Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – March 5th through March 18th, 2020
Theft- On Thursday, March 5, 2020, at 8:25 p.m., Officer Dallas Gant was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a shoplifting. Loss Prevention reported that a male suspect entered the store leaving his vehicle running in the parking lot. The male was seen running from the store with merchandise and exiting the lot. The surveillance video is being used to identify the actor.
Burglary- On Friday, March 6, 2020, at 12:45 p.m., Officers John Simonson, Michael Verwey, and Matthew D’Antonio responded a Dover Road home in reference to a burglary. The homeowner reported that unknown suspect(s) entered the residence after forcing entry. Although nothing appeared missing, the damage to the front door is valued at $500. Detective Adam Ewart also responded.
Burglary- On Friday, March 6, 2020, at 3:34 p.m., Officers John Simonson, Michael Verwey, and Matthew D’Antonio were dispatched to a Smith Road residence after a neighbor located damage to the home. It appeared that an actor(s) used a large rock to break a sliding glass door allowing access to the home. Members of the Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Crime Scene Unit processed the scene.
DWI- On Sunday, March 8, 2020, at 4:17 a.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop near the intersection of Kearny Avenue and Lakeside Drive. The stop was conducted after a computer inquiry revealed an expired registration. During the stop, it was deemed that the driver, Lawrence Harmon, 22, was under the influence. Harmon was arrested and charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, Unregistered Vehicle, and Failure to Exhibit Insurance.
Fraud- On Sunday, March 8, 2020, at 11:14 a.m., Officer Alan Abrecht met with a Forked River resident reporting fraudulent activity. The victim stated that the while attempting to make a purchase with her debit card she was denied the transaction. The victim discovered that her account had been fraudulently used recently in several other locations including Edison, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota.
Fraud- On Sunday, March 8, 2020, at 12:02 p.m., Officer Alan Abrecht met with a Lacey resident in reference to identity theft. The caller stated that while performing a credit check, he discovered that an unknown person in Beaver Meadows, Pennsylvania, had used his personal information to purchase a phone and open a Verizon Wireless account that was now in collection for non-payment. The fraudulent charges are valued at $1,164.
Arrest- On Monday, March 9, 2020, at 5:16 p.m., Officer Elton Copes was dispatched to the Lacey Mall in reference to a suspicious person. Upon arrival, Officer Copes identified the person as Rafael Pomponio. Pomponio was arrested after an outstanding warrant was discovered. He was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in lieu of $550 bail issued by the Toms River Municipal Court.
Fire- On Monday, March 9, 2020, at 6:18 p.m., Officer Sarno responded to a Jones Road home after receiving a call for an oven fire. The Forked River Fire Department responded extinguishing the fire and ventilating smoke from the home.
Arrest- On Monday, March 9, 2020, at 8:08 p.m., Lacey Police received a call for a well-being check of an adult male who was reportedly using heroin. Lacey officers, with the assistance of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, searched a wooded area off Route 9 near the power plant. Several hours later, Officer Anthony Sarno observed the subject, Corey Heulitt, in a Route 9 parking lot. Heulitt, who had an outstanding warrant, attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended after a short chase. When arrested, Heulitt was found in possession of nearly 100 bags of heroin and hypodermic syringes. Heulitt was charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, and Resisting Arrest prior to being transferred to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
MV Accident- On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at 6:20 p.m., Officer Michael Hein was dispatched to a one-car motor vehicle accident on Lacey Road in Bamber. While traveling east, the vehicle left the roadway striking a utility pole. The utility pole split causing wires to come in contact with the ground starting a brush fire. Bamber Fire Department and the NJ State Forest Fire Service extinguished the fire. The driver, a 43 year-old Bayville woman, was not injured.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – February 27th through March 5th, 2020
Fraud- On Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 11:53 a.m., Officer John Simonson met with a Forked River resident who reported identity theft. The adult reported receiving a letter from a collection agency in reference to several delinquent accounts. The company reported an open Comcast account in West Orange, New Jersey, where the victim had never resided. The total of the fraudulent charges was in excess of $1,300.
