The above photo depicts Lacey Township Police Officer Michael Baldasari (right), along with  Mason and Maverick from Cub Scout Pack #35, after making a generous food donation to the Lacey Township Police Department.

While we continue to remain humbled by the outpouring show of support from our community during the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to recognize Cub Scout Pack #35.

Last evening (May 14, 2020), for National Police Week, Cub Scout Pack #35 arrived at police headquarters with a substantial donation of food for our police officers and dispatchers. We would like to extend our utmost gratitude to the Cub Scouts for their generous support of the Lacey Township Police Department, during both National Police Week and the COVID-19 pandemic. Just a couple of days ago, on May 13, 2020, the police department was provided with an amazing “Thank you” video from Cub Scout Pack #35 (posted on our Facebook). The members of the Lacey Township Police Department were extremely appreciative of this video. The Cub Scouts continue to support and give back to our community.

A big thank you to all the members of Cub Scout Pack #35!! Thank you.

While we continue to remain humbled by the outpouring show of support from our community during the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to once again recognize our local Walmart, 580 Route 9 North, Lanoka Harbor. Earlier today (May 15, 2020) for National Police Week, members of the Lacey Walmart arrived at police headquarters with a donation of food for our entire staff.  We would like to extend our gratitude to the staff at Walmart for their generous support of the Lacey Township Police Department, during both National Police Week and the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Lacey Township Police Department has been receiving phone calls today from residents regarding the Rotary Club’s Pro Wrestling fundraiser event that was previously scheduled for this evening at the Lacey Township High School. Due to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, and the current New Jersey Executive Orders (holding this event now would be a violation of those orders) this event had been postponed and will be scheduled for a later date.

Thank you.

National EMS week is celebrated May 17-23, 2020. Please take a moment to thank all of our dedicated EMS members who answer the call 24/7/365.

I would like to start by thanking our local EMS services. The members of the Lacey Township Police Department thank you and we sincerely appreciate everything you do!!

-Chief Michael C. DiBella

This past Friday, May 15, 2020, Lacey Police Sergeant Michael Eden, Badge #59, worked his last tour of duty, in preparation for his official retirement after 25 years of service to the residents of Lacey Township. At approximately 11:30 a.m., in the rear parking lot of Police Headquarters, Sergeant Eden signed off the police radio for his final time, receiving a round of applause from his fellow police officers and staff members. His family also surprised him as he signed off for the final time (see link below).

Sgt. Eden was hired by the Lacey Township Police Department in August of 1995, where he served in the capacity of Police Officer for 21 years. In 2016, he was assigned as a detective, where among other duties, he coordinated departmental training, conducted background investigations, and completed special projects for the police department.  In February of 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and was assigned as a supervisor in the Patrol Division. In March 2017, Sergeant Eden was appointed as the Township’s Assistant Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator, where among other responsibilities, he focuses on hazmat and terrorism related training and concerns. He remains in this position today.

During Sergeant Eden’s distinguished career, he has “worn many hats,” and has served as a tremendous asset to our agency and community.  In addition to serving the department as our School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, EMT, Firearms Instructor and Armorer, Rescue Diver, and SWAT Tactical Marksman, Sgt. Eden also served as a Volunteer Fire Chief with the Bamber Lakes Fire Company, and is currently a District Warden with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.  Sergeant Eden is the recipient of many awards and commendations, which include multiple lifesaving awards (one for saving the life of a pregnant woman during a structure fire in October 2013), the Meritorious Service award, and the Medal of Honor.

Sgt. Eden, all of us at the Lacey Township Police Department thank you for your hard work and dedication to our community. While we are well aware of the voids that need to be filled in your future absence, we wish you and your family all of the best in your future endeavors.  We know that, “You’ll be gone, but you won’t be far.”

Congratulations on your retirement!!

Your Lacey Police/PBA #238 Family

Burglary- On Thursday, May 14, 2020, at 12:10 p.m., Officer John Simonson responded to a Crestwood Drive home for a reported burglary.   The victim reported that during an unknown time frame a window of the home was pried open allowing entry.  The home was vacant at the time of the burglary.

Arrest- On Friday, May 15, 2020, at 4:54 p.m., officers responded to Crestwood Drive after a suspicious vehicle was seen in the driveway of a recently burglarized vacant home.  Detectives located the vehicle and conducted a stop after it left the area.  During the stop, the driver, later identified as Esly Peters, refused to comply with officer instructions and was placed under arrest.  Peters, 48, was charged with Obstructing the Administration of Law, Resisting Arrest, and Trespassing after it was determined that he had entered the fenced portion of the residence.  Peters was released on his own recognizance pending a Court appearance.

