 p.m., multiple officers responded to the intersection of Route 9 and Haines Street after a vehicle and a bicyclist collided. The investigation revealed that the collision occurred when the bicyclist disregarded the red traffic signal. The bicyclist, 39, was airlifted to a trauma center for non-life threatening injuries. He was issued summonses for Failure to Keep Right and Failure to Observe a Traffic Signal.