Weekly Police Blotter

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release

August 19^th, thru August 25^th, 2014

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• Theft from a Vehicle – On Monday, August 25, 2014, at 8:06 a.m., Officer John D. Simonson responded to headquarters for a theft report. The victim reported that on the morning of August 22, 2014, his unlocked vehicle was entered while it was parked in the parking lot of Manhatten Bagel, located at 336 Lacey Road in Forked River. Stolen from the vehicle was a handicapped placard valued at $5.

• Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, August 24, 2014, at 11:38 p.m., Officer Dimitrios Tsarnas conducted a motor vehicle stop of a subject believed to have an active warrant. Officer Tsarnas confirmed that the driver, 33-year-old Jesse Betterly of West Water Street in Barnegat, NJ, had an active $100 traffic warrant out of Toms River Township Municipal Court. Jesse Betterly was placed under arrest and transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and released after posting full bail.

• Shoplifting (Arrest) – On Sunday, August 24, 2014, at 11:32 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer responded to the Walmart located at 580 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor for an adult male shoplifter in custody. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 38-year-old Christopher D. Campbell of Russell Smith Road in Lawrenceville, NJ, for shoplifting merchandise with a total value of $46.35. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Christopher Campbell was released after receiving a criminal summons for shoplifting.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Sunday, August 24, 2014, at 12:27 a.m., Officer Michael Verwey conducted a traffic stop on Eagleswood Avenue near Alpine Street in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, identified as Monserik E. Honningsvaag, for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Monserik Honningsvaag was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, August 23, 2014, at 1:36 a.m., Officer George Resetar was on patrol when he stopped a driver for careless driving on Nautilus Boulevard near Juniper Lane in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 29-year-old Crystal Klein of Nautilus Boulevard, Forked River, NJ, on a $35,000 Ocean County Sheriff’s Department failure to appear warrant. Crystal Klein was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.

• Underage Consumption of Alcohol (Juvenile) – On Saturday, August 23, 2014, at 1:16 a.m., Officer Michael Verwey and Officer Dimitrios Tsarnas responded to Bud Mezera Park in reference to a call from a resident expressing concern regarding juveniles in the park after closing. Upon arrival, the officers located three juveniles inside the park who were attempting to flee the area. All three juveniles had the odor of alcoholic beverages emanating from their breath and all three juveniles exhibited signs of intoxication. They were also found in possession of a 1.75L bottle of Smirnoff Vodka. The juveniles were taken into custody and turned over to their parents. All three juveniles were charged with underage consumption of alcoholic beverages on juvenile complaints.

• Fraud – On Friday, August 22, 2014, at 6:08 a.m., Officer John Simonson responded to Wawa, 701 Route 9, Lanoka Harbor, NJ, in reference to a fraud. The manager reported that at approximately 4:15 a.m., the store received a call from an individual identifying himself as a Wawa Security Specialist. He requested that an employee remove the “Reload It” phone cards and scratch off the rear of each card to reveal the security code. The employee believed that Wawa Corporate needed to clear the store shelf of the phone cards and wanted to void them by getting the account information from each card. A total of (20) twenty transactions were completed for a total value of $1,000.

• Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Thursday, August 21, 2014, at 11:57 p.m. Officers Michael Verwey and Dimitrios Tsarnas conducted a traffic stop on Lakeside Drive South and Taylor Lane in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the vehicle’s passenger, identified as 29-year-old Steven R. Larocco of Hillwood Road in Forked River, for Possession of Marijuana. He was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released after receiving a criminal summons for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The vehicle’s driver received traffic summonses for CDS in a motor vehicle and for Maintenance of Lamps and was released at the scene.

• DUI and Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Thursday, August 21, 2014, at 11:27 p.m., Officers George Resetar and Robert Flynn conducted a traffic stop on Falkenburg Avenue and Lakeside Drive in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 32-year-old James Davenport of Lakeside Drive North in Forked River for DUI and Possession of Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia. James Davenport was transported to police headquarters where he was processed then released after receiving a criminal summons for Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In addition, he received traffic summonses for DUI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane. The vehicle James Davenport was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Warrant Arrest – On Thursday, August 21, 2104, at 5:49 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to the 1400 block of Earie Way in reference to a theft. The caller reported that 23-year-old Ryan Territo of Poplar Street in Waretown admitted to stealing $20 from her pocketbook when he stopped over her residence earlier in the day. Ryan Territo was later located at a Beverly Road residence in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Ryan Territo on an Ocean County Sheriff’s Department no bail probation warrant for Controlled Dangerous Substance violations. Ryan Territo was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

• Burglary and Theft (Residence) – On Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at 4:48 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to the 800 block of Harrison Avenue in Forked River for a burglary report. The victim stated that between the hours of 10:30 a.m. and 2:20 p.m. on August 20, 2014, an unknown person or persons entered the residence and stole a box safe containing cash and jewelry estimated at $7,000. There were no signs of forced entry. Detective Alan Abrecht of the Lacey Township Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Criminalistics Investigation Unit responded to the scene. The investigation is on-going.