Fire- On Friday, May 15, 2020, at 5:37 p.m., Officer Bruce Carver responded to Constitution Drive for the report of a bathroom fire.  The home sustained minor damage and the fire was ruled accidental as it originated inside the bathroom exhaust fan.

Arrest- On Saturday, May 16, 2020, at 8:44 a.m., Officers Jesse Dalziel and Noah Schaffer were alerted by a citizen that a subject parked on the shoulder of Laurel Boulevard appeared under the influence.  Officers discovered Brian Smith, 32, of Bloomsbury, New Jersey parked in front of a Laurel Boulevard home.  While speaking with Smith, officers discovered several different types of narcotics including prescription medication and marijuana.  Smith was placed under arrest and charged with the same prior to being released on his own recognizance.

DWI- On Saturday, May 16, 2020, at 10:01 p.m., Officers Brian Holt and Bruce Carver were dispatched to a Laurel Boulevard home in reference to a hit and run accident.  The caller reported that a passing vehicle struck his parked vehicle located on the shoulder of the road.  The collision caused damage to driver’s side of the parked vehicle and a hubcap was found at the scene from the second vehicle.  Officers located the second vehicle at the intersection of Route 9 and Laurel Boulevard and determined that the driver was under the influence.  Robert Ross, 60, was charged with DWI, Failing to Submit to Breath Samples, Reckless Driving, Failure to Report an Accident, and Leaving the Scene of an Accident.  Ross was released pending a Court date.

Arrest- On Sunday, May 17, 2020, at 12:52 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer arrested Destiny Allen at a Lanoka Harbor residence.  The arrest was made in connection with an outstanding Warren County warrant.  Allen, 26, was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.

Fraud- On Monday, May 18, 2020, at 5:08 p.m., Officer Michael Hein took a fraud report from a Lanoka Harbor resident.  The victim reported that while reviewing her bank statements she noticed three unauthorized charges.  It appeared that her debit card was used on three separate occasions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania totaling $523.  The victim conveyed that she had not been in Pennsylvania and was still in possession of her debit card.

Fire- On Tuesday, May 19, 2020 at 2:00 p.m., Officer Matthew D’Antonio responded to a brush fire on West Lacey Road.  The fire, which consumed approximately ½ acre, was extinguished by the Forked River Fire Department and NJ State Fire Forest Service.

Today we honor all the brave men and women of our armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The members of the Lacey Township Police Department thank you.

Have a safe Memorial Day.

Fraud- On Thursday, May 21, 2020, at 2:38 p.m., Officer Alan Abrecht met with a Forked River resident reporting fraud.  The victim stated that an unknown suspect opened a checking account and a credit card in his name.  It also appears that the same suspect put a stop on the victim’s mail so he would not be made aware of the transactions.  The suspect took cash advances totaling $1,900.

Theft- On Thursday, May 21, 2020 at 6:17 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota met with a Norwood Street resident in reference to a theft.  The victim reported several items missing from her home including an undetermined amount of cash and prescription medication.

Assist Other Agency- On Saturday, May 23, 2020, at 6:07 p.m., Officers Keith Pearce and Michael Hutman responded to the Capstan Drive area for a reported female swimmer in distress.  The caller reported that a female had fallen off a jet ski and appeared to need assistance.  Several people in the area, including two fisherman, advised that they observed two females on a jet ski go into the lagoon and then exit as if they entered the wrong lagoon.  The New Jersey State Police Marine Unit and the Lacey Dive Team searched the area with negative results.

DWI- On Monday, May 25, 2020, at 3:43 p.m., Officers Michael Baldasari and Brian Holt responded to Gary Smith Way for the report of an intoxicated driver.  Investigation led to the arrest of Daniel Backhaus, 65.  Backhaus was issued summonses for DWI and Reckless Driving and was released pending a Court appearance.

DWI- On Monday, May 25, 2020, at 6:54 p.m., Officers Charles May and Bruce Carver responded to the Kohls parking lot in reference to a motor vehicle accident.  The vehicle reportedly struck a utility pole near McDonalds and left the scene.  Upon arrival, officers located the damaged vehicle and determined that the driver was under the influence.  Kathryn Munn, 34, was placed under arrest and issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Failure to Report an Accident.

