Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – March 17th through March 22nd, 2017
- Burglary and Theft (Residence) – On Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at 6:19 p.m., Officer Julie Barcalow responded to the 500 block of North Shore Drive in Forked River, for a report of a theft. The victim reported that between March 21, 2017 and March 22, 2017, a 21” Toshiba flat-screen television with a built-in DVD player was stolen from her residence. The caller suspects that someone who might have had access to the residence may have stolen the television. There were no signs of forced entry and the incident remains under investigation. The TV is valued at $175.
- Warrant Arrest – On Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at 12:11 a.m., Officer Christopher Meyler conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Brick Avenue and Western Boulevard in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 32-year-old Kevin A. Baranow, of Attison Avenue in South Toms River, NJ, on an outstanding Colts Neck Township Municipal Court warrant in the bail amount of $528. He was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. Kevin A. Baranow was released after posting bail. In addition, he received traffic summonses for Driving with a Suspended License and Maintenance of Lamps.
- DUI Arrest with Accident – On Monday, March 20, 2017, at 5:14 p.m., Officers Michael Baldasari and Michael Hein responded to Deerhead Lake Drive and Lakeside Drive in Forked River for a report of a traffic accident with no injuries. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 58-year-old Charleen Grant, of Center Street in Forked River, for DUI. She was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. Charleen Grant was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle she was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
- Shoplifting – On Monday, March 20, 2017, at 1:02 p.m., Officer Dan Ricciardella responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a report of shoplifting. The loss prevention employee reported that a female subject was observed removing a Penn fishing reel from the store shelf and then going to the courtesy desk. The female subject returned it for store credit, along with two packages of pro fishing line, which had been stolen on a previous occasion. The loss prevention employee reported that the female subject was stopped after receiving a store credit gift card and attempting to leave. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 32-year-old Megan R. Furey, of Spruce Street in Beachwood, NJ, for shoplifting merchandise valued at $129.30. Megan Furey was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. She was released after receiving a criminal summons for Shoplifting.
- Warrant Arrest – On Monday, March 20, 2017, at 12:14 p.m., Officer John Simonson conducted a traffic stop on the 300 block of Route 9 North in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 21-year-old Thomas J. DeRocker, Jr., of Nautilus Drive in Manahawkin, NJ, on an outstanding Ocean County Sheriff’s Department warrant in the bail amount of $10,000. He was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. Thomas J. DeRocker, Jr., was ultimately lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail. In addition, he received a traffic summons for improper passing.
- DUI Arrest – On Monday, March 20, 2017, at 4:52 a.m., Officer Anthony Sarno conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Deerhead Lake Drive and Hillside Place in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 31-year-old David J. Cavallo, of Comanche Avenue in Point Pleasant, NJ, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. David J. Cavallo was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Stop or Yield, Unregistered Motor Vehicle, and Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
- Warrant Arrest (Multiple) – On Sunday, March 19, 2017, at 7:19 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Deerhead Lake Drive and Tappen Street in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 62 year-old Guy Spar, of Hollywood Drive in Forked River, on five (5) outstanding warrants. Warrant number one (1)was issued by the Lacey Township Municipal Court in the bail amount of $500 and warrant number two (2) was issued by the Lacey Township Municipal Court in the bail amount of $500. Warrant number three (3) was issued by the Bordentown Township Municipal Court in the bail amount of $500.00 and warrant number four (4) was issued by t he Mount Laurel Township Municipal Court in the bail amount of $300. The last warrant was issued by the Toms River Township Municipal Court in the bail amount of $150. Guy Spar was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. He was released after posting bail on each warrant. In addition, Guy Spar received traffic summonses for Driving with a Suspended Driver’s License and Failure to Maintain Lane.
- Warrant Arrest – On Friday, March 17, 2017, at 10:45 p.m., Officer Julie Barcalow conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Sinclair Avenue and Thorn Street in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 63-year-old James P. Gannon, of Sloop Creek Road in Bayville, NJ, on an outstanding Berkeley Township Municipal Court warrant in the bail amount of $500. Upon further investigation, Officer Barcalow determined that the license plates on the vehicle were fictitious and belonged to another vehicle. The vehicle was impounded and the fictitious plates were seized. James Gannon was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. James Gannon was issued motor vehicle summonses for Driving with a Suspended License, Fictitious License Plates, Unregistered Motor Vehicle, and Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle. He was ultimately turned over to the custody of the Berkeley Township Police Department.
