Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – February 18 through February 25, 2021
Suspicious Incident- On Friday, February 19, 2021, at 12:22 p.m., Officers Noah Schaffer and Michael Hein were dispatched to the intersection of Sunrise Boulevard and Oak Lane for a suspicious male. Upon arrival, officers met with a 52 year-old Cape May man who was reportedly exercising. Several hours after clearing from their interaction, officers were dispatched again to Sunrise Plaza where the individual was found sleeping in a dumpster. The man was transported to a warming center in Toms River.
DWI- On Friday, February 19, 2021, at 7:52 p.m., dispatch received a call concerning an erratic driver. Officer Scott Keefe located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on Route 9. The driver, David Zembrzuski, was deemed under the influence and placed under arrest. Zembrzuski, 42, was charged with DWI and Reckless Driving prior to being released.
Theft- On Saturday, February 20, 2021, at 12:10 p.m., Officer Michael Baldasari met with a Lanoka Harbor resident in reference to a theft. The victim reported that a new iPhone, valued at $850, was delivered to her home and stolen from her porch prior to her retrieving it.
Fraud- On Sunday, February 21, 2021, at 11:01 p.m., Officer Dallas Gant met with a Township resident in reference to suspected fraud. The victim reported that he received an email from Best Buy stating that they deducted $99.99 from his bank account for his Geek Squad account. The victim, not having such an account, contacted the attached phone number. The alleged representative explained that the charge was a mistake and asked the victim for access to his computer in order to refund the payment. The representative then explained that he had accidentally credited the victim’s account with $4099.99 and asked that he forward the difference of $4,000. The victim realized the attempted fraud prior to transferring funds.
Shoplifting- On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at 11:50 a.m., Officer Alan Abrecht met with the owner of a local business who reported a theft. The victim stated that while reviewing her surveillance video, she realized that a woman stole merchandise the day prior. The suspect also purchased several items using a credit card during her visit. The credit information was searched and it was discovered that the person listed on the credit card was deceased. Attempts are being made to identify the actor. The theft is valued at $73.75.
DWI- On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at 3:43 p.m., Officer Jason Lee conducted a motor vehicle stop for several violations. The driver, 68 year-old Samuel Courlas, was ultimately placed under arrested for driving under the influence. Courlas was issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Traffic Light Violation. He was released pending a Court appearance.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – February 12 through February 18, 2021
DUI- On Saturday, February 13, 2021, at 9:05 p.m., the Lacey Township Police Department received a report of a male driver slumped over the steering wheel inside a parked vehicle in front of the Dollar Tree, 344 Route 9 North. Upon arrival, Officer Scott Keefe observed the vehicle drive off and conducted a motor vehicle stop. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, Franklin Biddar, 32, of Forked River, for DUI. He was processed and later released pursuant to John’s Law.
Criminal Mischief- On Sunday, February 14, 2021, at 1:14 a.m., Officer Elton Copes responded to a Tappan Street address for a report of criminal mischief. The victim reported that both rear tires of their vehicle were flat and possibly slashed. The victim reported possible suspects and Officer Copes is continuing the investigation.
Criminal Mischief- On Monday, February 15, 2021, at 7:38 p.m., Officer Martin Julian received a report of criminal mischief to a vehicle, which took place in the parking lot of the victim’s place of business on Route 9 in Forked River. The victim reported that someone damaged the vehicle by scratching the exterior panels. The victim reported a possible suspect and Officer Julian is continuing the investigation. The damage is estimated at $4000.
Arrest- On Thursday, February 18, 2021, at 9:48 p.m., Officers Anthony Sarno and Robert Duffy responded to a Lanoka Harbor address, to serve an outstanding Ocean Township warrant for Kimberly Muff, 47. Officer Sarno subsequently arrested Kimberly Muff for the warrant and located a quantity of CDS in her possession. She was transported to police headquarters, processed and criminally charged. Ocean Township Police Department responded and took custody of Kimberly Muff.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – February 4 through February 11, 2021
Shoplifting- On Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 5:43 p.m., Officers Jason Lee and Brian Holt responded to Walmart for a report of shoplifting. Loss Prevention advised that 34 year-old Nicole Finnica was in custody for not scanning all of her items at the self-checkout. The total theft was $30.39. Finnica was charged with Shoplifting and released on a summons.
