I am very excited to say that earlier this afternoon, the Lacey Township Police Department met with 5 year-old Jaxon from Lacey Township. Jaxon, who is one of our special honorary police officers, stopped by to visit us and show us his Lacey Township Police Department patrol vehicle that he recently built. Jaxon is a Lion Scout for Pack 156 and will be entering his patrol vehicle in the Pinewood Derby, being held later this week at the Lacey Elks Lodge #2518.

Today, we gave Jaxon (who was in full police uniform) the opportunity to utilize the emergency lights, sirens, and PA system in one of our police vehicles (see attached photos). We all had a great time and thank Jaxon for his continued service to the community.

Jaxon, all of us here at the Lacey Township Police Department were honored to meet with you again today and we wish you the best of luck in the Lion Scouts. Come by the Police Department and visit your friends anytime.

-Chief Michael C. DiBella

Altercation- On Thursday, March 18, 2021, at 4:24 p.m., officers responded to a reported physical altercation between two men on Railroad Avenue.  The incident reportedly began during a road rage incident ending with one man striking striking the other.  Both men, 59 and 51, were advised of the criminal complaint process.

Shoplifting- On Monday, March 22, 2021, at 10:49 a.m., Officers Jeff Slota and Michael Baldasari responded to Walmart for the theft of merchandise.  Tara Haines reportedly concealed several items, valued at $52.50, and was stopped by loss prevention as she attempted to exit the store.  During a search incident to arrest, officers discovered two hypodermic syringes in her possession.  Haines, 38, was released from headquarters after being charged with Shoplifting and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe.

Arrest- On Monday, March 22, 2021, at 6:33 p.m., officers arrested Erik Moore near Laurel Plaza.  Moore, 27, was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility after officers discovered an outstanding probation warrant.

Burglary- On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 8:41 a.m., Officer Michael Baldasari was dispatched to the Lacey Car Wash for a burglary.  It was reported that during overnight hours an unknown suspect(s) forced entry into the building stealing an amount of cash.  Detective Jesse Dalziel is investigating the matter.

Road Closure- On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 11:59 a.m., several officers responded to the intersection of Sunrise Boulevard and Tiller Drive for a damaged utility pole.  Investigation at the scene revealed that a passing concrete truck caught a low wire causing a utility pole to come down.  Sunrise Boulevard remained closed into the night while Verizon made repairs.  The Forked River Fire Department also assisted with the scene.

Theft- On Tuesday, March 23, 2021, at 1:12 p.m., Officer Jeff Slota took a theft report from a Pine Street, Lanoka Harbor, resident.  The victim reported that during the early morning hours, unknown suspects forced entry into two enclosed trailers on the property.  Once inside, the actors stole three motorcycles valued at $24,000.  The actors also attempted to gain entry into the garage but were unsuccessful.  Detective Brian Flynn is investigating.

DWI- On Wednesday, March 24, 2021, at 3:32 p.m., officers responded to Route 9 near Lakeside Drive South for a two-car motor vehicle accident.  The collision appeared to occur when a Honda Pilot, driven by Elaine Corliss, crossed over the centerline into oncoming traffic.  Corliss, 50, was determined to be under the influence and arrested at the scene.  The driver of the second vehicle, an adult male, was transported to a hospital for injuries.  Corliss was charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane.  She was also charged criminally with Assault by Auto.  Corliss was released on her own recognizance in accordance with bail reform.

Statewide Distracted Driving Enforcement and Awareness Campaign

April 1 – 30, 2021

Lacey Township — Law enforcement officers from the Lacey Township Police Department will be cracking down on distracted drivers during April as part of New Jersey’s UDrive. UText. UPay. enforcement campaign.

Beginning April 1st and running through the end of the month, the high visibility law enforcement initiative will target motorists who engage in dangerous distracted driving behaviors such as talking on hand-held cell phones and sending text messages while driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2018 alone, 2,841 people were killed in distracted driving crashes on our nation’s roads and an estimated 400,000 people were injured. In New Jersey, driver inattention was listed as a contributing circumstance in 50 percent of the state’s crashes in 2018. Driver inattention was in fact listed as a contributing factor in crashes at a rate seven times higher than that of the next highest contributing factor (speed).

Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving. Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for five seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

New Jersey is one of eight states nationally to receive dedicated federal funds this year to tackle the issue of driver distraction. This federal funding will be used for police overtime enforcement grants at the local level as well as a statewide multimedia public awareness campaign on this important issue.