- Burglary and Theft (Auto) – On Friday, March 17, 2017, at 9:56 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to the parking lot adjacent to the Play Day Place, located at 695 Challenger Way in Forked River, for a theft report. The victim reported that earlier in the afternoon at 3:00 p.m., she parked her vehicle in the parking lot and upon checking it at 7:10 p.m., she discovered that a pair of Ray Ban sunglasses was missing. The victim reported that she locked her vehicle prior to going inside, however, when she returned her car was unlocked and she discovered the theft. There were no signs of forced entry to the vehicle. The sunglasses are valued at $300. The incident remains under investigation.
- Burglary, Theft and Criminal Mischief (Auto)– On Friday, March 17, 2017, at 7:25 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to the Lacey Shell, located at 926 Lacey Road in Forked River, in reference to a theft report. The victim reported that earlier in the evening at 6:00 p.m., she parked her car in the cul-de-sac at the end of Challenger Way in Forked River, while she attended a fitness class. At 7:00 p.m. she returned to her vehicle and left. While driving home, she discovered that the rear passenger side window of her vehicle had been smashed and her purse had been stolen. Her purse contained $130 in cash in addition to various debit and credit cards. Officer Sarno searched the area of the theft and located the victim’s purse in a dumpster. The credit cards were missing and upon further investigation it was discovered that the stolen credit cards had been used at various retail locations. The damage to the vehicle is estimated at $300. The incident remains under investigation.
- Burglary, Theft and Criminal Mischief (Auto) – On Friday, March 17, 2017, at 7:08 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to the parking lot adjacent to the Play Day Place, located at 695 Challenger Way in Forked River, for a theft report. The victim reported that earlier that evening, at approximately 6:00 p.m., she parked her vehicle in the parking lot of the Play Day Place, leaving her purse inside. At approximately 7:00 p.m. she was notified by another patron that the driver’s side window of her vehicle had been smashed. The victim reported that she went outside and discovered that her purse had been stolen from her vehicle. The purse is described as a gray Kate Spade handbag containing a gray Kenneth Cole wallet which contained her debit and credit cards along with a small amount of cash. The total value of the stolen property is estimated at $360. The damage to the driver’s side window is estimated at $300. The incident remains under investigation.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – March 10th through March 17th, 2017
- Shoplifting – On Friday, March 17, 2017, at 12:54 p.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a shoplifter. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 47-year-old Michelle Weygand of Montauk Road in Forked River for shoplifting merchandise valued at $83. She was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. Michelle Weygand was released after receiving a criminal summons for shoplifting.
- Criminal Mischief (Auto) – On Thursday, March 16, 2017, at 9:38 a.m., Officer Evan Androcy responded to Police Headquarters for a Criminal Mischief report. The victim reported that between the overnight hours of March 15, 2017 into March 16, 2017, an unknown person or persons damaged the driver’s side mirror on his vehicle that was parked on the 700 block of Baldwin Street in Forked River. The damage to the vehicle is estimated at $50.
- Fire (Vehicle) – On Monday, March 13, 2017, at 10:45 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to the 200 block of Donald Street in Lanoka Harbor, for a report of a vehicle fire. Investigation at the scene revealed that the caller had attempted to jump-start a vehicle. The jumper cables were placed on the wrong battery terminals, resulting in the other vehicle’s battery catching on fire. The fire was extinguished prior to the officer’s arrival and no one was in need of medical attention. The one vehicle sustained damage to its battery, which was located in the trunk, the trunk itself and the rear bumper. The Lanoka Harbor Fire Department arrived on scene and confirmed that the vehicles were no longer a hazard.
