Monmouth County News

Police chief reportedly under fire for skit playing on Asian stereotypes

KEYPORT– A roast by the chief of police to honor the outgoing chief of the fire department has drawn criticism from civil-rights organizations for playing on Asian stereotypes, according to app.com. But fire Chief Eugene Eng, the target of the roast and who is of Chinese descent, said he was not offended by the routine and…

Judge refuses to release Preston Taylor as new details emerge in Sarah Stern's death

FREEHOLD — A former classmate charged in connection with the death of Sarah Stern hid her body in the bushes of her home and returned to the crime scene at least twice before helping toss her body off a bridge in Belmar, prosecutors disclosed in court on Tuesday. After a lengthy detention hearing in which prosecutors…

Belmar teen grew up with her alleged killer, father recalls in anguish

NEPTUNE CITY – As a New Jersey State Police helicopter buzzed overhead, Michael Stern stood with his hands in his pockets, braced against the bitter wind, looking out over the Shark River and trying to process why he was there. “Please let them find her. Please let them find her,” he repeated in his head. A…

Men accused of killing Sarah Stern reportedly helped search for her

NEPTUNE CITY — The man charged with strangling a 19-year-old Neptune City woman and another man accused of helping to dispose of her body took part in the search to find her in the weeks after she disappeared, News 12 New Jersey reported. Liam McAtasney and Preston Taylor, both 19, were friends of Sarah Stern, who…

Search Continues for Body of Sarah Stern

FREEHOLD-On Friday, February 3, 2017, troopers from the New Jersey State Police Marine Bureau, Point Pleasant Station, began a secondary search of the Shark River for Sarah Stern’s remains, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni. As a result of recent incidents and the charges filed against Liam McAtasney and Preston Taylor for the murder of 19 year-old Sarah Stern who was last seen alive on December 2, the search for her remains continues in the area of the Shark River, Prosecutor Gramiccioni said.

“The search of the Shark River continues as we partner with the State Police and we hope to locate the remains of Sarah Stern.

It is possible due to oceanic currents and tides that her remains might have been swept out of the river into the Atlantic. But we are hoping for a miracle,” Prosecutor Gramiccioni said. The search and recovery operation to locate Stern’s remains is expected to continue into the weekend.

The secondary search for Stern’s remains gets underway after an extensive search of waters and area since the beginning of December when she disappeared and her vehicle was found abandoned on the shoulder of the southbound lane of the Route 35 Bridge in Belmar. To date, multiple agencies, including Belmar Water Rescue Team, assisted by the United States Coast Guard, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, the Area Network of Shore Water Emergency Responders Team, and the New Jersey State Police have participated in the search for Stern in the Shark River. Those assets searched the Shark River with divers, boats and helicopters, but, to date, attempts to locate Stern have been unsuccessful.

On Wednesday, February 1, 2017, the Neptune City Police Department charged Liam McAtasney, 19, of Neptune City with first degree Murder, first degree Felony Murder, first degree Robbery, second degree Desecration of Human Remains, second degree Conspiracy (to Desecrate Human Remains) and second degree Hindering Apprehension. Preston Taylor, 19, also of Neptune City, was charged with second degree Desecration of Human Remains, second degree Conspiracy (to Desecrate Human Remains) and second degree Hindering Apprehension. Detectives determined that McAtasney was responsible for killing Stern and stealing property from her on December 2, 2016. The investigation also revealed that Taylor provided assistance to McAtasney in moving and ultimately disposing of Stern’s body in order to avoid detection.

On Sunday, December 4, detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office joined the investigation in an effort to locate Sarah Stern. Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and the Belmar and Neptune City Police Departments have continued to investigate her whereabouts since that time. The New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have also assisted in the investigation.

Photo: stock photo, New Jersey state police.

The arrests of McAtasney and Taylor are the culmination of an almost two-month investigation into the whereabouts of Stern, who was last seen at her Neptune City residence on the afternoon of December 2, 2016. An investigation was launched after her 1994 silver, four-door Oldsmobile EightyEight, was found abandoned on the shoulder of the southbound lane of the Route 35 Bridge in Belmar. Neptune Township Police were alerted to the vehicle by a passerby.

