Weekly Police Blotter

Theft – On Sunday, March 29, 2015, at 11:16 a.m., Officer Evan Androcy responded to Cedar Drive in Lanoka Harbor for a theft report. The victim reported that during the past six months an unknown person or persons stole his yellow steel automobile ramps that were stored outside near his shed. The theft is estimated at $80.

DUI (Arrest) – On Sunday, March 29, 2015, at 1:15 a.m., Officer Scott Keefe conducted a traffic stop on Lakeside Drive near Station Drive in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 60-year-old Stephen Gabriel of Williams Avenue in Forked River, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters, processed, and issued traffic summonses for DUI, Refusal to Provide Breath Samples, Reckless Driving, and Speeding. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s law.

Warrant Arrest – On Friday, March 27, 2015, at 10:45 p.m., Sergeant Paul J. Sullivan, Jr., along with Officers Michael Verwey and Christopher Meyler responded to the 100 block of Driftwood Lane in Lanoka Harbor to serve a no-bail arrest warrant from the Jersey City Municipal Court. Upon arrival they met with the accused, identified as 22-year-old Salvatore Trusso of Driftwood Lane, who was arrested on the above warrant without incident. In addition, he was found to have a Hoboken Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $99. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Salvatore Trusso was turned over to the custody of the Jersey City Police Department.

Theft from a Vehicle – On Thursday, March 26, 2015, at 8:16 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to Retro Fitness located at 416 Route 9 South in Forked River for a theft. The victim reported that just prior to contacting this agency he exited Retro Fitness and observed that his vehicle has been burglarized while he was in the gym. Stolen from the vehicle was approximately $200 in cash. A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect(s) stole the victim’s car keys that were inside Retro Fitness and utilized those keys to enter the victim’s vehicle. The incident is under investigation.

Theft – On Thursday, March 26, 2015, at 9:07 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to Retro Fitness, located at 416 Route 9 South in Forked River for a theft. The victim reported that while exercising inside Retro Fitness that evening, an unknown person or persons cut the lock off his gym locker and stole his car keys and key fob valued at $100. The victim checked his vehicle and did not notice anything missing. It is unknown if the victim’s vehicle was actually entered. The incident is under investigation.

Warrant Arrest – On Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 8:15 p.m., Officer Jason Lee conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of 922 Lacey Road in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 28-year-old Kevin T. Kalin of Llewellyn Parkway in Forked River on an outstanding Ocean Township Municipal Court Warrant in the amount of $165. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Kevin Kalin was released after posting full bail.

DUI (Arrest) – On Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 10:20 a.m., Officers Frederick Anderson and Elton Copes responded to Wawa, located at 800 Lacey Road in Forked River, for a report of a suspicious person. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 50-year-old Denis Gullo of Laurel Boulevard in Lanoka Harbor for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters, processed, and issued traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Exhibit a Valid Insurance Card. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

Theft from a Vehicle – On Tuesday, March 24, 2015, at 8:13 p.m., Officer Jason Lee took a report of a theft from a vehicle parked at Retro Fitness, located at 416 Route 9 South in Forked River. The victim reported that between 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., on March 24, 2015, her vehicle was entered while it was in the Retro Fitness Parking Lot. The victim reported that her “Michael Kors” purse valued at $150, containing $100 in cash and numerous credit cards was stolen from her unlocked vehicle. The total theft is estimated at $250. The incident is under investigation.

Multiple Warrants (Arrest) – On Tuesday, March 24, 2015, at 5:34 p.m., Officer Dimitrios Tsarnas and Officer Jason Lee conducted a traffic stop in the parking lot of Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 South in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 22-year-old Joseph Mayo of Kent Road in Howell, NJ, on an outstanding Beachwood Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $114; Brick Township Municipal Court in the amount of $339; and a Howell Township Municipal Court in the amount of $239. Joseph Mayo was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, where he was processed and charged on motor vehicle summonses with Driving While Suspended, Unregistered Vehicle, and Driving without Insurance. Joseph Mayo was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail.

Criminal Mischief (Residence) – On Monday, March 16, 2015, at 1:44 p.m., Officer Kymberly Gudgeon responded to the 1000 block of Bowsprit Point in Lanoka Harbor for criminal mischief. The complainant reported that between March 12, 2015 and March 13, 2015, an unknown person or persons damaged a white, vinyl, porch railing estimated at $500.

