Trash Can Fire, Kid Left In Car: See July Police Blotter In Lacey

LACEY, NJ — A trash can caught on fire, a toddler was left in a car and more during the month of July, according to the latest Lacey Township police blotter.

The department releases the blotter each month, outlining different incidents officers responded to.

Here's July's police blotter, presented by the Lacey Township Police Department and unedited by Patch.

Nature: DWI
On Monday, July 1, 2024, at 8:15 pm, Officer Spina conducted a motor vehicle stop for failure to maintain lane near the Forked River Fire Department. Officer Spina met made contact with the driver, 64 year old Theresa Willfong of Forked River. Investigation at the scene revealed that Theresa was operating her vehicle while intoxicated. Theresa was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. Theresa was issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Maintain Lane. Theresa was released to a friend as per John’s Law.

Nature: Theft
On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 2:56 P.M., a resident and their child responded to headquarters where they reported that sometime between 1200 hours and 1400 hours on July 2, the child’s unsecured gray Cannondale BMX/Mountain bike, valued at $788, was stolen from the east side of Hebrew Park.

Nature: MV Stop, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon
On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, at 8:15 pm, Officer Spina conducted a motor vehicle stop in front of the Power Plant for unclear plates. Officer Spina met with the driver, 21 year old Evan Carl of Rockledge, Pennsylvania. During the stop, Officer Spina observed a black handgun inside the vehicle’s glove compartment. Officer Spina immediately secured the firearm, which Evan claimed he had forgotten was inside the vehicle. Evan was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. Evan was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and two counts of Prohibited Weapons on a complaint summons. Evan was released after being served with his copy of the complaint.

Nature: Criminal Mischief, Obstruction
On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at 3:40 pm, several officers including Officer Keven Tranz responded to the Lacey Inn for a report of a disturbance. Upon arrival it was reported 43 year old Jossana Santiago of Camden, NJ broke a room’s window while in an argument. The total damage amounted to approximately $200. Jossana attempted to walk away from officers during the investigation after being told multiple times to stop. She was arrested for criminal mischief and obstruction and transported to police headquarters. While at police headquarters, Jossana was processed and released after being served with a copy of her complaint.

Nature: Warrant Arrest
On Thursday, July 4, 2024, at 5:54 am, while investigating a separate incident in the area of Shady Brook Lane near Nautilus Boulevard, officers made contact with 27 year old Kevin Unruh of Little Egg harbor, and discovered that he had a $1,000 warrant out of Little Egg Harbor. Kevin was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters where he was processed and released on his own recognizance after being provided with a new court date.

Nature: Endangering Welfare of Children
On Thursday, July 4, at 4:50 pm, Officers Hyle and Lepeshko responded to Walmart for a report of child left in a vehicle unattended. Upon arrival, the officers observed a Ford Fusion locked, and running in the parking lot with a 2 year old sleeping in a car seat. The registered owner, 36 year old Kervens Francois of Weehawken, NJ, was located shopping inside the store. Kervens indicated that he left his daughter sleeping in the vehicle for approximately twenty minutes, while he picked up medication from the pharmacy. Kervens responded to headquarters, where he was charged with Endangering Welfare of Children. Kervens was processed and released after being served with his copy of the complaint.

Nature: Fire
On Thursday, July 4, 2024, at 9:53 pm, officers responded to Hebrew Park for a report of a trash can on fire. Officers arrived on scene along with Lanoka Harbor Fire Department who quickly extinguished the fire. The investigation revealed that various fireworks displays were set off in the parking lot. The used fireworks were then left next to a trash can on the soccer field when one of them reignited causing the plastic can to catch fire and melt.

Nature: Noise Complaint - Providing Alcohol to Minors
On Thursday, July 4, 2024, at 10:15 pm hours, several officers responded to a Woodside Road residence for a report of several hundred juveniles drinking alcohol and causing a disturbance. Upon arrival officers observed approximately 200 juveniles at the residence and within the surrounding neighborhood. Orders to disburse were given and the juveniles complied. Officer Primavera met with the homeowner, 75 year old Jacob Baluski, who was charged with Providing Alcohol to Minors on a special complaint summons.

Nature: MV Stop – Warrant Arrest
On Friday, July 5, 2024 at 9:11 pm, Officer Lepeshko conducted a random license plate inquiry on a Kia Sephia and discovered that the registered owner, 24 year old Mathew Fuller of Lanoka Harbor had an active warrant out of Little Egg Harbor with bail set at $750. Officer Lepeshko conducted a motor vehicle stop and placed Mathew under arrest. Matthew was transported to headquarters where he posted bail. Mathew was released pending a new court date.

