Weekly Police Blotter

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release

November 5^th, 2014 thru November 10^th, 2014

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• Hit and Run Motor Vehicle Accident with Struck Pedestrian – On Sunday, November 9, 2014, at 1:38 a.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to the parking lot of Caffrey’s Tavern located at 440 Route 9 South in Forked River for a hit and run motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian. The preliminary investigation revealed that the hit and run vehicle was seen backing into and striking an unoccupied vehicle in the parking lot and then started to leave. A pedestrian in the parking lot witnessed the accident and attempted to stop the hit and run vehicle from leaving at which point the pedestrian was reportedly struck, suffering minor injuries. The driver of the hit and run vehicle did not stop to check on the pedestrian and instead fled. The vehicle is described as a black, 2000, Cadillac Eldorado with New York Registration GTS4740. The accident is presently under investigation. Anyone with any information on the vehicle and/or the driver is asked to contact Officer Scott Keefe at that Lacey Township Police Department at 609-693-6636 or submit an anonymous tip through the police department website at www.laceypd.org/crime-tips/.

• Criminal Mischief (Residence) – On Monday, November 10, 2014, at 10:37 a.m., the owner of a home on the 800 block of Rogers Street in Lanoka Harbor reported criminal mischief. The complainant stated that between February 2014 and November 2014, an unknown person or persons spray-painted graffiti on the rear of her shed located in the backyard. The cost to cover the graffiti is estimated at $100.

• Theft and Drug Possession – On Sunday, November 9, 2014, at 12:38 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to police headquarters for a theft report. The complainant reported that $100 was stolen from his wallet while at his residence and provided the name of a suspect. A short time later Officer Sarno responded to the 900 block of Meadowlark Drive in Lanoka Harbor and met with the resident, 19-year-old Jennifer Minniti. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Jennifer Minniti for Possession of Heroin, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Hypodermic Needles, and for the Theft.

• Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, November 8, 2014, at 10:51 p.m., Officer Robert Flynn conducted a traffic stop on Route 9 near Liberty Way in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 47-year-old Nicholas Velardi of Longport Avenue in Bayville, NJ, on an outstanding Beachwood Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $240. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Nicholas Velardi was released after posting bail. In addition, he was issued a traffic summons for driving while suspended.

• Theft from a Residence – On Saturday, November 8, 2014, at 3:13 p.m., Officer John Cernek responded to police headquarters for a theft report. The victim stated that between November 2, 2014, and November 7, 2014, an unknown person or persons stole both her wedding and engagement rings with a total value of $7,200 from her residence on the 1200 block of Plover Court in Forked River. The incident is under investigation.

• Criminal Mischief (Business) – On Saturday, November 8, 2014, at 9:57 a.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to Sleepy’s located at 348 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a criminal mischief report. The complainant reported that just prior to contacting this agency an unknown person or persons threw a rock at one of the store windows from the parking lot breaking the outer pane of glass. The damage is valued at $400.

• Warrant Arrest – On Thursday, November 6, 2014, at 9:25 p.m., Officer Adam Ewart was patrolling the Laurel Boulevard beach area when he observed a suspicious vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 27-year-old Michael E. Pauciello of Laurel Boulevard in Lanoka Harbor on an outstanding Toms River Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $778. Michael E. Pauciello was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released after posting bail.

• Theft from a Yard – On Thursday, November 6, 2014, at 1:31 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to the 500 block of Brentwood Road in Forked River for a theft report. The complainant reported that within the prior week an unknown person or persons entered her fenced-in backyard and stole her above ground pool air-flow pump valued at $400.

• Hit and Run Motor Vehicle Accident and Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, November 2, 2014, at 2:03 p.m., Officer Michael Eden responded to Lakeside Drive East in Forked River for a report of a hit and run motor vehicle accident. The investigation revealed that 34-year-old John J. Platt from Woodlawn Drive in Forked River was traveling west on Lakeside Drive East when he lost control of the vehicle ultimately striking a telephone pole, a sign, and a tree. John Platt then fled the scene. However, he left behind the vehicle’s front bumper with the license plate still attached which was ultimately used to help identify him. During the investigation, an Ocean Township (Waretown) warrant in the amount of $1,000 was located for his arrest. A short time later, officers responded to the 400 block of Woodlawn Drive in an attempt to locate John Platt and serve the arrest warrant. Just prior to arrival John Platt fled the residence on foot. A search was conducted; however, John Platt was not located. During the investigation, it was determined that John Platt was in violation of a separate court order and a warrant in the amount of $2,500 was issued for his arrest from the Lacey Township Municipal Court. On Wednesday, November 5, 2014, at 11:21 p.m., John Platt was taken into custody at the Lacey Township Police Department on the above two warrants. In addition, he was issued traffic summonses for Driving while Suspended, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident, and Failure to Report a Motor Vehicle Accident. John Platt was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail.