Shoplifting- On Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 6:22 p.m., Officers Andrew Slota and Michael Hutman responded to Walmart for a report of a female shoplifter in custody. While there, officers arrested Jennifer Alvarez, 42, after she failed to scan several merchandise totaling $64.72 at the self-checkout. Jennifer was charged and released pending a Court appearance.
Shoplifting- On Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 8:15 p.m., Officers Brian Holt and Anthony Ravallo arrested Tara K. Brown, 34, charging her with shoplifting. Brown failed to scan items valued at $98.91 at Walmart’s self-checkout. Tara was released on her own recognizance pending a Court appearance.
Shoplifting- On Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 8:15 p.m., Officers Randolph Plis, Martin Julian, and SLEO II Chris Triano responded to Walmart for a report of two female shoplifters in custody. Loss Prevention detained Evalise J. Luciano, 20, and Melissa Greene, 52, after they failed to scan several items valued at $244.12. Both actors were arrested and transported to police headquarters where they were charged with shoplifting and released in accordance with bail reform.
DWI- On Saturday, February 6, 2021, at 8:34 p.m., Officers Anthony Ravallo and SLEO II Chris Triano, responded to East Lacey Road for a report of an overturned vehicle with entrapment. Investigation at the scene revealed that Jessica Frandsen, 42, was traveling westbound on East Lacey Road when she collided with a parked vehicle. During the investigation, Jessica was deemed under the influence and arrested. She was later released after being charged with DWI and Reckless Driving.
Arrest- On Sunday, February 7, 2021, at 10:45 a.m., detectives and a patrol officer conducted a stop as a suspicious vehicle exited the Lacey Business Park. Detectives observed the vehicle, driven by Bernard Kappen, 29, parked in a remote location and suspected a criminal offense. During the stop, officers discovered several catalytic converters in Kappen’s truck that appeared to be cut from other vehicles. Detectives returned to the area where Kappen was parked and discovered that a nearby vehicle was missing a catalytic converter matching one in Kappen’s vehicle. Kappen was placed under arrested and charged with Theft of Moveable Property and Criminal Mischief. Kappen was released pending a Court appearance.
MV Accident- On Sunday, February 7, 2021, at 1:40 p.m., Officer John Simonson was dispatched to a one-car motor vehicle accident near the intersection of Lacey Road and Mule Road. The driver, a 32 year-old man who sustained no injuries, apparently slid under snowy conditions striking a utility pole. Lacey Road was closed temporarily while the pole was replaced.
Arrest- On Monday, February 8, 2021, at 11:48 p.m., Officers Randolph Plis, Brian Holt, and Bruce Carver responded to McDonalds for the report a possibly intoxicated driver who almost struck the building. While speaking with the driver, officers observed marijuana inside the vehicle. During the arrest of the driver, Trevor May, 29, officers discovered brass knuckles in his pocket. May was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. May was also charged with Possessing a Controlled Substance in a Motor Vehicle. May was released in accordance with bail reform.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – January 29, 2021 through February 4, 2021
Fire- On Saturday, January 30, 2021, at 6:18 a.m., Officer John Simonson was dispatched to a Heatherington Court residence for an alarm. Members of the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department found that a fire had initiated at the home’s boiler that caused minimal damage. The Ocean County Fire Marshal deemed the fire not suspicious.
Arrest- On Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 11:35 a.m., Officer Matthew D’Antonio responded to Walmart in reference to a shoplifter. While there, it was determined that a patron, Robert Carsten, Jr., failed to scan merchandise and attempted to exit the store. Carsten, 57, was placed under arrest and later released pending a Court appearance. The items were valued at $52.30.
Arrest- On Sunday, January 31, 2021, at 12:17 p.m., Officer Matthew D’Antonio was dispatched to Walmart for a detained shoplifter. Asset Protection reported that a shopper did not scan all of the items to be purchased and attempted to exit the store. Sarah Kroeger, 34, was charged with Shoplifting and released on her own recognizance. The merchandise was valued at $90.25.