Disorderly Conduct- On Monday, May 25, 2020, at 8:24 p.m., Officers Martin Julian and Brian Holt were dispatched to Daytona Road in reference to a neighbor dispute.  Officers spoke with both parties who agreed to cease their actions.  After clearing the scene officers were again dispatched to the same residence as the interactions continued.  A visitor at the home, Robert Fredericks, was issued a summons for Disorderly Conduct and provided with a ride to his Ocean Gate residence.

Fraud- On Tuesday, May 26, 2020, at 2:09 p.m., Officer Jason Lee met with a Lanoka Harbor resident in reference to a scam.  The victim stated that she was directed to purchase ebay gift cards by a representative of Stub Hub in order to receive a refund for a concert that was cancelled due to COVID-19.  After the transaction was completed, the victim realized that the phone number for Stub Hub was fictitious.  The theft was valued at $800.

Fire- On Wednesday, May 27, 2020, at 7:01 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe and the Forked River Fire Department responded to a Beverly Road home for a reported dryer on fire. The fire was contained to the appliance.

Traffic Safety, including DUI Enforcement and Prevention, remains a top priority for the Lacey Township Police Department. The danger presented to the public by motorists who choose to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is too often realized through a tragic motor vehicle collision. Several DUI arrests in Lacey Township have come as a direct result of a motor vehicle crash investigation, some crashes being fatal. In 2017, alcohol-involved crashes killed 10,874 people in the United States, accounting for 29 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities. An average of one alcohol-impaired driving fatality occurs every 48 minutes. 

Beginning this weekend, and continuing throughout the next several months, the Lacey Township Police Department will be conducting additional traffic safety patrols throughout Lacey Township. These patrols are designed to target specific high risk areas and behaviors, which include, but are not limited to, DUI, speeding, texting while driving, and aggressive driving. These patrols will include all areas of Lacey Township, including West Lacey Road and Route 539.

Fraud- On Thursday, May 28, 2020, at 7:38 a.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota met with a Lanoka Harbor resident in reference to fraud.  The caller reported after not receiving mail for several days, she went to the post office.  While there she learned that an unknown person had placed a hold on her mail.  When she received the mail that was held, it contained a credit card that she had not applied for.  It appears that the mail was held in order for the suspect to collect the fraudulently obtained credit card.

Fraud- On Friday, May 29, 2020, at 4:14 p.m., Officer Elton Copes spoke with two Lacey residents reporting a fraud.  The callers stated that they purchased two puppies from an Oklahoma breeder that turned out to be fictitious.  A combined amount of $3,920 was sent through Western Union that was eventually claimed by an unknown suspect in Maryland.

Suspicious Incident- On Saturday, May 30, 2020, at 5:48 p.m., officers responded to the boat ramp at the north end of Riverview Road in reference to a partially submerged vehicle.  Upon arrival, officers determined that there was nobody inside the 2006 Ford Freestar.  Officers observed a male subject swimming in the water and identified him as the owner of the vehicle.  Officers discovered that the 50 year-old Marlton, New Jersey resident was testing the ramp when his vehicle became submerged.  The vehicle was towed from the river without fluids being released.

Shoplifting- On Saturday, May 30, 2020, at 6:16 p.m., Officer Brian Holt responded to the Lanoka Harbor CVS for a report of an adult female shoplifter who had left the store.  During the investigation, the actor was identified as Randi Bogus, of Bayville.  Officer Holt located Bogus at her Berkeley residence and placed her under arrest.  Bogus was charged with shoplifting items valued at $134 and released pending a Court appearance.

Suspicious Incident- On Sunday, May 31, 2020, at 12:40 p.m., Officer Keith Pearce and Noah Schaffer responded to Route 539 for a reported traffic accident.  Investigation at the scene revealed that a 2000 Jeep Cherokee, with no license plates, was abandoned in the middle of Route 539.  It appears that the vehicle was being dragged backwards by another vehicle for approximately ¼ mile prior to being abandoned.  Officers contacted the Brick Township owner who reported selling the vehicle in December of 2019.  The vehicle was impounded and the current owner is being sought.

Storm- On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 3, 2020, a severe storm caused significant damage to both private and public properties in Lacey Township.  During a three-hour period that began shortly after 1:00 p.m., officers responded to 87 calls for service that included downed trees and wires, exploding transformers, fires, and gas leaks.  The worst damage appeared to be in the southern portion of the Barnegat Pines leaving much of the area without power.

Fire- On Thursday, June 4, 2020, at 2:10 p.m., Officers Andrew Slota and Jason Lee responded to Second Street in reference to a structure fire.  Officers found heavy smoke inside the residence that appeared to originate from an electrical issue.  All of the occupants exited without injury.  The Ocean County Fire Marshal responded to assist with the investigation.