• Criminal Mischief (Auto) – On Wednesday, November 5, 2014, at 6:17 p.m., Officer Michael Eden responded to Orlando Circle in Forked River for a criminal mischief report. The complainant reported that just prior to contacting this agency, he was traveling eastbound on Beach Boulevard in the area of Palm Beach Drive when an unknown person threw a rock at the passenger side rear window of his vehicle shattering it. The cost to replace the window is estimated at $150. The area was checked for a suspect with negative results.

• Warrant Arrest – On Wednesday, November 5, 2014 at 2:53 p.m., Lieutenant Christopher Kenny, along with Special Officers Stephen DeRosa and Michael Hutman responded to the 7-11 Store located on Route 9 in Forked River for a report related to the possible use of illegal drugs. During the investigation, officers observed 25-year-old Shannon Augustino of Lake Barnegat Drive in Forked River acting suspicious and attempting to leave the area. A no-bail warrant issued from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office was located. Shannon Augustino was arrested on the warrant and lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release

October 28^th, 2014 thru November 4^th, 2014

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• Possession of CDS with Intent to Distribute in a Park – On November 3, 2014, at 10:13 p.m., Officers Michael Verwey and Robert Duffy responded to Eno’s Park located at 330 E. Lacey Road in Forked River for a suspicious incident. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of five male subjects, which included one adult male and four juvenile males. The charges are as follows; a 17-year-old juvenile male from Forked River was charged on a juvenile complaint with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute in a Public Park, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Trespassing. A 16-year-old juvenile male from Forked River was charged on a juvenile complaint with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Trespassing. Another 16-year-old juvenile male from Lanoka Harbor and a 17-year-old juvenile male from Forked River were both charged on a juvenile complaint with trespassing. All the juveniles were released to adult family members. An 18-year-old male from Forked River who was present in the park with the group was released after being served with a complaint summons for being in the park after it was closed.

• Burglary of a Residence – On Tuesday, November 4, 2014, during the late night/early morning hours, an unknown person or persons entered a residence on Wickford Lane in Lanoka Harbor (Laurel Boulevard area) and stole various items of value. The unknown subject(s) used a large yard stone to break the glass on a sliding door to gain entry to the home which was unoccupied during the overnight hours. The responding officers called detectives to the scene along with the Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department. Several leads are being pursued as part of the continuing investigation. The local property association was proactive in immediately disseminating an email to the residents down the end of Laurel Boulevard and several leads were gained quickly as a result. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Lacey Township Police Department at 609.693.6636 or utilize the anonymous “Crime Tips” section of the police department website at www.LaceyPD.org/Crime-Tips/.

• DUI with Accident – On Monday, November 3, 2014, at 1:00 p.m., Officer Michael Eden responded to Old Shore Road in Forked River for a complaint of an intoxicated male operating a vehicle. A description of the vehicle and a license plate were provided. Upon arrival, Officer Eden observed the above vehicle backing into a parked car. The vehicle was immediately stopped and investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 63-year-old Louis S. Fudali of Fairfield Road in Toms River, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed then released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Improper Backing. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, November 1, 2014, at 1:07 a.m., Officer Evan Androcy conducted a traffic stop on Oak Street near Route 9 South in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 21-year-old Joseph T. Plaschke of Forked River on an outstanding warrant. The warrant was issued from the Robbinsville Municipal Court in the amount of $300. Joseph Plaschke was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released after posting bail and receiving a traffic summons for speeding.

