Weekly Police Blotter

Warrant Arrest – On Sunday, March 20, 2022 at 8:45 a.m., Officer Calhoun conducted a motor vehicle stop near the intersection or Route 9 South and Clearwater Drive for a cell phone violation. The driver, Steven Kirkland (age 30) of Waretown, was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Woodland Township in the amount of $839.00. Steven was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was issued a traffic summons and released on bail.

Fraud- On March 20, 2022, at 12:52 p.m., Officer Ricciardella responded to headquarters for a fraud report.  Upon arrival, the complainant reported sometime between March 18 and March 19, 2022, someone opened a BJ’s MasterCard in Jersey City, NJ.  The account was opened using the victim’s information and then $973.63 in merchandise was charged to the card.  The victim reported the incident to MasterCard who has since closed the account.

Shoplifting/Hindering Apprehension– On Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at 8:40 p.m., multiple officers responded to Walmart for a report of shoplifter who had left the scene.  The suspect, Rafael Louis-Gonzalez (Age 32), of 811 North Main Street, Lanoka Harbor, was later located in the area with stolen property.  Rafael was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters where he was processed.  Rafael was charged with Shoplifting and Hindering Apprehension.  Rafael was served his copy of the summons and released.

Well Being Check/Warrants– On March 22, 2022, at 4:22 p.m., Officer Ravallo and Officer Hutman responded to the TJ Maxx parking lot to check the well-being of a male subject who was lying near the entrance of the building. Officers met with Michael Kivlin (age 40) of 835 Bunnell Street, Lanoka Harbor, who was found to have eight warrants for his arrest.  The warrants included two out of Belmawr for $250.00 and $500.00, four warrants out of Berlin Boro for $750.00, $800.00, $1000.00, and $1500.00, and one warrant out of Franklinville for $1003.00.  Michael was arrested and transported to headquarters for processing.  Michael was unable to post bail and was transported to Cumberland County Correctional Facility.

Investigation Update/Arrest- Detectives of the Lacey Township Police Department concluded several investigations, resulting in the arrest of Dylan M. Meisner (age 20) of Browns Mills, NJ.

On January 10, 2022, a Forked River residence was forcibly entered and burglarized.  The residence sustained damage during entry and the suspect also caused damage to the interior of the home.

On February 24, 2022, a vehicle was burglarized while parked behind a business on Route 9 in Forked River.  During the burglary, the suspect entered the vehicle and stole various items with a value totaling over $1,000.00.

On February 24, 2022, the Bay Harbor Motor Lodge reported an unknown male subject had walked onto the property, stole a fire extinguisher, and attempted to gain entry to a room.

On March 11, 2022, a Forked River resident reported their vehicle was stolen from their driveway during the early morning hours.  The vehicle was almost immediately located unoccupied at a Lanoka Harbor business parking lot, with flames and smoke coming from the brakes.  Witnesses reported seeing a male suspect fleeing from the vehicle.  The vehicle had also sustained damage from a crash, which occurred after the vehicle had been stolen.

A short time later, Detectives located Dylan M. Meisner who was placed under arrest.  Dylan M. Meisner was ultimately charged with the following which stemmed from the previous listed incidents:  Theft of Motor Vehicle, Burglary (3 Counts), Theft of Moveable Property (2 Counts), Criminal Mischief (2 Counts), and Criminal Trespass.  Additionally, Dylan Meisner was issued traffic summonses for Unlicensed Driver, Failure to Report an Accident, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, Failure to Observe Signal, Failure to Signal, Driving on a Sidewalk, Unauthorized in Handicapped Parking Space, and Improper Crossing by Pedestrian.  In the end, Dylan Meisner was transported to Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Stolen Vehicle– Officers Watkins and Copes responded to the 1000 block of Buena Vista Road, Forked River, for a report of a stolen vehicle.  Upon arrival, they met with the caller/vehicle owner, who indicated after starting their vehicle, they returned inside the home, leaving the vehicle running and unsecured. The victim reported shortly after, they heard engine revving and discovered that the vehicle was gone.  While Officer Watkins was taking the report, dispatch received a separate call for a vehicle on fire near the 7-Eleven parking, 403 Route 9 North, Lanoka Harbor.  Officers responding to 7-Eleven, located a parked vehicle, however it was not on fire.  The vehicle was confirmed as being the same vehicle that was reported stolen. The Detective Bureau and Ocean County Sherriff’s Department was notified and responded to investigate. This case is currently under investigation.

Motor Vehicle Stop/Warrant Arrest- On Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 10:28 p.m., Officer Watkins conducted a motor vehicle stop, near the intersection of Western Boulevard and Cambridge Road for speeding. Upon checking the driver’s credentials, Officer Watkins discovered that the driver, Hunter Hague, (21) of 805 Orlando Drive, Forked River, NJ, had a suspended driver’s license and an outstanding warrant for his arrest.  The warrant was issued out of Barnegat Township for $550.00.  Hunter was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters.  Once at headquarters, Hunter posted bail and was issued several motor vehicle summonses prior to release.

