Weekly Police Blotter

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release

November 26^th thru December 2^nd, 2013

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• Theft – On Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 7:34 p.m., a homeowner from the 300 block of Sunrise Boulevard reported a theft. The homeowner reported that someone stole a JCP&L service meter from the side of his house between 10:00 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2013 and 7:34 p.m. on Sunday, November 26, 2013. The residence is in the process of being remodeled. The homeowner was alerted by his alarm company that his newly installed alarm was only running on battery backup, and upon checking the residence, he discovered his power off and the meter missing. JCP&L indicated that the account is in good standing and they did not remove the meter. Arrests are pending in the case.

• Shoplifting (Arrests) – On Wednesday, November 27, 2013, at 1:55 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno was patrolling the Wal-Mart parking lot when he was approached by an asset protection employee who advised him of three shoplifters that had just exited the store. The three males were observed placing items into a shopping cart and leaving the store without paying for them. Officer Sarno immediately detained 38-year-old Dwaine Duffey of 7 Jay Street in Lakewood, NJ, who was pushing a cart filled with merchandise towards a vehicle in the parking lot. Officer Sarno then pursued (on foot) and detained 37-year-old Christos Stamatogiannis of 21 Jay Street in Lakewood, NJ, who was attempting to flee the scene. Officer Anthony Sarno then located and detained 35-year-old Nicholas Leewaye of 58 Hartley Avenue in Hamilton, NJ, who was found four aisles over. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of all three offenders. The arrestees were transported to Lacey Township Police headquarters where they were fingerprinted and photographed. Asset Protection employees also informed this agency that surveillance photos of three males attempting to shoplift televisions from the Stafford Township Wal-Mart matched the description of the three men in custody. The items shoplifted included an Inspired Style Laundry Sorter – $24.88, Nintendo Mario Pillow – $12.97, Scott Bath Tissue – $2.97, Diablo Computer Game – $39.96, Glass Cleaner – $1.98, Fruit of the Loom Pant – $9.92, and a HP Intel Envy Touch Smart – $675.00. Total value of all items is $767.68. Each arrestee was issued a summons for shoplifting and released pending a future court date.

• Burglary & Theft (Residence) – On Thursday, November 28, 2013 at 10:40 p.m., Officer George Resetar and Officer Robert Duffy responded to 806 Bowline Drive in Forked River in reference to a burglary. Winifred Polyak reported that between 1:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 28, 2013, someone stole two sets of gold hoop earrings and a yellow “Hugs and Kisses” bracelet from her spare bedroom.  Winifred Polyak reported that upon returning home and entering the spare bedroom she noticed a disturbed window shade and that the room was colder than the rest of the house.  She then discovered that the window was slightly ajar and the wood casing on the bottom was broken. Pry marks could also be observed on the outside of the window casing, but it did not appear that the suspect gained entry from the window as it could only be pried open a few inches.  The rest of the house appeared secured. The estimated value of the jewelry is $650.

• Shoplifting (Arrest) – On Thursday, November 28, 2013 at 1:12 a.m., Officers responded to the Walmart located at 580 Route 9 in Lanoka Harbor for a report of a shoplifter. The Asset Protection employee reported that a female shopper placed several items into her pocketbook and attempted to leave without paying for the items. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 20-year-old Jessica Bachefski of 1117 Verdant Road in Toms River for shoplifting. Jessica Bachefski was transported to Lacey Township Police headquarters where she was fingerprinted and photographed. Jessica Bachefski was issued a summons for shoplifting and released awaiting a court date. The items stolen included four cell phone cases, eyebrow makeup, two eye shadows, three “Phone Bling” screen protectors, RMI GeMONO, elastic hair ties, nail polish, and HC Mini Lash. The total value of the stolen property was $75.13.

• Warrant (Arrest) – On Friday, November 29, 2013 at 9:23 p.m. Special Officer Travis Horton was conducting a business check of Wal-Mart when he observed a suspicious male sitting in the driver seat of a black pickup truck in a secluded area of the parking lot. The occupant of the vehicle was identified as 30-year-old Adam Visokay of 706 Eton Court in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Adam Visokay on an outstanding $368 Manchester Township traffic warrant. Adam Visokay was arrested and transported to Lacey Police headquarters where he was processed and released after his bail was posted. Adam Visokay was released awaiting a future court date in Manchester Township.