- DUI Arrest – On Monday, March 13, 2017, at 6:06 p.m., Officer Michael Baldasari conducted a traffic stop on Oak Street and Parker Avenue in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 63-year-old Susan M. Bolender, of Newark Avenue in Forked River, for DUI. She was transported to police headquarters and processed. Susan M. Bolender was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, Failure to Exhibit Driver’s License, Consuming Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle, and Open Container in a Motor Vehicle. The vehicle she was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
- Eluding Arrest – On Monday, March 13, 2017, at 1:07 a.m., Officer Michael Verwey attempted to conduct a traffic stop at the intersection of Manchester Avenue and Snipe Road in Lanoka Harbor. The vehicle failed to stop and initiated a pursuit. Officer Verwey pursued the vehicle, however, he later terminated it. The vehicle was last heading east on Route 37 in Toms River. The suspect, 35-year-old Brian L. Guenther, Jr., of Chestnut Street in Roselle Park, NJ was later apprehended by the Seaside Park and Toms River Police Departments. He was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters and processed. Brian L. Guenther, Jr., was charged on a Criminal Warrant with Second Degree Eluding. In addition he received traffic summonses for Failure to Maintain Lane/Unsafe Lane Change (5 counts), Speeding (4 counts), Reckless Driving (2 counts), Disregarding a Traffic Signal, Failure to Stop or Yield and Failure to Signal. In addition Brian L. Guenther, Jr., received traffic summonses from the Toms River Police Department for Tailgating, Speeding, and Disregarding a Traffic Signal. Brian L. Guenther, Jr., was ultimately lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility on the Warrant for Eluding to await a bail hearing.
- Burglary and Theft (Arrest) – During the middle of February 2017, members of two hunting camps reported that their clubs were burglarized. The Sportsman’s Gun Club, which hosts twenty members, reported that an unknown person(s) broke into their building and stole a generator, seven tree stands, and a hedge trimmer. During the same time-frame, owners from a second nearby recreational trailer reported that someone stole a generator. Both properties are located in Lacey Township but are accessed off Route 532 in Waretown, NJ. During the investigation, several pieces of stolen property were recovered at two separate second-hand dealers. The seller of the property had items from each burglary. On March 13, 2017, Lacey Township Police Detectives arrested the suspect, identified as 29-year-old Ralph K. Boyd, of Manasquan, NJ. During his arrest, six tree stands belonging to The Sportsman’s Gun Club were recovered from inside Ralph Boyd’s vehicle. Ralph Boyd was charged with two counts each of burglary and theft. He was released pending a court appearance. The total value of stolen property exceeded $2,000.
- Burglary (Residence) – On Sunday, March 12, 2017, at 2:21 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to the 200 block of Laurel Boulevard in Lanoka Harbor, for a report of a burglary. The complainant reported that just prior to contacting this agency, he was taking a shower when he heard his dog barking. When he went to investigate, he saw an unknown male had entered his residence through an unlocked side door. The complainant’s dog bit the unknown male’s right forearm, causing it to bleed. The male then fled the residence on foot and headed east on Laurel Boulevard. The complainant did not observe anything missing from the residence. The Lacey Township Detective Bureau is investigating.
- Fire – On Sunday, March 12, 2017, at 1:26 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a report of a fire in the men’s bathroom. The fire had been extinguished prior to arrival. Investigation at the scene revealed that a juvenile male had abruptly left the bathroom prior to the fire being discovered in the trash receptacle in the bathroom. There was minimal damage from the fire and no one was injured. The juvenile and his mother were located in the store. The incident remains under investigation and juvenile complaints are pending.
- DUI Arrest – On Sunday, March 12, 2017, at 3:17 a.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a traffic stop on Lakeside Drive South and Serpentine Place in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 28-year-old Seth A. Melega, of Serpentine Drive in Forked River, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Seth A. Melega was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI and Reckless Driving. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
- Shoplifting – On Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 5:20 p.m., Officers Daniel Ricciardella and Julie Barcalow responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for two female shoplifters. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of a 17-year old female from Lanoka Harbor, for Shoplifting merchandise valued at $180 and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In addition, a 15-year-old female from Forked River was arrested for Shoplifting merchandise valued at $80 and Possession of Marijuana 50 Grams or Less. Both juvenile females were transported to Police Headquarters and processed. They were ultimately released to their parents.
- Shoplifting – On Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 12:06 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a Shoplifting. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 26-year-old Joshua M. Smith of Bowsprit Road in Manahawkin, NJ, for shoplifting merchandise valued at $50. He was transported to Police Headquarters and processed. He was released after receiving criminal summonses for Shoplifting, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose (by utilizing a knife to cut off an anti-theft device) and Possession of an Anti-Shoplifting/Inventory Control Device Countermeasure.
- Drug Arrest – On Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 12:10 a.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Game Farm Road and Route 9 North in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 64-year-old Joseph Casano, of Maple Lane in Forked River, for Possession of CDS. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Joseph Casano was released after receiving a criminal summons for Possession of Marijuana 50 Grams or Less and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In addition he received traffic summonses for Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle and Speeding.