• Theft and Criminal Mischief – On Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at 12:53 p.m., Officer Kymberly Gudgeon responded to 820 Municipal Lane for a report of a theft of copper. The complainant reported that between May 28, 2014, and August 20, 2014, an unknown person or persons stole the copper ground bars from the exterior of the AT&T cell phone tower building and the tower itself. The total theft and damage is estimated at $1,800.

• Warrant Arrest – On Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 9:49 p.m., Officer Adam Ewart conducted a motor vehicle stop for speed at the intersection of Parkers Point Boulevard and Admiral Road in Forked River. The driver, 34-year-old John Platt of Frenchtown, NJ, was issued summonses for speed and driving with a suspended driver’s license.  An active $200 Camden City Municipal Court arrest warrant was located for John Platt. John Platt was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters.  The Camden City Court Administrator released John Platt on his own recognizance. He is awaiting a new court date.

• Shoplifting (Arrest) – On Wednesday, August 20, 2014, at 1:52 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to the 7-11 store, 524 Lacey Road, Forked River, in reference to shoplifting. A store employee reported that 24-year-old Melissa Loenhert of Alpine Street in Forked River attempted to conceal two “5-hour energy” drinks and then leave the store without paying for them. The value of the merchandise was $7. Melissa Loenhert was placed under arrest and transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where she was processed and charged on a criminal summons with shoplifting. A $500 Ocean Gate Municipal Court warrant was located for Melissa Loenhert. Melissa Loenhert was unable to post bail and was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at 4:22 p.m. Sergeant Paul Sullivan, Jr., and Officer Scott Keefe responded to Rick’s Marina located at 222 Marine Plaza in Forked River for an intoxicated male subject. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 22-year-old Daniel Candeletti of Continental Street in Forked River for DUI. He was transported to police headquarters and processed. Daniel Candeletti was released after receiving traffic summonses for DUI, Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing, and Reckless Driving. The vehicle he was operating was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

• Criminal Mischief (residence) – On Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at 9:07 a.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to the 1400 block of Edgemere Avenue in Forked River for a report of criminal mischief. The complainant reported that between 11:00 p.m. on August 18, 2014, and 8:30 a.m. on August 19, 2014, an unknown person or persons threw an unknown object at the front window causing a one-inch hole. The damage is estimated at $200.

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release

August 11^th, thru August 18^th, 2014

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• Warrant Arrest & Unlawful Possession of a Weapon – On Monday, August 11, 2014, at 8:48 p.m., Officer Peter Donahue stopped 39-year-old Pasquale Delgiudice of 728 Oak Road in Lanoka Harbor, NJ, near the Laurel Boulevard for improper behavior. During that incident, Pasquale Delgiudice provided false information including a false name to Officer Donahue. Officer Donahue discovered that the information was false after the stop had been concluded and the suspect left the area. It was then discovered that Pasquale Delgiudice had several active warrants for his arrest. On Tuesday, August 12, 2014, Officer Donahue then observed the suspect riding a bicycle on Laurel Boulevard and stopped him in the parking lot of Wawa, located at 701 Route 9 in Lanoka Harbor. Officer Donahue placed Pasquale Delgiudice under arrest for the outstanding warrants and for hindering his own apprehension by previously providing false information to Officer Donahue. Pasquale Delgiudice was found in possession of a handgun that he had hidden in his shorts. Inspection of the handgun revealed that the weapon was a pellet gun. Pasquale Delgiudice was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged with hindering his own apprehension and unlawful possession of a weapon. Further investigation did not reveal Pasquale Delgiudice’s intentions or reasons for possessing the concealed weapon. Pasquale was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of $12,914.87 bail on a Non-support Ocean County Sheriff’s Warrant; a $10,000 Distribution of CDS Warrant; a $2,128 Lakewood Township Municipal Court traffic warrant; a $953 Folsom Boro Municipal Court traffic warrant; a $500 Galloway Township Municipal Court traffic warrant; and a $250 Barnegat Township contempt warrant.

• Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Sunday, August 17, 2014, at 10:10 a.m., Officer John Simonson responded to the parking lot of JT’s Bagel Hut in reference to a call from a citizen of possible drug activity. The caller reported that a male subject was sitting in a green-colored Hyundai Elantra and was believed to be actively using drugs. Officer John Simonson and Officer Michael Eden located the vehicle and approached the occupant of the vehicle who was identified as 27-year-old Joel Perlstein of 1210 Orlando Drive in Forked River. As they approached the vehicle, Joel Perlstein attempted to conceal items, which were later identified as a hypodermic syringe, a metal spoon, and wax folds. Joel Perlstein was placed under arrest and transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged with possession of a Heroin, possession of a hypodermic syringe, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He is awaiting a future court date.

• Criminal Mischief (Vehicle) – On Sunday, August 17, 2014, at 10:28 p.m., Officer Frederick Anderson responded to the 600 block of Windsor Street in Forked River in reference to criminal mischief. The homeowner reported that between 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 16, 2014, and 10:30 a.m., on Sunday, August 17, 2014, an unknown person or persons smashed out the front driver side window of a car which belongs to visitor of the home. The vehicle was parked in the street in front of the residence during the incident the damage is estimated at $250.

• Criminal Mischief (Vehicle) – On Sunday, August 17, 2014, at 10:36 a.m., Officer Frederick Anderson responded to the 1200 block of Taylor Lane in Forked River for a report of criminal mischief to a vehicle. The owner reported that between 1:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 17, 2014, an unknown person or persons smashed out the rear window to his vehicle. The vehicle was parked in the driveway of the residence during the incident. The damage is estimated at $600.

• DUI & Drug Possession (Arrest) – On Saturday, August 16, 2014, at 9:48 p.m., Officer George Resetar was on patrol when he observed two vehicles stopped on the eastbound shoulder of Laurel Boulevard near Briar Road. Upon checking on the vehicles, Officer Resetar was informed that the driver of the other vehicle struck a curb while traveling east on Laurel Boulevard and may be in need of assistance. Officer Resetar met with the driver, 52-year-old Susan Duffy of Chestnut Drive in Lanoka Harbor, who indicated that she had struck something with her vehicle. Officer Resetar observed new damage to the rim of the vehicle consistent with the statement made by the other driver. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Susan Duffy for driving while under the influence and for possession of a controlled dangerous substance (a prescription medication). The vehicle was impounded pursuant to John’s Law. Susan Duffy was then transported to police headquarters where she was processed and issued traffic summonses for DUI, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, and possession of CDS in a motor vehicle. Susan Duffy was also charged on a criminal summons with possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

• Theft – On Saturday, August 16, 2014, at 6:36 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to the 1200 block of Taylor Lane for a report of a theft. The victim reported that over the last month, a go-kart was stolen from his driveway. The go-kart is described as a lime green, two-seater, with a green roll cage, and has a Briggs and Stratton engine. The go- kart is valued at approximately $500.

• Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, August 16, 2014, at 2:16 p.m., Special Officer Travis Horton and Officer Michael Hein responded to the Wawa at 444 Route 9 S. in Forked River for a report of an intoxicated couple with a small child walking around in the parking lot. The subjects were eventually located at the intersection of Kennebec Drive and Spruce Street. The male was identified as 24-year-old Joseph J. Caputo IV of Circle Drive in Forked River who was with a 21-year-old female and small children. The subjects did not appear to be under the influence and the children who were with them did not appear to be in distress. An active $500 Lacey Township Municipal Court criminal contempt warrant was located for Joseph Caputo. Joseph Caputo IV was placed under arrest and transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and released after posting full cash bail.

• Robbery – During the early morning hours (4 a.m.) of Friday, August 15, 2014, a 50-year-old, male cab driver from Lakewood, NJ, reported having been robbed by a male customer whom he transported to Forked River from the streets of Lakewood. The cab driver, working for Lakewood Taxi LLC, picked up a white male in Lakewood, New Jersey, in the area of Central Avenue and Route 9. The customer reportedly asked to be transported to Lacey. The cab driver stated that he drove the customer to Lacey Township and was directed to drive down Lakeside Drive East and stop just east of Mariner Road in Forked River. The cab driver was reportedly offered what he believed was a fake one hundred dollar bill. When the driver refused to take the fake bill, the subject reportedly wrapped what the driver believed to be a phone cord around the driver’s neck from behind thereby choking the driver. The driver reported that the subject made a demand for money to which he complied. After allegedly taking $124 from the cab driver, the subject reportedly ran from the vehicle into the wooded area. The cab driver drove to Lacey Township Police Headquarters to report the incident.

  The cab driver described the subject as a white male with facial pock marks, black hair, slender build, 35-40 years old, approximately 5’9”, looked sickly, wearing a black sweat shirt, a green Eagles hat with a white eagle, medium blue colored jeans, work boots, and a chain wallet.