DUI (Arrest) – On Monday, March 16, 2015, at 9:04 p.m., Officer Dimitrios Tsarnas and Officer Jason Lee responded to Caffrey’s Tavern located at 440 Route 9 South in Forked River in reference to a minor motor vehicle accident in the parking lot. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 58-year-old Wayne Grosjean of Forked River for DUI. Wayne Grosjean was transported to Lacey Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged with DUI, Reckless Driving, and Refusal to Submit Breath Samples. His vehicle was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

Theft – On Sunday, March 15, 2015, at 2058 hours, Officer Resetar responded to the 600 block of Laurel Boulevard in Lanoka Harbor for a theft. The complainant reported that between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on March 15, 2015, an unknown person or persons stole a 1991, Suzuki, RM 125 dirt bike from a trailer that was parked in the driveway. The dirt bike is valued at $1,000. The theft is under investigation.

Theft – On Saturday, March 14, 2015, at 12:29 p.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to the 1000 block of Devon Street in Forked River for a theft report. The victim reported that between 9:00 p.m. on March 13, 2015, and 11:30 a.m. on March 14, 2015, an unknown person or persons entered onto the property and stole several items from the side yard. The stolen items included a 1985, Honda, CR 250 dirt bike; a camo green Kawasaki quad; and two large gas cans with a total value of approximately $3,000. The dirt bike and one of the gas cans was later located in a wooded area near the location of the theft; however, the quad and second gas can are still missing. The incident is under investigation.

Shoplifting (Arrests) – On Saturday, March 14, 2015, at 6:50 p.m., Officers Jason Lee and Dimitrios Tsarnas responded to Walmart located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for two adult female shoplifters in custody. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 26-year-old Raquel Ragno of Third Avenue in Toms River, and 42-year-old Melanie Vitolo of 1^st Street in Toms River, NJ, for shoplifting merchandise valued at $955. They were both transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters and processed. Raquel Ragno and Melanie Vitolo were each charged on a criminal summons with shoplifting.

Utility Line Fire & Power Outage – On Saturday, March 14, 2015, at 2:46 p.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to the area of Route 9 South in front of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station for damaged wires and a transformer explosion. Investigation at the scene indicated that a large bird contacted the high voltage wires and caused power to travel down a metal pole attached to a utility pole. This caused the lower hanging cable wires to catch fire and melt the insulation along several hundred feet of wire. The fire caused one of the wires to break and to fall in the roadway. The Forked River Fire Department responded to the scene along with JCP&L who were able to shut down the power until it was repaired. Power was disrupted in the area.

Theft from a Boat – On Saturday, March 14, 2015, at 9:00 a.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to the 1400 block of Bullard Avenue in Forked River for a theft report. The complainant reported that between January 1, 2015 and March 11, 2015, an unknown person or persons stole his Garmin GPS unit valued at $150 from his dry-docked boat.

Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Thursday, March 12, 2015, at 5:24 p.m., Officers Michael Verwey and Brian Holt were on patrol in the area of the former Rella’s Restaurant located at 443 Route 9 South in Forked River when they observed two suspicious juveniles in the rear parking lot of the closed establishment. Investigation at the scene led to 16-year-old juveniles from Forked River being taken into custody for Possession of CDS. They were transported to police headquarters. Each was charged on juvenile complaints with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. They were later released to the custody of their parents.

Warrant Arrest and Receiving Stolen Property – On Tuesday, March 10, 2015, at 8:32 p.m., Officers Brian Holt, Michael Verwey, and Daniel Ricciardella responded to the 2700 block of Dover Road in Forked River to serve a Lakehurst Boro arrest warrant in the amount of $2,500. Upon arrival, the officers met with accused, 21-year-old Tyler Cook of Woodlark Road in Toms River. He was placed under arrest on the warrant in addition to an Ocean County Sheriff’s Department warrant in the amount of $1,108. After being arrested, Tyler Cook was found to be in possession of jewelry that had been reported stolen in Toms River, NJ. Tyler Cook was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged with the possession of the stolen property. Tyler Cook was turned over to the custody of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

