TOMS RIVER, NJ – Zachary Lockwood, a 25-year-old resident of Toms River, has been sentenced to a decade in New Jersey State Prison following his guilty plea to several serious charges, including drug distribution and weapons possession.
The sentencing, delivered by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, P.J.Cr.P., encompasses a ten-year term for possession with intent to distribute heroin, alongside a concurrent five-year sentence for being a certain person not to possess a weapon, and time served for resisting arrest. These charges stem from a detailed investigation conducted in Toms River between July and August 2023.
Additionally, Lockwood faced sentencing for eluding police in a separate incident on September 26, 2023, resulting in a concurrent five-year prison term. The combined sentences will run concurrently, as determined by Judge Ryan.
The investigation, led by the Toms River Township Police Department Special Enforcement Team (TRPD SET), pinpointed Lockwood’s involvement in the distribution of heroin within Ocean County. A subsequent search of Lockwood’s residence and vehicle yielded approximately 215 wax folds of heroin from the vehicle and around 2,000 wax folds of heroin plus a .40 caliber handgun with ammunition from his home.
Lockwood’s arrest for resisting during the execution of the search warrant and his later apprehension following a high-speed pursuit highlight the dangers and ramifications of his actions. His continued detention, following an attempt to elude a traffic stop that led to reckless driving and endangerment of the community, culminates in this significant prison sentence.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer emphasized the importance of these sentences in addressing serious crimes and their impact on community safety. The collaborative efforts of the TRPD SET and the Toms River Police Department K-9 Unit were pivotal in securing the evidence leading to Lockwood’s convictions.