Shoplifting- On Thursday, March 25, 2021, at 8:30 p.m., CVS contacted police reporting a theft.  The staff reported that an unknown male suspect entered the store and stole several perfumes off the shelf prior to breaking into a locked fragrance display.  The suspect, a white male in his 20’s, was seen running from the store prior to police arrival.  Detective May along with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department Crime Scene Unit responded to investigate.

DWI- On Thursday, March 25, 2021, at 10:06 p.m., Officer Scott Keefe was dispatched to Wawa, Lanoka Harbor, after a caller reported a possible intoxicated driver.  Officer Keefe located the vehicle and deemed the driver under the influence.  Thomas Daly, 36, was arrested and later released after being charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Submit to Breath Testing.

MV Violation- On Saturday, March 27, 2021, at 8:22 p.m., Special Officer Chris Triano conducted a motor vehicle stop on Manchester Avenue.  The unregistered motorcycle was being operated by a 15 year-old Toms River male.  The motorcycle was impounded and the juvenile was turned over to his mother.  Charges are pending.

Arrest- On Sunday, March 28, 2021, at 4:07 p.m., officers met with a Forked River resident who reported a matter connected to a recent theft.  The caller stated that while working on Laurel Boulevard, he was approached by two men who he believed to be detectives.  The men questioned the caller concerning motorcycles that were recently stolen from a Pine Street residence.  Investigation into the matter revealed that the two men were the owners of the stolen motorcycles and the caller’s vehicle matched the description of the thieves.  Both men, Christopher Hall, 50, and Anthony Hall, 20, were charged with False Imprisonment for detaining the caller and released on their own recognizance pending a Court appearance.

Arrest- On Sunday, March 28, 2021, at 11:30 p.m., officers arrested Kenneth Novak, 31, at a Buena Vista Road residence.  The arrest was made in connection with a failure to appear warrant issued by New Jersey State Parole.  Novak was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.

Assault- On Monday, March 29, 2021, at 7:34 p.m., Officer Martin Julian was dispatched to a Pensacola Road home for an altercation.  The caller, a 28 year-old man, reported that he was involved in an altercation with a neighbor.  The caller reported that while walking to his car, he was approached by Steven Weidencamp, 28, and punched causing a laceration above his eye.  The caller reportedly defended himself leading to Steven sustaining minor injuries.  Weidencamp was ultimately charged with Simple Assault and released pending a Court appearance.

Arrest- On Wednesday, March 31, 2021, at 2:04 p.m., Officer Noah Schaffer conducted a motor vehicle stop in front of a Driftwood Lane residence.  The driver explained that she did not have her license with her and she resides at the home they were stopped in front of, which she did.  The female was permitted to go inside to retrieve her license and ran out of the rear door.  The suspect, Victoria Espinal, 24, was later placed under arrest for several outstanding warrants issued by the Ocean County Superior Court and Manchester Municipal Court.  Espinal was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.  She was also charged with Obstructing Justice and issued several motor vehicle summonses.

Dispute- On Friday, April 2, 2021, at 11:50 a.m., officers were dispatched to a Lacey Road parking lot for a report of two males fighting.  Officers found that two deliverymen were involved in an argument but never turned physical.  Both subjects were released without charges.

Theft- On Friday, April 2, 2021, at 9:00 p.m., a Forked River Beach resident reported that a package was stolen from his front porch.  The victim reported that the Amazon delivery was taken during overnight hours.

Fire- On Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 10:34 a.m., Officer Matthew D’Antonio responded to a Sunset Drive residence for a house fire.  It appeared that while an occupant of the home was cooking a grease fire began and spread to the kitchen window curtains.  The fire was extinguished by the occupant prior to severe damage.  The Forked River Fire Department assisted by ventilated the home to remove excessive smoke.

Arrest- On Saturday, April 3, 2021, at 1:02 p.m., officers responded to Walmart in reference to a suspicious male.  Officers located Brian Langan, 51, who appeared intoxicated, inside the men’s room.  Investigation revealed that Brian was under the influence from inhaling chemicals.  Brian was charged with Being Under the Influence and Inhaling a Toxic Chemical.

