Weekly Police Blotter

Weekly Police Blotter

April 28th thru May 4th, 2015

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• Theft from a Business (Burglary) – On Monday, May 4, 2015, at 5:12 p.m., Officer Elton Copes responded to 630 Lacey Road in Forked River for a report of an unlawful entry of the building with items missing. The business, the Law Offices of Himber & Stark, was reported to have been entered between Saturday, May 2, 2015 and Sunday, May 3, 2015.  Items reported stolen included a surfboard as well as numerous business and trust account checks. Entry was believed to have been made at the rear portion of the building where windows screens and a sliding door were damaged. The incident is currently under investigation.

• Shoplifting – On Monday, May 4, 2015 at 4:10 a.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to the Wawa store at 444 Route 9 South in Forked River reference a shoplifting incident. The store employee reported that she had just completed a return for a customer who returned a pack of Marlboro Light cigarettes for a refund. The transaction was completed and the clerk returned $8.06 in cash to the customer. The clerk indicated that she did not feel comfortable with the transaction, so she further investigated the subject on the store surveillance video. The customer was observed on video entering the store, and as he approached the register counter, he reached over and removed a pack of Marlboro Lights and Marlboro Reds from behind the counter. A full description of the suspect was available. The clerk also believed that he is a frequent customer of the store. On Tuesday, May 5, 2015, at 2:53 a.m., the Lacey Township Police Department was contacted by the manager of the Wawa who advised that the suspect in the prior morning’s shoplifting incident was currently in the store. Officer Andrew Slota was dispatched and advised that the suspect left on a bicycle. While en route to the Wawa, Officer Slota observed a male subject fitting the description riding a bicycle on Taylor Lane in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to male subject’s arrest for the shoplifting incident the prior morning. The accused was identified as 33-year-old Robert D. Goffio of Ocean Street in Forked River. Robert D. Goffio was transported to police headquarters, processed, and was served a criminal summons for Shoplifting.

• DUI with Accident (Hit and Run) – On Sunday, May 3, 2015, at 12:58 p.m., Officers Jason Lee and Frederick Anderson responded to the Home Depot, located at 244 Route 9 North in Forked River, for a hit and run traffic accident. There were no reported injuries. A description and license plate number was provided for the vehicle that fled the scene. The license plate provided an address on the 300 block of Normandie Drive in Forked River. Officer Lee responded to the 300 block of Normandie Drive and observed the vehicle traveling to the residence. Officer Lee met with the driver of the vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 58-year-old William Culver of Normandie Drive, for DUI. William Culver was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident, and Failure to Report a Motor Vehicle Accident. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Mischief Criminal and Criminal Attempt to Commit Burglary – On Sunday, May 3, 2015, at 11:47 a.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to the 1400 block of Pershing Avenue in Forked River for an attempted burglary. The victim reported that between 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2015, and 11:30 a.m., on May 3, 2015, an unknown person or persons attempted to force entry in to his residence by forcing open and damaging the front screen door and door jam. In addition, the person or persons appeared to have attempted to force open the shed door located in the rear yard. It does not appear anything was stolen at this time. Total damage is estimated at $150. The incident is under investigation.

• Theft of Property Lost or Mislaid – On Saturday, May 2, 2015, at 10:23 a.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to the Wawa, located at 444 Route 9 South in Forked River, for a theft in the parking lot. The victim stated that just prior to contacting this agency he left the Wawa store and was walking to his vehicle in the parking lot when he dropped an envelope containing a large sum of cash. The victim entered his vehicle and drove across the street at which point he realized he dropped the cash. The victim returned immediately and looked for the envelope without finding it. The victim entered the store where he spoke with employees. This agency was contacted and responded. The video surveillance revealed that the driver of a vehicle parked nearby is seen picking up the envelope, getting back in the car and driving south. The vehicle is described as a gray or silver Nissan Sentra with a New Jersey license plate. The driver is described as an older white male with brown hair and a mustache, approximately 5’10 and weighting approximately 200 pounds. At the time he was wearing jeans, boots, and an open flannel shirt over an aqua t-shirt. Prior to picking up the envelope of cash, the driver utilized a credit card to make a purchase inside Wawa. The credit card information along with the video surveillance is being obtained. The matter is under investigation.

• Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, May 2, 2015, at 2:45 a.m., Officer Charles May responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, to serve an arrest warrant. This agency was advised the accused, identified as 38-year-old Leonard Vivona of Devon Street in Forked River, was at the Walmart and had an outstanding Lacey Township Warrant in the amount of $500. Upon arrival, Officer May located Leonard Vivona in the parking lot and placed him under arrest on the warrant. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Leonard Vivona could not post bail and was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

• Theft (Residence) – On Friday, May 1, 2015, at 9:23 p.m., Officer Elton Copes responded to the 1000 block of Capstan Drive in Forked River for a theft. The victim reported that between Sunday, April 26, 2015, and Friday, May 1, 2015, an unknown person or persons stole a male Osprey bird lawn ornament valued at $75 from the front yard.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Friday, May 1, 2015, at 9:15 p.m., Officer Dimitri Tsarnas conducted a traffic stop on Beach Boulevard near Sandy Hook Drive in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 25-year-old Louis E. Gardner of Independence Drive in Forked River, for DUI. Louis Gardner was processed and issued traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Theft – On Friday, May 1, 2015, at 11:45 a.m., Officer John Cernek responded to the 800 block of Beach Boulevard in Forked River for a theft report. The homeowner reported that during the day on April 28, 2015, several of her lawn ornaments, valued at approximately $200 were stolen from the front yard. The victim provided information on a possible suspect. The matter is under investigation.

• Structure Fire (Residential) – On Friday, May 1, 2015, at 6:07 a.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota responded to the 400 block of Seabright Road in Forked River for a residential structure fire. Flames were observed coming from the rear of the residence. Upon arrival, Officer Slota learned that a member of the Forked River Fire Department was on scene and extinguished a majority of the fire with a neighbor’s garden house. The Forked River Fire Department responded and extinguished the remainder of the blaze. The Ocean County Fire Marshal, along with Lacey Detective Brian Flynn responded. There were no reported injuries. The incident is under investigation.

• Theft from a Person (3^rd Degree) and Terroristic Threats – On Monday, April 27, 2015, at 3:57 p.m., Officer Darrell Nick took a report of a theft that occurred at the Lacey Mall near the Shop Rite earlier in the day. The 91-year-old victim reported that as he was walking to his vehicle, a male subject attempted to remove his wallet from his pants pocket. The victim refused to allow the suspect to take the wallet. The victim reported that two females observed the incident and approached them. The suspect fled and a description of the suspect was provided. Detective Robert Surtees responded and continued the investigation. On Thursday, April 30, 2015, Detective Surtees completed his investigation. Detective Surtees responded to the Home Depot parking lot in Forked River as a location known to be frequented by the suspect during the morning hours. Detective Surtees arrested 53-year-old James Cort of Olds Street in Forked River and charged him with Criminal Attempt to Commit Theft from a Person and Terroristic Threats. Bail was set in the amount of $25,000. He was also found to have a Lacey Township Warrant in the amount of $750. James Cort was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was unable to post bail and was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

• Suspicious Incident – On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at 12:13 p.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to police headquarters for a suspicious incident report. The complainant reported that at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, 2015, a female called his Forked River residence reporting that she was from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The female advised him this was his final chance to make payment before the IRS filed a lawsuit against him. The complainant recalled this was a scam and did not provide any information to the caller. Residents should continue to be mindful that the IRS only contacts citizens via U.S. Mail and to be cautious when receiving these types of calls.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, at 8:24 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey conducted a traffic stop on Route 9 South and Oak Street in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 56-year-old Anthony A. Naia, Jr. of Tampa Road in Forked River, for DUI. Anthony A. Naia, Jr. was processed and issued traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Improper Passing. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Drug Possession and Distribution (Arrests) – On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, Lacey Township Police Department Detectives witnessed several suspects involved in suspicious activity within Lacey Township consistent with narcotics possession and distribution. During the course of the investigation, Lacey Township Detectives performed a motor vehicle stop on a white Chrysler Voyager minivan which had returned to Lacey Township after a brief trip to Lakewood Township. Investigation at the scene led to the following three arrests: 1) 35-year-old Jessica R. Morris-Black of Enterprise Drive in Forked River who was charged with Possession of Heroin with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Crack Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe; 2) 29-year-old Brittany L. Bodzak of Elwood Street in Forked River who was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia; and 3) 30-year-old Shanel L. Romanowski of Parker Street in Forked River who was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe. In addition, Shanel L. Romanowski received traffic summonses for Operating an Unregistered Vehicle and Operating a Motor Vehicle while Possessing CDS. All three were processed and released after receiving criminal summonses.

