Dead Cat Found Tied Up In Lagoon: Lacey Police Blotter

LACEY, NJ — A dead cat was found with its back legs tied in a lagoon, a man threatened an 18-year-old with a gun, another man walking his dog threatened to bash a father's head in with a baseball bat and more in August, according to the latest Lacey Police Blotter.

The blotter, released monthly by Capt. Paul Sullivan Jr., outlines various incidents police responded to in each month.

Here's the August blotter, courtesy of the police department and unedited by Patch.

Incident: Shoplifting
On Friday, August 2, 2024, at 2303 hours, Officer Triano and Officer Lee responded to Walmart for a report of a female shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival Officers met with Loss Prevention and the accused, 23 year old, Sara Schisano of Lanoka Harbor. The investigation revealed that Sara failed to scan various items while at the self-checkout with a total retail value of $109.77. Sara was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters where she was processed and released on a summons.

Incident: Shoplifting
On Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 1452 hours Officer Tranz and Officer Abrecht responded to Walmart for a report of two female shoplifters in custody. Upon arrival Officer Tranz met with Loss Prevention who reported Valery Mezapertuz, 24, and Kenia Motta, 25, both of Point Pleasant, concealed over $400 worth of items and was stopped in the vestibule after passing the registers. The females were arrested and transported to headquarters where they were processed. Both subjects were charged with Shoplifting on a summons and released.

Nature: MVA - DWI
On Sunday, August 4, 2024, at 2335 hours, Officer Spina and Officer Copes responded to 626 Deerhead Lake Drive, for a report of an MVA, car vs pole. Upon arrival Officers met with the driver, 20 year old, Wyatt Plica, who was uninjured. Based on the investigation Wyatt was placed under arrest for DWI and transported to headquarters. Wyatt was issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, Careless Driving, Possession of Open Container and Consumption of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle. Wyatt was released to a family member in accordance with John’s Law.

Nature: Shoplifting, Possession of CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 1746 hours, Officer Swain and Officer Plis responded to Walmart for a report of an adult female shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival, the officers met with Asset Protection who indicated that Kimberly Smithson, age 41, concealed $58.20 worth of merchandise within her purse and exited the store without paying for the items. As a result, Kimberly was placed under arrest and search incident to arrest. The officers subsequently located several wax folds containing suspected heroin, crack pipes and two syringes. As a result, Kimberly was transported to police headquarters where she was charged with Shoplifting, Possession of CDS, and two counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia on a complaint warrant. Kimberly was later transported and lodged in the Ocean County Jail.

Nature: MVA – FAST Callout
On Friday, August 9, 2024, at 1221 hours, Officer Tranz and Officer Ricciardella responded to the intersection of Western Boulevard and Colgate Avenue for a single motor vehicle crash with injuries. Upon arrival officers located a Ford F150 that had struck a tree off the roadway. The driver was conscious, however, suffered a substantial head injury. Lanoka Harbor EMS, Station 61, and Paramedics responded to the scene. The driver was later flown to Jersey Shore Hospital for treatment. Due to the extent of the injury, the Lacey Township Police Department Fatal Accident Support Team (FAST) responded to investigate. The crash is being investigated by Officer Walsh.
Nature: Shoplifting
On Friday, August 9, 2024, at 2048 hours, while officers were at Walmart investigating a separate incident, they learned that a separate shoplifting had just taken place. Walmart Asset Protection observed 38 year old Stuart Anker, of Bayville, fail to pay for $5.48 of merchandise at the self-check out. Asset Protection also informed officers that Stuart had shoplifted $21.98 in merchandise from the store the prior day, August 8. Stuart was also suspected of committing theft by deception at the store in February 2024. Stuart was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. Stuart was charged with two counts of Shoplifting and one count of Theft by Deception and released after being served with his copy of the complaint summons.