MV- Accident- On Sunday, April 4, 2021, at 12:38 a.m., a vehicle traveling south on Route 9 near Laurel Boulevard left the roadway and struck a utility pole.  The driver, a 26 year-old Bayville woman, was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries.  Traffic was altered while Verizon replaced the pole.

Theft- On Monday, April 5, 2021, at 11:01 a.m., Officer John Simonson responded to Family Dollar in reference to a theft.  The caller, an employee of Coca-Cola, explained that while completing an in-store audit and unknown suspect stole his jacket.  The jacket reportedly contained a Samsung cell phone and the victim’s vehicle keys.  The theft is valued at $1,500.

Threats- On Monday, April 5, 2021, at 7:53 p.m., Officer Anthony Ravallo met with a Forked River resident reporting threats.  The victim stated that her family has been receiving multiple threats through Snapchat and a blocked caller.  An investigation to identify the number is being conducted.

Police Chief Michael C. DiBella and the members of the Lacey Township Police Department would like to recognize our department’s Public Safety Telecommunicators, also known as Police Dispatchers. This week (April 11^th to April 17, 2021) is National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week.

Having started my career in Lacey Township many years ago as a Public Safety Telecommunicator, I understand how difficult and stressful this profession is.  Dispatching itself, is just a small facet of what these professionals do. Our nine full-time Public Safety Telecommunicators have a long list of responsibilities, including, but not limited to, answering both emergency (911) and non-emergency phone calls (often handling multiple calls at once), dispatching police officers and emergency services to calls for service, speaking with members of the public at the lobby window of Police Headquarters, monitoring the jail cells and security cameras throughout the building, and monitoring other law enforcement and emergency service channels. Additionally they are routinely required to enter information into various computer systems, for example, to create a case number for a call for service, or to enter a stolen vehicle or missing person.

In short, our Public Safety Telecommunicators serve as the vital link between our community and emergency services, they are what holds our police department together. While their work is usually done outside of the view of the public, they are an essential resource for first responders and the public alike and normally serve as the first point of contact for members of the public seeking help in an emergency situation.

In an average month, Lacey Township Public Safety Telecommunicators typically receive between 3000 and 4000 calls that are assigned for service.

We are fortunate to have a great staff of trained and dedicated Public Safety Telecommunicators here at the Lacey Township Police Department. Please join me in thanking all of them for their hard work and commitment to our community.

-Chief Michael C. DiBella

*** Update *** 

The police department telephone issue has been corrected. Thank you. 

The Lacey Township Police Department is currently experiencing issues with our department telephone system. First and foremost, if you have an emergency dial 911.

911 calls are working.

If you have a non-emergency phone call, please call the below temporary phone number for the Lacey Township Police Department.

This number is:

609-693-0865

If you call and receive a busy signal please try again.

Reminder, if you have an emergency dial 911

We will update you as soon as the phone system is repaired.

Thank you.

Arrest- On Thursday, April 8, 2021, at 6:42 p.m., officers responded to a Penn Avenue residence.  While there, an occupant of the home, Andrew Lupton, was placed under arrest.  Lupton was charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe.  During his arrest, Lupton bit an officer leading to additional charges of Resisting Arrest and Aggravated Assault.  During processing at headquarters, Lupton damaged property leading to a Criminal Mischief charge.  He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail.

Theft- On Saturday, April 10, 2021, at 9:51 p.m., Officer Martin Julian was dispatched to a Cranberry Hill residence in reference to a theft.  The homeowner reported that unknown suspects entered the unoccupied home stealing items from the garage.  The stolen items, valued at $12,000, included bicycles, tools, computers, and stereo equipment.

Burglary- On Sunday, April 11, 2021, at 3:03 a.m., Officers Robert Duffy and Martin Julian were dispatched to Medicine to Go for an audible alarm.  Upon arriving, officers discovered that the front glass was shattered.  Surveillance video depicted a suspect approaching the window and throwing a large rock into the store’s interior.  The subject fled on foot when the alarm sounded.  Detective Brian Flynn is conducting an investigation.

Burglary- On Sunday, April 11, 2021, at 9:28 a.m., Officer Alan Abrecht took a burglary report from a Tappan Street resident.  The victim stated that during the overnight hours, an unknown suspect(s) entered his unlocked vehicle stealing items from within.  The victim further added that the license plates of the vehicle were stolen along with a license plate from another vehicle on the property.