• Warrant Arrest – On Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at 11:09 p.m., Officer John McKee conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of Walmart located at 580 Route 9 North in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 22-year-old Elizabeth Ehly of Capstan Avenue in Beachwood, NJ on an outstanding Beachwood Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $107. In addition, the passenger, identified as 23-year-old Angelo Massimino of Clifton Avenue in Bayville, NJ was arrested on an outstanding Tinton Falls Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $300. Both subjects were transported to police headquarters and processed. They both posted full bail and were released.

Weekly Police Blotter

April 23rd thru 27th, 2015

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• Theft – On Monday, April 27, 2015, at 10:02 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to the 1700 block of Pineview Road in Forked River for a theft. The victim reported that between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on April 27, 2015, an unknown person or persons stole her basketball net valued at $400 from the front yard of the residence. The basketball net was described as having a clear backboard with white and blue tape on it. A silver or white pickup truck with a basketball net in the back was seen driving in the area during the time of the theft.

• Shoplifting (Arrest) – On Monday, April 27, 2015, at 11:42 a.m., Officer Darrell Nick responded to Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for an adult female shoplifter who fled the store. Loss Prevention reported that the adult female shoplifted $263.65 worth of merchandise and when confronted near the exit she fled the store. Officer Nick conducted an investigation and identified the adult female as 32-year-old Kimberly A. Croman of Halsey Ave in Bayville, NJ. Officer Nick contacted her and arranged to meet with her. On Tuesday, April 27, 2015, Kimberly A. Croman responded to police headquarters and was taken in to custody. She was processed and charged with one count of Shoplifting.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Monday, April 27, 2015, at 10:25 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno conducted a traffic stop on Lacey Road near Briggs Avenue in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 60-year-old Karen Bjerre-Barone of Quail Lane South in Lanoka Harbor for DUI. She was transported to police headquarters and processed. Karen Bjerre-Barone was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, Unregistered Vehicle, Uninsured Vehicle, and Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle. The vehicle she was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Criminal Mischief (Township Property) – On Monday, April 27, 2015, at approximately 12:45 p.m., Lieutenant Michael DiBella received a report of Criminal Mischief to the Clune Park bathrooms located at 740 Sandyhook Drive in Forked River. The complainant reported that between 2:00 p.m. on Sunday April 26, 2015, and 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 27, 2015, an unknown person or persons entered the men’s and women’s bathrooms, located on the north side of the Park, and committed approximately $150 in mischief. All of the toilets were filled with rocks and mulch which required several hours of work to repair and clean. The incident is under investigation.

• Criminal Mischief – On Sunday, April 26, 2015, at 3:49 p.m., Officer Kymberly Gudgeon responded to the 500 block of Buttonwood Drive in Lanoka Harbor for criminal mischief. The complainant reported that between 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, 2015, and 12:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 26, 2015, an unknown person or persons broke a front window on the residence. In addition, the unknown person or persons appeared to have attempted to steal the air conditioner by disconnecting several wires. The air conditioner was not taken. The total damage to the residence is estimated at $500.

• Shoplifting, Drug and Warrant Arrest – On Friday, April 24, 2015, at 6:47 p.m., Officers George Resetar and Andrew Slota responded to Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a male shoplifter in the custody of loss prevention. The officers took custody of 24-year-old Brandon T. Weaver of Enterprise Drive in Forked River for Shoplifting merchandise valued at $39.93. He was also found to have an outstanding Toms River Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $500. Furthermore, Brandon Weaver was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia containing evidence of various types of controlled dangerous substances. Brandon Weaver was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was charged with Shoplifting, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. His bail was set in the amount of $10,000. Brandon Weaver was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail.

• Shoplifting – On Friday, April 24, 2015, at 2:55 p.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota responded to the 7-Eleven store located at 524 Lacey Road in Forked River for a theft report. The complainant reported that earlier Friday, April 24, 2015, at 12:39 p.m., an adult white male with facial hair wearing a baseball cap approached the counter and requested approximately $46 worth of cigarettes. The subject swiped a gift card and was provided the cigarettes. The male subject exited the store before the gift card transaction was completed. The employee learned that the gift card did not accept the $46.00 purchase; however, the male had already left in a gold-colored pickup truck.