- Shoplifting – On Friday, March 10, 2017, at 6:15 p.m., Officer Elton Copes responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a report of a shoplifting incident. Investigation at the scene revealed that an adult white male, wearing a black baseball style cap, a black long-sleeve shirt, and blue jeans, entered the store and placed merchandise totaling $1,190 in a shopping cart. The adult male then exited the store through the frozen food department emergency exit without paying. He loaded the merchandise into a late-model vehicle and exited the parking lot heading northbound on Route 9. Just prior to the shoplifting, the male suspect was in Walmart with an adult female, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt with a skull printed on the torso and blue jeans, and a dirty blonde-haired juvenile female wearing camouflage pants and a gray long-sleeve shirt with the word “Wish” printed on the torso. The incident remains under investigation.
- Warrant Arrest – On Friday, March 10, 2017, at 2:17 p.m., Officer George Resetar conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of the Baptist Church, located at 21 Haines Street in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 36-year-old Calogero C. Marchese, of Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, on an outstanding Lacey Township Municipal Court warrant with bail in the amount of $500. Calogero C. Marchese was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was released after posting bail. In addition, Calogero C. Marchese received traffic summonses for Driving with a Suspended License and Speeding.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – March 3rd through March 9th, 2017
- Theft of Handgun – On Thursday, March 9, 2017, at 8:56 a.m., Officer George Resetar responded to the 600 block of Forest Lane, Forked River, for a report of a stolen handgun. Investigation at the scene revealed that the complainant was moving his firearms to a new location in his home and discovered that a handgun along with a magazine was missing from one of his gun cases. The case still contained one magazine, a weapon lock and the owner’s manual. The missing handgun is described as a semi-automatic 9 millimeter Springfield XD MOD.2 series, black in color. The complainant advised that he last saw the gun sometime in December of 2016 and he did not discover it missing until this March 9, 2017. The handgun was entered into NCIC, APBnet and distributed to all local law enforcement agencies.
- House Fire – On Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at 11:02 p.m., Officer Martin Julian responded to the 900 block of Clifton Street, Forked River, for a report of a structure fire. Investigation at the scene revealed a fire burning on the northeast side of the garage. A member of the State Forest Fire Service, who lives in a neighboring residence, was on the scene attempting to extinguish the fire. Forked River Fire Department responded and assisted. The fire was quickly extinguished. The Ocean County Fire Marshall responded and determined that the fire was not suspicious. There was minor damage to the asbestos shingles on the home but no internal house structures were affected.
- Vehicle Fire – On Wednesday, March 8, 2017, at 1:07 p.m., Officer Charles May responded to the parking lot of Kohl’s, 304 Route 9 North, Forked River, for a report of a vehicle fire. Investigation at the scene revealed a parked vehicle with smoke rising from the engine compartment. When the hood was opened by the Forked River Fire Department, flames were observed coming from the rear of the engine. The fire was quickly extinguished. The incident is under investigation by the Ocean County Fire Marshall.
- Brush Fire – On Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at 5:32 p.m., Officer George Resetar responded to the area of Tiller Drive and Sunrise Boulevard, Forked River, for a report of a brush fire in the marsh. Investigation at the scene revealed smoke from the marshy area several hundred feet south of Sunrise Boulevard. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and the Forked River Fire Department responded. It was determined that the fire was the result of an unattended campfire located at the end of Game Farm Road. The brush fire resulted in approximately one-half acre of land being burned. The fire was extinguished without incident.
- CDS Arrest – On Sunday, March 5, 2017, at 11:50 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno conducted a motor vehicle stop for failure to maintain lane at Deerhead Lake Drive and Lakeside Drive, Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 29-year-old Christian F. Perchaluk of Sweetwood Drive, Forked River, for possession of CDS. She was transported to police headquarters, processed and released after being served with criminal summonses for Possession of Marijuana under 50 Grams and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, as well as motor vehicles summonses for Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle and Failure to Maintain Lane.
- Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 10:32 p.m., Officer Michael Baldasari conducted a motor vehicle stop at Musket Road and Route 9 North, Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene revealed that the driver, 20-year-old Sydney A. Webb of Laurel Boulevard, Lanoka Harbor, had two active warrants, (1) Lacey Township Municipal Court Warrant for driving while suspended in the amount of $500; and (2) Holmdel Municipal Court Warrant for driving while suspended in the amount of $1,000. Sydney Webb was arrested, transported to police headquarters and processed. She posted bail on both warrants. She received motor vehicle summonses for Driving While Suspended and Improper Left Turn.
- DUI Arrest – On Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 4:07 p.m., Officer John Simonson responded to the parking lot of the CVS Pharmacy located at 700 Route 9 North, Lanoka Harbor, for a report of a female consuming alcohol in a parked vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of arrest of 68-year-old Catherine M. Demand of Pelican Point, Bayville, New Jersey, for DUI. She was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI and Reckless Driving. The vehicle she was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
- Theft from Residence – On Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 3:42 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey responded to the 800 block of Buena Vista Road, Forked River, for a report of a possible theft. Investigation at the scene revealed that the complainant had a guest at his home for several hours that day. During that time he fell asleep, and upon wakening discovered that $300 cash was taken from his wallet. The guest denied taking the money. The complainant was advised of the complaint procedures through the Municipal Court.
- Theft/Criminal Mischief (Boat) – On Saturday, March 4, 2017, at 1:13 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer responded to Townsends Marina, 221 East Lacey Road, Forked River, to a report of a burglary to a boat. Investigation at the scene revealed that the complainant’s boat was being stored at the marina and was burglarized sometime between September 1, 2016, and March 4, 2017. Unknown person(s) had pried open the door to the cabin of the boat, causing scratches to the lock. The damage to the lock is estimated at $100. In addition, two Shore power cables, valued at $400 each, a gray self-inflating life jacket, valued at $150, and a pair of black, 7×50 zoom binoculars, valued at $50, were taken, for a total value of $1,000.
- Warrant Arrest – On Friday, March 3, 2017, at 1:49 p.m., Officer Darrell Nick conducted a motor vehicle stop at Lake Barnegat Drive North and Steuben Avenue, Forked River. Investigation at the scene revealed that the driver, 50-year-old Alice N. Errickson of Walnut Drive, Lanoka Harbor, had an active warrant from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department in the amount of $531.61 cash bail. Alice Errickson was arrested, transported to police headquarters and processed. She posted bail and was released by our agency after receiving motor vehicle summonses for Speeding, Driving While Suspended and Expired Registration.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – February 24th through March 2nd, 2017
- Shoplifting Arrest – On Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at 9:31 p.m., Martin Julian responded to the Wawa located at 800 Lacey Road, Forked River, for a report of an adult male who took food items totaling $7.87 and left the store without paying. Further investigation led to the arrest of 26-year-old Dominick J. Degasperi of 7th Street, Waretown, New Jersey. He was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released on a criminal summons for shoplifting.
- Bicycle Theft – On Wednesday, March 1, 2017, at 4:18 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to Bud Mezara Park, 1400 Lakeside Drive South, Forked River, for a report of a stolen bicycle. Investigation at the scene revealed that the victim had left her 26” Huffy Beach Cruiser, purple in color with a white seat and whitewall tires along with a silver helmet at the park while she went for a brief walk. When she returned to the park, her bicycle and helmet were gone. The bicycle is valued at $120 and the helmet is valued at $40, for a total of $160.
- Theft – On Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at 3:37 p.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota responded to headquarters to meet with a subject for a theft report. Investigation at the scene revealed that the complainant had left his black Nike sneakers in the west hall lecture room of the Lacey High School located at 73 Haines Street, Lanoka Harbor. When he returned to the room to retrieve them, they were gone. The sneakers were valued at $90 and contained orthotics valued at $400.
- Burglary (Residential) – On Saturday, February 25, 2017, at 8:25 p.m., Officer Christopher Meyler responded to the 1800 block of Deerhead Lake Drive, Forked River, for a report of a burglary. Investigation at the scene revealed that the homeowner has been in Florida for the past several months and a friend of his was staying in the house until the beginning of January this year. The owner had asked a neighbor to check on the residence and she discovered that the rear door was open, the front door was kicked in, and a bedroom window was smashed out. The neighbor advised that when she had previously checked on the house, there were several laptops and other electronics in plain sight and now they were missing. The actual amount of damage to the residence and stolen property is unknown at this time. The matter is under investigation by the detective bureau.