  Sketch Artist Daimon Santa Maria of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department responded to police headquarters and prepared a sketch to assist with identifying the suspect. The investigation is currently ongoing and the suspect has not yet been identified as of 11:30 a.m., Friday, August 15, 2014. Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the Lacey Township Police Department at 609.693.6636 or submit an anonymous crime tip through the Lacey Township Police Department website at www.LaceyPD.org/crime-tips/.

• Rescue from the Stouts Creek Marsh – On Friday, August 15, 2014, at 9:24 p.m., the Lacey Township Police Department received a 911 call from a resident of Preble Drive in Forked River indicating they heard someone in the water yelling for help. Officers responded to search the area of Stouts Creek, and within approximately 30 minutes after arriving to the area, Officer Michael Verwey located the individual. The man, later identified as 22-year-old Jason Drackwicz of Ashwood Place in Forked River, was able to utilize the light on his cell phone which caught the attention of Officer Verwey. At that time, it was verified that the subject was not submerged in the water but was actually physically stuck in the marsh and unable to get himself out. At that point, the subject indicated that he had a leg injury and could not move (it was later discovered that the injury was an existing injury for which the subject needed the assistance of a cane to walk). Additional emergency services were requested which included the Lacey Township Underwater Rescue & Recovery (URR) Team, Lanoka Harbor Fire Department, Lanoka Harbor First Aid Squad, United States Coast Guard Search and Rescue vessel, and the NJSP Aviation Hoist Unit.

  Jason Drackwicz was found in an area of wet marsh on the north side of the South Branch of Stouts Creek. Officer Androcy responded to Bayside East Parkway which is a short distance west from the specific location. Based on the location description provided by Officer Verwey, Officer Androcy entered the wooded area along the northeast portion of Bayside East Parkway and walked approximately three-quarters of a mile until he found Jason Drackwicz.

  Officer Androcy found Jason Drackwicz to be wet and cold with his legs stuck in the marsh. He was otherwise not physically injured from the incident. With Officer Androcy’s assistance, Jason Drackwicz was able to make his way close enough to the water way of Stouts Creek where the Lacey Township Underwater Rescue & Recovery (URR) boat met them for extraction. Officer Androcy and the members of the Underwater Rescue & Recovery team were able to assist Jason Drackwicz into the boat.

  The NJSP aviation unit helicopter was preparing to respond with a hoist crew that assembled in Berkley Township, but their services were cancelled once Jason and Officer Androcy were safe and aboard the rescue boat. Jason was examined by members of the Lanoka Harbor First Squad and was found to not be in need of emergency medical transport.

  Jason Drackwicz had apparently entered the wooded area behind the 7-11 convenience store located at 403 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor while it was still daylight. He walked deeper into the woods and eventually realized that he was lost as he continued to walk east. Once darkness set in, he was unable to see and ultimately became stuck in the wet marsh mud. During the time period that Officer Androcy was heading to Jason’s location, Jason’s girlfriend arrived on Bayside East Parkway looking for him. She met with a firefighter along the roadway and was escorted to Sergeant Buxton’s location on Richmond Drive. She informed Sergeant Buxton that Jason had called her earlier from his cell phone and told her that he was lost after walking in the woods just before his cell phone signal was lost.

• Drug Possession and Warrant (Arrest) – On Friday August 15, 2014, at 3:24 p.m., Special Officer Travis Horton observed 28-year-old John M. Sabie of 755 Birch Road in Lanoka Harbor walking in the area of Birch Road and Walnut Drive in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township. Special Officer Horton confirmed that John Sabie had an active $500 Toms River Township Municipal Court criminal contempt warrant for Shoplifting and placed him under arrest. John Sabie turned over a hypodermic syringe utilized for heroin. John Sabie was then transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of a hypodermic syringe. Bail was set at $1000. John Sabie was unable to post bail and was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

• Burglary of a Residence – On Friday, August 15, 2014, at 1:33 p.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to the 800 block of Harrison Avenue in Forked River in reference to a theft from a residence. The victim reported that between 9:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, an unknown person or persons entered his house and stole jewelry and cash valued at $2,150. The house was unsecured at the time of the incident and no signs of forced entry could be located. The stolen property includes $300 in quarters and silver dollars and a gold bracelet with” MAGY” inscribed inside.

• Shoplifting (Arrest) – On Thursday, August 14, 2014, at 12:54 p.m., Officer Frederick Anderson responded to Kohl’s, 304 Route 9 N., Forked River, in reference to shoplifting. Loss prevention reported that 35-year-old Krista K. Johnson of the 300 block of East Lacey Road in Forked River attempted to steal perfume and jewelry valued by putting some jewelry on and concealing the perfume and some jewelry in her purse. Krista Johnson paid for additional items but reportedly attempted to leave the store without paying for the $509 worth of concealed items. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Krista Johnson for shoplifting. Krista Johnson was transported to police headquarters where she was processed and charged with shoplifting on a summons and then released pending a court date.