• Suspicious Incident – On Thursday, April 23, 2015, at 12:04 p.m., Officer John Cernek responded to the 1700 block of Beach Boulevard in Forked River for a suspicious incident. The complainant reported that she had recently posted a musical instrument for sale on Craigslist for a couple hundred dollars. After posting the instrument she received a “County Bank” check in the mail in the amount of $1,850. The check came with an envelope that had a return address of Morgan Stanley, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In addition, the complainant received an email giving her instructions to cash the check and someone would come by her residence to pick up the musical instrument as well as the difference in the check she cashed, in this case almost $1,700. The complainant did not cash the check and instead contacted the police department. Both the bank and Morgan Stanley were contacted and advised the check was fraudulent and the entire incident was a scam. This is among many different types of scams currently being attempted on a regular basis.

• Theft – On Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at 6:21 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to the 300 block of Riviera Drive in Forked River for a theft report. The victim reported that between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on April 22, 2015, his backpack was stolen from the area of the pavilion in Gille Park located at 56 Manchester Avenue in Lanoka Harbor. The backpack contained school supplies with a total value of $60.

• Criminal Mischief – On Wednesday, April 22, 2015, at 8:55 a.m., Officer Darrell Nick responded to police headquarters for a damaged vehicle report. The complainant reported that between 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 and 8:15 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2015, an unknown person or persons keyed the passenger side of his vehicle while it was parked at one of three different locations. The three locations included his residential driveway located on the 1200 block of Clearview Street in Forked River, the parking lot of Caffrey’s Tavern located at 440 Route 9 South in Forked River, and the parking lot of the Lacey Elks located at 900 Beach Boulevard in Forked River. The damage to the vehicle is estimated at $250.

