Bikes Stolen From High School, Package Thefts: Lacey Police Blotter

LACEY, NJ — Four bikes were stolen from the high school, two iPhone 15s were stolen from a front porch and more last month in Lacey.

That's according to the September Lacey Township Police Blotter, outlining crimes and incidents reported throughout the month.

Here's the blotter in its entirety, courtesy of Lacey police and unedited by Patch.

Nature: Trespassing
On Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 6:34 PM, Officer Hyle and Officer Spina responded to Lacey Materials for a report of vehicles trespassing. Officers arrived on scene and began checking the area. Officer Hyle located (2) vehicles being operated by 23 year old, Carolin Martinez Hernandez of Irvington and 32 year old, Juan Huezoramirez of Plainfield. Officer Hyle issued Carolin and Juan summons for trespassing and escorted them off the property.

Nature: False Reports to Law Enforcement
On Sunday, September 1, 2024, at 11:10 PM, Officer Spina and Officer Hyle responded to a Clearview Street residence for a report of an intoxicated subject who sustained an injury. Officers arrived on scene with Lacey Township EMS and met with a highly intoxicated, Lawrence Mulrooney, who sustained a laceration to the back of his head. Lawrence reported that an ex partnerforced her way into the residence and struck him with a baseball bat. Lawrence was adamant that the incident took place, however Officer Spina was able to prove otherwise and determined that Lawrence fell backwards and struck his head. Lawrence was transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center by EMS. Based on the allegations Officer Spina charged Lawrence with second degree False Reports to Law Enforcement. He was released on a summons.

Nature: Shoplifting
On Monday, September 2, 2024, at approximately 8:41 PM, several officers, including Officer Triano, responded to Wal-Mart for a report of a shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival, contact was made with Loss Prevention employee as well as with the offender, Matthew Kistner, XXXXXX age 57. Chris reported that Matthew concealed and attempted to leave the store with $412.89 worth of merchandise without paying. Matthew was ultimately placed under arrest and later released on a summons for shoplifting.

Nature: Check Welfare/Warrant Arrest
On Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at 4:09 PM, Officer Spina and Officer Ricciardella responded to Dearhead Lake for a report of an intoxicated female. Upon arrival, officers met with the female, Kelli P. Malley, 39, of Forked River. While interacting with Kelli a $1000.00 ATS warrant, originating out of Lacey Township for Failure to Appear was located. Kelli was transported to headquarters where she was unable to post bail. Kelli was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Incident: Suspicious Incident
On Friday, September 06, 2024, at 11:23 AM, Officer Lepeshko responded to the area of Old Shore Rd and Challenger Way for a report of a male, who was captured on a trail camera, holding a firearm. The caller reported he was at work and saw a still camera shot on his trail camera, of a white male, approximately in his late 50’s, with a goatee, wearing a light blue or gray sleeveless shirt and jeans, holding a firearm. The male appeared to be alone and the firearm was held, pointing down at the ground while the male was walking. The trail camera was located approximately three-quarters of a mile west of Old Shore Rd. Fish and Wildlife was contacted and responded. Officers checked the area and did not locate the individual.

Incident: MV Stop / False Government Document / Arrest
On Saturday, September 07, 2024, at 12:48 PM, Officer Ricciardella conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2009 black BMW, after noting the registration expired. Officer Ricciardella contacted the driver, Devin Feimer (age 20), of Forked River. The NJ temp tag did not come back to a BMW and the VIN on the temp tag was not the same as on the vehicle. Officer Ricciardella subsequently issued Devin traffic summonses for unregistered vehicle, fictitious plates, and Counterfeit License Plate. Furthermore, due to the registration being expired, Accurate Towing impounded the vehicle. Officer Ricciardella charged him with Exhibiting False Government Document and Possession of False Government Document. Devin was issued his complaint-summons and released from police custody without incident.

Incident: Boater Distress
On Sunday, September 08, 2024, at 11:19 AM, Officer Plis, Officer Tranz, and Sergeant Keefe responded to the end of Capstan Drive, near the Sunrise Beach Park, for a report of a capsized boat, with two boaters in the water. This agency was given information that a passing boat, retrieved the distressed boaters from the water, and brought them to land at the Sunrise Beach Park. The incident is under investigation by the NJSP Marine Bureau and the Coast Guard.