Nature: Shoplifting - Warrant Arrest
On Friday, July 5, 2024, at 11:06 pm, Officer Morrone and Officer Primavera responded to Walmart for a report of a female shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival Officers met with the Loss Prevention Associate and the suspect, 61 year old, Dorothy McKenzie of Waycross, Georgia. The investigation revealed that Dorothy had stolen $67.83 worth of merchandise.. Dorothy was placed under arrest for Shoplifting and transported to headquarters. Dorothy was processed and released after being served with her copy of the complaint.

Nature: Theft of Property Lost or Mislaid
On Saturday July 6, 2024, at 3:31 pm, Officer Hyle responded to Walmart and met with an employee who indicated that on June 23, a male took one hundred dollars from a self-checkout machine that was accidently left behind by another customer. Loss Prevention was able to identify the subject as 24 year old Filip Gere of Beachwood, who admitted to taking the cash. Filip responded to headquarters where he was charged with Theft of Property Lost or Mislaid on a special complaint.

Nature: MV Stop – Hindering
On Sunday, July 7, 2024, at 7:57 pm, Officer Spina conducted a motor vehicle stop at Lacey Road and Eagleswood Place for improper turn and failure to maintain lane. Officer Spina made contact with the driver, 47 year old Lateef Jones of Newark. During the investigation Lateef provided false personal information, before it was discovered that he was an unlicensed driver. Ultimately, Lateef issued traffic summons for Improper Turning, Failure to Maintain Lane, Unlicensed Driver, Failure to Exhibit Documents and Careless Driving. Additionally, Lateef was issued a special complaint for hindering apprehension.

Nature: Theft
On Monday, July 8, 2024, at 12:44 pm, Officer Tranz and Officer Carver responded to Lacey Used Auto for a report for a theft of four vehicles. Upon arrival, officers met with the victims who reported several vehicles were stolen from the property sometime around 2:20 pm on Saturday, July 6, 2024. Surveillance footage was obtained and identified two possible suspects, 53 year old Samuel Pisarro of Freehold, and 55 year old Joseph Ferrara of Ocean Township. Detective Baldasari responded and assisted with the investigation. During the investigation the vehicles were located and recovered from an auto recycler in Bayville and returned to the victims. Both Samuel and Joseph were charged with Motor Vehicle Theft Conspiracy, Fencing, Theft by Deception, and Theft Of Moveable Property.

Nature: Welfare Check, DWI
On Monday, July 8, 2024, at 5:38 pm, Officers Spina and Carver responded to the Bamber Lakes Fire Department to check the welfare of an adult male who appeared to be passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle parked in front of the building. Upon arrival, officers met with the driver, 40 year old Davit Nebieridze of Jackson. Investigation at the scene revealed that Davit had been operating his vehicle while intoxicated. Davit was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. Davit was issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, and Open Container in Motor Vehicle. Davit was released to a friend as per John’s Law.

Nature: Warrant Service
On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at 9:21 pm, Officer Copes was conducting a park check of Clune Park when he located 43 year old Robert Yasuk of Forked River who had an active Lacey Township warrant. Robert was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. Robert was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Nature: DWI, Endangering the Welfare
On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, Officer Matthew D'Antonio and Officer Bruce Carver, responded to McDonald’s, for a report of a female who was nodding off in the vehicle with children in the car. Upon arrival, Officers met with 40 year old Sarah Thompson of Roebling, NJ. Investigation at the scene revealed that Sarah had been operating her vehicle while intoxicated with a juvenile passenger. Sarah and the juvenile were transported back to headquarters. A search of the vehicle yielded suspected controlled dangerous substances and drug paraphernalia. DCP&P was notified and responded to headquarters. Sarah was charged with Endangering the Welfare of a Child, Possession Of CDS, Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia, and Use Being Under The Influence. She was also issued summonses for DWI with a Minor in the Vehicle, DWI, Reckless Driving, Unlicensed Driver, and CDS in a Motor Vehicle. Sarah was released to a friend as per John’s Law.

Nature: Burglary, Criminal Mischief
On Friday, July 12, 2024, at 10:30 am, Officer Randolph Plis responded to business on Route 9 South, for a report of a commercial burglary. Upon arrival, the property owner reported that sometime between 10:00 pm on July 11, 2024 and July 12, an unknown person made entry into the building after smashing a glass window and while inside, damaged sheetrock. The estimated cost of damage is $1,000.00.

Nature: Criminal Mischief
On Saturday, July 13, 2024, at 7:00 pm, Officer Morrone responded to Radcliffe Road residence for a report of criminal mischief. Officer Morrone met with the complainants, who were overseeing the property for the homeowner. The complainants reported discovering that a sliding glass door to a detached garage was shattered and a window located on the rear of the house was off set with the screen pushed inside the house. The damage was valued at approximately $4,000.