Hindering Apprehension (Formal Charges) – On Wednesday, March 4, 2015, Officer Anthony Sarno furthered the investigation into the arrest of David Spinks, 826 Hazelton Avenue, Lanoka Harbor, and the parties who hindered his apprehension. The follow-up investigation led to the serving of a formal charge against 44-year-old Stephen Bassford of 15 Lancaster Court in Forked River. Stephen Bassford was charged with Hindering the Apprehension of David Spinks. The original incident occurred on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, when David Spinks fled from a vehicle being stopped by police on Hazelton Avenue in Lanoka Harbor. During the subsequent search of the area, it became apparent that residents in the area as well as others, including Stephen Bassford, were coordinating with David Spinks to hinder his immediate apprehension by police. Residents in the area are believed to have made false calls to 911 and police headquarters during the search with information specifically designed to lead officers away from the actual location of David Spinks. David Spinks was ultimately located in the presence of Stephen Bassford and others. On Thursday, March 5, 2015, 9:45 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno again furthered the investigation into the arrest of David Spinks from Hazelton Avenue in Lanoka Harbor and the parties who hindered his apprehension. This led to charges being signed against 22-year-old Michael Araneo, Jr. and 56-year-old Michael Araneo, both of Hazelton Avenue in Lanoka Harbor.  Michael Araneo, Jr. and Michael Araneo were each served with a criminal complaint for Hindering the Apprehension of David Spinks. The investigation is continuing into the false calls to 911 and police headquarters and additional charges will be filed against others found to be involved as appropriate. Additional Note: The original incident involved false information being quickly circulated on social media which caused significant public alarm and fear in the neighborhood. Information was falsely circulated that the police search in the area was for a man carrying a gun. At no time did the Lacey Township Police Department release public information that the man was armed. From its inception, the incident involved a resident of the area fleeing an impending arrest by officers on an outstanding warrant. No weapon was involved.

Warrant (Arrest) – On Saturday, March 7, 2015, 11:52 p.m., Officer Jason Lee and Officer Dimitrios Tsarnas conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 and Nautilus Blvd in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 49-year-old Roseanne Speciale of Western Boulevard in Lanoka Harbor, on an outstanding Ocean Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $150. Roseanne Speciale was transported to police headquarters, processed, and then released after posting bail.

Warrant (Arrest) – On Saturday, March 7, 2015, at 12:34 a.m., Officers Jason Lee and Dimitrios Tsarnas conducted a motor vehicle stop, on Route 9 and First Street in Forked River, for a stop sign violation.  Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of a passenger, 22-year-old Jacob Barney of 1250 Spruce Street in Forked River, NJ, for an outstanding warrant out of Lacey Township in the amount of $500.  Jacob Barney posted $500 bail on the warrant. Jacob Barney was also found to have an outstanding Ocean County Sheriff’s Department no bail warrant for his arrest. Jacob Barney was turned over to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

Ambulance Call – On Saturday, March 7, 2015, at 3:08 a.m., 26-year-old Robert Gilgunn of Freehold Road in Jackson, NJ contacted this agency to report that he helped an elderly female who was walking south on Route 9 in approximately 5 degree weather. Robert Gilgunn stated that he was leaving the Walmart, located at 580 Route 9 North, Lanoka Harbor, when he saw the woman walking down the roadway. The woman was grateful for his assistance and was provided shelter in his vehicle until the police arrived. It was determined that the 90-year-old woman was a resident of Spring Oak Assisted Living Facility and may have been outside for approximately 30-60 minutes. It is unlikely the woman would have survived the extremely cold conditions without assistance from Mr. Gilgunn. Due to the exposure she experienced in the extremely cold temperature, she was transported to Community Medical Center for treatment. A family member and Spring Oak Assisted Living were notified.