Incident: Theft
On Sunday, September 08, 2024, at 2:45 PM, Officers Zacco and Ravallo met a victim at her Sunrise Blvd address regarding two iPhone 15 cell phones, valued at $799.00 each, that were stolen from her front porch. The victim explained receiving a confirmation text message requesting she activate the cell phones. Unbeknownst to the victim, the cell phones were delivered to her residence this past Friday (9/6/24). She subsequently checked her doorbell camera and observed a female, who was covering her face, walk up to the front porch and steal the package. The theft is still under investigation.

Incident: Theft
On Monday, September 09, 2024, at 8:08 AM, Officer Hutman responded to Salters Lane for a theft report. The victim reported between 6:30PM on 09/06/24 and 8:00 AM on 09/09/24, an unknown person(s) stole a Sweepmaster Hyrdraulic Broom Motor, valued at approximately $1,500.00, from a Sweeper machine on the Earle construction site near Salters Lane. The theft remains under investigation.

Nature:Trespassing
On Tuesday September 10, 2024 at 8:17 PM, Officers Biel and Triano responded to Rich’s Ice Cream, for a report of a suspicious male. Upon arrival, the officers met with Joshua Casper, age 41, who had previously been trespassed form Dunkin Donuts. Joshua admitted to being at Dunkin Donuts and was subsequently charged with Defiant Trespass on a summons.

Nature: Simple Assault
On Wednesday September 11, 2024, at 10:12 PM, Officers Spina and Fusciello, responded Constitution Drive, Forked River, for a report of two females fighting in front of the residence. Upon arrival, the officers observed, Ana Galindocamargo, age 44, of Red Bank, engaged in a physical altercation with another female. Ana was on top of Candy and both of the women suffered scratches and lacerations to their hands and faces. Ana reportedly arrived at the residence to confront Candy when the physical altercation took place. Based on the observations on the scene, Ana was deemed the aggressor and was placed under arrest and charged with a violation of 2C:12-1A(1), Simple Assault on complaint 1512-S-2024-392, and released without incident.

Nature: Noise Complaint/Open Burn
On Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 2:24 AM, multiple officers including Ptl. Hyle responded to the area of Parker's Pit #1 for a report of a large fire and loud music. On arrival, officers located three vehicles that appeared to be camping on the north side of the pit. Additionally, officers observed a large bonfire at the campsite. The Forked River Fire Department responded to the area and extinguished the fire. Ptl. Hyle issued all three registered owners for trespassing and one individual for open burn.

Incident: Noise Complaint / Trespassing
On Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 10:24 AM, Officer Zacco and Officer Plis responded to Parker’s First Pit for vehicles trespassing on the property and playing loud music. Officers located several vehicles and made contact with their drivers. Officer Zacco issued summonses to all of the vehicle owners for Unauthorized Vehicles on Private Property.

Incident: Theft-Shoplifting
On Monday, September 16, 2024, at 2:33 PM, Officer Plis responded to Shoprite, 344 Route 9 Forked River for a report of a shoplifting incident that took place on Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 3:45 PM. Officer Plis met with loss prevention employee, who reported an Uber eats delivery driver had picked up an order, in the amount of $113.97, to deliver to an address on Center St in Forked River. It was discovered that Aaron canceled the order and kept the groceries for himself. Shoprite provided a duplicate order to the customer on Center St so they did not suffer a loss. Shoprite contacted Uber for reimbursement and they advised Shoprite they were not reimbursing them for the theft. Shop Rite indic they would sign their own complaint for the incident with the Municipal Court.

Incident: Theft
On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 5:31 PM, Officer Gant responded to the wooded area behind a Sandy Hook Dr residence in Forked River, for a theft of a deer stand. Officer Gant met with the victim who reported someone stole his Stryker XL Big Game deer stand, valued at $189.00. Officer Gant is attempting to retrieve trail camera footage and the case is still under investigation.

