OCEAN COUNTY, NJ – Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Lacey Township Police Chief Christopher Kenny announced the arrest of Alexander Gerber, 19, and Connor Dougherty, 20, both residents of Lacey Township. The charges include arson and four counts of criminal mischief, linked to incidents occurring between November 21 and 28, 2023, in Lacey Township.
The first incident was reported on November 21, 2023, when Lacey Township Police Officers found a fire in the women’s restroom at Gille Park during a routine patrol. The Lanoka Harbor Fire Department extinguished the fire, which was determined to have been intentionally set.
On November 26, police responded to another incident at Gille Park involving criminal mischief. Graffiti, including swastikas, was found in the park, and damage to the women’s restroom door was noted.
Further graffiti, also featuring swastikas, was discovered on November 28 at the Mill Pond Basketball Courts and on the rear of the ShopRite building on North Main Street.
An investigation led to the identification of a Chevrolet pickup truck associated with one of these incidents. On November 28, around 3:25 p.m., Lacey Township Police stopped the truck driven by Gerber, leading to his arrest.
The investigation revealed that Gerber and Dougherty were involved together in the arson at Gille Park and in spray painting graffiti at all three locations.