Nature: Fight, Simple Assault, Juvenile Problem
On Friday, August 9, 2024, at 2220 hours, officers responded to the 900 block of Devon Street for a report of multiple people yelling and fighting. Upon arrival, Officer Walsh observed multiple females actively engaged in a fight. Officer Walsh was able to separate the subjects, 18 year old Tianna Jackson, of Toms River, a 17 year old female, of Forked River, and another 17 year old female, of Patterson. All three were placed under arrest for Simple Assault and transported to headquarters. Tianna was processed and released after being served with her copy of a complaint summons. The juvenile females were released to their parents pending Station House Adjustments.

Nature: Shoplifting / Warrant Arrest
On Monday, August 12, 2024, at 1113 hours, Officer Nilon and Sgt. Verwey responded to Walmart for a female shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival Asset Protection indicated Hollie Baker, 40, of Bayville, had concealed $60.00 worth of merchandise. While on scene a $1000.00 warrant from Highland Park Borough was found. Hollie was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters. Holli was processed and served her copy of the complaint summons for shoplifting after posting bail.

Nature: Motor Vehicle Theft - Recovered
On Wednesday, August 13, 2024, at 1250 hours, Officer Hutman responded to the Bay Harbour Motor Lodge, 419 Route 9 South, for a report of a stolen motorcycle. Upon arrival, Officer Hutman met with the victim who indicated that he parked his motorcycle, valued at $4,000, on the south side of the parking lot. Officer Hutman reviewed video surveillance which showed two males exit a motel room, at approximately 0455 hours, and steal the motorcycle before heading north on South Main St. Matheu C. Moan, age 18, of Atlantic City and a 17-year-old male, of Berkeley, were identified as the suspects and placed under arrest. Detectives located the motorcycle in the wooded area between Lakeside Plaza and Lakeside Drive South. The motorcycle sustained approximately $1,000 worth of damage during the theft. Matheu was charged with Motor Vehicle Theft, Employing a Juvenile in a crime, and Criminal Mischief on a complaint warrant. The 17-year-old male was charged with Motor Vehicle Theft Criminal Mischief.

Nature: Shoplifting
On Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 1928 hours, Officer Swain responded to Shoprite for a report of a shoplifting. Upon arrival Officer Swain met with Associate Protection who reported that an unidentified male subject stole approximately $100.00 worth of groceries. Asset Protection reported that the incident took place at approximately 1830 hours on this report date. Officer Swain obtained surveillance video and will be following up with the investigation.

Nature: Warrant Arrest
On Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 2036 hours, Officer Swain and Officer Hyle responded to Shoprite for a report of a male shoplifter. Upon arrival Officers met with the store manager, who directed Officers to the subject, 32 year old, Ryne Samler. Based on the investigation Officers determined no shoplifting took place, however, they discovered that Ryne had two warrants for his arrest (Atlantic City, $1000.00 Bail & Stafford Township, $750.00 Bail). Ryne was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters. Ryne was unable to post bail and Stafford Police responded and took custody of him.

Nature: Warrant Arrest
On Friday August 16, 2024 at 1303 hours, multiple officers and members of the Detective Bureau responded to the Lacey Inn to serve a warrant. Upon arrival, they met with Donald Daugherty, age 40, who had a no bail NCIC warrant out of Lacey Township. Donald was placed under arrest and transported to the Ocean County Jail without incident.

Incident: Criminal Mischief
On Friday, August 16, 2024, at 2036 hours, Officer Fusciello responded to North Main St, in front of the Lacey Mall, for a report of a third-party report of a suspicious male walking in the roadway. Officer Fusciello arrived on the scene but could not locate the subject. However, he discovered the bus stop’s side glass panel was shattered. It was suspected the damage was created by someone who rammed a Walmart shopping cart into the panel. The damage was valued at approximately $500.00. The glass was cleaned up, and police tape was wrapped around the missing panel.

Incident: Shoplifting
On Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 1926 hours, officers responded to Walmart for a report of an adult female shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival, officers met with Asset Protection, along with the suspect, 33 year old Danielle Dudek of Forked River. Asset Protection advised that he observed Danielle fail to scan numerous items of food at the self-checkout, valued at $51.07, and attempt to leave the store without paying for them. Danielle was arrested and transported to police headquarters where she was processed and released after being served with a complaint summons charging her with Shoplifting.