Arrest- On Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 3:32 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer, John Simonson, and Michael Baldasari responded to a Route 9 commercial parking lot in reference to a road rage incident. The caller reported that during an altercation with another driver, he entered the Dollar General at 717 Route 9. While inside the store, the second driver entered the lot and proceeded to damage the vehicle of the caller. Witnesses observed the actor use a crow bar to break the vehicle’s windows and dent the doors. The suspect fled the area prior to police arrival but was later located and arrested after being identified by witnesses. Anthony Leck, 25, of Howell, was charged with Criminal Mischief and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose. He was released on his own recognizance in accordance with bail reform.
Fire- On Thursday, February 27, 2020, at 6:52 p.m., officers responded to a Donald Street residence in reference to a fire. The homeowner was alerted by a neighbor that a fire was burning in an upstairs bedroom. The homeowner was able to extinguish the fire with blankets prior to the arrival of police and the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department. The Ocean County Fire Marshal deemed the fire accidental after determining that it originated at a faulty power strip.
Fire- On Friday, February 28, 2020, at 2:47 p.m., officers were dispatched to a Penn Avenue home in reference to a structure fire. During the response, it was determined that the fire was contained to an outside garbage can. The fire was extinguished by members of the Forked River Fire Department.
Arrest- On Saturday, February 29, 2020, at 12:07 p.m., Officer Dan Ricciardella arrested a Lanoka Harbor female for an outstanding Municipal Court warrant. Jessica Judkins, 36, was taken into custody at her home and later released after the Seaside Heights warrant was satisfied.
Arrest- On Sunday, March 1, 2020, at 5:20 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Lacey Inn for a dispute. While interacting with Eric Campbell, 34, Officer Anthony Sarno discovered marijuana and hypodermic syringes. Campbell was placed under arrest and transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.
Fraud- On Monday, March 2, 2020, at 10:15 a.m., Officer Michael Verwey responded to a local store in reference to a fraudulent transaction. Store representatives reported that two male suspects entered the store and made a purchase at the register. The suspects apparently switched the receipt from the transaction to a fake receipt and convinced the teller that she added the cash back option of $100. The teller provided the suspect with the cash and did not realize what had happened until later in the shift. The two men are suspected of similar transactions in Howell, Toms River, Manahawkin, and Little Egg Harbor.
Theft- On Thursday, March 5, 2020, at 7:48 a.m., Officers Michael Verwey and Matthew D’Antonio were dispatched to Home Depot in reference to a theft. Upon arrival, a local builder observed several tools in another vehicle that belonged to him. The possessor of the tools explained that he had recently purchased the tools from an unknown individual in the parking lot of a convenience store. Shortly afterward, it was discovered that the builder’s jobsite in Bayville was burglarized during the overnight hours. Berkeley and Lacey Detectives are conducting a joint investigation into the matter.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – February 20th through February 27th, 2020
Burglary- On Thursday, February 20, 2020, at 3:40 p.m., Officer Scott Anderson took a burglary report from a Forked River resident. The victim reported that his work van was entered by an unknown suspect during the overnight hours while it was parked on Yorktown Drive. The actor stole tools valued at $630.
DWI- On Friday, February 21, 2020, at 11:08 p.m., Officers Anthony Ravallo and Michael Hein were dispatched to the intersection of Alpine Street and Newark Avenue for a possible disabled vehicle. While interacting with the driver, officers placed him under arrest for being impaired. Ryan Nicholson, 29, was charged with DWI, Failure to Provide Breath Samples, Reckless Driving, and Open Container in a Motor Vehicle.
DWI- On Friday, February 21, 2020, at 11:45 p.m., Officers Eton Copes, Michael Hein, and Patrick Watkins responded to the intersection of Route 9 and Bay Way for an overturned vehicle. Investigation at the scene revealed that a vehicle being driven by Alexandra Vandorn, 33, struck a utility pole guide wire causing the vehicle to overturn. While speaking with Vandorn, officers deemed that she was impaired and placed her under arrest. During processing at headquarters, Vandorn attempted to discard drug paraphernalia and became combative with officers. Vandorn was charged with DWI, Aggravated Assault on Police, Resisting Arrest, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.