Nature: Theft (Shoplifting)
On Monday, July 15, 2024 at 10:33 am, Officer Brian Holt and Officer Daniel Biel responded to the area of Home Depot for a report of a male that shoplifted merchandise including several power tools before fleeing the store and leaving area in a gold Nissan SUV, with no license plates on the vehicle. Officers checked the area and located the stolen tools in the parking lot. Officers spoke with a loss prevention employee, who indicated the value of the stolen tools was $640.00. The suspect has yet to be identified.

Nature: Defiant Trespassing
On Monday, July 15, 2024 at 10:33 am, Officer Brian Holt and Officer Michael Hutman responded to Home Depot for a report of a customer in the store who was previously trespassed. Officer Holt met with loss prevention employee, who informed him that 54 year old Joseph Cafasso of Brick, and 58 year old Jesse Hyman of Lakewood had come into the store after being previously trespassed from all Home Depot Stores. Joseph had left the store prior to officer’s arrival while Jesse remained at the store. Jesse was served a special complaint summons for Defiant Trespass. Upon checking the area, Officer Holt located Joseph and served him with a special complaint summons for Defiant Trespass.

Nature: DWI
On Monday, July 15, 2024, at 5:19 pm, Officers Gant and Primavera responded to a North Main Street business for a report of a verbal dispute between a customer and an employee. Upon arrival, officers met with an employee who indicated that 34 year old Corey Pelican of Lanoka Harbor, was dropped off at the business to pick up his vehicle. Investigation revealed that Corey had operated his vehicle while intoxicated. Corey was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. A search of Corey’s vehicle revealed multiple opened and empty liquor bottles. Corey was released after being issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, Refusal to Submit Breath Samples, and Open Container in a Motor Vehicle. Corey was released to a family member as per John’s Law.

Nature: Warrant Arrest
On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 11:30 am, Officer Bruce Carver conducted a motor vehicle stop for maintenance of lamps. Officer Carver met with the driver, 45 year old Cindy Roggenkamp of Bayville, and discovered she had five outstanding warrants out of multiple jurisdictions, with bail totaling $8000. Cindy was arrested and transported to police headquarters where she was turned over to Beachwood Township.

Nature: Vehicle Burglary
On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 11:55 am, Officer Jason Nilon responded to a Murray Grove Lane residence for a report of two vehicles that had been burglarized. Officer Nilon met with the complainant, who stated that at approximately 4:11 am, an unknown subject entered her and her son’s vehicles while they were parked at the home, but nothing appeared to have been taken. A dark colored SUV was observed leaving the area shortly after on surveillance footage.

Nature: Shoplifting
On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 12:21 pm, Officer Bruce Carver responded to Home Depot for a report of a subject who left the store without paying for multiple items. A Loss Prevention Associate was able to provide Officer Carver with a description of the suspect along with the vehicle they left in. The employee indicated that the total value of the stolen merchandise was $852.00. Carver conducted a follow-up investigation and identified the suspect as 44 year old Lamare Walker of Long Branch. Officer Carver Charged Lamare with Shoplifting on a complaint warrant. Toms River Township Police later located Lamare and placed him under arrest. Officer Carver took custody of Lamare and transported him to police headquarters for processing. Lamare was ultimately transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility after being served with his copy of the warrant.

Nature: MV Burglary
On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 8:09 pm, Officer Fusciello responded to a Hill Street residence for a report of a motor vehicle burglary that occurred during the overnight hours. The complainant advised that someone entered his vehicle while it was parked in his driveway the previous evening, but nothing appeared to have been taken.

Nature: Shoplifting
On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at 10:10 am, Officer Andrew Slota responded to a Rite Aid for a report of a shoplifter who had left the area. Upon arrival Officer Slota spoke with an employee who reported the female they called on habitually shoplifts at the store. The employee indicated that on this date, the female failed to pay for an item while using the self-checkout. The total value of the stolen merchandise was $5.39. The suspect was identified as 40 year old Christina Pagano of Forked River. Officer Slota responded to Christina’s residence and placed her under arrest. Christina was transported to police headquarters where she was processed and charged with Shoplifting. Christina was released after being served with her copy of the summons.

Nature: DWI
On Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 11:03 pm, while officers were conducting a separate investigation, they determined that 31 year old Natalia Rossano of Forked River had been operating her vehicle while intoxicated. Natalia was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. Natalia was issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, Refusal, and Suspended Registration. Natalia was released to a family member as per John’s Law.