Stern’s deserted car was operational and the keys were found in the vehicle. At that time, no persons were in the area and the vehicle was subsequently towed from the road by the Neptune Township Police Department.
The Neptune Township Police Department contacted the Neptune City Police Department to request a welfare check of the registered owner of the vehicle. Upon arrival at the address of the registered owner, who is a family member of the missing girl, the residence was found unlocked and no one was home. Further investigation determined Sarah Stern was the missing driver of the vehicle and her family did not know of her whereabouts.
As a result of the investigation, detectives determined that McAtasney was responsible for killing Stern and stealing property from her on December 2, 2016. The investigation has also revealed that Taylor provided assistance to McAtasney in moving and ultimately disposing of Stern’s body in order to avoid detection. Both McAtasney and Taylor appeared in court on Thursday, February 2, 2017, where they were formally charged. Both men remain in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, awaiting detention hearings.
Despite these arrests, anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is asked to contact Detective Brian Weisbrot from the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office at (800) 533-7443, Detective Michael Vollbrecht of the Neptune City Police Department at (732) 775-1615, or Detective John Mahoney from the Belmar Police Department at (732) 681-1700.
The case is assigned to Assistant Prosecutor Christopher J. Decker, Director of the Office’s Major Crimes Bureau.
Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text “MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com. Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives.
Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and State law.

Woman Able to Steal $1 Million From Boss Before Being Caught

MILLSTONE- Virginia DeBerri, 52, of Brick Township, pleaded guilty to second degree theft, acknowledging that she stole more than $1 million dollars from her employer, Foresight Enviroprobe, Inc., over the course of five years while she was employed as a bookkeeper for the Millstone-based company.

In November of 2015, troopers from Hamilton Station began investigating DeBerri when company owners were notified of a banking discrepancy. During the course of the investigation by State Police and Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office detectives, investigators discovered that DeBerri forged more than 500 company checks between 2010 and 2015, which were deposited into her personal bank account. They also discovered that she increased her own salary by manipulating the company payroll without authorization.

Virginia DeBerri entered a plea agreement with the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, which has recommended a seven-year sentence in state prison.

Now look, people, you may deserve a raise. We get it. But you just can’t go ahead and give yourself one without the boss knowing!

Great job by Hamilton Station troopers and our detectives from the Troop “C” Criminal Investigations Office! Let’s give them a big ole’ #Attaboy in the comments below!

Two Charged for Murder of Missing Belmar Girl

FREEHOLD-Two Neptune City men have been charged in connection with the murder of 19 year-old Sarah Stern, who has been missing since early December, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni. The arrests end a nearly two month long search for the missing teen, last seen alive on December 2nd.

The Neptune City Police Department charged Liam McAtasney, 19, of Neptune City with first degree Murder, first degree Felony Murder, first degree Robbery, second degree Desecration of Human Remains, second degree Conspiracy (to Desecrate Human Remains) and second degree Hindering Apprehension. Preston Taylor, 19, also of Neptune City, was charged with second degree Desecration of Human Remains, second degree Conspiracy (to Desecrate Human Remains) and second degree Hindering Apprehension. Detectives determined that McAtasney was responsible for killing Stern and stealing property from her on December 2, 2016. The investigation also revealed that Taylor provided assistance to McAtasney in moving and ultimately disposing of Stern’s body in order to avoid detection.

These arrests are the culmination of an almost two-month investigation into the whereabouts of Stern, who was last seen at her Neptune City residence on the afternoon of December 2, 2016. An investigation was launched after her 1994 silver, four-door Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight, was found abandoned on the shoulder of the southbound lane of the Route 35 Bridge in Belmar. Neptune Township Police were alerted to the vehicle by a passerby. Stern’s deserted car was operational and the keys were found in the vehicle. At that time, no persons were in the area and the vehicle was subsequently towed from the road by the Neptune Township Police Department.

The Neptune Township Police Department contacted the Neptune City Police Department to request a welfare check of the registered owner of the vehicle. Upon arrival at the address of the registered owner, who is a family member of Stern’s, the residence was found unlocked and no one was home. Further investigation determined Sarah Stern was the missing driver of the vehicle and her family did not know of her whereabouts.

As a result of Stern’s vehicle being found unoccupied and on the bridge, the Belmar Water Rescue Team was called to search Shark River for any evidence of her body. The Belmar Water Rescue Team was assisted by the United States Coast Guard, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team, the Area Network of Shore Water Emergency Responders Team and the New Jersey State Police. Those assets searched the Shark River with divers, boats and helicopters, but, to date, attempts to locate Stern have been unsuccessful.

On Sunday, December 4th, detectives from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office joined the investigation in an effort to locate Stern. Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and the Belmar and Neptune City Police Departments have continued to investigate her whereabouts since that time. The New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children have also assisted in this investigation.

Recent developments in the investigation led detectives to McAtasney and Taylor and culminated in their arrests. Anyone with information that may assist in this investigation is asked to contact Detective Brian Weisbrot from the Monmouth County Prosecutors Office at (800) 533-7443, Detective Michael Vollbrecht of the Neptune City Police Department at (732) 775-1615, or Detective John Mahoney from the Belmar Police Department at (732) 681-1700.