Motor Vehicle Stop/Warrant Arrest- On Monday, March 14, 2022, at 12:55 p.m., Officer Lee conducted a motor vehicle stop near the intersection of Route 9 North and Bay Way.  Upon checking the driver’s credentials, Officer Lee discovered that the driver, Raymond Boertmann, (26) of Ocean Gate, NJ, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.  The warrant was issued out of Beachwood for $750.00.  R. Boertmann was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters. Once at headquarters, Raymond posted bail and was issued several motor vehicle summons prior to release.

Theft– On Monday, March 14, 2022, at 5:45p.m. Officer Plis responded to the Cornerstone Apartments, 900 Gary Smith Way, Forked River, for a report of a theft.  Officer Plis met with the victim who reported their electric scooter, which was left unsecured, was stolen sometime between 2:30 pm and 5:30 p.m.  The estimated value of the stolen scooter was $300.00.

Theft– On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at approximately 7:25 p.m., Officer Hyle responded to the Cornerstone Apartments, 900 Gary Smith Way, Forked River, for a report of a theft. Upon arrival, Officer Hyle met with the victim who reported that their bicycle was stolen sometime on March 14, 2022.  It was reported that the bicycle was left in a bike rack unsecured.  The estimated value of the stolen bicycle was $140.00.

Motor Vehicle Stop/Warrant Arrest– On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, at 8:47 p.m., Officer Hyle conducted a motor vehicle stop near the intersection of Route 9 North and Liberty Way.  Officer Hyle spoke with the driver, who initially provided a false name, but further investigation at the scene revealed that the driver’s name was Zachary E. Gray (27), of 2433 Capshaw Road, Forked River.  Officer Hyle discovered Zachary had three outstanding warrants.  The warrants originated out of Lacey Township for $750.00, Manchester Township for $1000.00, and South Toms River for $450.00.  Officer Hyle placed Zachary under arrest. Zachary was unable to post bail, and after being issued several motor vehicle summonses,  he was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Fire- On Thursday, March 3, 2022, at 8:21 pm, officers responded to the 1700 block of Anchorage Drive, Forked River, for a report of a fire. Upon arrival, officers observed a small fire burning on the ground in front of the home. Officers ensured that the home was unoccupied and extinguished the fire utilizing their fire extinguishers.  The Forked River Fire Department, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and a member of the Detective Bureau responded to the scene.  It was later determined the fire was accidental.

Motor Vehicle Crash/Warrant Arrest– On Friday, March 4, 2022, at approximately 7:39 p.m., officers responded to the area of Beach Boulevard and Cape Cod Drive for a motor vehicle crash involving a motorcycle. During the investigation, it was revealed that the driver of the motorcycle, Hunter Hauge (21), 805 Orlando Drive, Forked River, NJ, had two outstanding warrants for his arrest.  The first warrant originated out of Ocean Gate for $2,000.00 and the second was out of Barnegat for $450.00.  Hunter was placed under arrest and later released on his own recognizance.

Structure Fire- On Monday, March 7, 2022, at 1:32 p.m., officers responded to the 800 block of Alpine Street, Forked River, for a report of a structure fire.  Upon arrival, the officers met with the homeowner and found evidence of a fire that had damaged the exterior of the residence.  The fire had been extinguished by the homeowner prior to officer’s arrival.  Forked River Fire Department responded to the scene and confirmed the fire was extinguished.  A member of the Detective Bureau and a member of the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s office responded and later ruled the fire accidental.

Fraud- On Wednesday, March 9, 2022, Officer Emmett was dispatched to police headquarters for a fraud report.  The victim reported that they had been contacted via an application called “Discord” by an unknown individual.  The unknown suspect claimed that the victim had been banned from an online game application due to his account history.  Over the course of the conversation the unknown suspect requested access to the victim’s banking information, which the victim provided.  The victim allow the initial transaction of $100.00, but then unknowingly, the unknown suspect withdrew $3500.00 from his account.  After the withdrawal, the unknown suspect stopped responding to messages and the account was closed.

Fraud- On Thursday, March 10, 2022, Officer Emmett responded to a residence on Radcliff Road for a report of fraud. The victim reported someone had gained access to their email address and their Wayfair account.  The victim reported over the past couple days, he has been receiving numerous packages at his residence from Wayfair. The victim reported their Wayfair charge card had $5,800 in unauthorized purchases. The company was contacted and froze the account.

Shoplifting

On Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 7:34 p.m., officers responded to Kohl’s, 304 Main Street for a report of a male shoplifter who had left the store.  With the assistance of a witness, officers later located the suspect at a nearby business, where he was changing into the stolen clothes. The suspect, Joseph Vapore Jr. (Age 33), Vineland, NJ was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters where he was charged with shoplifting.  Joseph Vapore Jr was later lodged in Ocean County Jail.

Theft

On Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 7:47 p.m., Officer Gant responded to the Bay Harbor Motel, located at 419 South Main Street, Forked River, for a report of a theft. Upon arrival, Officer Gant met with the manager, who reported a male subject stole a fire extinguisher from the second floor of the hotel.  The estimated value of the stolen fire extinguisher was $50.00.

Theft from a Motor Vehicle

On Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 9:32 p.m., Officer Gant responded to the Pine Tar Bar and Grill, located at 121 South Main Street, for a report of a theft. The victim reported sometime between 7:30 p.m. and 7:50 p.m., someone entered their unlocked vehicle and stole three pairs of sunglasses and a window police shield.  The vehicle was parked in the rear of the building at the time of the theft.  The total value of the items is approximately $1200.00

Shoplifting

On Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 10:15 a.m., Officer Hutman responded to Walmart, 580 Route 9 North, for a shoplifting incident that occurred earlier in the day. Officer Hutman met with the loss prevention employee who reported a male came into the store and placed a 43” television and a car stereo into a shopping cart, then pushed the cart out of the exit without paying for the items.  The suspect entered a vehicle and left the area.  The suspect has not been identified and an investigation is ongoing at this time.

Driving While Intoxicated

On Friday, February 25, 2022, at 8:06 p.m., officers responded to the area of Route 9 North and Musket Drive, for a report of an erratic driver.  Officer Hyle located the vehicle and conducted a motor vehicle stop.  Officer Hyle spoke with the driver, Anthony Italiano (Age 35), of Toms River, NJ.  Investigation at the scene revealed that Anthony was driving while intoxicated.  Anthony was placed under arrest and transported to Headquarters, where he was processed. The vehicle was towed pursuant to John’s Law.  Anthony was charged with DWI, Reckless Driving and Fictitious Plates

Structure Fire

On Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at 1341 hours, Lacey Township Police, Forked River Fire Department, Lanoka Harbor Fire Department and Lacey Township EMS responded to the 800 block of Spar Drive for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival it was discovered that the rear deck and part of the residence was engulfed in flames. The sole resident of the home evacuated the premises and did not sustain any injuries. The Forked River Fire Department and Lanoka Harbor Fire Department extinguished the fire before it was able to spread past the rear wall of the residence.  The Ocean County Fire Marshall and Lacey Township Detective Bureau will be conducting the investigation.

Structure Fire

On Tuesday, February 22, 2022, at 15:07 p.m., Lacey Township Police Department responded to the Heritage Village Apartments at Seabreeze, located at 1031 North Newark Avenue in Forked River, for a report of smoke coming from a first floor apartment. The smoke was determined to be coming from an unoccupied apartment, where a pot was left on top of a stove that had been left on.  Police, Fire, EMS, and the building manager evacuated the residents of the complex due to heavy smoke conditions. Lacey Township School Transportation responded to the scene with school buses to provide temporary shelter for the dislocated residents. The Forked River Fire Department cleared out the smoke and determined that the building was safe for the residents to return. The Ocean County Fire Marshall and Lacey Township Detective Bureau responded to the scene and determined the incident to be accidental. Lanoka Harbor Fire Department, Bayville Fire Department, and Lacey Township First Aid assisted at the scene.

Scam

On February 19, 2022, at 1051 hours, Officer D’Antonio responded to police headquarters for a report in the lobby.  Upon arrival, Officer D’Antonio met with the victim who stated that she was looking to purchase a puppy and found one on a website. The victim selected a puppy to purchase and agreed to purchase the dog for $550.  It was arranged to ship the puppy to Newark Airport from Virginia. Additional payments were also made totaling $750.00.  The victim later realized it was a scam and reported it to the Lacey Police Department.

Fraud

On Tuesday, February 22, 2022, Officer Carver was dispatched to the 900 block of Pelican Drive for a fraud related incident.  The victim reported they received an email from Amazon.com. The email stated that their account had been compromised and they needed to log back into their Amazon account through the link provided within the email. The victim reported once logged in, the account requested a social security number for verification. The victim reported entering their social security number.  The victim later realized the email was a scam and notified Amazon of the incident.  At the time of the report no fraudulent activity had been found.

Motor Vehicle Stop/Warrant Arrest

On Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at 21:23 hours, Officer Pandorf conducted a motor vehicle stop on Lakeside Drive East. Officer Pandorf spoke with the driver, Thomas Staunton (Age 33), of 25 Tilton Avenue, South Toms River, and learned he had a suspended driver’s license and three outstanding traffic warrants. The warrants were $1500 out of Southhampton Township, $750 out of Seaside Park Boro and $500 out of Mantoloking.  Officer Pandorf placed Thomas under arrest, transported to Headquarters, and was processed. Each issuing agency released Thomas on his own recognizance. Thomas was charged with multiple motor vehicle violations and released.