• Criminal Mischief (Township Property) – On Friday, August, 15, 2014, at 7:11 a.m., a caller reported that during the overnight hours an unknown person or persons broke two wooden railings and pulled two posts out of the ground at the Bamber Lake foot bridge. It appears a quad may have been involved in the action of pulling the posts out. The damage is estimated at $200.

• Warrant Arrest & Possession of Syringes – On Thursday, August 14, 2014, at 3:30 a.m., a resident contacted the police department to report that 25-year-old Patrick Cornelius of Hilltop Court in Lanoka Harbor had an active warrant for his arrest and was on the front porch of 3 Hilltop Court in Lanoka Harbor. An Ocean County Sheriff’s Department no-bail Warrant was located for Patrick Cornelius. Upon arrival, officers located Patrick Cornelius walking east on Hilltop Drive and placed him under arrest. A search incident to the arrest uncovered two hypodermic syringes which were concealed in his pants. Patrick Cornelius was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged with possession of two hypodermic syringes. Patrick Cornelius was then transported to Ocean County Correctional Facility on the no-bail warrant.

• Robbery (Arrests) – During the early morning hours of Wednesday, August 13, 2014, Officer Adam Ewart and Officer Charles May of the Lacey Township Police Department responded to a call of a disturbance at 112 East Lacey Road in Forked River. Several neighbors contacted the police department and reported hearing a vehicle horn being blown repeatedly at the residence. Officer Ewart arrived and made contact with a 43-year-old, adult male from Bayville who reported that he had been robbed. The victim had visible signs of injury to his face. The victim advised officers that he arrived at the residence to give a ride to an acquaintance after being called by the acquaintance. The victim stated that when he arrived at the home and began to speak with the acquaintance, he was assaulted from behind by an unknown man who stole $120 cash, his wallet, and his car keys. The home is unoccupied and is currently under foreclosure.

  As the investigation continued throughout the day, Lacey Detective Brian Flynn arrested 18-year-old Michael Guarini of 322 Briggs Avenue in Forked River and 19-year-old Alexandros Tsarnas of 108 Laurel Boulevard in Lanoka Harbor and charged them both with second-degree robbery. It appeared that the two conspired to lure the victim to the home with the intention of stealing his money. Bail was set for both individuals at $25,000. Michael Guarini posted bail after being processed and was released pending a court appearance. Alexandros Tsarnas was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of the bail. Second-degree robbery is punishable by imprisonment from 5 to 10 years.

• Shoplifting – On Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at 1:00 p.m., Officer Dan Ricciardella and Officer Kym Gudgeon responded to Walmart at 580 Route 9 N for a shoplifter who fled the area. Loss prevention contacted the police department and stated that a female wearing rainbow patterned pants, black sweat shirt, and hair up in a pony tail was found to be shoplifting $225 worth of merchandise. When stopped by loss prevention, the female dropped the clothes she was attempting to steal and the purse she was carrying. The suspect then fled the store on foot. The unidentified female stole a cell phone value at $175. The abandoned purse that was dropped contained a cell phone and a crack pipe which were secured and then processed as evidence. Video surveillance was also secured and collected as evidence. The matter is under investigation.

• Criminal Mischief and Theft – On Tuesday, August 12, 2014 at 6:54 a.m. , Officer Jeffrey Slota responded to the Cellular Telephone Tower, located at  510 Route 9 South in Forked River, in reference to criminal mischief and theft. An AT&T technician reported that copper wire had been snipped and removed from the area around the cell phone tower.  The damage is estimated at $1,900.

• Warrant Arrest –On Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at 1:55 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella was flagged down by a passing motorist who reported seeing two individuals fighting on the side of the Lacey Road. Officer Ricciardella located the subjects in the parking lot of Eric Plaza and identified 27-year-old Eric Porter of Park Place in Brooklyn, NY, and a 21-year-old female from West Anna Street in Cape May Court House, NJ.  Both subjects reported that they were just joking with one another while walking down the roadway. No signs of injury were observed by Officer Ricciardella. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Eric Porter on an outstanding no bail Atlantic City Municipal Court criminal warrant for drug distribution and an outstanding $350 Atlantic City Municipal Court criminal warrant for hindering apprehension. Eric Porter was transported to Ocean County Correctional Facility awaiting transport by the Atlantic City Police Department.