Fire- On Thursday, June 4, 2020, at 2:13 p.m., Officer Alan Abrecht and the New Jersey State Forest Fire Service responded to Route 9 near Oyster Creek for a reported brush fire.  The fire appeared to start from a downed wire and was contained to a small area.

The Lacey Township Police Department is aware of the upcoming peaceful walk/march scheduled for this Wednesday, June 10, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. in Gille Park. Members of the Lacey Township Police Department and the Township of Lacey have spoken directly to the organizer to ensure a peaceful walk/march. We appreciate everyone that contacted us, and all of your concerns. Our number one priority is to maintain the safety of our community while allowing a peaceful demonstration. As a police department, we fully support the first amendment rights of everyone, and we are taking every precautionary measure to ensure this is a peaceful event. Thank you in advance for everyone’s cooperation and have a great day.

-Chief Michael C. DiBella

Fraud- On Thursday, June 4, 2020, at 4:55 p.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella met with a Lanoka Harbor resident who reported credit card fraud.  The caller stated that she noticed a debit purchase of $152 from T-Mobile that she did not authorize.  Shortly afterward, two cellular phones were delivered to her home.

Fraud- On Friday, June 5, 2020, at 8:18 a.m., Officer Alan Abrecht was dispatched to a Glen Oak Drive residence in reference to fraud.  The victim reported that an unknown person obtained a credit card in his name and cancelled his mail delivery.  The card was cancelled prior to any charges being completed.

Theft- On Friday, June 5, 2020, at 4:01 p.m., Officers Alan Abrecht and Andrew Slota responded to the Spirits Unlimited parking lot for a report of a male subject stealing a bicycle.  Upon arrival, 50-year-old Sean Mahoney and 39-year-old Thomas Concannon were observed in possession of a mountain bike.  It was determined at the scene that they had cut a lock that was securing the bicycle and were attempting to load it in a vehicle.   Mahoney and Concannon were both issued a special form of complaint summons for theft.

Fire- On Sunday, June 7, 2020, at 2:01 p.m., Officers Matthew D’Antonio and Keith Pearce responded to the Power Plant for a reported brush fire.  Investigation at the scene revealed that arching power lines started the fire that burned approximately ¼ of an acre.  The Forked River Fire Department extinguished the fire.

Fire- On Sunday, June 7, 2020, at 9:44 p.m., Officer Dallas Gant responded to Tappan Street in reference to a downed wire.  Officer Gant found that a tree fell causing wires to spark and ignite a small fire.  The Forked River Fire Department assisted.

Theft- On Monday, June 8, 2020, at 8:21 a.m., Officer John Simonson met with a Forked River resident who reported a theft.  The caller stated that a suspect accessed her CASH APP account and removed $549.

Theft- On Monday, June 8, 2020, at 10:16 a.m., Officer Kymberly Gudgeon was dispatched to Ensign Drive in reference to a theft.  The caller, a landscaper working in the area, reported leaving his backpack on the lawn as he worked.  Eventually, the victim realized that his backpack was missing.  The backpack reportedly contained cash, clothing, and medication.  Surveillance cameras in the area are being used to help identify a suspect.

Dispute- On Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at 10:08 p.m., Officers Martin Julian and Anthony Ravallo responded to a Melwin Drive home in reference to an assault.  A female visitor there reported that while in the backyard of the home another visitor assaulted her and an altercation began.  The caller was treated at the scene for minor injuries.  Officers are continuing their investigation.

Suspicious Incident- On Thursday, June 11, 2020, at 11:36 p.m., Officer Michael Hein responded to a Trenton Avenue home in reference to a suspicious incident.  The homeowner reported that a screen was removed and the window appeared to have been pried.  It did not appear that anyone had made entry into the home.

Fraud- On Friday, June 12, 2020, at 1:36 p.m., Officer Jason Lee met with a Lanoka Harbor resident who reported fraudulent activity.  The caller discovered that an unknown person applied for and was granted a Visa Card in his name.  The called further reported that a hold was placed on his mail delivery in an attempt for the suspect to claim the card at the post office.

Arrest- On Friday, June 12, 2020, at 8:26 p.m., officers responded to a Caldwell Avenue residence for a suspicious person with a gun.  The caller reported that he observed a man in the street holding a handgun yelling obscenities toward police.  Upon arrival, officers were not able to locate the suspect or confirm that the incident occurred.  The caller, Jay Wissel, 38, was found to have two outstanding warrants from Brick and Keyport Municipal Courts.  Wissel was arrested on bail set at $2,300.