• Shotgun Accident – On Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at 4:56 p.m., Officers Michael Eden and Noah Schaffer responded to Ground Swipers Rod and Gun Club, located at 1910 W. Lacey Road in Forked River, for a report of an injury sustained by a firearm. Upon arrival, Officers learned that the victim, 67-year-old Robert C. Bishop of Pennington, NJ, was discharging his shotgun on the member firing range when it malfunctioned. As a result of the malfunction, the shotgun broke into several pieces ultimately striking the victim and causing a moderate injury to his inner left arm. The victim was alert and conscious throughout the incident. Lacey Township EMS arrived on scene and transported the victim to Community Medical Center.
• Warrant Arrest – On Monday, April 13, 2015, at 6:20 a.m., Officer Darrell Nick was patrolling the area of Route 9 and First Street when he observed two suspicious persons walking behind the Lacey Liquors shopping plaza. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest 20-year-old Cody Collins of Eleanor Road in Forked River on an outstanding Berkeley Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $350. Cody Collins was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was turned over to the custody of the Berkeley Township Police Department.
• Theft from Garage – On Sunday, April 12, 2015, at 4:05 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to the 1600 block of Joffre Road in Forked River for a theft of a fishing pole from a garage. The victim reported that between the overnight hours of Saturday, April 11, 2015, into Sunday, April 12, 2015, an unknown person or persons forced entry into his detached garage. Once the garage was entered, a fishing pole and Penn Real with a total value of $350 were reportedly stolen. The incident is under investigation.
• Theft – On Sunday, April 12, 2015, at 4:39 p.m., Officer Patrick Watkins responded to the Community Hall, located at 101 Route 9 North in Forked River, for a theft report. The victim stated that during the day on Sunday, April 12, 2015, while setting up for a baby shower, her purse was stolen from inside the Community Hall. The purse contained various items including but not limited to cash and credit cards. The total theft was estimated at approximately $150. The incident is under investigation.
• Theft from an Auto – On Sunday, April 12, 2015, at 1:53 p.m., Officer Keith Pearce took a report of a theft. The victim reported that on Friday, April 10, 2015, between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., an unknown person or persons entered her unlocked vehicle and stole her wallet while parked near Clune Park in Forked River. The wallet contained cash and credit cards. The total theft is estimated at $15.
• Theft – On Sunday, April 12, 2015, at 8:00 a.m., Officer Michael Eden responded to the 700 block of Elwood Street in Forked River for a report of a theft. The victim reported that during the overnight hours of Saturday, April 11, 2015, and Sunday, April 12, 2015, while the homeowners were away on vacation, an adult family member had a party at the residence. During the party, an unknown person or persons reportedly forced entry into a locked bedroom and stole approximately $11,000 in jewelry. Lacey Detective Robert Surtees responded and is continuing the investigation.
• Theft – On Saturday, April 11, 2015, at 8:43 p.m., Officer Christopher Meyler responded to the 300 block of Briggs Avenue in Forked River for a theft report. The complainant reported that between 7:45 p.m. and 8:10 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2015, an unknown person or persons stole the complainant’s hockey equipment valued at $200 from the Gille Park Hockey Rink at 56 Manchester Avenue.
• DUI (Arrest) – On Saturday, April 11, 2015, at 5:23 p.m., Officer Christopher Meyler conducted a traffic stop on Briar Road near Hemlock Drive in Lanoka Harbor. Officer Michael Verwey responded to assist. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 33-year-old Wayne Marion, Jr. of Hemlock Drive in Lanoka Harbor, for DUI. Wayne Marion was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
• Theft (residence) – On Saturday, April 11, 2015, at 10:46 a.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to the 1000 block of Trenton Avenue North in Forked River for a theft report. The victim reported that sometime between April 5, 2015, and April 11, 2015, an unknown person or persons stole a large amount of scrap metal valued at $500.00 that was placed on the side of his residence.
• Traffic Accident – On Friday, April 10, 2015, at 9:05 p.m., officers responded to Route 9 North and South Street in Lanoka Harbor for a report of a dump truck that took down several cable and phone wires. Investigation at the scene revealed that the dump truck driver exited the parking lot of 727 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor with the dump on the truck in the upward position. The dump struck several wires tearing them down from the adjacent telephone poles. The road was closed for several hours while crews made the repairs; traffic was rerouted.
• DUI and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe (Arrest) – On Friday, April 10, 2015, at 4:31 p.m., Officers Michael Hein and John Simonson responded to the 700 block of Tappan Street in Forked River for a report of a vehicle running with the driver inside passed out. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 40-year-old Donna Shaffery of Sequoia Court in Barnegat, NJ, for DUI and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe. She was transported to police headquarters and processed. Donna Shaffery was released after receiving a criminal summons for Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe. In addition, she was issued traffic summonses for DUI and Reckless Driving. The vehicle Donna Shaffery was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
• Theft from a Garage (Arrest) – On Friday, April 10, 2015, at 5:34 p.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to the 700 block of Birch Road in Lanoka Harbor for a theft of a dirt bike from a garage. The victim reported that between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 10, 2015, an unknown person or persons forced entry into his garage at stole a 2015 Honda dirt bike valued at $10,000. Lacey Detective Sam Della Sala along with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Unit responded to process the scene. The dirt bike was later recovered in a wooded area and Detective Della Sala has developed juvenile suspects in the case. The matter is under continuing investigation.