• Underage Consumption of Alcohol and Providing Alcohol to Underage Persons – On Friday, October 31, 2014, at 10:40 p.m., the Lacey Township Police Department responded to 3 Hilltop Court in Lanoka Harbor for a loud party complaint. As a result of the investigation, 25-year-old Kristen Kell, formerly of Dunn Avenue in Piscataway, NJ, was issued a complaint-summons for Creating a Disturbance and for Providing Alcohol to Underage Persons. In addition, 20-year-old Jesse Baginski of Coolidge Avenue in Bayville, NJ, was issued a complaint-summons for Underage Consumption of Alcohol in a Private Residence. Furthermore, a 17-year-old female from Forked River was taken into custody for Underage Consumption of Alcohol. She was transported to her residence and released to her parent. She was charged on a juvenile complaint with Underage Consumption on Alcohol. This incident was preceded by a similar incident the week prior as listed at www.laceypd.org/weekly-police-blotter-lacey-township-police-blotter-october-22nd-thru-27th-2014/.

• Warrant Arrest, Hindering Apprehension, and Obstructing – On Friday, October 31, 2014, at 11:28 a.m., Officers Daniel Ricciardella and Anthony Sarno were attempting to identify a male subject and serve an arrest warrant in the parking lot of Applebee’s located at 404 Route 9 South in Forked River. During the investigation, 31-year-old Dorian Knorr of Seabright Road in Forked River provided a false name to officers in an attempt to conceal his identity. During the investigation, he was positively identified. Dorian Knorr then fled the parking lot on a bicycle but was apprehended by the officers and arrested on the outstanding warrant. The warrant was issued from the Lacey Township Municipal Court in the amount of $500. Dorian Knorr was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was charged with Hindering his own Apprehension and Obstructing the Administration of Law with bail set at $2,500. Dorian Knorr was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail.

• Criminal Mischief (Township Property) – On Friday, October 31, 2014, at 1:55 a.m., Officer Darrell Nick was patrolling Gille Park, 56 Manchester Avenue in Forked River, when he observed damage to the skate park. During the overnight hours of October 30, 2014 into October 31, 2014, an unknown person or persons removed a horizontal rail from its attachment at the posts located at the southwest corner of the skate park fence. The damage is estimated at $50.

• Warrant Arrest – On Wednesday, October 29, 2014, at 6:22 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to Burger King located at 346 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a report of an intoxicated male subject. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 38-year-old Timothy Wieczezak of High Street in Orange, NJ, on two (2) outstanding warrants. Warrant number one (1) was a no-bail warrant issued from the Essex County Sheriff’s Department and warrant number two (2) was issued from the Belleville Township Municipal Court in the amount of $450. Timothy Wieczezak was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

• Shoplifting (Arrest) – On Tuesday, October 28, 2014, at 1:44 p.m., Officers Frederick Anderson and Keith Pearce responded to Walmart located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for an adult female shoplifter who fled the scene. Loss Prevention reported that the female shoplifted items and when they approached her she fled the store on foot. Officer Anderson located the adult female hiding in a wooded area located directly behind the Walmart. The female was identified as 28-year-old Kristy M. Perez of Station Road in Bayville, NJ. Investigation at the scene led to her arrest for shoplifting merchandise valued at $32.91. Kristy Perez was transported to police headquarters and processed. She was later released after receiving a criminal summons for shoplifting.

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release

October 22^nd, 2014 thru October 27^th, 2014

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• DUI (Arrest) – On Monday, October 27, 2014, at 10:59 p.m., Officer Evan Androcy conducted a traffic stop on Lacey Road near Penn Avenue North in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 36-year-old Jason Mangan of Marquis Street in Toms River, NJ, 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 Jason Mangan was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Theft – On Tuesday, October 28, 2014, at 1:08 a.m., Officer Evan Androcy received a report of a theft that was alleged to have occurred at a residence on the 500 block of Conifer Drive in Forked River. The victim reported that during the evening hours of Monday, October 27, 2014, he was visiting a friend on Conifer Drive when his ring valued at $260 went missing. The victim believes the ring was stolen from his possession while at the residence. The victim has identified a suspect and the matter is under investigation.

• Shoplifting and Warrant (Arrest) – On Monday, October 27, 2014, at 4:02 p.m., Officers George Resetar and John Simonson responded to Walmart located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a male shoplifter in custody. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 33-year-old Dana J. Kutassy of Cabot Street in Forked River for shoplifting merchandise valued at $ 106.54. In addition, Dana Kutassy was found to have an outstanding no-bail arrest warrant from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department. Dana Kutassy was transported to police headquarters and processed. Dana Kutassy was charged with shoplifting with bail set in the amount of $5,000. He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in lieu of both his $5,000 bail and Ocean County Sheriff’s Department no-bail warrant.

• Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, October 26, 2014, at 2:07 a.m., Officer Michael Verwey conducted a traffic stop on Lacey Road near Holmes Avenue North in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as 26-year-old Darnell T. Braggs of Penn Place in Forked River, on two outstanding warrants. Warrant number one (1) was issued by the Manchester Township Municipal Court in the amount of $503 and warrant number two (2) was issued by the Toms River Municipal Court in the amount of $350. Darnell Braggs was transported to police headquarters and processed. He was turned over to the custody of the Manchester Township Police Department. Darnell Braggs was issued traffic summonses for Failure to Maintain Lane and Driving with a Suspended Driver’s License.

• Vehicular Homicide (Arrest) – On Thursday, September 18, 2014, at 6:02 a.m., Officers George Resetar and Michael Eden responded to Route 539, mile marker 16, for a two-car head-on motor vehicle accident. The accident was determined to be a fatal crash. The Lacey Township Police Department’s Fatal Accident Support Team, along with the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Criminalistics Investigation Unit (CIU) responded. The deceased was identified as 54-year-old Suzanne Kessler of Whiting, New Jersey. Suzanne Kessler was traveling in the southbound lane of Route 539 when her Chevy Cavalier was struck by a Cadillac Deville being operated by 27-year-old Kenneth M. Busardo of 12 Nantucket Avenue in Barnegat, NJ. Kenneth M. Busardo was traveling northbound on Route 539 when his car travelled into the sound bound lane striking Suzanne Kessler’s vehicle. Kenneth M. Busardo received minor injuries in the crash and refused medical treatment. Kenneth M. Busardo was transported to Southern Ocean County Hospital by investigating officers to have his blood drawn for analysis as part of the investigation into the cause of the fatal accident. There were no other occupants in either vehicle. On Saturday, October 25, 2014, after the completion of a follow-up investigation, Officer George Resetar signed a criminal complaint charging 27-year-old Kenneth M. Busardo of Barnegat, NJ, with the 2nd Degree crime of Vehicular Homicide as well as the associated motor vehicle violations. Impairment due to the use of Heroin served as the basis for motor vehicle charges of DUI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain a Lane as well as the 2nd Degree criminal charge of Vehicular Homicide. At 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2014, Officer Resetar arrested Kenneth M. Busardo at his residence in Barnegat and after completing the necessary processing at Lacey Township Police Headquarters, Kenneth M. Busardo was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility with bail set at $250,000.

• Theft –On Saturday, October 25, 2014, at 11:45 p.m., Officer Dimitri Tsarnas responded to the 800 block of Buena Vista Road in Forked River for a theft. The victim reported that between the morning hours and 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2014, an unknown person or persons stole his medication consisting of several Oxycodone pills. The victim reported that during the hours of the theft, he had people inside his home whom he invited over. The theft is estimated at $150. The investigation is ongoing.

• Structure Fire (Residence) – On Saturday, October 25, 2014, at 2:23 p.m., the Lacey Township Police Department received a 911 call reporting a residential structure fire on the 2000 block of Crestwood Drive in Forked River with possible entrapment. Sergeant Vincent Meehan along with Officers Michael Eden and Keith Pearce responded. Upon their arrival, flames were seen coming from the west side of the residence. Officers made forced entry into the residence and determined that there was no one inside. The Forked River Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the blaze. One of the original callers, an adult female, suffered smoke inhalation and was treated at the scene by the Lacey Township EMS. The Ocean County Fire Marshal responded to investigate.

• Possession of CDS, Obstructing the Administration of Law, and Warrant (Arrest) – On Saturday, October 25, 2014, at 4:53 a.m., Officers Charles May and John McKee responded to the 400 block of Woodlawn Drive in Forked River for report of an assault. As a result, 34-year-old John J. Platt was arrested. Additionally, a Barnegat Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $500 was located for his arrest. Upon arrest, John Platt was also found to be in possession of Marijuana. John Platt was transported to police headquarters, processed, and charged with Threats, Assault, Obstructing the Administration of Law, and Possession of Marijuana. John Platt was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in lieu of bail set at $10,000. He was also lodged on the Barnegat Township warrant.

