Scam Reports, Thefts, DWI Arrests: Lacey Police Blotter

LACEY, NJ — Lacey Township police responded to the following incidents in the township from Nov. 1 through Nov. 7, Police Chief Michael DiBella said.

NOV. 8: Officer John McKee responded to an Arborridge Drive home in the Forked River section at 8:40 a.m. for a burglary report. The victim reported that overnight between Nov. 6 and Nov. 7 someone entered her vehicle and stole approximately $250 worth of property from within. The vehicle was unlocked and parked in her driveway at the time of the theft.

NOV. 7: Officer John McKee responded to a 9:14 a.m. report of a possible sinking vessel on Uranus Court for . Upon arrival, he discovered a boat, which had sunk in the lagoon. The NJSP Marine Unit and the Ocean County Hazmat Team responded to the scene. The NJ DEP and Department of Health were advised.

NOV. 6: Officer Julie Barcalow responded to JRs Liquors, 1000 Lacey Road, at 8:50 a.m. for a report of a theft that occurred happened Nov. 5. The owner/victim said a man stole an estimated $433 worth of liquor, between 5:21 p.m. and 5:36 p.m. The incident remains under investigation.

NOV. 4: Officers Patrick Watkins and Jesse Dalziel responded to the wooded area near the trestle at Station Drive at 8:50 p.m. for a suspicious incident. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Nicole Allen, 18, of Gary Smith Way in Forked River on a charge of DWI. She received motor vehicle summonses for DWI and reckless driving. Lacey Used Auto responded to the scene and took possession of the vehicle.

NOV. 4: Officer Elton Copes took a report at 2:19 a.m. of a residential burglary. The homeowner reported someone had entered his home on the 800 block of Pensacola Road, Forked River, between 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 3 and took his white Xbox One S with an assortment of video games from his living room while the homeowner was asleep in another room. The value of the stolen merchandise is estimated at $795. The incident remains under investigation.

NOV. 3: Officer Tsarnas Dimitrios took a fraud report at police headquarters at 12:14 p.m. The victim received a letter from AT&T regarding a credit card application. The letter was addressed to someone of no relation to her. The victim said she never applied for a credit card from AT&T and called them inquiring about the application. She said she was told someone using that name and address attempted to obtain a credit card and that the person also provided a Social Security number that matched hers. The woman said the subject's application was denied and the victim was not out any money.

OCT. 31: Officers Michael Hein and Dan Ricciardella responded to the 800 block of Spar Drive in Forked River. Investigation at the scene led to the arrest of Patricia A. Borbely, 74, of Wave Drive, Forked River, on a charge of DUI. She was taken to police headquarters and received motor vehicle summonses for DUI, refusal to submit to a breath test and reckless driving. Her vehicle was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

OCT. 30: Officer Scott Keefe responded to police headquarters at 6:14 p.m. for a report of computer fraud. The victim said she received an automated message stating there was a malware virus on her computer while she was using it and she needed to click the link and call a contact telephone number for further instructions. After calling the provided number, she was advised to purchase two Google Play gift cards from any local convenience store in the amount of $500 each and provide the pin numbers on the back. She was later instructed to purchase another two Google Play gift cards for $500 each and provide the pin numbers, for a total of $2,000. After growing suspicious, the victim decided to call a representative from Microsoft. The Microsoft representative informed her that she was the victim of a scam. The victim contacted her bank and informed them of the incident.

OCT. 29: Officer Christopher Meyler stopped a vehicle near Beach Boulevard and Sandyhook Drive in Forked River at 8:37 p.m. The driver of the vehicle, Amanda Strader, 27, of Seaside Heights, had an outstanding warrant out of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department in the amount of $6,335. Strader was taken to and then to the Ocean County jail when she was unable to post bail.

OCT. 29: Officer Julie Barcalow stopped a vehicle on Deerhead Lake Drive in Forked River at 5:05 p.m. Anthony N. Labrutto, 53, of Circle Drive, Manchester, was arrested on a charge of DUI. He also received motor vehicle summonses for reckless driving, speeding, failure to maintain lane, refusal to submit to breath test, open container, and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle. He also received criminal charges for resisting arrest, and the vehicle Labrutto was driving was impounded pursuant to John’s Law.

OCT. 28: Officers Anthony Sarno and Martin Julian responded to Center Street at 9:59 p.m. for a report of a motor vehicle burglary that had just occurred. The victim reported seeing a female rummaging through his vehicle, which was parked in his driveway. No items appeared to be taken from the vehicle. The victim provided a description and license plate number for the suspect. Investigation led the officers to a Newark Avenue home in Forked River, where Melina A. Veintimilla, 35, was arrested. She was charged with third-degree burglary and released on her own recognizance.

OCT. 28: Officer Randolph Plis responded to the 300 block of Nautilus Boulevard in Forked River at 12:02 p.m. for a report of a small fire in the home. The homeowner said his tenant used expanding foam to block a hole in the laundry room to keep the chipmunks from getting into the house. The hole was located close to the hot water heater and the fumes from the foam caused the pilot light to catch fire. The damage was minimal. No further assistance was needed.

OCT. 26: Officer John McKee pulled over a motor vehicle on Route 9 South near the Marina Buffet in Forked River 10:11 p.m. Brian E. Burlew, 24, of North Shore Drive in Forked River, the driver, had three outstanding warrants: from Lacey Township Municipal Court in the amount of $850, from the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department in the amount of $10,000, and from Lakewood Township Municipal Court in the amount of $2,500. Burlew also received motor vehicle summonses for headlights required and driving while suspended. He was unable post bail and taken to the Ocean County jail. Officer Jesse Dalziel assisted.

OCT. 26: Officer Jason Lee responded to the 200 block of Falkenburg Avenue in Forked River at 4:23 p.m. for a report of theft of a bicycle. The victim said he left his green Trek Marlin mountain bike on the side of his friend’s house on Falkenburg Avenue on Oct. 21, and when he of the bike went to retrieve the mountain bike, it was missing. The bike is valued at $615.

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Photo via Lacey Township police