Lacey Cops Arrest Four After Drug Deal In Wawa Bathroom

Lacey police recently charged four people in connection with a heroin deal that took place in the women's bathroom at the Wawa store in Forked River, Police Chief David A. Paprota said.

Police received a call at 2:31 a.m. on Feb. 26 from store personnel who reported the drug transaction. Descriptions were provided of two suspects who walked south on Route 9 and two others who drove away after deal, the chief said.

Officer Scott Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 near Lakeside Drive South. The driver was identified as Deirdre Davis, 31, Harborage Avenue, Bayville. The passenger was identified as Kevin Mack, 31, Boston Way Village, Asbury Park, Paprota said.

Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of both Deirdre Davis and Kevin Mack. A search revealed a pill bottle containing approximately 40 Oxycodone pills without a prescription and a pill bottle with approximately 23 Xanax bars without prescription, the chief said.

Both were taken to police headquarters, where Davis was charged with distribution of heroin and possession of heroin. She was taken to the Ocean County Jail in lieu of $25,000. Mack - who originally gave police false information - was charged with possession of marijuana and hindering apprehension. He was taken to the county jail in lieu of $2,500 and a combined $11,500 bail on three outstanding warrants, Paprota said.

Officer Meyler identified the pedestrians as Kimberly Croman, 33, and Michael Gray, 45, both Nantucket Road, Forked River. Both suspects initially gave false names to the officers. Meyler was able to positively identify Croman and arrested her for providing false information. She also had several outstanding warrants, the chief said.

Police at first did not know that Gray had provided false information and he was released. Police discovered 20 bags of heroin in Croman's possession at police headquarters. Police also determined that the heroin deal took place in the Wawa bathroom right before police interactions, Paprota said.

Croman was charged with possession of heroin and hindering apprehension. She was taken to the Ocean County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail and a combined total of $1,000 bail for two additional outstanding warrants. Gray is wanted on an outstanding Lacey Township warrant with bail set at $750. Additional charges are pending further investigation, the chief said.