• Shoplifting (Arrest) – OnTuesday, August 12, 2014, at 2:44 p.m. Officer Anthony Sarno and Officer Kymberly Gudgeon responded to The Home Depot, 244 Route 9, Forked River, in reference to shoplifting. Loss prevention detained 49-year-old Ralph Woodcock of 20 Maple Tree Court, Manahawkin, NJ, for concealing merchandise on him and attempting to leave the store without purchasing the items. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Ralph Woodcock and a search incident to the arrest uncovered ten (10) more unpaid for items tucked inside his t-shirt. Ralph Woodcock attempted to steal thirteen (13) items in total, valued at $363.73. He was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and then released on a summons.

• Theft – On Tuesday, August 12, 2014, at 4:39 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe responded to Osprey Court in Forked River for a report of a theft from a residence. The victim reported that on August 11, 2014, he discovered that numerous bottles of his liquor were empty. He did not report the incident until August 12, 2104, when he discovered that approximately $500 was missing from his bedroom jewelry box. No signs of forced entry could be located. The total value of the stolen property is estimated at $760.

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release

August 6^th, thru August 11^th, 2014

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• Theft (Lawn Tractor) – On Sunday, August 10, 2014, at 5:40 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to the 1400 block of Kenney Street in Forked River in reference to a theft. The homeowner reported that an unknown person or persons stole his John Deere lawn tractor from the backyard of his residence between 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2014 and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 10, 2014. The lawn tractor is described as a green John Deere riding lawn mower valued at $2,500.

• Theft (Lawn Tractor) – On Sunday, August 10, 2014, at 1:03 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to the 1700 block of Edgewood Road in Forked River regarding a theft of a riding lawn mower. The homeowner reported that his gray Craftsman, Model 38 riding lawnmower was stolen from the backyard of his residence between Wednesday, August 6, 2014 and Sunday, August 10, 2014. The lawn mower is valued at $600.

• Theft (Lawn Tractor) – On Sunday, August 10, 2014, at 9:05 a.m., Officer Anthony Sarno responded to the 1500 block of Claire Road in Forked River regarding a theft of a riding lawn mower. The homeowner reported that his red, Wheelhouse brand riding lawnmower was stolen from the backyard of his residence during the overnight hours between Saturday, August 9, 2014 and Sunday, August 10, 2014.  The value of the lawn mower is $200.

• Warrant Arrest – On Monday, August 11, 2014, at 9:26 p.m., Officer Peter Donahue was on patrol when he observed 28-year-old John M. Sabie of 755 Birch Road in Lanoka Harbor walking south on Oak Road near the intersection of Laurel Boulevard. Officer Donahue was aware that John Sabie had an active arrest warrant out of the Newark Municipal Court. Officer Donahue placed John Sabie under arrest. John Sabie was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and released R.O.R. by the Newark Court Clerk pending a new court date.

• Traffic Accident (Injury) – On Sunday, August 10, 2014, at 10:10 a.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to Lacey Road near the intersection of Vaughn Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle accident involving a bicyclist. A red 2-door Saturn Ion driven by 62-year-old Janis Brown of Forked River was traveling west on Lacey Road when a 13-year-old juvenile male of Forked River attempted to cross Lacey Road while riding his bicycle. The driver was unable to stop in time and struck the rear end of the bicycle, causing the juvenile to fall off the bicycle. The juvenile male was not wearing a helmet at the time, and as a result of the crash, suffered what appeared to be minor superficial injuries to his face. The juvenile male was taken to Community Medical Center by the Lacey Township First Aid Squad for treatment.

• Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, August 9, 2014, at 6:21 p.m. Special Officer Russell Moller responded to the dirt road behind the Lacey Shell, located at 922 Lacey Road, Forked River, to assist Lieutenant Michael DiBella who was out with a suspicious automobile. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 50-year-old Lance Gethard of Fountain Drive in Toms River, NJ, on an outstanding $1,414 Absecon Borough Municipal Court traffic warrant. Lance Gethard was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility to be held awaiting transfer to Absecon.

• Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, August 9, 2014, at 12:22 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota and Officer George Resetar responded to the area of Sunrise Boulevard and Nautilus Boulevard for a report of a dispute between a male and female. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 32-year-old Justin L. Marshall of Tampa Road in Forked River on an outstanding $700 Wall Township Municipal Court traffic warrant. Justin Marshall was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and released after posting cash bail.

• Brush Fires – During the late night hours between Wednesday, August 6, 2014, and Friday, August 8, 2014, an unknown person or persons purposely ignited some brush they placed in the roadway on Basin Road near the Ash Road Park in Lanoka Harbor. Three separate incidents have occurred.