DUI (Arrest) – On Thursday, March 5, 2015, at 6:38 p.m., Officer John Simonson and Officer Christopher Meyler responded to the Wawa Parking Lot, located at 701 Route 9 N, Lanoka Harbor, for a motor vehicle accident. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 44-year-old Colleen Gerdes-Fairbanks of Pensacola Road in Forked River for DUI.  She was transported to police headquarters, processed, and charged on motor vehicle summonses with DUI, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, and Refusal to Submit to Breath Tests. The vehicle was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

DUI (Arrest) – On Thursday, March 5, 2015, at 2:56 p.m., Officers Daniel Ricciardella and Evan Androcy responded to the Wawa parking lot, located at 701 Route 9 N, Lanoka Harbor, for a man possibly impaired in his running motor vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 31-year-old Brian Dimaria of Bonair Drive in Brick, NJ, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters, processed, and charged on motor vehicle summonses with DUI and Reckless Driving. The vehicle was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

Warrant (Arrest) – On Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at 11:03 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to Lancaster Court in the Forked River section of the township in reference to serving an arrest warrant on 44-year-old Stephen Bassford of 15 Lancaster Court in Forked River. Stephen Bassford was located at that address and placed under arrest on the outstanding Jersey City Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $100. Stephen Bassford was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released after posting $100 bail.

Driving while Suspended (Arrest) – On Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at 2:01 p.m. Officer Evan Androcy conducted a motor vehicle stop of a backhoe traveling east on Pinta Way in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the operator, 29-year-old Jonathan Amato of Windward Drive in Forked River, NJ for Driving while Suspended. He was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters, processed, and charged on a criminal complaint with driving during a period of suspension.

Theft – On Wednesday, March 4, 2015, 1:12 p.m., Officer Patrick Watkins responded to police headquarters in reference to a report of theft. The victim reported that an unknown person or persons stole a package from the front porch of his residence located on the 500 block of Holmes Avenue in the Forked River section of the township during the evening of Thursday, February 26, 2015. UPS indicated that the package was delivered on February 26, 2015, at 5:18 p.m. and left on the front porch. The resident reported that he never received the package. The stolen item is described as steel scuba tank valued at $379.

Theft – On Wednesday, March 4, 2015, at 6:21 a.m., a resident responded to police headquarters to report a theft that reportedly occurred at her residence located on the 700 block of Amherst Road in Lanoka Harbor. The homeowner reported that between March 2, 2015 and March 4, 2015, an unknown person stole various items valued at approximately $1,682. The stolen items included gift cards and saving bonds.

DUI (Arrest) – On Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at 2:56 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella and Officer Evan Androcy responded to Route 9 and Second Street in Forked River in reference to a motor vehicle accident.  Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 59-year-old Joseph Zlotek of Maxim Drive in Lanoka Harbor for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Joseph Zlotek was served with traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Refusal to Submit to Breath Tests.  The vehicle was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

Warrant, Obstructing & Resisting (Arrest) – On Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at 8:55 p.m., officers received a report that 55-year-old David Spinks was wanted out of Toms River Township on an outstanding warrant for a Violation of a Restraining Order and Harassment. Officer Anthony Sarno responded to Hazelton Avenue in Lanoka Harbor, which was the last known address associated with David Spinks. Upon David Spinks observing Officer Sarno approaching, he exited a vehicle and fled on foot through his former yard, through other yards as well, then into a wooded area toward Sinclair Avenue. A search was initiated and two Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Units responded to assist in the search. During the continuing search efforts, the concern arose that David Spinks may have received assistance from other residents to either leave the area or find concealment. At 2:24 a.m., information was received that David Spinks may have received assistance from male subjects at a residence on Hazelton Avenue. Officer McKee and Sgt. Sullivan responded to the Hazelton Avenue residence to speak with three male subjects.  David Spinks was observed at the residence and again attempted to flee on foot. David Spinks was arrested, transported to police headquarters, processed, then committed to the Ocean County Correctional Facility with bail set at $5,000. David Spinks was charged with two counts of Violation of a TRO and one charge of Obstruction of Justice along with a charge of 4^th degree Resisting Arrest by Flight.

DUI (Arrest) – On Tuesday, March 3, 2015, at 6:40 a.m., Officers Scott Keefe and John McKee responded to the 1800 block of Lakeside Drive South in Forked River for a possible one-car motor vehicle accident. The caller reported the vehicle went off the road and entered into the woods. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 24-year-old Cory White of Camden Drive in Whiting, NJ, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Cory White was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI and Reckless Driving. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

Multiple Traffic Accidents – On Monday, March 2, 2015, at 6:34 a.m., Officers George Resetar and Adam Ewart responded to the area of W. Lacey Road near Penhook Road in Forked River for a report of a motor vehicle accident. During an approximate 15 minute period, three separate motor vehicle accidents occurred in this area on W. Lacey Road, all involving vehicles sliding on the icy roadway and going off of the road. There were no reported injuries; however, at least two vehicles involved were towed due to excessive damage.

Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, March 1, 2015, at 1:13 p.m., Officers Kymberly Gudgeon and Jeffrey Slota responded to the 500 block of Laurel Boulevard in Lanoka Harbor for a report of an assault. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 44-year-old Steven M. Gonzalez of Laurel Boulevard in Lanoka Harbor on two outstanding Ocean County Sheriff’s Department warrants totaling $85,088. Steven Gonzalez was transported to police headquarters, processed, then lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.

Shoplifting (Arrest) – On Saturday, February 28, 2015, at 11:34 a.m., Officers Frederick Anderson and Jason Lee responded to the Lacey Vision Eye Care Center located at 415 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for an intoxicated female. Upon arrival, the officers were advised by employees that the intoxicated female left the business and entered Salon Tre Chic. An investigation at the scene determined that the intoxicated female allegedly shoplifted $40.00 worth of merchandise from Salon Tre Chic prior to exiting. A description of the female suspect was provided and a search of the area was conducted. A short time later, the female suspect was located across the street at the Lacey McDonalds. She was identified as 29-year-old Viviana M. Hildum of Forepeak Drive in Forked River. Vivian Hildum was arrested for the above shoplifting and transported to police headquarters. She was processed and released after receiving a criminal summons for Shoplifting.

Warrant Arrest – On Friday, February 27, 2015, at 2:05 p.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota conducted a traffic stop on Oak Lane near Sunrise Boulevard in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 32-year-old Dequan A. Burgess of E. Front Street in Plainfield, NJ, on an outstanding Irvington Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $300. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Dequan Burgess was released after receiving an ROR from Irvington Municipal Court. He was issued motor vehicle summonses for a cell phone violation and for improperly operating a motor vehicle without a required interlock device.

Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Thursday, February 26, 2015, at 11:37 a.m., Officers Frederick Anderson and Jason Lee conducted a traffic stop on Route 9 South near Hollywood Boulevard in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 20-year-old Christopher J. Crincoli of Skimmer Court in Forked River, for possession of Marijuana. He was transported to police headquarters, processed, and charged with Possession of Marijuana. In addition, he received a traffic summons. Officers Anderson and Lee were assisted by the Lacey Township Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 Unit.

Warrant, Drug Possession and Theft (Arrest) – On Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at 3:31 p.m., Officers Michael Eden and Evan Androcy responded to Mainsail Court in Forked River for a dispute. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 20-year-old William P. Schick, 3^rd of Mainsail Court in Forked River, on an outstanding Lacey Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $1,000 and an Ocean Township (Waretown) Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $350. Upon arrest, he was found to be in possession of a hypodermic syringe containing heroin. William P. Schick, 3^rd was transported to police headquarters and processed. William P. Schick, 3^rd was charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe. His bail for these offenses was set by the court at $10,000. William Schick, 3^rd was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.

Warrant Arrest – On Tuesday, February 24, 2015, at 4:31 p.m., Officers Daniel Ricciardella and Scott Keefe responded to Portsmouth Drive in Forked River to serve two arrest warrants. Upon arrival, Officers met with 25-year-old Kyle A. Conroy of Bullard Avenue in Forked River. Kyle Conroy was arrested on two Lacey Township warrants totaling $838. Kyle Conroy was transported to police headquarters, processed, and lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.

Warrant Arrests – On Tuesday, February 24, 2015, at 6:56 p.m., Officer John McKee responded to police headquarters for a report of threats. During the course of the threat investigation, Officer McKee learned that the suspect, 35-year-old Michael Myers of Mill Road in Egg Harbor, NJ, had two outstanding warrants for his arrest. Warrant number one (1) was issued by the Toms River Municipal Court in the amount of $200 and warrant number two (2) was issued by the Atlantic City Municipal Court in the amount of $350. Officers McKee and Brian Holt arrested Michael Myers on the above warrants and lodged him in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of bail.