Incident: MVA Fatal
On Saturday, August 17, 2024, at 2328 hours, OCSO received an automated notification regarding a crash detection via iPhone, with an approximate location of Route 539 and Jones Road. Officers, along with Manchester PD officers, Lacey EMS, and Forked River and Whiting FD members responded to the area and discovered an overturned vehicle on the west side of Route 539, approximately 50 feet into the woods. Contact with made with the driver, 72 year old Rosemary Pfluge of Whiting, who was trapped inside the vehicle. Members from both fire companies worked to extricate Rosemary, who had sustained significant injuries. Rosemary was eventually transferred to an ambulance, and stopped breathing shortly thereafter. Lifesaving efforts were initiated by Lacey EMS and Paramedics as they transported Rosemary to the hospital. Rosemary was ultimately pronounced deceased at the hospital. OCSO CSI responded to assist with photographing and scanning the scene. The crash is currently under investigation by Officer Michael Hyle.

Incident: Utility Problem
On Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 1031 hours, officers responded to Spring Oak after receiving notification that the facility was without power. Officers learned that the building had been without power since 1000 hours, August 17, 2024. Due to the concerns for the residents and the rising temperatures within the building, Lanoka Harbor Fire Company along with the Lacey Township Office of Emergency Management, The New Jersey EMS Task Force, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, and the American Red Cross responded to the scene to place fans and portable air conditioning units throughout the facility. Ultimately, power was restored to the facility at around 1700 hours.

Incident: Welfare Check, DWI-Endangering the Welfare of a Child
On Sunday, August 18, 2024, at 1237 hours, officers responded to Route 539 for a report of a male driver passed out in a vehicle with a young child inside. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the driver, 35 year old David Crosby of Little Egg Harbor, along with a 2 year old juvenile. Investigation at the scene revealed that David had been operating his vehicle while under the influence. David was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters for processing. A search of David’s vehicle, along with his person, revealed CDS and drug paraphernalia. David was charged with Endangering Welfare of Children, Possession of CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Use or Being Under the Influence of CDS. David was served with his copy of the complaint warrant and motor vehicle summonses, which included DWI, and transported to OCJ, without incident.

Incident: Burglary / Criminal Mischief
On Monday August 19, 2024, at 0954 hours Officer Bruce Carver responded to the Murray Grove Retreat for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival he met with the caller. The caller indicated an unknown male approximately 5’9-5'11, 240 Lbs, wearing dark colored shorts, a light colored T-Shirt, with dark colored pony tail was on the property near the pool around 0015 hours. The male entered the “Screen House” and then forced entry into a private unit in the “Parker House.” While inside the suspect broke the handle from a refrigerator and ransacked the inside. The staff stated at this time it does not look like anything was taken. The burglary is under investigation by the Lacey Township Detective Bureau.

Incident: Trespassing
Monday, August 19, 2024 at 1615 hours, Officer Spina was dispatched to Walmart for a report of trespassing. Upon arrival, Officer Spina made contact with Asset Protection, who informed him that Randy Rizzolo, Lanoka Harbor, was previously trespassed and was seen in the store. Christopher informed Officer Spina that Randy had left prior to his arrival. Officer Spina investigated and later charged Randy with Trespassing on a Special Form of Complaint Summons.

Incident: Shoplifting
On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at 2038 hours, several officers responded to Lacey Liquors for a report of several juveniles who stole several bottles of alcohol and fled the store in a gray Honda Accord with a temporary registration. Officer Swain responded to the store just as Officer Lepeshko located the vehicle and conducted a motor vehicle stop at Harrison Ave and Alpine Street. Officer Lepeshko made contact with the driver, 18 year old, Ryan Kurtz, of North Carolina, and several juvenile males from Barnegat Township. Officers observed liquor bottles protruding from the front seat rear compartments. Ultimately, Ryan was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters. A search of the vehicle revealed additional alcohol with a total value of $85.00. Each juvenile was transported to headquarters and released to family members pending follow up. Ryan was processed and charged on a complaint summons for Shoplifting and Employing a Juvenile to Commit Shoplifting. Officer Swain will be following up Detective Baldasari and the juvenile AP for possible juvenile charges.