Prescription Fraud- On Monday, June 15, 2020, at 4:04 p.m., Officer Matthew D’Antonio responded to Walmart in reference to a fraudulent incident.  The pharmacist reported that they received a call in prescription from a doctor’s office that seemed suspicious.  During a call back to the doctor, it was determined that someone posed as the doctor in an attempt to obtain medication.  The incident is under investigation.

Criminal Mischief- On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at 9:13 p.m., Officer Randolph Plis responded to a Riviera Drive home for a criminal mischief complaint.  The caller reported that the windshield of his Dodge pickup had been damaged while parked at the residence.  The damage was valued at $250.

Arrest- On Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at 8:58 p.m., Officers Martin Julian and Brian Holt responded to a Buena Vista Road address for the report of missing guns.  During the response, it was determined that the adult sons of the caller took the rifles without his knowledge.  Further investigation revealed that one son was prohibited by law from possessing a firearm.  The following day, James Roberson, 49, of Manahawkin, voluntarily surrendered at Headquarters and was charged with Certain Persons not to Possess a Firearm.  All three guns were recovered.

Fire- On Friday, June 19, 2020 at 7:47 a.m., Officer Scott Anderson responded to a Laurel Boulevard property for a reported mulch fire.  The fire caused minor damage to the home’s exterior prior to being extinguished by the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department.

Assist Other Agency- On Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 2:00a.m., Officers Michael Hein and Patrick Watkins responded to a wooded area near Bryant Road.  While meeting with the caller, a Point Pleasant resident, he reported loaning his vehicle to an acquaintance one day prior and it was never returned.  The caller reported the incident to Toms River Police and was later notified by friends that the truck was seen near Bryant Road.  Attempts to recover the vehicle were unsuccessful.

Theft- On Sunday, June 21, 2020, at 3:20 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota responded to Spirits Unlimited for a reported theft.  The caller conveyed that as she exited the store she unknowingly dropped her wallet.  Once reaching her vehicle she realized and retraced her path.  A witness in the parking lot reported observing a male subject driving from the lot in a sport utility vehicle after picking up the wallet.  The victim reported that the wallet contained $280 and several credit cards.

Suspicious Incident- On Sunday, June 21, 2020, at 6:52 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno was dispatched to a Pine Forest Lane residence for a possible break-in.  Upon arrival, the homeowner reported that she had returned home to find the front picture window of her home shattered.  No entrance was made into the home and neighbors did not report witnessing or hearing anything suspicious.

MVA- On Monday, June 22, 2020, at 2:22 a.m., headquarters received an On Star alert concerning a motor vehicle accident.  The vehicle was located just west of the Parkway entrance on Lacey Road.  The driver reported that a deer ran in front of her vehicle causing her to swerve and leave the roadway.  No injuries were sustained.

Fraud- On Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at 4:02 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer was dispatched to Medicine to Go Pharmacy in reference to a fraudulent prescription.  The pharmacist reported that a prescription was called into the pharmacy that seemed suspicious.  After contacting the prescribing doctor it was determined that the incident was fraudulent.

Fraud- On Wednesday, June 24, 2020, at 10:48 a.m., Officer Hutman took a report of an attempted fraud involving a house for rent in Forked River.  The complainant reported they had been seeking a house for rent utilizing a popular website.  After finding a house for rent located in Forked River, which appeared to be legitimate, the complainant made contact with the purported property owner.  The complainant completed a Residential Rental Application and Lease Agreement Contract, however became suspicious of the validity of the transaction prior to making a deposit via Paypal.  The complainant then learned that the person they were dealing with was not the actual owner of the property and it was a scam.  This fraud was unsuccessful, however the public is reminded that unfortunately these scams are common and occur frequently with success.  Please be safe and diligent when dealing with unknown parties.

The above photo depicts Special Officer Timothy Swain (right) as he graduates as a Class 2 Police Officer from the Ocean County Police Academy, Special Law Enforcement Officer Class #46. The graduation was held earlier today in Jackson, NJ. 

On September 14, 2017, Timothy Swain was hired by the Lacey Township Police Department as a Class I Special Law Enforcement Officer. Prior, he graduated from the Academy of Law and Public Safety (Lacey Township School District) and also served as a Police Explorer/Police Cadet with the Ocean County Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Explorer/Cadet Post #1. Special Officer Swain also obtained his Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America. In August 2017, he joined the United States Air Force where he currently holds the rank of E-4.