Nature: DWI – MVA
On Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 11:13 PM, several Officers including Officer Labbate responded to 332 South Main Street, for a report of an MVA, car vs utility pole. Upon arrival, Officers met with the driver, 48 year old, Todd Bernat of Forked River. Todd reported that he attempted to conduct a U-turn on Route 9 and in doing so struck a telephone pole. Based on the investigation Todd was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. Todd’s vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet Equinox was impounded by Lacey Amoco. JCPL checked the telephone pole and deemed it safe. Todd was transported to headquarters where he issued summons for DWI, Reckless Driving, Improper U-Turn, Failure to Maintain Lane and Open Container of Alcohol and released.

Nature: Aggravated Assault
On Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 1:32 PM hours Officer John Tirella and Officer Bruce Carver responded to Tacoholics, 335 North Main Street, for a report of a male claiming he was assaulted at Shop Rite. Upon arrival officers met with 41 year-old male victim, who had a significant facial injury and indicated he was standing at Shop Rite near CardSmart when an unknown subject punched him in the face. The victim was transported to CMC for a facial injury.

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at approximately 8:02 PM, several officers responded to the Spark Car Wash for a report of someone leaving their vehicle in the parking lot. Upon arrival, contact was made with Edward Heaton, age 27, who began advising officers about the initial call. During this time, Officer Biel believed that Edward may have been responsible for the assault that occurred in ShopRite two days earlier. Edward was subsequently placed under arrest and transported back to police headquarters where he was charged with Aggravated Assault on a warrant. Edward was later transported to Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Nature: Disorderly Conduct/Lewdness
On Thursday, September 19, 2024, at 5:24 PM Officer Nilon and Officer Tranz responded to Nautilus Boulevard for a report of a male subject yelling and threatening vehicles as they passed his residence. Upon arrival officers observed Jay Shayne Jr, 37, of Nautilus Boulevard, wearing only shorts and sneakers, screaming at the top of his lungs at officers and appearing to be under the influence of alcohol. During their initial encounter, Jay decided to pull his shorts down exposing his genitals. Officers later informed Jay he was under arrest and handcuffed him as he continued to scream. Once at headquarters, Jay continued his behavior and refused to adhere to officer’s direction. Jay was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Lewdness.

Nature: MV Stop - Warrant
On Thursday, September 19, 2024, at approximately 10:25 PM, Officer Labbate conducted a motor vehicle stop on Brandon Weitzel, age 30, for careless driving. During the course of the investigation, it was learned that Brandon possessed an outstanding ATS warrant for $1255.00 out of Pemberton Borough. Brandon was placed under arrest and later posted $400.00 as agreed upon by Pemberton. Brandon was released with a new court date after being served with several summonses.

Nature: MVA/DWI
On Friday, September 20, 2024, at 2:17 PM, Officers Ricciardella, Carver, and Tirella responded to 912 Capstan Drive, Forked River for a motor vehicle that struck a fence and fled the scene. Officer Ricciardella located the vehicle matching the description by the caller traveling on Conifer Drive. The vehicle a 2016 Jeep Wrangler was stopped by Officer Ricciardella. It was determined that the driver Russell Petranto was under the influence and he was placed under arrest for DWI. He was issued numerous traffic summonses including DWI.

Nature: Erratic Driver – DWI - MVA
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, at approximately 7:50 PM, Officer Primavera responded to 40 Salters Lane (New construction across from Applebees) for a report of a vehicle that was observed on a security camera in the construction site. Upon arrival, contact was made with Dean Esposito, age 27 of Staten Island, standing outside his vehicle. Dean explained that he was looking for somewhere to sleep and got lost. Dean was found to be under the influence of alcohol and was ultimately arrested for DWI. ” MV summonses, to include a DWI, Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing, Reckless Driving and Trespassing.

Incident: Harassment, Interference with Transportation
On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 8:37 AM, Officer Holt responded to Dr. Novaks Office, 1001 Lacey Rd, for a harassment complaint. Upon arrival, Officer Holt met with the victim, who reported that earlier this morning she was driving when she observed Brook O-Rourke, 31, Lanoka Harborm follow her onto Dugout Dr. When the victim was attempting to leave the area, Brook threw a soda can at her vehicle. The victim captured video of the incident on her cell phone and provided that to Officer Holt. . No damage was sustained to the victims vehicle. Officer Holt charged Brook with harassment and Interference with Transportation on special complaint summonses.

