HOWELL TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Howell Township Police Department expressed gratitude to the residents of Pine View Estates at Howell for their participation and warm welcome at a recent fraud presentation.
The presentation alerted seniors to the different types of fraud schemes occurring recently and how to prevent being the next victim of fraud.
The event, which took place earlier today, featured presentations by Detective Ortenzi and Detective Robertiello. Additionally, Traffic Officers Bush and Silvani were on hand to address all traffic-related inquiries. The police department used their Facebook page to extend thanks to all attendees and officers involved in the event.
- Four months, no leads — Old Bridge dogs still missing
Old Bridge, NJ — Two friendly male huskies named Mako and Blue have been missing since January 6, and their owners are continuing to ask for the public’s help in locating them.
The pair were last seen near Salk School in Old Bridge. They are described as friendly and approachable, but those who spot them are urged not to chase the dogs and instead report their location immediately.
The search area includes neighborhoods between Monroe, Old Bridge, and Sayreville, where the dogs are believed to have possibly traveled.
Anyone with information is asked to call or text Chris at 848-239-9634.
Key points:
- Mako and Blue went missing January 6 near Salk School in Old Bridge
- Both are friendly males; public asked not to chase if seen
- Sightings reported in Monroe, Old Bridge, and Sayreville areas
- Contact Chris at 848-239-9634 with any information
- New Jersey LGBTQ rights group pushes to block parental rights in Monmouth school district
COLTS NECK, NJ — A proposed “Parents Bill of Rights” by the Colts Neck Board of Education has drawn sharp criticism from a leading LGBTQ advocacy group, triggering a public exchange of letters between Garden State Equality and the board’s leadership ahead of an upcoming school board meeting.
In a letter addressed to Superintendent Dr. MaryJane Garibay and board members, Lauren Albrecht, Director of Advocacy and Organizing for Garden State Equality, denounced the proposal as a “disingenuously-named” policy that could violate New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination (LAD). The group specifically warned against any provision that might permit school staff to disclose a student’s gender identity, which it called “a direct violation” of state law.
It has been brought to the public’s attention that at your upcoming meeting, you intend to introduce a disingenuously-named “Parents Bill of Rights” policy.
Parents always have had, and still do have, all rights to which they are required and permitted by law. There is no policy that can be adopted by a Board of Education that violates New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination. Please be advised, removal of transgender student guidance notwithstanding, any situation in which school staff discloses a student’s gender identity to anyone against the student’s will is a direct violation of the LAD.
-Garden State Equality
“Adopting a policy such as this has only the effect of signaling to LGBTQ students and their parents… that this Board of Education would rather not stand by data-driven policy that helps keep LGBTQ kids safe,” Albrecht wrote. She also criticized the board’s removal of transgender student guidance the previous year and accused it of “partisan political pandering.”
Board of Education pushes back on ‘bullying’ accusations
In response, Colts Neck Board of Education Chairman Robert P. Scales issued a sharply worded letter rejecting the allegations as “aggressive misrepresentation” and labeling Garden State Equality’s communication as “troubling, inappropriate, and bullying.”
I am absolutely appalled by the bullying tactics displayed by Garden State Equality in their recent letter to our Board of Education. We firmly reject any attempts to gaslight and intimidate our district, board members, staff, and especially our students. Our commitment to student safety and well-being is unwavering, and we will not tolerate harassment or bullying from any organization.
I call upon New Jersey state leaders Vin Gopal, Governor Phil Murphy, Senator Andy Kim, and Chris Smith to publicly condemn this aggressive and unjustified behavior, and support our district as we continue to foster a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all students and families. Protecting our students is our highest priority, and we will take every step necessary to shield our community from such unacceptable actions.
Board Member Robert P. Scales, Colts Neck Board of Education
“Your students hear you saying these things, and it doesn’t stop them from being LGBTQ, it just stops them from feeling safe at school. Adopting a policy such as this has only the effect of signaling to LGBTQ students and their parents in your district that this Board of Education would rather not stand by data-driven policy that helps keep LGBTQ kids safe, and that you prioritize partisan political pandering over the safety of students,” GS Equality said in the statement.
“Our district categorically rejects any insinuation that we aim to single out or marginalize any student or group,” Scales wrote, defending the intent of the Parents Bill of Rights as grounded in respect for all students. He accused the advocacy group of harassment and “gaslighting,” adding, “We will not tolerate” such tactics.
Scales maintained that the board welcomes “productive conversations and partnerships” but called for “a more respectful and fact-based approach moving forward.”
The Colts Neck policy proposal, and the debate surrounding it, come amid broader national and statewide disputes over parental rights legislation and the handling of LGBTQ-related school policies. While details of the proposed bill have not been fully released, the exchange signals contentious proceedings ahead.
The board is expected to discuss the policy at its upcoming meeting, where further public comment is anticipated. Neither side indicated any plans to de-escalate the issue prior to that session.