DWI- On Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 4:56 a.m., Officers Elton Copes and Patrick Watkins discovered a male subject asleep at the wheel in a Lacey Road commercial parking lot. During their investigation, Arthur Holmes, 41, was placed under arrest for DWI. Holmes was charged with DWI and Failure to Provide Breath Samples.
Gas Leak- On Saturday, February 22, 2020, at 10:30 p.m., Officers Michael Hein and Randolph Plis responded to McDonalds for a reported gas leak. While there, Lanoka Harbor Fire Department discovered that a burnt wire in the heating unit caused the gas leak. Five employees were treated at the scene for inhaling the gas.
Theft- On Sunday, February 23, 2020, at 10:37 a.m., Officer Scott Anderson took a theft report at a Pensacola Road residence. The homeowners reported having a washer and dryer set stolen from their driveway during overnight hours. The theft is valued at $150.
Arrest- On Sunday, February 23, 2020, at 12:55 p.m., Officers Michael Verwey, Andrew Slota, and Jason Lee responded to 611 Sunrise Boulevard to serve an arrest warrant on Nicholas Bradley. Officers were met at the front door by the homeowner, Jessica Linstra, who refused to confirm that Bradley was inside the residence. While speaking with Linstra, officers observed Bradley exiting the rear door of the home. As officers attempted to pursue Bradley, Linstra hindered and struck one officer. Bradley was arrested in the backyard and transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in lieu of $18,951 bail. Linstra was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault on Police, Resisting Arrest, Hindering Apprehension, and Obstructing the Administration of Law. Linstra was released on her own recognizance in accordance with bail reform.
Arrest- On Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at 1:42 a.m., Officer Jason Lee conducted a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Route 9 and Bay Avenue. The stop was conducted after an inquiry of the vehicle’s registration revealed that it was expired. During the stop, Officer Lee arrested the driver after an outstanding warrant was found. Brandon Mills, 24, was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility and is awaiting transport to Hunterdon County for a probation violation.
MV Accident- On Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at 5:02 p.m., officers were dispatched to Route 9 just south of Lakeside Drive South for a one-car motor vehicle accident. The involved SUV apparently left the roadway striking a JCP&L utility pole. The collision caused the pole and attached wires to fall into the roadway causing power outages in the area. The driver of the vehicle, a 59 year-old female, was uninjured. Numerous other calls for service came in simultaneously due to power outages, exploding transformers, disabled traffic lights, and fire alarms. Route 9 was closed temporarily while JCP&L restored electrical service and supplied power to local traffic lights.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – February 13th through February 20th, 2020
Arrest- On Thursday, February 13, 2020, at 1:00 p.m., Officers Michael Verwey and Dan Ricciardella were dispatched to the Walmart parking lot in reference to a dispute. Once there, officers discovered that two adult females had been involved in an argument when one of the women purposely pushed her shopping cart into the other woman’s vehicle. Evelyn Vogel, 25, of Beachwood, was placed under arrest for Criminal Mischief valued in excess of $500. Vogel also had an outstanding warrant issued by the Trenton Municipal Court for failing to appear.
Arrest- On Thursday, February 13, 2020, at 6:11 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno conducted a motor vehicle stop on Lacey Road. During the stop, a passenger was placed under arrest after Officer Sarno discovered marijuana. Randy Rozell, 29, was charged with Possession of Marijuana and released on his own recognizance.
Arrest- On Thursday, February 13, 2020, at 8:14 p.m., a traffic stop was made by Officer Michael Hein at the intersection of Bay Way and Maple Road. During his stop, Officer Hein located marijuana and placed the driver, Abdelilla Mezaine, under arrest. Mezaine, 20, was charged with Possession of Marijuana and released pending a Court appearance.
Arrest- On Thursday, February 13, 2020, at 10:25 p.m., Michael Rea, 20, was arrested during a traffic stop. Rea was stopped after a computer inquiry of his registration showed that his driving privileges were suspended. The inquiry further revealed that Rea had two outstanding warrants issued by the Beachwood and Pine Beach Municipal Courts. Rea was issued a summons for Driving While Suspended and released after both bails were satisfied.
Fraud- On Friday, February 14, 2020, at 1:14 p.m., Officer Alan Abrecht met with a Forked River resident in reference to a fraudulent transaction. The victim reported that an unknown suspect had gained access to his checking account making several withdrawals. The actor apparently made two cash withdrawals and made one Internet purchase. The total loss was $834.