- Burglary – On Saturday, February 25, 2017, at 12:43 p.m., Officer John Simonson responded to the Year Round Sportsman Club, located off of Long Ridge Road in Forked River, for a report of a burglary. Investigation at the scene revealed that a large container box stored on the property had been broken into and items stored inside were stolen. The container was secured with multiple locks which had been chiseled off with some type of tool. The criminal mischief to the container box is estimated at $250. The items stolen were a Champion Multi Gas electric generator valued at $800, seven (7) hunting tree stands valued at $700, two (2) sets of climbing sticks valued at $100, and a gas operated handheld brush hog valued at $400. The total amount of property stolen was valued at $2,000. It also appeared that the suspects made entrance into the breezeway of the hunting cabin by taking the screen door off the opening, but were not able to gain entry into the cabin itself. The last known visit to the camp was on or about February 1, 2017.
- Criminal Mischief (mailbox) – On Saturday, February 25, 2017, at 9:05 a.m., Officer Michael Hein, after responding to a criminal mischief complaint on the 1200 block of Pensacola Road, Forked River, discovered a neighboring residence with damage to its mailbox. The mailbox (large ornamental pelican) had been forcibly removed from the post, causing damage to the post where the base of the pelican rests. The cost to repair the mailbox post is approximately $20.
- Criminal Mischief (mailbox) – On Saturday, February 25, 2017, at 8:14 a.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to the 1200 block of Pensacola Road, Forked River, for a report of criminal mischief. Investigation at the scene revealed that the complainant’s mailbox had been ripped from the ground and thrown in the driveway. A front window of the residence was also broken. The mailbox did not appear to have any damage. The approximate cost to repair the window is $250.
- DUI Arrest – On Friday, February 24, 2017, 11:49 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey conducted a motor vehicle stop at Nautilus Boulevard and Route 9 North, Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 77-year-old George J. Hvozda of Tiller Drive, Forked River, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
- Theft of Gasoline – On Friday, February 24, 2017, at 11:03 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey responded to the Wawa located at 800 Lacey Road, Forked River, for a report of theft of diesel fuel. Investigation at the scene revealed that a male subject, operating a silver Dodge pickup truck with a red dirt bike in the bed, dispensed $61.66 dollars worth of diesel fuel into his truck and attempted to pay with a $100 bill. He was advised to go inside to pay as there is no cash available outside after 11:00 p.m. The subject appeared to go inside the store briefly and then exited the parking lot without paying. There is an active investigation into the identity of the male suspect involved in this theft.
- Criminal Mischief (Township Property) – On Friday, February 24, 2017, at 7:11 p.m., Officer Adam Bylsma was patrolling Gille Park, 56 Manchester Avenue, Forked River, when he observed the two signs located to the left and right of the skate park entrance, covered in derogatory and offensive words. The damage to the signs is estimated to be $50.
Weekly Police Blotter – Lacey Township Police Department – February 17th through February 23rd, 2017
- Theft – On Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at 2:57 p.m., Officer Evan Androcy responded to the 1700 block of Sommerell Avenue in Forked River, for a report of a stolen bicycle. The complainant reported that between 4:00 p.m. on February 18, 2017 and 3:00 p.m. on February 21, 2017, an unknown person or persons stole their unsecured bicycle from the yard of the residence. The bicycle is described as a black and pink Mongoose 20” mountain bike valued at $120.
- Burglary and Criminal Mischief (Residence) – On Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at 1:48 p.m., Officer Frederick Anderson responded to the 200 block of Chestnut Drive in Lanoka Harbor, for a report of a burglary. The victim reported that between October 2016 and February 21, 2017, an unknown person or persons forced entry into their residence by breaking a rear garage window. Once inside the person or persons rummaged through the residence, however, it is unknown if anything was taken. The damage to the window is estimated at $100. The Lacey Township Police Detective Bureau was notified and the incident remains under investigation.
- Warrant Arrest- On Monday, February 20, 2017, at 10:27 p.m. Officer Elton Copes responded to the 700 block of Stephanie Court in Forked River for a dispute. The investigation led to the arrest of 27-year-old Joseph J. Caputo 4th, of Barnacle Road in Forked River, on an outstanding Toms River Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $350. Joseph J. Caputo 4th was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was ultimately lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail.