• Warrant Arrest – On Saturday, August 9, 2014, at 11:16 a.m., Special Officer James Perotti was on directed patrol of the Ash Road Park when he observed two subjects in the park after hours. Alexandro Tsarnas, 19, of 108 Laurel Boulevard in Lanoka Harbor and 19-year-old Casey Sinopoli of 710 Clairmore Avenue in Lanoka Harbor were identified by Officer Perotti. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Casey Sinopoli on an active $102 traffic warrant. Casey Sinopoli was transported to Lacey Police Headquarters where he was processed and released after posting cash bail.

• Theft from a Vehicle – On Friday, August 8, 2014, at 8:49 p.m., Officer George Resetar met with a theft victim at police headquarters. The victim reported that while she was visiting a friend around 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2014, an unknown person or persons stole her cell phone from her unlocked, white, 2006, Nissan Altima as it was parked in the roadway in front of 406 Lawrence Drive in Lanoka Harbor. The stolen phone is described as a white, Samsung Galaxy S5, 16gb, with a white/gray Otterbox case, valued at $650.

• Theft from a Vehicle – On Friday, August 8, 2014, at 4:26 p.m., Officer Michael Hein met with a theft victim at police headquarters. The theft reportedly occurred at her residence on the 400 block of Bay Way in Lanoka Harbor. Stephanie Franco reported that between 10:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 3, 2014 and 7:30 a.m. on Monday, August 4, 2014, an unknown person or persons stole $180 cash from her vehicle. The black, 2000, Jeep Grand Cherokee was unlocked and parked in the driveway of the residence during the incident. The victim also reported that the same vehicle was entered the following night between 10:30 p.m. and 7:30 a.m.

• Fighting & Resisting Arrest – On Friday, August 8, 2014, at 1:33 a.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to 1063 Laurel Boulevard in reference to a possible fight in progress. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 25-year-old Maxwell Wimmer of 1063 Laurel Boulevard who resisted arrest by jumping into the lagoon behind the residence and swimming away. Maxwell Wimmer was located hiding in tall grass on a vacant lot down the street from the residence. Maxwell Wimmer refused to cooperate with Officer Andrew Slota and indicated that he was not going to peacefully submit to the arrest. Officer Andrew Slota properly utilized his pepper spray on the suspect in order to effect the arrest without physical violence. Maxwell Wimmer submitted to the arrest and was handcuffed without further incident. Maxwell Wimmer was then transported to Lacey Police Headquarters where he was processed and then transported to Ocean County Correctional Facility in default of $5,000 bail.

• Warrant Arrest – On Thursday, August 7, 2014, at 11:30 a.m., Lieutenant Michael DiBella conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Carr Street and Steuben Avenue after he observed a passenger hanging out of the passenger window. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 39-year-old Donnie F. Meyers of 3010 Benson Street, Apt B in Camden, NJ, on a $156 Manalapan Township Municipal Court traffic warrant. Donnie Meyers was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and released R.O.R. by the Manalapan Township Municipal Court Clerk pending a future court date.

• Warrant Arrest – On Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at 10:09 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer conducted a motor vehicle stop of a blue, 2005, Chevy Malibu for making an improper left turn into the Wawa parking lot, located at 800 Lacey Road in Forked River. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 54-year-old Bonnie F. Generally of South Lakeside Drive in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Bonnie Generally on a $500 Lacey Township Municipal Court criminal warrant and a $350 Toms River Municipal Court traffic warrant. Bonnie Generally was also operating an uninsured and unregistered vehicle with a suspended driver’s license. The vehicle was impounded due to it being unregistered and uninsured. Bonnie Generally was transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where she was processed and issued motor vehicle summonses for improper turn, driving while suspended, operating an uninsured vehicle, and operating a vehicle with an expired registration. Bonnie Generally was unable to post bail and was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

• Theft from a Vehicle – Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at 9:41 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to 1229 Kennebec Road for a report of a theft from a motor vehicle. The victim reported that he heard a noise outside of his residence and upon checking to see what it was, he observed two male juveniles (approximately 12 years of age) near his ice cream truck. The victim observed that each juvenile was holding multiple items from his truck including, plastic-ware, potato chips, and candy. The victim then confronted the juveniles who subsequently turned over the items to him. The juveniles then fled the area on foot.

• Theft from a Vehicle – Wednesday, August 6, 2014, at 8:01 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to Shady Brook Lane in Forked River for a theft from a motor vehicle. The victim reported that between 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on August 6, 2014, an unknown person or persons entered his unlocked, 2004, Ford Expedition and stole a pink iPod valued at $200 and a silver and gold Rolex watch with an oyster wrist band valued at $7,000. The victim reported that the vehicle was parked in front of the residence, and he was working inside at the time of the incident.

• Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer – On Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at 6:52 p.m. Officer Michael Verwey and Officer George Resetar responded to Lacey Powersports, 416 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor, in reference to an intoxicated and disorderly female. The business owner reported that a highly intoxicated female trespassed onto his property and was refusing to leave. The suspect, later identified as 48-year-old Evelyn Riccardi of Spinnaker Avenue in Manahawkin, was very aggressive towards the business owner and officers. Evelyn Riccardi was cursing very loudly and refused to cooperate with officers. Evelyn Riccardi was placed under arrest for disorderly conduct, obstructing the administration of law, and resisting arrest. She was transported to Lacey Police Headquarters where she assaulted Officer Michael Verwey by kicking him in the leg. Evelyn Riccardi was then transported to Ocean County jail in default of $20,000 bail.

• MVA, Theft, and Abandonment of a Toxic Pollutant (Arrests) – On Sunday, August 10, 2014, at 10:41 p.m., the Lacey Township Police Department received a report of a motor vehicle accident on West Lacey Road near Aspen Road. Upon arrival of officers, they discovered that the vehicle was no longer in the area, but a large area of the roadway was coated with diesel fuel. The officers located the crash site into the woods along West Lacey Road where they found five large (55 gallon) plastic containers in the woods at the crash site. The contents of one of the containers had completely leaked into the wooded area. The other four containers remained sealed. A five mile stretch of Lacey Road was immediately shut down and the Berkeley Hazmat Unit along with the Bamber Lake Fire Company responded to the scene.

  The Lacey Township Police Department secured the crime scene and the roadway was open to traffic at 2:20 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2014. The Criminal Investigation Unit (CIU) of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department responded to photograph the scene. The NJDEP responded to the scene midday on Monday, August 11, 2014, and clean up efforts continued through 10:15 p.m. on Monday, August 11, 2014. Officer Robert Flynn and Officer Jeffrey Slota of the Lacey Township Police Department were assigned the follow-up investigation with the assistance of Detective Thomas Haskell Jr. of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

  On Monday morning, August 11, 2014, Officer Robert Flynn and Officer Jeffrey Slota conducted a search of the area for the vehicle involved in the collision. Both officers located a damaged 2001, Jeep Cherokee and a trailer at 2422 Capshaw Road in the Bamber Lake section of Forked River which investigation linked to the transport of the 55 gallon containers and the accident. The officers seized both the Jeep and the trailer as criminal evidence.

  The vehicle, owned by 26-year-old Shannon Smith of Saltspray Drive in Forked River, ultimately led to the identification of 24-year-old Nico T. Morgan as the driver of the vehicle. Within hours after officers seized the Jeep, the officers received word from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office that an attorney representing Nico T. Morgan contacted their office regarding the accident. On Tuesday, August 12, 2014, Officer Robert Flynn prepared a criminal complaint for Nico T. Morgan for the 2nd Degree charge of Abandonment of a Toxic Pollutant. Bail was set on that charge at $15,000.

  While continuing the investigation on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, Officer Robert Flynn and Officer Jeffrey Slota determined that 366 gallons of diesel fuel was stolen from the Brick Wall property of the Hesse Company. The officers determined that 25-year-old Paul R. Townsend Jr., an employee on the property of Brick Wall, conspired with Nico T. Morgan to facilitate the theft of the “on road” diesel fuel. Investigation revealed that 7 containers were allegedly filled by Nico Morgan with a total of 366 gallons of fuel and removed from the property. The total value of the fuel is $1,262. The Jeep Cherokee, along with the trailer holding the seven containers of diesel fuel, was only able to travel several hundred yards east on West Lacey Road before losing control and crashing into the woods. As much as 110 gallons of diesel fuel is believed to have spilled during the incident.

  Investigation further revealed that Nico T. Morgan fled the scene in the Jeep Cherokee after being pulled from the woods after calling upon the assistance of Paul R. Townsend Jr. of Forked River. The Jeep traveled from the scene on only three wheels, as one wheel was dislodged and left in the roadway as a result of the collision.

  Based on the discovery of the theft of the 366 gallons of diesel fuel, additional charges were filed in this incident.

  Officer Robert Flynn charged Nico T. Morgan with the theft of $1,262 worth of diesel fuel and charged Paul R. Townsend Jr. with conspiracy to commit theft of $1,262 worth of diesel fuel. Nico Morgan, through his attorney, turned himself in at police headquarters on the afternoon of Tuesday, August 12, 2014. Nico Morgan was processed and released after posting a bond for $40,000 combined bail. Officer Robert Flynn prepared a criminal summons for Paul R. Townsend Jr. regarding the conspiracy to commit theft charge.

  Officer Jeffrey Slota completed the accident investigation which included the issuance of motor vehicle summonses charging Nico T. Morgan with Leaving an Injurious Substance in the Roadway, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Failure to Report an Accident, Reckless Driving, and several other related offenses.