“It is our expectation that organizations, particularly those dedicated to advocacy and equality, engage in constructive, informed dialogue rather than resorting to divisive and incendiary communications. We remain open to productive conversations and partnerships but strongly urge a more respectful and fact-based approach moving forward.”
- Masked burglar caught after early morning foot chase in Holmdel
HOLMDEL, NJ — A Forked River man was arrested early Tuesday morning after police say he burglarized a gas station and attempted to flee officers during two separate foot pursuits through Holmdel’s business district.
At approximately 3:30 a.m., Holmdel Police Officer Ptl. James Herlihy spotted a man dressed in all black with a bandana over his face and gloves running across Route 520 carrying a garbage bag. The officer initiated a chase after the suspect fled behind local businesses. A perimeter was quickly established with support from additional units.
Key Points
- Ryan Dautorio, 35, was arrested following two foot pursuits in Holmdel.
- He is accused of burglarizing the Village Exxon and fleeing with stolen goods.
- Police recovered the stolen items and charged him with five crimes.
Police later confirmed that the Village Exxon station on Route 520 had been burglarized. During the initial chase, officers recovered the garbage bag, which contained proceeds from the break-in.
At around 7:30 a.m., Holmdel Police Sgt. Jon Martin located the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Ryan Dautorio, on the Vonage corporate property at 23 Main Street. When approached, Dautorio fled again on foot but was apprehended shortly after by Sgt. Martin.
Charges filed following second foot pursuit
Dautorio was charged with burglary, theft, trespassing, resisting arrest, and criminal mischief. He was processed and transferred to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.
Police did not report any injuries in the incident. The investigation remains ongoing.
- Marlboro convenience store dishes out $25K Fast Play jackpot ticket
Trenton, NJ — A lucky player in Monmouth County took home $25,133 after hitting half of the Fast Play progressive jackpot with a $5 Jersey Jackpot ticket, lottery officials announced Monday.
The winning ticket was sold at 6-12 Convenience Store, located at 1 South Main Street in Marlboro. The prize represented 50 percent of the growing Fast Play progressive jackpot as of Sunday, April 27.
Fast Play Progressive tickets are available at any New Jersey Lottery retailer and offer players instant results without the need for a traditional drawing.
Key points:
- $25,133 Fast Play jackpot ticket sold in Marlboro, Monmouth County
- Winning $5 Jersey Jackpot ticket claimed half of the progressive jackpot
- Fast Play tickets offer immediate win results without scheduled drawings
Instant jackpot win adds to growing popularity of Fast Play games
The Jersey Jackpot game is one of several Fast Play options offered by the New Jersey Lottery, giving players a chance to win instantly without waiting for a traditional lottery drawing. The progressive jackpot continues to grow until a player wins.
The winner scored half of the available jackpot, which resets and begins growing again as more tickets are purchased statewide.
Lottery officials continue to promote Fast Play games as a quick and exciting way for players to test their luck.
Lottery profits support public programs in New Jersey
Since its inception in 1970, the New Jersey Lottery has contributed nearly $33.7 billion to the state, supporting a wide range of public programs and services.
For more information on Fast Play games, current jackpots, and other lottery products, players can visit the New Jersey Lottery’s official website.
- Teen suspect charged in Wall Township home invasion and car theft attempt
WALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A third suspect has been arrested in connection with a January home invasion and attempted car theft in Wall Township, police announced Tuesday.
Authorities say three masked suspects broke into a home on Baileys Corner Road on January 20, 2025, by entering through a rear window. The intruders allegedly stole car keys from inside the residence but failed to steal the vehicle before fleeing west on Allaire Road toward State Highway 34.
Key Points
- Three suspects, including a 17-year-old, are charged in a January home invasion in Wall Township.
- The suspects allegedly broke in through a rear window and attempted to steal a vehicle.
- Arrests followed an investigation by Wall Township Detective Zach Honecker.
Two adult suspects were previously arrested in March
Following a months-long investigation led by Detective Zach Honecker, police arrested Newark residents Yasir Twitty, 21, and Nymir Marks, 19, in March. The third suspect, a 17-year-old male from Woodbridge, was taken into custody on April 25.
All three face the same charges, including second-degree conspiracy to commit residential burglary, two counts of second-degree criminal attempt to commit theft, third-degree conspiracy to commit theft, and third-degree attempted residential burglary.
No injuries were reported during the incident, and the homeowner was able to call police immediately after the suspects fled the scene.
All suspects held in separate facilities across New Jersey
Twitty is currently held at Middlesex County Jail, while Marks is detained at Monmouth County Correctional Institution. The 17-year-old is being housed at the Middlesex County Youth Detention Center.
Authorities have not disclosed how the suspects were identified or whether surveillance footage played a role in their arrests.
Investigation highlights collaboration and swift homeowner response
Wall Township Police emphasized the role of immediate reporting by the homeowner in enabling the investigation, which ultimately led to the identification and charging of all three suspects.
Despite the charges, police reiterated that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
A late-night break-in and botched car theft led to three arrests after a months-long manhunt by Wall Township detectives.