- Theft – On Monday, February 20, 2017, at 7:02 p.m., Officer Martin Julian responded to the 500 block of Alpine Street in Forked River, for a theft report. The victim reported that between 3:00 p.m. on February 12, 2017 and 5:00 p.m. on February 20, 2017, an unknown person or persons stole his generator from the Alpine Street residence. The victim reported that on February 12, 2017, he dropped his generator off in the driveway of the residence so it could be repaired. When the victim contacted the resident on February 20, 2017 to determine the status of the generator repair, he was informed by the resident that he never received it. The generator is described as a 3700 watt Briggs and Stratton, valued at $250. The incident is under investigation.
- Drug Arrest – On Sunday, February 19, 2017, at 11:30 p.m., Officer Jesse Dalziel conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Bay Way and Route 9 in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 36-year-old John T. Sullivan, of Laurel Boulevard in Lanoka Harbor, for possession of CDS. In addition, a Wall Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $500 was located for his arrest. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. John T. Sullivan was released after posting full bail on the warrant, and receiving a criminal summons for Possession of Marijuana 50 Grams or Less and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In addition John T. Sullivan received traffic summonses for Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle, Improper Turn, and Driving with a Suspended License.
- Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest – On Sunday, February 19, 2017, at 11:21 p.m., Officers Martin Julian and Patrick Watkins responded to Capstan Drive and Shenandoah Drive in Forked River for a report of two intoxicated females acting disorderly. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 24-year-old Anastasia R. Ferenc of Capstan Drive in Forked River, for Obstructing the Administration of Law, Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer (specifically by pushing and kicking the police officer), Resisting arrest and Disorderly conduct. She was transported to police headquarters and processed. Anastasia R. Ferenc was released after receiving criminal summonses for Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct.
- Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, February 19, 2017, at 4:30 p.m., Officer George Resetar responded to the 1700 block of Binnacle Road in Forked River to serve an oustanding Ocean County Sheriff’s Department arrest warrant with a bail amount of $43,004.34. Upon arrival Officer Resetar located and arrested 41-year-old Joseph G. Caruso, of Binnacle Road in Forked River on the outstanding warrant. Joseph G. Caruso was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was ultimately lodged in the Ocean County Correctional facility in default of bail.
- Underage Consumption of Alcohol (Multiple Arrests) – On Saturday, February 18, 2017, at 10:01 p.m., Officers Scott Keefe and Anthony Sarno responded to Lower Lake Drive in Forked River, in response to an alleged underage drinking party at a residence. Investigation at the scene led to the issuance of juvenile complaints for Underage Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages on Private Property. The juvenile complaints were issued to four 14-year-old juvenile females, all from Lacey Township. They were all released to a guardian or family member.
- Burglary and Criminal Mischief (Residence) – On Saturday, February 18, 2017, at 4:52 p.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to the 800 block of Hazelton Avenue in Lanoka Harbor, for a burglary. The victim reported that between 4 p.m. on February 5, 2017, and 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2017, an unknown person or persons forced entry into the residence by breaking a window. At the time of the report the complainant was unsure if anything was stolen from the residence. The cost to repair the window is estimated at $500. The Lacey Township Police Detective Bureau was notified and the incident remains under investigation.
- Burglary and Theft (Residence) – On Friday, February 17, 2017, at 3:06 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer responded to the 2000 block of Hillwood Road in Forked River, for a report of a burglary. The complainant reported that between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on February 17, 2017, an unknown person or persons entered the residence through an unlocked bedroom window. Once inside the unknown person or persons stole property including $150 in cash (loose change and dollar bills), a small silver cross pendant valued at $200, a pair of white sapphire earrings valued at $300 and a pair of ¼ carat diamond earrings valued at $400. The total theft is estimated at $1050. The incident remains under investigation.
- Criminal Attempt Burglary and Criminal Mischief (Residence) – On Friday, February 17, 2017, at 2:57 p.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to the 100 block of Chestnut Drive in Forked River, for a report of an attempted burglary to a residence. The victim stated that on February 17, 2017, she observed that her kitchen sink window screen was missing and located it outside on the ground. The victim advised that the screen had been cut near the latches that hold it in place. In addition, the victim observed that her shed appeared to have been opened and a 5 inch bolt used to fasten the latch of her fence was no longer in place. The victim checked her exterior shed and the interior of her residence and did not find anything stolen or disturbed. The damage is estimated at $100. The incident remains under investigation.