• Theft – On Friday, November 29, 2013 at 9:21 a.m., Officer Darrell Nick responded to Townsend’s Marina located at 221 E Lacey Road in Forked River for a report of theft. The owner, Kevin O’Connell, reported that someone stole a 2008 aluminum Load Rite boat trailer between Wednesday, November 20, 2013, and Friday, November 29, 2013.  The trailer is able to carry a 20-23 foot long boat and has diamond plate fenders, a manual crank, and brand new tires. The trailer was being stored at the east end of Townsend’s Marina storage lot, close to Lacey Road.  The trailer had a yellow Gorilla guard coupler lock on the hitch which was found broken and on the ground. The approximate value of the broken yellow Gorilla guard coupler lock is $23. The Load Rite boat trailer is valued at approximately $3,500.

• Shoplifting (Formal Charges) – On Friday, November 29, 2103 at 1:55 p.m., Officers responded to Kohl’s located at 304 Route 9 North in Forked River in reference to two juvenile shoplifters that had been detained. The male and female juvenile suspects stole approximately $60 worth of electronics on this date, but had also stolen numerous electronic items valued at over $900 on Sunday, November 17, 2013. A third male juvenile, who has been identified, was involved in the theft that occurred on Sunday, November 17, 2013.  Complaints from both incidents are pending for all three juveniles.

• Warrant (Arrest) – On Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 6:55 a.m., Officer Joseph Soto arrested 33-year-old Michelle Mintchwarner of 605 Kimberly Court in Forked River on an outstanding $500 Stafford Township warrant. Officer Soto responded to the residence on a suspicious incident call when he became aware of the outstanding warrant. Michelle Mintchwarner was transported to Lacey Township Police headquarters where she was released by the court on her own recognizance awaiting a new court date.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Sunday, December 1, 2013, at 11:19 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey stopped 24-year-old James Tice Jr. of 40 Grant Concourse in Bayville, NJ, for improper parking in the parking lot of Wawa located at 701 Route 9 North in Lanoka Harbor. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of James Tice Jr. for DUI. His vehicle was impounded by pursuant to John’s law and he was transported to police headquarters. James Tice Jr. is also under investigation for being under the influence of Suboxone and Xanex. James Tice Jr. was issued summonses for reckless driving and driving while intoxicated.

• Theft – On Monday, December 2, 2013 at 9:02 a.m., Officer Cernek responded to 1032 Orlando Drive in reference to a theft. Joseph Marzacco reported that someone stole two Exide 12v marine (boat) batteries between Saturday, November 30, 2013 and Monday, December 2, 2103. The batteries were located on the ground on the side of his residence. The value is estimated at $30.

• Theft, Forgery, & Fraud (Arrest) – On Monday, December 2, 2013 at 3:45 p.m., Officer Michael Verwey arrested 27-year-old Brendan Twigg-Patrick of 1808 Ridge Road in Forked River in reference to theft and forgery incidents that occurred over the past several months. Brendan Twigg-Patrick was charged with third degree theft by deception, third degree forgery, and third degree uttering of a forged object. Brendan Twigg-Patrick is alleged to have stolen 20+ checks from a checkbook belonging to the “Bridges to Safety” charity, then forging the checks and cashing them at local banks. The combined estimated value of the cashed checks is $2,405. He was processed and released on summonses pending a future court date.

• DUI (Arrest) – On Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 12:29 a.m. Officer Julie Barcalow conducted a motor vehicle stop on Bay Way near Thorn Street for speeding.  Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of the driver, 34-year-old Jason Keogh of 608 Drew Avenue, for DUI.  His vehicle was impounded by Priced Rite Towing as per John’s Law. He was processed and released after being charged on motor vehicle summonses with driving under the influence, reckless driving, speeding, and unregistered vehicle.

            