Arrest- On Sunday, February 16, 2020, at 8:47 a.m., Officers Randolph Plis and John Simonson had an interaction with Robert Charlie, 38. During the interaction, officers discovered that Charlie was wanted by the Brick Township Municipal Court. Robert Charlie was arrested and later released on his own recognizance after satisfying the $1,500 warrant.
Arrest- On Monday, February 17, 2020, at 7:14 p.m., Officers Martin Julian and Dallas Gant were dispatched to Walmart for a shoplifting complaint. While there the officers arrested Hector Garcia, 37, of Bayville. Garcia was released from custody after being charged with shoplifting. The theft was valued at $46.87.
Fraud- On Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at 4:28 p.m., Officer Bruce Carver was dispatched in reference to fraudulent credit card use. The Lanoka Harbor victim reported noticing two charges on her credit card statement that she did not authorize, one charge being made through the Internet and a second at a restaurant. The victim was still in possession of the original card.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – February 7th through February 13th, 2020
Arrest- On Thursday, February 6, 2020, at 8:56 a.m., Officers Dan Ricciardella and Michael Verwey arrested John Panagakos, 37, at his Forked River home. Panagakos was wanted in connection with an outstanding Lacey Municipal Court warrant. He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in accordance with bail reform.
Fraud- On Thursday, February 6, 2020, at 5:07 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno met with a Forked River resident reporting fraud. The resident reported that he was contacted by McAfee Virus Software and allowed the representative access to his computer. During the access, the suspect, who was not an employee of McAfee, was able to transfer funds from the victim’s bank account.
Arrest- On Friday, February 7, 2020, at 2:39 p.m., Officer Jason Lee conducted a motor vehicle stop on Sunrise Boulevard. During the stop, the driver, Zakiya Thomas, 25, was placed under arrest for an outstanding warrant. Thomas was transferred to the Ocean County Correctional Facility for the Lacey Township Municipal Court warrant.
Burglary- On Friday, February 7, 2020, at 6:12 p.m., Officer Elton Copes responded to a Route 9 commercial business in reference to a break-in. The owner reported that on an unknown date, someone broke the window of his storage garage and stole landscaping tools from within. The theft is valued at $1,800.
DWI- On Friday, February 7, 2020, at 7:35 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe made a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Route 9 and Sunrise Boulevard. During the stop, the driver was taken into custody after Officer Keefe determined that he was under the influence. Jon Zseleczky, 45, was charged with DWI and Reckless Driving.
Arrest- On Saturday, February 8, 2020, at 3:41 p.m., Officer John Simonson took custody of Christopher Britton, 41, from Neptune Township Police. Britton was arrested in Neptune in connection with an outstanding Lacey Township Municipal Court warrant. He was transferred to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
Fraud- On Monday, February 10, 2020, at 12:50 p.m., Officer Michael Baldasari met with a Forked River resident who reported fraudulent activity. The victim stated that she was contacted by Discover Card in reference to her account. Not having a Discover Card, the victim realized that an unknown actor utilized her name and a former cell phone number to open an account.
Arrest- On Monday, February 3, 2020, a van was stolen from the rear of Medicine to Go, 524 Lacey Road. Since the theft, detectives recovered surveillance video from several locations obtaining an accurate description of the suspect and a direction of travel. On Thursday, February 6, 2020, Stafford Police located the van, undamaged, in a commercial lot on Route 72. All of the belongings of the van’s owner were inside. On Wednesday, February 12, 2020, Lacey Detectives identified the actor as Brian Kelly, 41, of Forked River. Kelly was arrested at his home and charged with Theft of a Motor Vehicle and Theft of Prescription Medication. He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in accordance with bail reform.
DWI- On Thursday, February 13, 2020, at 12:36 a.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop at the intersection of Route 9 and Nautilus Boulevard for speeding. During the stop, the driver, John Vonsteenburg, 45, was deemed under the influence and arrested. During the arrest, Officer Keefe discovered an amount of marijuana inside the vehicle. Vonsteenburg was charged with DWI, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was released on his own recognizance.