• Criminal Mischief (residence) – On Friday, April 10, 2015, at 10:08 a.m., Officer Jason Lee responded to the 300 block of Chestnut Drive in Lanoka Harbor for damaged property. The victim reported that between 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2015, and 10:20 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2015, an unknown person or persons damaged a section of his fencing and surrounding bushes. The damage is estimated at $500.
• Theft – On Thursday, April 9, 2015, at 12:10 p.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to the 500 block of Center Street in Forked River for a theft report. The victim reported that over the course of the past year, several items have gone missing from her residence, including but not limited to, several pieces of jewelry. The total theft was estimated at approximately $11,000. The victim provided the name of a suspect and the incident is under investigation.
• Criminal Mischief – On Thursday, April 9, 2015, at 11:24 a.m., Officer Jason Lee responded to the 800 block of Spar Drive in Forked River for criminal mischief. The victim reported that during the overnight hours of Wednesday, April 8, 2015 into Thursday, April 9, 2015, an unknown person or persons threw eggs at two of his vehicles that were parked in the driveway. In addition, plastic water bottles containing cake batter were thrown at his front door damaging the paint. The damage is estimated at $25.
• Criminal Mischief – On Thursday, April 9, 2015, at 10:21 a.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a damaged vehicle. The victim reported that during the prior 13 hours, an unknown person or persons dented the driver’s side door of his vehicle while it was parked in the lot near Route 9. The damage was estimated at $800.
• Theft – On Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at 11:47 a.m., Officer Jason Lee responded to the 1400 block of Kenny Street in Forked River for a theft report. The victim reported that between 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, and 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2015, an unknown person or persons stole approximately five boxes of tools with a total value of approximately $3,000. The tools were delivered to the residence on Tuesday, April 7, 2015, and left outside. The incident is under investigation.
• Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer and Resisting Arrest – On Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at 5:54 p.m., Sergeant Paul Sullivan, Jr., along with Officers Jeffrey Slota and Kymberly Gudgeon responded to the 800 block of Devon Street in Forked River for a report of a dispute. Upon arrival, officers began their investigation when they observed the accused, identified as 25-year-old Justin Bennett of Devon Street in Forked River, fleeing the residence. He was ordered to stop, however, he continued to flee. A short time later, Officer Gudgeon observed him walking in the area of Arlington Avenue and Tappan Street in Forked River. Sergeant Sullivan responded to assist. Justin Bennett was placed under arrest for Obstructing the Administration of Law. While being searched, he kicked Sergeant Sullivan. Justin Bennett was secured in handcuffs and transported to headquarters. Justin Bennett was charged with Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer, Resisting Arrest, and Obstructing the Administration of Law. His bail was set in the amount of $25,000 with no 10 percent option. Justin Bennett was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.
• Criminal Mischief – On Wednesday, April 8, 2015, at 4:13 p.m., Officer Elton Copes responded to the 300 block of Lawrence Drive in Lanoka Harbor for criminal mischief. The victim stated that between the overnight hours of April 7, 2015, into April 8, 2015, an unknown person or persons attempted to break into his shed by prying one of the two locks along with a hinge. The second lock was not damaged and the shed was not entered. Damage is estimated at $100.
• Drug Possession and Distribution (Arrests) – On the afternoon of Wednesday, April 8, 2015, Lacey detectives arrested four individuals during a narcotic investigation. Detectives witnessed several suspicious transactions between individuals that were consistent with drug activity leading up to the arrests. As detectives approached the suspect vehicle in the Beach Plaza parking lot, a rear seat passenger, identified as 29-year-old Raymond Sleeper of Glenn Oak Drive in Forked River was observed attempting to conceal heroin in an empty child safety seat. Detectives ultimately seized 36 bags of heroin from the seat. Raymond Sleeper was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin and Intent to Distribute Heroin. His bail was set at $50,000. Raymond Sleeper was also processed for a no-bail warrant that was issued by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department after failing to adhere to the requirements of probation. He was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility. Three other occupants of the vehicle were also charged with drug offenses. Kayla Garcia, 25, of Larboard Street in Beachwood, was charged with Possession of Heroin, Distribution of Heroin, and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe. Kayla Garcia was transferred to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of $25,000 bail. A third passenger, Devin Durow, 31, of Tern Court of Forked River, was charged with Criminal Attempt to Possess Heroin. The driver, Ashley Cornelius, 24, of Toms River, was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possessing a Controlled Dangerous Substance in a Motor Vehicle. Devin Durow and Ashley Cornelius were released on their own recognizance pending a Court appearance.
• Theft – On Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at 7:22 p.m., Officer Charles May responded to police headquarters to take a theft report. The victim reported that between 12:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2015, and 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 5, 2015, an unknown person or persons stole his Nintendo 3DS valued at $120. There were no signs of forced entry. The victim suspects someone with permission to be in the residence is responsible for the theft.
• Criminal Mischief (residence) – On Tuesday, April 7, 2015, at 12:26 p.m., Officers Jason Lee and Jeffrey Slota responded to the 300 block of Harzold Road in Forked River for a report of criminal mischief. The victim reported that between Thursday, April 2, 2015, and Tuesday, April 7, 2015, an unknown person or persons smashed three windows on the residence resulting in approximately $300 worth of damage.