MVA- On Monday, February 1, 2021, at 6:55 a.m., a Bamber Lake Fire Department vehicle slid in icy conditions and struck a utility pole. The driver was transported to the hospital for minor injuries. A portion of Dover Road was closed temporarily while JCP&L made repairs.
MVA- On Monday, February 1, 2021, at 3:57 p.m., Officers Keith Pearce and John Simonson were dispatched to Route 539 for a vehicle that collided with a utility pole. Manchester Police arrived at the scene first and advised that the driver suffered head and arm injuries. After his transport for medical assistance, hospital staff contacted Stafford Police and advised that the 29 year-old Trenton man was in possession of a concealed handgun. Further investigation is pending between agencies.
Arrest- On Monday, February 1, 2021, at 7:51 p.m., Officers Bruce Carver and Martin Julian responded to a Buena Vista Road home following up on a hit and run accident from the day prior. While there, officers determined that the driver who left the scene was Derek Madure, 31. Officers discovered that Madure was wanted by Howell Township and Spotswood Municipal Courts for failure to appear. Madure was arrested and released after satisfying $1,500 bail. He was issued summonses for Driving Suspended, Failure to Report an Accident, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Uninsured Motor Vehicle, and Unregistered Motor Vehicle.
Arrest- On Wednesday, February 3, 2021, at 3:09 p.m., Officer Michael Hein and Dylan Emmett were dispatched to the Lacey Mall in reference to an assault. The victim, who had temporarily lost consciousness, reported that he was punched by another adult male. Officers were able to identify the actor and apprehend him several hours later in the same vicinity. Joshua Dinis, 26, was charged with Aggravated Assault and Resisting Arrest.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – January 21, 2021 through January 28, 2021
Theft– On Thursday, January 21, 2021 at 10:41 a.m., Officer John Simonson responded to a local church in Lanoka Harbor for report of a theft. It was reported that a motor vehicle on the premises had the catalytic converter removed. The value for the loss and damage is estimated at $1,500. Investigation is ongoing.
Shoplifting– On Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 6:51 p.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to Walmart and met with Loss Prevention in reference to a theft. It was determined that Cheryl Rizzo, 65, had concealed merchandise and attempted to exit the store without payment. Rizzo was arrested and charged with Shoplifting. Rizzo was released on her own recognizance pending a court appearance.
Shoplifting– On Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 7:47 p.m., Officer Keith Pearce responded to Walmart and met with Loss Prevention in reference to a theft. It was determined that Brian Varner, 50, had attempted to exit the store without payment for merchandise. Varner was arrested and charged with Shoplifting. Varner was released on his own recognizance pending a court appearance.
Shoplifting– On Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 3:28 p.m., Officer Matthew DAntonio responded to Walmart and met with Loss Prevention in reference to a theft. It was determined that Carolyn McCullough-Yogg, 34, had attempted to exit the store without payment for merchandise. Carolyn was arrested and charged with Shoplifting. Carolyn was released on her own recognizance pending a court appearance.
Shoplifting– On Sunday, January 24, 2021 at 4:31 p.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to Home Depot and met with Loss Prevention in reference to a theft. Loss Prevention reported that a shoplifter concealed over $100 worth of merchandise in a backpack, and then fled the store traveling on a bicycle. Attempts are being made to identify the suspect.
Theft– On Monday, January 25, 2021 at 11:35 a.m., Officer Frederick Anderson responded to a local marina in Forked River for a report of a theft. The owner reported a motor vehicle on the premises had the catalytic converter removed. The value for the loss and damage is estimated at $1,000. Investigation is ongoing.
Criminal Mischief– On Monday, January 25, 2021 at 5:43 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to a residence on Lakeside Drive North for report of criminal mischief. The resident reported a parked motor vehicle had been “keyed” which included a five foot long scratch. The value of the damage is estimated at $2,000.
DWI– On Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at 11:49 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to a fast food restaurant on Route 9 for a report of a suspected intoxicated driver in a golf cart attempting to place an order at the drive-thru window. During the investigation, the driver Henry Fallas, 42, was deemed under the influence and arrested. Prior to being released, Fallas was issued numerous summonses to include DWI, Reckless Driving, and Refusal to Submit to Breath Tests.