Nature: Erratic Driver – Eluding
On Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at 8:04 PM this agency received a report of a dirt bike driving south on Route 9 with no headlight and doing wheelies. Officer Morrone and Officer Gant began checking the area when Officer Morrone observed the vehicle cutting across TD Bank property. Officer Morrone attempted to stop the vehicle, however it fled at a high rate of speed. Officer Morrone disengaged and Officer continued to check the area. Soon after this agency began receiving reports of a dirt bike driving recklessly in the Barnegat Pines. Officers checked the area with negative results. Officer Morrone was able to obtain surveillance video from two locations. A possible suspect was identified as a 16-year-old juvenile of Forked River. This is a continuing investigation.

Nature: Theft/ Conspiracy/ Criminal Attempt
On Thursday, September 26, 2024, at 2:00 hours, Officer Tranz responded to the high school for a report of four bicycles stolen from the bicycle rack. Principal Mr. King reported four separate students reported their bicycles stolen sometime during the school day. Mr. King viewed the video which showed at 11:00 AM, two unknown males walk up to the bike rack and take two of the bicycles. A short time later the two males walk back up to the bike rack and steal two additional bicycles. The value of the bicycles were, $599, $800, $1000, $1200.

On Friday, September 27, 2024, at 1:16 PM, Detective Flynn was alerted by school security that the suspects from the bicycle theft that occurred on September 26, 2024 (24LT48388), were currently on high school property. Multiple officers, including DSgt. Ewart, Det. Flynn and Officer Tranz, arrived on the scene and located the two male suspects. The males were immediately recognized as the suspects as Det. Flynn and Officer Tranz had been actively investigating the incident. Christopher Handcock, 36, of Ventner City, and Matheu Moan, 18, no current residence, were detained by officers and later placed under arrest. Once at headquarters, they were processed and interviewed, where they admitted to the thefts. Matheu and Christopher were charged with Theft, Conspiracy to Commit Theft (two counts), Criminal Attempt, and Trespassing (two counts). Charges were placed on warrants and each subject was transported to Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Nature: Criminal Mischief –Graffiti/ Warrants
On Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 8:02 AM Officer John Tirella responded to Shoprite for a report of graffiti at the back of the building near the loading area. The graffiti stated “BAPO” with an “X” in the center of the “O”. Surveillance footage was provided to officers who were able to positively identify the suspect as Mark Forte. At 1019 hours Officer Tirella responded to Walmart for graffiti on the Ocean County History Sign in front of the store. The sign had the same graffiti as Shoprite and is believed to be the same suspect. Both incidents had a similar time frame during the nighttime hours of September 27.

On Saturday, September 28, 2024, at approximately 6:51 PM, Officers Triano and Copes responded to McDonald’s for a report of two male subjects loitering in the restaurant and the manager requesting for them to leave. Upon arrival, contact was made with Mark Forte, age 34, Forked River. Officers ultimately spoke with the manager and learned that the subject regularly loiters in the lobby area while failing to make any purchases regularly. Subsequent investigation on scene revealed that Mark was a match for the cases earlier in the day regarding graffiti and that he also possessed two outstanding warrants for his arrest (NCIC/No Bail – Ocean County/Cherry Hill-Failure to Appear-$1000). Mark was arrested and transported back to police headquarters and served with two special complaints for criminal mischief regarding the aforementioned graffiti case. He was later transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Nature: DWI
On Monday, September 30, 2024, at approximately 1:32 AM, Officer Walsh conducted a motor vehicle stop on John Meszaros, age 50, for speeding on East Lacey near Melwen Drive. John was displaying signs of impairment and SFSTs were conducted. John was ultimately found to be under the influence and was placed under arrest. He was transported back to police headquarters and was issued several summonses including DWI, Reckless Driving, and Speeding. He was provided copies of the summonses and released from custody.