• Burglary and Thefts (Arrest) – On Thursday, April 16, 2015, Lacey Detectives arrested a 17-year-old male from Lanoka Harbor in connection with several crimes. The charges came after an April 10, 2015, burglary of a Birch Road home in Lanoka Harbor. The victim originally reported that his home was forcibly entered during the daytime hours. During the burglary, the actor(s) stole a 2015 Honda CRF 450 Motorcycle valued at $9,000. Interviews conducted in the neighborhood led to the recovery of the motorcycle in a wooded area and the identity of the suspect. As the investigation continued, a second stolen motorcycle was discovered at the juvenile suspect’s residence. That second motorcycle was stolen from a Bay Way residence in Lanoka Harbor in February of 2015. The juvenile male was charged with Burglary, Theft of Moveable Property, Criminal Mischief, and Possession of Stolen Property. The juvenile was released to his mother pending a court appearance. Additional suspects are being sought as the investigation into similar thefts continues.
• Drug Possession, Theft, and Warrant (Arrest) – On April 20, 2015, Lacey Detectives completed a theft investigation resulting in the arrest of 34-year-old Alicia Durett of Spruce Street in Forked River. The investigation began when a local physician’s office reported money missing from their daily deposits on several different occasions. The theft was estimated at $230. As the investigation continued, an employee of the practice, Alicia Durett, emerged as the suspect. Durett was arrested at work on four outstanding warrants. During her arrest, Alicia Durett was found in possession of drug paraphernalia. Alicia Durett was ultimately charged with Theft, Possession of Heroin, and Possession of Hypodermic Syringes. She was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of $10,000 bail. The additional bail stemming from the outstanding warrants totaled $1,700. The warrants were issued from Hamilton, Middletown, and Toms River Municipal Courts for violations of drug paraphernalia and driving while suspended.
• Drug Possession and Warrant (Arrest) – On Monday, April 20, 2015, at 8:20 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno was patrolling the Walmart parking lot, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, when he observed suspicious activity in the parking lot. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of store employee, 20-year-old Timothy Daff, Jr. of Bell Street in Bayville on an outstanding Evesham Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $150. In addition, he was found to be in possession of 46 bags of heroin and a hypodermic syringe. Timothy Daff, Jr. was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of a hypodermic Syringe. Bail was set in the amount of $25,000. Timothy Daff, Jr. was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail.
• Warrant Arrest – On Tuesday, April 21, 2015, at 3:48 a.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of 7-Eleven, located on the corner of Route 9 North and First Street in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 29-year-old Brittany Bodzak of Elwood Street in Forked River, on an outstanding Manchester Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $501. She was transported to police headquarters and processed. She was turned over to the custody of the Manchester Township Police Department.
• DUI (Arrest) – On Monday, April 20, 2015, at 7:44 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to Auto Zone, located at 319 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a report of an intoxicated male in the store. Upon Officer Keefe’s arrival, he learned that the intoxicated male left the store operating a motor vehicle. A description was provided and the male subject was soon located in the Lacey Mall Parking lot, 348 Route 9 North. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 37-year-old James Argros of Evergreen Street in Gardenville, Pennsylvania, for DUI. He was transported to the Berkeley Township Police Department for processing. He was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, Unregistered Vehicle, and Failing to Exhibit an Insurance Card. The vehicle James Argros was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
• Warrant Arrest – On Monday, April 20, 2015, at 3:52 p.m., Officer Darrell Nick conducted a traffic stop on Lake Barnegat Drive North near Steuben Avenue in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 52-year-old Morna Blumer-Vera of Williams Avenue in Forked River on an outstanding Atlantic City Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $71. Atlantic City Municipal Court provided Morna Blumer-Vera ROR and she was released pending a court date.
• Theft – On Monday, April 20, 2015, at 9:25 a.m., Officers Brian Holt and Darrell Nick responded to the 2400 block of Phillips Road in Forked River for a theft report. The victim reported that between Thursday, April 16, 2015, and Friday, April 17, 2015, an unknown person or persons stole several methadone and hydrocodone pills from her residence. There were no signs of improper entry and the theft is estimated at $150.
• Traffic Accident – On Sunday, April 19, 2015, at 3:31 p.m., Officer Michael Eden responded to W. Lacey Road near Spaulding Avenue for a report of a traffic accident involving a motorcyclist. A preliminary investigation revealed that the motorcycle operator, identified as 67-year-old Daniel F. Sinnott of 6^th Street in Barnegat, NJ was traveling east on Lacey Road when a dog ran from the wooded area located on the north side of Lacey Road and in front of the motorcycle. The motorcycle struck the dog causing the motorcycle to go down on its side. Daniel Sinnott suffered facial, shoulder, and back injuries and was transported by Medivac to Jersey Shore Medical Center in Neptune, NJ. Lacey Township EMS and Monoc Paramedics assisted at the scene. The dog did not survive the collision.