• Underage Possession/Consumption of Alcohol – On Saturday, October 25, 2014, at 12:31 a.m., Officers Scott Keefe, Charles May, and John McKee responded to Hill Top Court in Lanoka Harbor for complaints of a loud party at 3 Hill Top Court. As a result, the new resident, 20-year-old Joaquim Narciso formerly of Parkway Boulevard in South Toms River, was issued a complaint summons for loud music. He had already been provided with a warning earlier in the evening as a result of neighborhood complaints. In addition, Joaquim Narciso received a complaint summons for Underage Consumption of Alcohol.

• Shoplifting (Arrest) – On Friday, October 24, 2014, at 4:06 p.m., Officers Scott Keefe and Kymberly Gudgeon responded to Walmart located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for a male shoplifter in custody. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 18-year-old Connor R. Fitzpatrick of Yorktown Drive in Forked River for shoplifting merchandise with a total value of $20.18. Additionally, it was determined that he had also was involved in a prior shoplifting incident October 14, 2014. Connor R. Fitzpatrick was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released after receiving a criminal summons for each shoplifting incident.

• Dispute and Underage Consumption of Alcohol (Formal Charge) – On Friday, October 24, 2014, at 11:56 p.m., Officers Adam Ewart and John McKee responded to the area of Joffre Road and Ewart Road in Forked River for a report of two people having a dispute. Investigation at the scene led to a 17-year-old juvenile female from Brookdale Park Drive in Forked River being taken into custody for Underage Consumption of Alcohol. The juvenile female was transported to police headquarters and released to her parent after being charged on a juvenile complaint with the Underage Consumption of Alcohol.

• DUI with Accident – On Friday, October 24, 2014, at 2:34 a.m., Officer Adam Ewart responded to the 600 block of Sunrise Boulevard in Forked River for a report of a traffic accident. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 22-year-old Sarah N. Leary of Tiller Drive in Forked River for DUI. Sarah Leary was traveling eastbound on Sunrise Boulevard when she failed to maintain her lane of travel and struck four parked vehicles. Sarah Leary was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle Sarah Leary was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Criminal Attempt Burglary (Residence) –On Wednesday, October 22, 2014, at 5:21 p.m., Lieutenant Christopher Kenny responded to Sunset Drive in Forked River for an attempted burglary. The complainant stated that between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2014, an unknown person or persons attempted to force entry into the rear of the residence while the residence was unoccupied. Although the rear door was partially forced open, it does not appear access was gained. The incident is under investigation.

• Warrant Arrest – On Wednesday, October 22, 2014, at 5:15 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to the 400 block of Bay Way in Lanoka Harbor for a suspicious person. While at the residence, 52 year-old James Cort of Olds Street in Forked River was arrested on an outstanding Lacey Township Municipal Court warrant in the amount of $500. In addition, 35-year-old Shawn Wrazen of Bay Way in Forked River was also arrested on an outstanding Lacey Township Warrant in the amount of $500. James Cort was later lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility; Shawn Wrazen was released ROR by the court.

• Theft (Township Property) – On Wednesday, October 22, 2014, at 9:20 a.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to the Lacey Township Department of Public Works recycling yard in regard to a theft. The complainant reported that at approximately 7:52 a.m. on October 22, 2014, a male subject stole a battery valued at $20. Officer Sarno conducted an investigation and identified the accused as 32-year-old Charles F. Steffins of Oregon Avenue in Waretown, NJ. Officer Sarno made contact with him and issued him a complaint summons for one count of theft.

• Shoplifting (Formal Charge) – On Tuesday, October 21, 2014, at 11:09 a.m., Officer Kymberly Gudgeon responded to the Wawa located at 800 Lacey Road in Forked River for a report of a male shoplifter who fled the store in a vehicle after taking a sandwich without paying for it. The investigation led to the identification of the accused, identified as 38-year-old Christopher D. Campbell of Russel Smith Road in Lawrenceville, NJ. Officer Gudgeon prepared and forwarded a complaint summons charging Christopher D. Campbell with one count of Shoplifting. Officer Gudgeon was unable to make contact with the accused.