Arrest- On Monday, April 12, 2021, Detective Adam Ewart charged Andrew Lupton with shoplifting.  The charge was prepared after Lupton was identified as the actor during a theft at Home Depot in January.  Lupton was served with the complaint while incarcerated at the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

DWI- On Thursday, April 15, 2021, at 5:00 p.m., two members of the detective bureau discovered an adult male under the influence off the shoulder of Route 9.  The male, who was operating a motor vehicle, was ultimately placed under arrest for DWI.  James Hatch, 43, was charged with DWI and Reckless Driving prior to being released.

Arrests- On Saturday, April 17, 2021, at 6:20 p.m., officers were dispatched to the Captain’s Inn for a disturbance.  Upon arriving, officers discovered that two Ocean County Sheriff’s Officers were already on scene.  The disturbance allegedly began when a patron, George Monith, was asked to leave for not wearing a mask.  The sheriff’s officers, who were in the area conducting business checks, observed the disturbance and stopped to assist at which time one officer was shoved by Kimberly Monith.  Kimberly was placed under arrest and transported to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.  George Monith continued to be unruly leading to his arrest by Lacey officers.  George Monith was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Resisting Arrest prior to being released on his own recognizance.  Kimberly Monith was also released after being processed.

Fraud- On Monday, April 19, 2021, at 10:04 a.m., Officer Kymberly Gudgeon met with a Lanoka Harbor resident in reference to identity theft.  The victim was notified by his employer that an unknown person used his personal information to file an unemployment claim.  The incident is being forwarded to the Social Security Administration for review.

Theft- On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, at 4:48 p.m., Officer Andrew Slota took a theft report from a Lanoka Harbor resident.  The victim reported that after having a passenger in his vehicle he realized that his prescription medication and debit card were missing.  The suspect was not located.

Internet Fraud- On Sunday, April 25, 2021, at 8:02 p.m., Officer Dallas Gant met with a Township resident in reference to suspicious messages.  The victim reported that he was threatened by an unknown person that explicit photos would be released unless their demands were met.  This appears to be part of an ongoing scam thought to originate outside of the United States.

Fire- On Monday, April 26, 2021, at 4:59 p.m., officers were dispatched to Devoe Street for a structure fire.  Members of the Forked River Fire Department were the first to arrive at the scene and discovered fire at the rear of the home.  The fire spread from the back wall into the attic prior to being brought under control by firefighters.  The home suffered severe damage.

Fraud- On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at 3:29 p.m., Officer Alan Abrecht met with a Forked River resident reporting an Internet scam.  The victim reported that an unknown suspect created an Internet sales account through Facebook listing him as the owner of the account.  Excessive sales were made, as far away as Canada, none of which was filled.  The victim is now receiving calls concerning the sales, some threatening.

Criminal Mischief- On Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at 4:20 a.m., Officer Bruce Carver responded to 7-11, 403 Route 9, in reference to damage.  The store clerk reported that two men entered the store inquiring about Western Union.  When they were advised that the system was inoperable, one suspect punched the glass door causing it to crack.  The suspects fled on foot prior to Officer Carver’s arrival.

MV Theft- On Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., Officer Alan Abrecht met with a complainant reporting the theft of her rental vehicle.  The victim stated that she parked the vehicle, a Nissan Versa, in a Route 9 commercial parking lot near 7:00 a.m.  Upon returning, the vehicle was missing.  Surveillance video is being sought.

Fraud- On Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at 2:07 p.m., Officer Jason Lee was dispatched to TD Bank for fraud.  The branch manager reported that a customer entered the branch attempting to get a replacement debit card.  After not being able to answer security questions the subject was turned away.  It was later discovered that the attempt was made at several branches and that the suspect was was thought to be impersonating account holders.

Theft- On Thursday, April 29, 2021, at 9:44 a.m., Officer Michael Hutman responded to an Ambermist Way construction site for a theft report. The victim reported that during the overnight hours unknown suspects stole 20 lengths of PVC pipe.

Stolen Vehicle- After a vehicle was reported stolen on Thursday, April 29, 2021 from a Lacey commercial lot, Neptune Police recovered the vehicle.  A Neptune officer conducted a motor vehicle stop on Tuesday, May 4, 2021 after the vehicle was identified as stolen.  The driver of the vehicle, Johnnie McLean, 30, was arrested for possession of the stolen vehicle and numerous drug offenses.