• Accidental Burn Injury (Medivac) – On Sunday, April 19, 2015, at 3:28 p.m. the Lacey Township Police Department responded to the Urgent Care, located at 539 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for a 14-month old child who suffered burns to his arms and chest. The child suffered accidental burns as a result of reaching for hot soup on the kitchen table at his residence in Forked River. The child’s parents immediately brought the child to the Urgent Care facility in Lanoka Harbor. The Lanoka Harbor First Aid Squad along with MONOC Paramedics responded to the scene and determined the burns were severe enough to fly the victim by Medivac to the Saint Barnabas Burn Center in Livingston, NJ. The helicopter transport was provided by Jeff-STAT medical transport out of Thomas Jefferson University Hospital.
• Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, April 19, 2015, at 12:04 a.m., Officer George Resetar conducted a traffic stop on the 300 block of Route 9 in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 25-year-old Evan J. Doran of Bayview Avenue in Bayville, NJ on an outstanding Lacey Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $500. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Evan J. Doran was released after posting bail. In addition, he received a traffic summons for driving with a suspended license.
• Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, April 18, 2015, at 11:21 p.m., Officer Dimitri Tsarnas conducted a traffic stop on Route 9 South and Lakeside Drive South in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 35-year-old Rebecca N. Carroll of Brookforest Drive South in Toms River on an outstanding Wall Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $104. She was transported to police headquarters and processed. Rebecca Carroll was released after posting bail. In addition, she received a traffic summons for driving with a suspended license.
• DUI (Arrest) – On Saturday, April 18, 2015, at 1:40 a.m., Officer Dimitri Tsarnas conducted a traffic stop on Route 9 near Game Farm Road in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 23-year-old Kevin Sheehy of Laurelwood Drive in Forked River, for DUI. Kevin Sheehy was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Following to Closely. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.
• Shoplifting (Arrest) – On Friday, April 17, 2015, at 4:48 p.m., Officer Elton Copes responded to the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, for an adult male shoplifter. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 28-year-old John Tufaro of Linden Street in Middletown, NJ for shoplifting merchandise valued at $15.46. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. John Tufaro was released after receiving a criminal summons for Shoplifting.
• Theft – On Thursday, April 16, 2015, at 11:44 a.m., Officer Jason Lee responded to the 900 block of Seagull Drive in Lanoka Harbor for a theft report. The complainant reported that between March 12, 2015, and April 16, 2015, an unknown person or persons entered the residence and stole approximately $1,000 in copper piping.
• Criminal Mischief – On Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at 5:44 p.m., Officer Elton Copes responded to the 400 block of Continental Street in Lanoka Harbor for a criminal mischief report. The victim reported that between 6:55 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., on April 15, 2015, an unknown person or persons keyed the driver’s side of her vehicle while it was parked in the Lacey Township High School parking lot. The damage is estimated at $500.
• Warrant Arrest – On Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at 4:16 p.m., Lieutenant Patrick Ganley conducted a traffic stop on the Garden State Parkway at the southbound exit to Forked River for a possible impaired driver. Officers Dimitri Tsarnas and Elton Copes responded to assist. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 22-year-old Karly Argenziano of Vermont Avenue in Toms River, on an outstanding Ocean Township (Waretown), NJ warrant in the amount of $150. She was transported to police headquarters. Karly Argenziano was released after posting full bail. The investigation into the possible impairment revealed that the driver was knowingly operating the vehicle after not adequately sleeping in the prior 48 hours and could not safely operate a vehicle. As such, she received a traffic summons for Reckless Driving.
• DUI and Warrant (Arrest) – On Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at 10:28 a.m., this agency received a call for an erratic driver who was just involved in a hit and run traffic accident. A description of the vehicle and the direction of travel were provided. A short time later, the vehicle was located on Brentwood Place in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 34-year-old Amanda Malinowski of Brentwood Place in Forked River, for DUI. In addition, she had two (2) outstanding Lacey Township Municipal Court warrants in the amount of $250 each. Amanda Malinowski was later released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, DUI with a Minor Passenger, Reckless Driving, Driving with a Suspended License, Unregistered Vehicle, and Uninsured Vehicle. The New Jersey State Police later responded to investigate the hit and run traffic accident that occurred on the Garden State Parkway Southbound Exit at Forked River.
• Shotgun Accident with Injury – On Tuesday, April 14, 2015, at 4:56 p.m., Officers Michael Eden and Noah Schaffer responded to Ground Swipers Rod and Gun Club, located at 1910 W. Lacey Road in Forked River, for a report of an injury sustained by a firearm. Upon arrival, Officers learned that the victim, 67-year-old Robert C. Bishop of Pennington, NJ, was discharging his shotgun on the member firing range when it malfunctioned. As a result of the malfunction, the shotgun broke into several pieces ultimately striking the victim and causing a moderate injury to his inner left arm. The victim was alert and conscious throughout the incident. Lacey Township EMS arrived on scene and transported the victim to Community Medical Center.