Bus Pulled Over In Toms River, Alleged School Violation Probed

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Authorities are still investigating after police pulled over a school bus in Toms River on Monday in connection with multiple reports of students being transported to a school in Lakewood, Toms River police said Tuesday.

An officer with the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office asked Toms River police to assist with a motor vehicle stop on the bus, said Jillian Messina, media specialist for the Toms River Police Department.

Michael Inzelbuch, attorney for the Lakewood Board of Education, on Tuesday said the bus in question was being used to deliver food to students who receive free and reduced-price breakfasts and lunches. Two children on the bus were the sons of the bus driver, he said. Read more: School Buses Carrying Food, Not Students: Lakewood Board Attorney

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The bus was pulled over about 2 p.m., Messina said, and Lakewood police responded to follow up about a school suspected of remaining open in violation of Gov. Phil Murphy's March 16 order that closed all schools as of March 18.

"We are in the process of compiling video evidence from witnesses, ring doorbell or home surveillance, and the buses themselves," Messina said. "The law enforcement community is not tolerating any violations of this executive order and will prosecute those responsible."

The company that owns the bus was not identified, nor was the school that was suspected of remaining open.

She said any additional information would be provided by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office.

There have been photos and videos widely circulated on social media in recent days amid frustration with violations of the stay-at-home order Murphy issued March 21 and the order closing schools.

There have been eight incidents in Lakewood since March 16, and two in less than 24 hours, including what New Jersey State Police Col. Patrick Callahan said was a bar mitzvah on Sunday. The couple was charged with five counts each of child endangerment after authorities dispersed a gathering of nearly 50 people at a home on Alamitos Drive. A gathering of 35 people at a Madison Avenue building was dispersed as well.

"We will continue to enforce Executive Order 107. Nothing short of 100 percent compliance will be tolerated," Billhimer said Monday as his office reported the morning gathering.

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