Weekly Police Blotter – Press Release

November 19^th thru November 25^th, 2013

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• Warrant (Arrest) – On Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at 3:13 p.m. Special Officer Travis Horton observed 26-year-old Jennifer L. Wood of 424 Bay Way in Lanoka Harbor, in the Lacey Township Municipal Court. Officer Travis Horton was aware that she had an active no bail Child Support warrant issued by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and placed her under arrest. Jennifer Wood was then transported to the Ocean County Jail.
• Public Urination (Formal Charge) – On Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 12:14 a.m. Officer Androcy was patrolling on Route 9, when he observed a male urinating in the parking lot of the Forked River House. Upon entering the parking lot the male was still urinating and talking on his cell phone, until he noticed the patrol vehicle a short while later.  The subject later identified as, 23-year-old Nicholas Kuzma of 12 Tom Gray Court in Forked River was issued a township ordinance violation on a Special Complaint Summons for Urinating in Public.
• Burglary & Theft (Residence) – On Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 9:14 p.m. Officer Evan Androcy responded to 409 Pine Tree Drive in Forked River in reference to a burglary and theft from the residence. 39-year-old Michael Ragusa reported that someone forced open the rear door of his residence and stole a 32 inch LG TV, jewelry, and a lap top computer. Detective Brian Flynn responded to the crime scene along with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CIU, who processed the crime scene for evidence. The incident is under investigation.
• Fraud – On Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 11:26 a.m., a resident of Sunrise Boulevard in Forked River was contacted via Facebook by someone claiming to be in the U.S. Navy and was requesting money to help him pay some travel expenses and his monthly bills. The resident offered to pay some of his expenses and was instructed to send the money to Oluwafemi Michael Omofaye, in Lagos, Nigeria. The resident then received instructions stating that she would be forwarded money from other people around the U.S. to also be sent to O. Omofaye in Lagos, Nigeria along with her own money. The resident stated that in total she sent $21,000 to O. Omofaye. This is clearly an ongoing series of scams of which well intentioned persons are commonly victims. Nigeria in particular, for well over a decade, has been the origin of many well-publicized scams throughout the United States.
• Drug Possession (Arrest) – Continuing Investigation – At 2:30 a.m., on Friday, November 22, 2013, Patrol Officer Evan Androcy of the Lacey Township Police Department was patrolling the Laurel Boulevard area in Lanoka Harbor when he observed 19-year-old Cody Diaz of Bayville near a vehicle on Sycamore Drive in Lanoka Harbor. Cody Diaz of 149 Harlequin Glade in Bayville attempted to hide but was quickly located by Officer Androcy. Although Officer Androcy suspected Cody Diaz of committing car burglaries, Diaz quickly attributed his suspicious actions to his possession of Marijuana and his desire to avoid being arrested. In addition to the Marijuana, Diaz was found in possession of a black backpack weighted down with loose change along with other small items consistent with car burglaries. Officer Androcy placed Cody Diaz under arrest for possession of CDS as well as the underage possession of alcohol. Detective Brian Flynn is currently continuing the investigation into the suspected car burglaries in the general area of Laurel Boulevard from the Wawa down to the Laurel Harbor Marina area. The Berkeley Township Police Department was also notified as to Cody Diaz being a suspect in a number of car burglaries in their Township.
• Burglary & Theft (Car) –On Friday, November 22, 2013, a resident of Chestnut Drive in Lanoka Harbor reported that his vehicle was burglarized between 6:00 p.m. on November 21, 2013 and 6:30 a.m. on November 22, 2013. The vehicle owner reported that someone entered his vehicle and stole a full carton of Newport cigarettes and $5.00 in change from the cup holder of his vehicle, a black, 2007 Toyota Tacoma. The vehicle was unlocked and parked in the driveway of Chestnut Drive residence.
• Theft (Formal Charge) –On Friday, November 22, 2013 at 5:21 p.m., Officer Evan Androcy responded to Walmart in reference to a theft. 21-year-old Brittany Goodrich of Bayville reported leaving her wallet in a shopping cart within the store. 53-year-old Christine Caban of Pheasant Drive in Bayville found the wallet and turned it over to a store employee. Store security viewed the surveillance camera and observed Christine Caban take money out of the wallet prior to turning it over to the store employee. Christine Caban was found in possession of the money and was issued a complaint summons for theft.
• Drug Possession (Arrests) –On Friday, November 22, 2013 at 9:59 p.m. Special Officer Jesse Urban was locking Hebrew Park when he observed headlights down by the trestle. Special Officer Jesse Urban checked the area and located four juveniles in possession of marijuana. The three 17-year-old males and one 16-year-old male were taken into custody and transported to police headquarters where they were turned over to their parents. All four juveniles were charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia on juvenile complaints.
• Warrant (Arrest) – On Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 8:01 p.m., Special Officer Travis Horton was observing traffic when he received a hit on his mobile data terminal (MDT) which indicated that the registered owner, 33-year-old Eric Kaboski of 811 Bowline Drive in Forked River, had a suspended driver’s license and traffic $350 traffic warrant out of Toms River and a $500 traffic warrant out of Ocean Township. Special Officer Horton stopped the vehicle in the parking lot of 7-11, 403 Route 9, Lanoka Harbor, and confirmed that Eric Kaboski was the driver of the vehicle. Eric Kaboski was placed under arrest and transported to Lacey Township Police Headquarters where he was turned over to the custody of Ocean Township Police Department for transport to the Ocean County Jail. Eric Kaboski was also issued a summons for driving while suspended.
• Defiant Trespass – On Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 1:14 p.m. a resident of Neptune Court in Forked River reported that a group of juveniles were inside of a vacant house on Neptune Court. Officer Daniel Ricciardella and Officer Dimitri Tsarnas responded to the residence and located three juveniles inside – one male and two females. The three juveniles were taken into custody and transported to police headquarters. Officer Ricciardella conducted a “Station House Adjustment” for all three juveniles based on the trespassing incident, as nothing in the residence appeared to have been damaged or stolen. The juveniles were turned over to their parents at police headquarters.
• Criminal Mischief – On Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 9:32 p.m. Special Officer Hutman was on patrol when he was flagged down by a citizen in the Applebee’s parking lot. Peter Aakejer reported that he parked his 2013 Mercedes Benz in the Applebee’s parking lot at approximately 8:15 p.m. and when he exited the restaurant at approximately 8:30 p.m., he noticed that the driver side of the vehicle had been keyed on both doors.  Damage is estimated at $1,500.
• Theft – On Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 9:50 a.m. A resident of Llewellyn Parkway in Forked River reported a theft of a $298 laptop computer from his home by a 23-year-old female from Lake Barnegat Drive in Forked River. Officer Daniel Ricciardella contacted the female and informed her of the allegation. A short while later, the victim informed Officer Ricciardella that the female returned the laptop computer. No complaints were signed.
• Suspicious Incident – On Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 2:28 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to a Joffre Road residence in Forked River in reference to a suspicious telephone call. The resident reported that she received a telephone call from (214) 161-8166 and was asked to provide personal information. She reported that the caller also requested that she turn on her computer because he is an Apple computer tech and needs her computer on to resolve the problem. She advised the caller that she has no issues with her computer but he still insisted that she turn on the computer so he can connect to their computer. The caller was described as a male with an Asian accent. She did not provide any personal information and did not connect to her computer before hanging up with the caller. Officer Ricciardella called the telephone number and received a message that this number is no longer in service.
• Simple Assault (Arrest) – On Sunday, November 24, 2013 at 3:03 p.m. Officer Michael Verwey and Officer John Simonson responded to an Oxford Road residence in Lanoka Harbor in reference to a road rage incident. A 29-year-old male reported that he and his 30-year-old girlfriend were driving down Oxford Road when they were followed to their home by 56-year-old Douglas Thomas of Oxford Road. Douglas Thomas reportedly struck the 29-year-old male in the left side of his face causing visible injury. Douglas Thomas was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released on a summons for simple assault. Gregory Young was transported to Community Medical Center to be treated for his injuries. The incident is still under investigation and further charges may be issued.
• Criminal Mischief – On Monday, November 25, 2013 at 10:22 p.m., Officer Julie Barcalow responded to Lakeside Drive South in reference to criminal mischief. The residents reported that someone damaged mailboxes sometime between Sunday, November 24, 2013 and Monday, November 25, 2013. The damage is estimated at $100.
• DUI (Arrest) – On Monday, November 25, 2014 at 7:03 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe and Officer Charles May responded to the Pan Asia restaurant parking lot located at 416 Route 9 South in Forked River for a male subject slumped over the steering wheel of his vehicle. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of 60-year-old Theodore Stawicki of 116 Ravenwood Boulevard in Barnegat, New Jersey for driving while intoxicated. Jersey Shore Towing responded and impounded the vehicle per John’s Law. Theodore Stawicki was processed and released after being issued summonses for DUI and reckless driving.
• Attempted Burglary (Car) – On Monday, November 25, 2013 at 13:30 a.m. Officer Julie Barcalow responded to 643 Williams Avenue in Forked River in reference to a suspicious incident. The resident reported that her car alarm went off and upon looking out the window she saw a male subject standing near her vehicle. She was unable to get a description of the male subject except that he left heading east on Center Street. Nothing was found missing from the secured vehicle or the other vehicle at the residence. The area was checked for the male subject with negative results.