In September 2019, Special Officer Swain began the second phase of his Law Enforcement Officer career, beginning the Ocean County Police Academy, Special Law Enforcement Officer Class #46. I am proud to say after 10 long months of training, Special Officer Swain graduated today as a Class 2 Police Officer for the Lacey Township Police Department. He will be assigned to one of our Field Training Police Officers (FTOs) where he will spend the next several weeks in our department field training program. Once Special Officer Swain completes our field training program he will be assigned to various law enforcement duties throughout Lacey Township.  I would like to acknowledge both his family, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Detective Christine Farrell, who have been very instrumental in Special Officer Swain’s law enforcement career.

Congratulations Special Officer Swain, job well done!!

-Chief Michael C. DiBella

Lewdness- On Thursday, June 25, 2020, at 7:25 p.m., Officers Anthony Ravallo and Martin Julian responded to Caldwell Avenue for the report of a nude man in the street.  Officers located Jason Becker, 39, wearing only pants but were advised by witnesses that Becker was exposing himself prior to their arrival.  Becker was charged with Lewdness and released on his own recognizance.

Fraud- On Friday, June 26, 2020, at 1:32 p.m., Officer Michael Hutman took an initial report from a Forked River resident pertaining to fraud.  The victim reported that she recently received a text message confirming her Amazon credit card application.  The victim, who did not make the application, discovered that an unknown resident of Port Reading, New Jersey was added to the Amazon account and applied for the credit card.

Theft- On Saturday, June 27, 2020, at 7:51 a.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota was dispatched to a West Lacey Road residence for a theft.  Upon arrival, Officer Slota was advised by the homeowner that a 2012 Yamaha TW200 motorcycle was stolen from the rear of his truck during the overnight hours.  The theft is valued at $2,500.

Arrest- On Sunday, June 28, 2020 at 9:03 a.m., Detective Charles May conducted a motor vehicle stop for careless driving.   The driver, 51-year-old James Harris, was found to have a suspended New Jersey driver’s license as well as two active arrest warrants from Mansfield and Old Bridge Townships.  Harris was arrested and later released after the satisfying the $1,433 bail.

Ambulance Call- On Sunday, June 28, 2020 at 1:35 p.m., Officer Jeffrey Slota responded to Route 539 for a subject in the woods dehydrated.  While enroute to the scene, it was learned a second subject was in the woods and possibly unconscious. Members of the Bamber Lake Fire Department located both men who had been walking in the woods prior to becoming ill.  Both victims were transported to a local hospital for evaluation.

Fire- On Sunday, June 28, 2020 at 4:00 p.m., Officer Jason Lee responded to Evans Road for smoke conditions inside a home.   Forked River Fire Department discovered that the smoke was caused by a faulty washer/dryer combination.  The unit was left running while the homeowner was away and apparently malfunctioned.  The home sustained no damage.

Arrest- On Monday, June 29, 2020, at 7:45 p.m., Officer Anthony Sarno took an assault report from two juveniles.  The juveniles reported being involved in a physical altercation with an adult male at the Mill Pond basketball court earlier in the day.  During the altercation, the adult male struck one of the complainants with an aluminum bat.  The following day, Nicholas Terzo, 18, was arrested at his home and charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon.  He was released pending a Court appearance.

Fire- On Tuesday, June 30, 2020, at 3:57 p.m., Officer Jason Lee was dispatched to a fire on Kenney Street.  The caller reported that the flame of a candle had ignited the carpet.  Members of the Forked River Fire Department extinguished the fire after it caused minor damage.

As you prepare for the 4th of July this weekend, please take a moment to become familiar with the New Jersey State laws on the use of fireworks.

While the state of New Jersey has legalized very specific types of low level firework novelties (snappers, party-poppers and other non-aerial sparkling devices), we would like to remind our residents that most fireworks remain illegal to use without a valid permit. These include many aerial type fireworks and explosives, including but not limited to firecrackers and skyrockets. Persons found to be in possession of illegal fireworks is in violation of NJSA 21:3-2, a petty disorderly persons offense, and subject to penalties including, but not limited to fines up to the amount of $500.00. To maintain the safety and peace of our community, the Lacey Township Police Department will having extra patrols on and will be strictly enforcing the state laws related to illegal fireworks. Please have a safe 4th of July.

*** Happy Independence Day from the Lacey Township Police Department ***

Enjoy the day and be safe!

-Chief Michael C. DiBella