Incident: Warrant Service
On Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 12:38 am officers responded to a Haines Street residence and placed 40 year old Tracie Skinner of Lanoka Harbor under arrest for numerous warrants. Tracie was ultimately transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Nature: Shoplifting
On Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 2:03 pm, Officers Hutman and Holt responded to Walmart for a report of two shoplifters in custody. Upon arrival, the officers met with Asset Protection Manager along with the suspects, 30 year old Randy Rizzolo of Forked River, and 35 year old Jeni McDaniel of Forked River, both of whom tried leaving the store without paying for $15.95 and $27.93 worth of merchandise, respectively. Both Randy and Jeni were placed under arrest for Shoplifting and transported to police headquarters. Both Randy and Jeni were processed and released after being served with their copies of the complaint summonses.

Nature: Warrant Arrest
On Sunday, July 21, 2024, at 02:09 am, Officer Keefe conducted a random license plate inquiry on a vehicle which revealed that its owner, 31 year old Sean Cox of Forked River had an active Lakewood Township warrant. Officer Keefe conducted a motor vehicle stop at Lakeside Drive South and Parker Avenue, made contact with Sean, and placed him under arrest. Sean was transported to headquarters and processed. Sean was ultimately transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Nature: Overturned MVA, DWI
On Sunday July 21, 2024 at 6:25 am Sergeant Hein, along with Officers Lee, Hutman and Hyle responded to Route 539 and Bloody Ridge Road for a report of an overturned vehicle with a single occupant who appeared uninjured. Upon arrival, Officers located a vehicle on its passenger side on Bloody Ridge Road. Officers met with the driver, 26 year old Robert Blumberg of Bayville. Investigation revealed that Robert had been operating his vehicle while intoxicated prior to the crash. Robert was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. Robert was issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Failure to Wear a Seatbelt. Robert was released to a family member, as per John’s Law.

Nature: Theft
On Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at 11:20 am, Officer Casey Lepeshko responded to an Old Shore Road business for a theft report. Officer Lepeshko met with employee, who reported that at 8:40 pm on Friday, July 19, 2024, their surveillance captured a red Dodge Ram towing a trailer pull up to the business. A male, suspect was observed exiting the vehicle and taking possession of multiple heating and air components, valued at approximately $500.00. This investigation is ongoing.

Nature: Burglary, Theft
On Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at 7:46 pm, Officer Morrone and Officer Labbate responded to the Lacey Inn for a report of a theft. Upon arrival Officers met with the victim, who reported that an unknown person entered his room sometime between Sunday, July 21 and July 23, and stole several items, including medication, cell phones, a wallet, and $1000.00 cash. This investigation is ongoing.

Nature: Shoplifting
On Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 5:56 pm, Officer Tyler Walsh met with a Shoprite Asset Protection employee, who reported that a female suspect, 44 year old Tonia Watson of Bayville committed shoplifting on two separate occasions, once on July 2 and again on July 24. The total value of merchandise stolen during both incidents exceeded $350.00. Officer Walsh charged Tonia with two counts of Shoplifting on complaint warrants.

Nature: DWI
On Friday, July 26, 2024, at 7:40 pm, officers responded to White Castle for a report of a report of an adult male asleep in the driver’s seat of a parked vehicle. Officer Primavera made contact with the male, 42 year old Anthony Mennicucci of Waretown. Investigation revealed that Anthony had been operating his vehicle while impaired. Anthony was arrested and transported to headquarters for processing. Anthony was issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving. Anthony was released to a family member, as per John’s Law.

Nature: DWI – MVA
On Sunday, July 28, 2024, at 11:30 pm, officers responded to the intersection of Clairmore Avenue and Leslie Street for a report of a vehicle that had crashed into the woods. Upon arrival Officers located 32 year old, Joseph Rusk 3rd of Bayville, sitting on the side of the street, and determined that he had been driving the vehicle that crashed. Investigation revealed that Joseph had been operating his vehicle while intoxicated. Joseph was arrested and transported to police headquarters for processing. Joseph was issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving and Failure to Maintain Lane. Joseph was released to a friend, as per John’s Law.

Nature: Theft (Shoplifting)
On Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 2:56 pm, Officer Brian Holt responded to ShopRite for a report of shoplifting. Officer Holt met with an Asset Protection employee, who advised him that a male suspect, later identified as 41 year old Anthony Fitzgerald of Little Egg Harbor, left the store without paying for $42.04 in merchandise. Officer Holt ultimately charged Anthony with Shoplifting on a complaint warrant.

Nature: Shoplifting
On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 19:40 hours, officers responded to Walmart for a report of a female shoplifter who was attempting to leave the store. Upon arrival officers met with a Loss Prevention Associate, as well as 33 year old Jessie Selert of Bayville. The investigation revealed that Jessie had concealed $114.79 in merchandise and exited the store without paying for it. Jessie was arrested for Shoplifting and transported to headquarters for processing. Officer Fusciello ultimately transported Jessie to the Ocean County Correctional Facility after serving her with her copy of the complaint warrant.