500-Pound Pig, Ammunition Seized From Toms River Home: Police

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A 500-pound pig and weapons and ammunition were seized from a Toms River home Monday following a search after a man turned himself in at police headquarters, police said.

Joseph Kelly, 56, was arrested about 7 a.m. Monday, said Jillian Messina, media specialist for the department.

Kelly arrived at Toms River police headquarters and told officers he may have a warrant out for his arrest. As police investigated, they found a loaded shotgun in his vehicle, which was "serving no legitimate purpose."

Kelly was charged and later taken to a local hospital for a medical evaluation, Messina said. Based on statements Kelly made during detention, his Egret Drive home was checked for the safety of any additional occupants, she said.

There police discovered the home was vacant but additional weapons and ammunition were inside. Due to the unknown age and condition of some of the located munitions, the New Jersey State Police Bomb Unit responded and assisted in their removal as a precautionary measure. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

Animal Control removed the 500-pound pig from the home for safe keeping, she said.

Egret Drive had been closed for several hours, but has since been reopened, Messina said.

At no time were threats made to the public, she said, and the investigation is ongoing, with additional charges pending.

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