Incident: Animal Cruelty
On Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 1632 hours, Officer Lepeshko responded to a Laurel Blvd address after the caller reported finding a deceased cat, with its rear paws tied up, in the lagoon behind their home. Officer Lepeshko spoke with the caller and discovered she and her husband located the cat after returning home from a boating trip. D/Sgt. Ewart and Det. Daziel responded to the scene and, after photographing the cat, recovered its remains. The animal cruelty case is still under investigation.

Incident: Dispute – Weapons Offenses
On Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 1952 hours several officers including Officer Swain responded to 7 1st Street for a third party report of a male in his 50’s threatening a juvenile with a gun. Upon arrival Officers met with 18 year old victim, who reported that he was involved in a dispute with 62 year old, Rocco Selig. Officers began searching the area and located Rocco behind the Lacey Mall. A search warrant was later executed at a local residence based on this event,which lead to the discovery of various knives, combat knives, hunting knives, pocket knives, hatchets, machete, American Classic Pellet Pistol .177 caliber and a Gamo Hornet Pellet Rifle. Officer Swain prepared complaint warrant charging Rocco with the following:

1. Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2C:39-5b(2) 3rd degree
2. Unlawful Possession of a Rifle 2C:39-5c(1) 3rd degree
3. Unlawful Possession of Other Weapons 2C:39-5d 4th degree
4. Certain Persons not to Possess a Firearm 2C:39-7b(1) 2nd degree (2 Counts)
5. Certain Person not to Possess Weapons 2C:39-7a 3rd degree

Incident: Terroristic Threats
On Sunday, August 25, 2024, at 1732 hours, Officers Nilon responded to the Cornerstone Apartments, 900 Gary Smith Way, for a report of threats. Upon arrival, the officers met with the victim who indicated that he was playing in the playground with his child, when another male, later identified as Santino Lagrotteria, age 20, approached them with his dog. The victim indicated that Santino had his dog on a leash but was not holding the leash and the dog was approaching his child. When Santino was warned to restrain his dog, Santino threatened to bash the victim’s head in with a baseball bat. Officers spoke to Santino who admitted to making the threats. Santino was subsequently arrested and charged with Terroristic Threats, on complaint summons. Additionally, Santino was issued a special complaint for Dogs at Large.

Incident: DWI- Motor Vehicle Accident
On Sunday, August 25, 2024, at 1846 hours, Officers Copes and Biel responded to Warren Avenue and Carolyn Court for a report of a one car motor vehicle crash. Witnesses on scene indicated that the female driver fled the vehicle with a pint of Fireball Whisky and was walking west on Warren Avenue. Officers located a vehicle resting against a utility pole on the north side of Warren Avenue. The vehicle had damage to the front end while the utility pole did not suffer any noticeable damage. The driver, Alexis Werner, age 27, of Toms River, was placed under arrest. Alexis was charged with DWI, Refusal, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane.

Incident: Warrant Arrest
While investigating the DWI/MVA, it was discovered the passenger, Raymond Boertmann, age 28, of Berkeley, had three outstanding warrants out of Berkeley Township for $2,500, $501 and $500 respectively. Berkeley Township confirmed the warrants and Raymond indicated that he was unable to post bail. A Berkeley Township Officer responded to police headquarters, and took custody of Raymond.

Incident: Warrant Arrest
On Sunday, August 25, 2024, at 2352 hours, Officers Biel responded to 719 Maple Road, for a report of an adult male subject who wished to turn himself in on a warrant. Upon arrival, the officers met with Quincy Saldona, age 46, of Beachwood. Quincy had an NCIC warrant for an FTA, and a $1,000.00 warrant out of Bedminster. Quincy was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail.