Road Rage Gets Physical & More: March Lacey Police Blotter

LACEY, NJ — A road rage incident got physical when two men started hitting each other and throwing things at their cars, another man attempted to live in a tent on Walmart's property and more in March, according to the latest Lacey Township police blotter.

Police share the police blotter each month, outlining different incidents that occurred in Lacey.

In the March blotter, police reminded the public that all charges are merely accusations, and that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the court of law.

Here is the March police blotter, presented by the Lacey Township Police Department and unedited by Patch.

Drug Possession
On Sunday, March 3, 2024, at approximately 7:30pm several officers, including Officer Triano, responded to the 900 block of Elwood Street for a report of two male subjects engaged in CDS activity in a motor vehicle. Investigation at the scene resulted in Zachary Risberg, age 34, of Toms River, NJ and Michael Costello, age 34, of Forked River, NJ being arrested for multiple offenses. Zachary Risberg, in addition to having multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest, was charged with Possession of Heroin and Drug Paraphernalia. Michael Costello was charged with Possession of Heroin and Drug Paraphernalia. Both subjects were released on criminal summonses.

DWI
On Sunday, March 3, 2024, at approximately 8:45pm, Officers Swain and Copes responded to the intersection of Maple Road and Walnut Drive for a single car motor vehicle crash involving a tree. Investigation at the scene led to the driver, Dawn Stevens, age 47, Lanoka Harbor, being arrested for Driving Under the Influence. Dawn was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released with multiple motor vehicle summonses related to the incident; including DUI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Refusal to submit to providing breath samples.

Shoplifting
On Thursday March 7, 2024, at 6:00pm, Officer Hyle responded to Walmart for a report of a female shoplifter who fled the store after concealing approximately $88.00 worth of merchandise. An investigation led to the arrest Laurie Janokwski, age 58, Lanoka Harbor. Laurie was transported to police headquarters, where she was processed, and later released on a criminal summons for shoplifting.

Bail Jumping
On Wednesday March 6, 2024, at 1510 hours, Officers Lee and Hutman responded to an Orlando Drive, Forked River, NJ residence for a dispute. An investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Hunter Hauge, 23, of Forked River, NJ, after it was determined that he had multiple warrants out for his arrest. Additionally, Hunter Hauge was charged with Bail Jumping. After his arrest, Hunter was lodged in Ocean County Jail.

Shoplifting
On Sunday, March 10, 2024, at 6:44pm, Officer Biel responded to ShopRite to take a report regarding a shoplifting that took place earlier in the day. Upon arrival, Officer Biel met with loss prevention who indicated that an unknown male subject was observed on camera leaving the store without paying for approximately $150.00 in merchandise. Investigation at the scene led to the eventual arrest of Michael Greco, 51, Forked River. He was processed and released after being charged on a criminal summons with Shoplifting.

Shoplifting
On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 3:33pm, Officer Tranz responded to Walmart for a report of an adult male shoplifter in custody. Investigation at the scene led to Timothy Higgins, 60, of Shamong, NJ, being placed under arrest for shoplifting after attempting to steal $168.00 worth of merchandise. Timothy was transported to headquarters without incident where he was processed and released after being charged on a criminal summons with Shoplifting.

DWI
On Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at 6:52pm, officers responded to the front parking lot of police headquarters to check the welfare of a male subject who had attempted to pick up a report, and was possibly intoxicated. Officers made contact with 63 y/o David Lombardi, Forked River, NJ. Investigation revealed that David had driven to headquarters while intoxicated, and he was placed under arrest for Driving Under the Influence. David was processed and released after being issued summons for DWI and Reckless Driving.

Eluding
On Thursday March 14, 2024, at 3:32 pm, Officer Spina attempted to stop an electronic bicycle for speeding on the Rail Trail. When attempting to stop the e-bike the operator subsequently fled, failing to maintain lane and improperly passing vehicles. Officer Spina did not pursue the vehicle and was able to identify the operator as Thomas Balkham, age 42, of Berkeley Twp, NJ. He was later charged with second degree eluding, and multiple motor vehicle offenses. Thomas was later located, arrested, and lodged in Ocean County Jail.

DWI
On Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 02:56 am, Officer Primavera was conducting a property check of the Forked River Diner when he observed a suspicious vehicle pull off to the shoulder in front of the restaurant. Officer Primavera met with the driver/ registered owner, 28 year old, Tyler Lewis who appeared to be sleeping with the driver seat fully reclined. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Tyler Lewis, for Driving Under the Influence. Tyler was transported to headquarters where he was processed and released after being issued summonsed for DWI, Reckless Driving, Refusal to Submit Breath Samples, Maintenance of Lamps, and Uninsured Motor Vehicle.

Shoplifting
On Friday, March 22, 2024, at 1952 hours, Ptl. Swain and Ptl. Calhoun responded to Walmart for a female shoplifter in custody. Jodilynne Lamberti (age 38), of 1012 Tampa Rd, Forked River was arrested for shoplifting after failing to scan approximately $120.00 worth of merchandise. Additionally, Jodilynne had three (3) warrants for her arrest: Atlantic County $1,000.00, Atlantic County $1,500.00, Beachwood $500.00. She was transported to police headquarter, processed, and ultimately lodged in Ocean County Jail.

Road Rage-Criminal
On Monday, March 25, 2024, at 3:52pm, Officers Gant, Labbate and Lepeshko responded to Advance Auto Parts, 218 Route 9 North, for a report of a road rage incident. Upon arrival, Officers met with a male subject, Anthony Simodi Jr. who indicated that he was the victim of an assault after a road rage incident.

An investigation at the scene led Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Anthony Troisi, 49, Forked River, NJ for Burglary, Terroristic Threats, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Simple Assault, and Criminal Mischief, as well as several motor vehicle charges.

Anthony Simodi Jr, 18, of Bayville, NJ was also issued a special form of complaint summons for a criminal charge of interference with transportation, as well as a motor vehicle charge.

The charges stem from an allegation of a road rage incident where Anthony Triosi and Anthony Simodi engaged in a verbal altercation after a traffic issue. Triosi left his vehicle, reached inside Simodi’s vehicle, and struck him in the face. Triosi then left the scene, and Simodi followed him, at which point the two furthered the dispute in a parking lot near the intersection of Route 9 and Lacey Road. At that location, Anthony Simodi threw a water bottle at Triosi’s vehicle. The road rage incident continued on Route 9, as Triosi then stopped his vehicle directly in front of Simodi’s vehicle, retrieved a metal object from his vehicle, and struck Simodi’s vehicle, causing $1500.00 worth of damage. A. Triosi was released on a summons after the arrest.

Trespassing
On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 0729 hours, Officer Daniel Ricciardella responded to the area of the Rail Trail behind Jacqueline Court for a report of a subject screaming. Upon arrival officers checked the area and located 29 year-old Simcha Labovitz, who had set up a tent on Walmart’s property. Simcha was advised he was not permitted to live on Walmart’s property as it was posted with “No Trespassing” signs. Simcha stated he liked it there and refused to leave. Simcha was then arrested for trespassing. Simcha also had a $1000 outstanding warrant for his arrest from Freehold Borough. Simcha was transported to Police Headquarters where he was processed and then transported to Freehold Borough Police Department and turned over to the Freehold Borough Police.

Shoplifting
On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 4:11pm, Officer Tranz responded to Shoprite for a report of a theft. Upon arrival Officer Tranz met with loss prevention employees who reported an unknown female failed to scan $182.03 worth of items. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Danielle Dudek, 32, of Forked River.. Danielle was transported to headquarters where she was processed and released after being criminally charged with shoplifting and Theft by Deception, 2C:20-4A.

Obstruction-Resisting Arrest
On Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 1924 hours, while Officer Ricciardella located a vehicle that was reported to have been driving erratically in the area of Continental Street. The driver, 54 y/o Sean Mahoney, Forked River, exited the vehicle and began walking towards a residence on Stuyvesant Street. Officer Ricciardella identified himself to Sean and told him to stop. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to get Sean to stop, Officer Ricciardella advised him that he was under arrest. Sean was ultimately placed under arrest for Obstructing the Administration of Law and Resisting Arrest. He was transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.