Shoplifting- On Thursday, April 29, 2021, at 2:53 p.m., Officer Michael Hutman was dispatched to Walmart in reference to a shoplifting.  Loss Prevention reported that Joseph Butala, Jr., attempted to leave the store with merchandise valued at $250.  Butala was arrested and charged with Shoplifting prior to being released on his own recognizance.

Fraud- On Friday, April 30, 2021, at 11:47 a.m., Officer Michael Hutman met with a Township resident reporting a theft.  The victim stated that she was contacted by Cyber Security advising her of fraudulent activity on her accounts.  The victim was convinced to allow the caller access to her computer and to purchase gift cards as payment.  The caller purchased an amount of gift cards and provided the caller with the codes prior to realizing that incident was fraudulent.

Theft- On Sunday, May 2, 2021, at 6:12 p.m., a Railroad Avenue resident report a theft from his property.  The caller stated that he had four vehicle rims posted for sale in front of his home when they were stolen.  The suspect reportedly drove a light-colored SUV.

DWI- On Monday, May 3, 2021, at 1:30 a.m., Officer Anthony Sarno conducted a motor vehicle stop.  During the stop, it was determined that the driver, Morgan Hardie, 26, was under the influence.  Hardie was arrested and charged with DWI and Reckless Driving.

Theft- On Wednesday, May 5, 2021, at 6:59 p.m., officers responded to the Lacey Laundromat for a reported theft.  The caller described that the laundromat was occupied by two separate parties, a sole man and two females.  After the two females left the business while their clothes remained, the male suspect stole items of their clothing.  The female victims returned and confirmed three pair of women’s underwear missing.  The suspect could not be located.

Fraud- On Friday, May 7, 2021, at 9:40 a.m., Officer Jason Lee met with a Township resident reporting fraud.  The victim reported seeing a fraudulent charge on his bank statement and contacted the attached phone number.  The suspect identified himself as a member of the Geek Squad and was permitted access to the victim’s computer.  The suspect explained that he credited the victim’s account twice accidentally and arranged to have the victim send funds back.  After transferring a large amount of cash, the victim realized that the transfer was to a fraudulent account.

Arrest- On Friday, May 7, 2021, at 6:45 p.m., officers responded to the Mercer County Correctional Facility to take custody of Michael Ritz, 27.  Ritz was charged with Shoplifting from an incident that occurred at the CVS on March 25, 2021.  The investigation was assigned to the detective bureau after Ritz stole perfume and cologne valued at $850.  Ritz was identified through surveillance video collected at several different locations.  He was lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility without bail after being processed.

Fraud- On Monday, May 10, 2021, at 4:53 p.m., Officer Dan Ricciardella documented a fraud report from a Lanoka Harbor resident.  The victim was alerted by Amazon that he would be receiving a laptop delivery.  Knowing that he did not place an order, the victim contacted the Amazon phone number, which was fraudulent.  The victim was convinced to supply the suspect with $4,700 prior to realizing the matter was fictitious.

Fire- On Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at 12:07 p.m., patrol officers were dispatched to a possible structure fire on Beach Boulevard.  Officers discovered a fully engulfed fire that had spread into the attic.  Detective Brian Flynn and members of the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire originated outside the rear door of the home, igniting the siding and spreading into the attic.  The fire was deemed not suspicious.

This week (May 16-22, 2021), is the 46th annual National EMS Week. This year’s theme is “This Is EMS: Caring for Our Communities.”

The Lacey Township Police Department would like to honor and thank all of our EMS providers, especially the members of our local EMS squads. We thank you for your dedication and service to our community each and every day.

-Chief Michael C. DiBella

The above photos depict 6 year-old Hazel celebrating her birthday with the Lacey Township Police Department (May 13, 2021).  

Last Thursday, May 13, 2021, the Lacey Township Police Department  was honored to meet with 6 year-old Hazel from Lacey Township and celebrate her 6th birthday. Hazel met with Lacey Police Officer Michael Hutman, who taught her how to utilize the emergency lights, sirens, and PA system in his patrol vehicle (see attached photos). Police Chief Michael C. DiBella appointed Hazel as an honorary special police officer for the Lacey Township Police Department and looks forward to her serving our community.

We all had a great time celebrating Hazel’s birthday and thank her and her family for visiting us. Happy Birthday Hazel! Stop by and see us anytime.

