Toms River Man Charged In Armed Robbery At Motel

LAKEHURST, NJ — A Toms River man is accused of an armed robbery at a Lakehurst motel, taking $250 in cash and other items after threatening the victims with brass knuckles, police said Wednesday.

Daniel M. Balwierczak, 23, of Toms River, was being held in the Ocean County Jail in connection with the armed robbery, which happened about 1:30 a.m. June 12 at the Travel Inn and Suites in Lakehurst, Officer Robert Schroeck said.

Schroeck and Officer Christian Hernandez answered the call reporting a robbery in progress and met with the victims, who told them a man, later identified as Balwierczak, had threatened them with brass knuckles so they would turn over their belongings. Stolen were a cell phone, a pair of shoes, $250 in cash and a car key, Schroeck said.

Investigation at the motel led to the identification of Balwierczak, he said.

On Wednesday, an arrest warrant was issued for Balwierczak, along with a search warrant for his home, following an investigation led by Sgt. Jason Guide, Schroeck said. Lakehurst police along with Toms River police executed the search warrant at 8 a.m. and Balwierczak was arrested.

He has been charged with first-degree robbery, third-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, third-degree possession of a prohibited weapon, third-degree theft, and simple assault.

Assisting with the investigation were the Manchester Police Department, Toms River Police Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

The public is reminded that they may report suspicious activity and remain anonymous or use the Lakehurst Police Department's tip link on their website, www.lakehurstpolice.org.

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