On January 11th 2018 at approximately 1:45pm Patrolman Jerry Bacon and Patrolman Michael Connell responded to the area of Richard Road and Morris Blvd for a report of a large natural gas leak. Upon arrival it was determined that a valve malfunctioned, causing a large volume of gas to be expelled into the air. The New Jersey Natural Gas Company (NJNG) and the Bayville Fire Department responded immediately to mitigate the situation. As a result of the gas leak, several homes in the immediate vicinity were evacuated. Roads in the area were also closed as a safety precaution