Shoplifting- On Friday, May 14, 2021, at 7:34 p.m., Officers Keith Pearce and Brian Holt were dispatched to Walmart for a shoplifting incident.  During their investigation, officers determined that two Bayville residents, Valerie Coelho, 53, and Pelagio Coelho, 49, attempted to steal merchandise valued at $185.72.  Both were arrested and charged with Shoplifting prior to being released.

Theft- On Saturday, May 15, 2021, at 8:21 p.m., a Llewellyn Parkway resident contacted police reporting a theft.  Officer Randy Plis responded and reported that a Charbroil gas grill was stolen from the homeowner’s driveway.  The male suspect, who was captured on surveillance video, was operating a Honda Ridgeline.  The grill was valued at $200.

Arrest- On Sunday, May 16, 2021, at 5:53 p.m., Sergeant Michael Verwey and Officer Matthew D’Antonio responded to Route 9 and Lacey Road for a vehicle not moving from the intersection.  Officers discovered a male driver and a female passenger asleep in the vehicle and not responding.  Upon awakening, both subjects appeared under the influence.  A search of the vehicle yielded 165 bags containing heroin, 20 syringes, and over $500 cash.  The couple, Joseph Sinopoli, 28, and Alysha Manhat, 31, were arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin, Intent to Distribute Heroin, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Sinopoli was also charged with DWI and Reckless Driving.  Both were lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility in accordance with bail reform.

Arrest- On Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at 12:15 p.m., Officers Michael Hein and Jeffery Slota arrested David Thomas, 51, at Cornerstone Apartments.  Thomas had an active no-bail warrant issued by the Ocean County Superior Court for a probation violation.  Three additional Municipal Court warrants, originating from Beachwood and Brick, were discovered with bail totaling $3,161.  Thomas was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Criminal Mischief- On Wednesday, May 19, 2021, at 4:46 p.m., Officer Elton Copes responded to Walmart in reference to criminal mischief.  Loss Prevention Officers reported that three juveniles removed spray paint from the shelves and painted various symbols and words on the concrete floor.  The youths were released to family members at the scene.  Criminal charges are pending damage estimates.

On April 19, and May 17, 2021, the Walmart Corporation sponsored COVID-19 vaccination clinics for residents of Lacey Township 55 years of age or older. The vaccination clinics took place at the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department, 2 Warren Ave in Lacey Township.  In total, 870 vaccinations were provided over the course of these two dates.

These clinics would not have been possible without the support of Mr. Joseph Michael, who is the Health and Wellness Director (Jersey Shore) for the Walmart Corporation, Lacey Township Mayor Peter Curatolo, and the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department. Thank you for partnering together to offer these vaccinations to our residents!!

The above photo depicts law enforcement officers from various agencies presenting 5 year-old Jaxon with several police patches for his “Tiny Superhero” cape. The photo was taken earlier this afternoon outside the Lanoka Harbor Elementary School in Lacey Township. 

Earlier this afternoon, members from various law enforcement agencies in Ocean County, along with representatives from the New Jersey State Police, responded to the Lanoka Harbor Elementary School in Lacey Township to meet outside with 5 year-old Jaxon. Jaxon, who is an honorary Lacey Township Special Police Officer, suffers from a genetic disorder called Neurofibromas, or NF-1 for short. His family has been making a “Tiny Superhero” cape for him, constructed of various law enforcement patches, including patches from all over New Jersey and other states. Today, Jaxon was provided with several more law enforcement patches for his cape.

In addition to several law enforcement vehicles surrounding the front of the Lanoka Harbor Elementary School, the New Jersey State Police provided a helicopter flyover for Jaxon. All of us were very happy to meet with Jaxon and provide him with these additional patches.

Jaxon is a huge fan of law enforcement. A few months back, for the Lion Scouts, he and his family designed his pinewood derby car after one of our police cars. We were so appreciative of Jaxon and his family for doing that and supporting the Lacey Township Police Department.

I would like to thank all of the law enforcement agencies that participated today, including the New Jersey State Police, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, Berkeley Township Police, Ocean Township Police, Barnegat Township Police, Stafford Township Police, Manchester Township Police, Brick Township Police, Toms River Township Police, and the Seaside Heights Police. I would also like to thank the Ocean County Traffic Safety Officers Association for assisting us today.

-Chief Michael C. DiBella

Theft– On Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 6:53 p.m., Officer Elton Copes took a theft report from a local business.  An employee reported observing a customer acting suspicious prior to leaving the store.  Afterward, the employee discovered that her wallet was missing.  Officer Copes was able to locate the customer and recover the wallet.  No criminal charges were filed.

Theft– On Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 7:01 p.m., Officer Patrick Watkins was dispatched to the rail trail for a theft report.  The victim reported that his electric bicycle, valued at $1,600, was taken by another male subject.  A suspect was identified and is being sought.

DWI– On Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 7:13 p.m., Officers Dallas Gant and Anthony Sarno responded to a two-car motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Manchester Avenue and Haines Street.  During the investigation it was determined that one driver, Robert Coughran, was under the influence.  Coughran was arrested and charged with DWI and Reckless Driving.  He was also charged criminally with Assault by Auto prior to being released pending a Court appearance.

DWI– On Thursday, May 20, 2021, at 10:49 p.m., Officers Elton Copes and Patrick Watkins arrested an individual for DWI.  The arrest was made after Edward Beaton was stopped in the parking lot of Wawa, Lanoka Harbor, and deemed under the influence.  Beaton was charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, and Refusal to Submit to Breath Samples.

Theft– On Sunday, May 23, 2021, at 9:15 a.m., Officer John Simonson took a theft report from a Bamber Lake business.  An employee reported that an unknown suspect forced entry into a locked shipping container stealing items from within.  The stolen items, valued at $2,500, included a quad and a welder.

Theft– On Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at 8:37 a.m., Officer Michael Baldasari took a theft report from a Forked River resident.  The victim reported that their black 2021 Big Tex 18 foot flatbed trailer, valued at $5,000, was taken from their property during the overnight hours.  The investigation is ongoing.

Shoplifting– On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at 9:10 a.m., Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to Home Depot for a report of a male shoplifter who had fled the store with merchandise.  The investigation revealed that the suspect had stolen over $300 worth of tools prior to fleeing the area.  The suspect has been identified and is being sought.

Shoplifting– On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at 4:00 p.m., Officer Michael Baldasari responded to Home Depot for a report of a male shoplifter who had fled the store.  The investigation revealed that a male had stolen a tool worth $200 prior to fleeing the area.  The suspect has been identified and charges are pending.

Theft– On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at 6:52 p.m., Officer Patrick Watkins was dispatched to a Forked River residence for a theft report.  The victim reported that their child’s scooter, valued at $175, was taken from the front yard of their residence.  Possible suspects were identified and are being sought.

On Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 10:10 am, the Lacey Township Police Department was contacted regarding a missing person from a Lanoka Harbor residence.  The missing person, identified as a 73-year old male, had walked away from his residence in the Bayberry Section of Lanoka Harbor, on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at approximately 12:00 pm and had not returned home. It was further reported that the missing male suffered from Parkinson’s disease and dementia.

Police Officers from the Lacey Township Police Department were immediately dispatched and began checking common areas that the missing male frequently visits, however they were unable to locate him.  The investigation at the scene, along with the deteriorating weather conditions, led to a search effort in the wooded marsh area near the missing male’s residence on the Edward B Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge property.

The Lacey Township Police Department coordinated with both the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and the Lanoka Harbor Fire Company, to conduct a systematic search of the wooded area.  This included the use of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K9 unit, along with off-road patrol units from both the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department and the Lacey Township Police Department.

At approximately 2:45 pm, members of the off-road units located the missing male approximately one-half mile back in the wooded marsh area.  He was lying on his back in several inches of water and was unable to move.  The missing male was conscious, however, was unable to speak.  He was extricated from the marsh area and transported out of the woods by members of Lanoka Harbor EMS, utilizing their off-road EMS utility vehicle.  Once they exited the woods, the missing male was taken to an ambulance where RWJ Barnabas paramedics were waiting.  Medical care was provided and the missing male was transported to Community Medical Center by Lanoka Harbor EMS.

The Lacey Township Police Department would like to thank the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, the Lanoka Harbor Fire Company, the Lanoka Harbor EMS, and members of the Ocean County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), for their assistance in this search effort, ultimately leading to the safe return of the missing male. A sincere thank you to all of you for your coordinated teamwork. This was truly a great job by all!!

-Chief Michael C. DiBella

*** Memorial Day 2021 ***

Today we honor all the brave men and women of our armed forces who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. All the members of the Lacey Township Police Department salute the fallen and give thanks on this Memorial Day.