The case is assigned to Assistant Prosecutor Christopher J. Decker, Director of the Office’s Major Crimes Bureau.

Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous, but has information about a crime can contact Monmouth County Crime Stoppers confidential telephone tip-line by calling 1-800-671-4400; can text “MONMOUTH” plus their tip to 274637; or, they can email a tip via the website at:

www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com. Monmouth County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of criminals and fugitives. Despite these charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and State law

Former Wall coach Dan Curcione appointed head football coach at Donovan Catholic

TOMS RIVER — A little less than two months removed from winning the South Jersey Group 3 title at Wall, Dan Curcione is moving on. Donovan Catholic announced Wednesday it named Curcione, the NJ.com Shore Conference Coach of the Year, its new head football coach replacing Tom Tarver, who was not rehired after an 0-10 season.…

Officials Oppose Civilian Housing at NWS Earle

MONMOUTH COUNTY-Public officials opposing private housing at Naval Weapons Station Earle are asking for a stay on civilian housing at the base.

NJ Senate Republicans Reported:

Senator Jennifer Beck, Freeholder Director Lillian Burry, Colts Neck Mayor Russell Macnow and Tinton Falls Mayor Gerald Turning issued the following statement in advance of the Feb. 1 expiration of the temporary stay on Balfour Beatty, the housing administrator for Naval Weapons Station Earle from seeking civilians to rent on-base housing. All officials voiced their support for an additional stay to be granted until local officials can meet with the new Assistant Secretary of the Navy on this issue.

“In light of the new administration at the Navy, I am seeking that an additional stay be granted so we can bring Navy officials up to speed with the widespread public opposition to the incredibly serious safety issues associated with this proposal. I remain opposed to the Navy’s plan allowing members of the general public to live on an active military weapons installation; it is dangerous and I will continue to fight tirelessly against it.” said Senator Beck.

Freeholder Director Lillian Burry stated she has had a long history of opposing privatization of “Weapons Station Earle” housing. “By virtue of the mission that Earle so aptly carries on the storage and movement of munitions this thought should never ever be entertained. The recent events in our area at Seaside Heights and Chelsea in New York, serve to amplify the fact that this base should be secured for military use only. And as I have in the past, I presently look forward to meeting with the new NAVY Administration.”

“Colts Neck has many questions regarding the viability of this proposal and the impact it will have on our municipality. We have many unanswered questions and are adamantly opposed to all forms of the suggestion that civilians should be housed at Naval Weapons Station Earle” said Colts Neck Mayor Russell Macnow.

“I am vehemently opposed to the current proposal to allow civilians to obtain housing at Earle and will work with my colleagues to explore all possible avenues to fight this proposal. First on the list must be to meet with the new Assistant Secretary of the Navy and outline our concerns directly to him” said Tinton Falls Mayor Gerald Turning.

Matawan man charged for death of bicyclist

​Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Chief Darren Lavigne of the South Amboy Police Department said a Matawan man has been charged with causing the death of a bicyclist who died after he was struck by a car that was being driven by the defendant.

Francis Smith, 56, of Matawan was charged with aggravated manslaughter, death by auto, and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash involving fatal injuries.
The charges were filed after William Nash, 57, of South Amboy died on January 18, 2017 from head injuries he suffered when he was struck while riding his bike on Main Street in South Amboy on January 17, 2017.
The charges were filed during an investigation by Officer Steven Clark of the South Amboy Police Department and Detective Donald Heck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
During the investigation, it was determined that Mr. Nash was riding on Main Street near Route 9 when the defendant, who was driving a 2012 Hundai Sonata, struck the victim from behind. The victim was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
Smith fled the scene but was apprehended a half-mile away when his car hit a curb and was disabled.
The defendant initially was charged with driving while intoxicated, aggravated assault and fleeing. The new charges were filed on January 22, 2017. Mr. Nash died at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick.
Smith has been in custody since he initially was charged with injuring Mr. Nash.
The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Officer Clark of the South Amboy Police Department at (732) 721-0111, or Detective Heck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-8842.

Queens Teen Arrested After Making Threat to Carry Out School Shooting in NJ

by Charles Webster, MCPO

FREEHOLD-A Queens, New York, juvenile taken into police custody Sunday evening poses no threat to the safety of students after posting hoax threats to carry out a shooting at an undisclosed school. The juvenile caused the false alarm using a fictitious profile name on Facebook falsely claiming to belong to someone from Freehold Township, N.J. who attended Freehold Township High School.

The juvenile was arrested following an investigation by the Freehold Township Police Department with assistance from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and New York City Police Department.

Howell Wins Shore Conference Wrestling Tournament

JACKSON-The Howell Rebels defeated Raritan 36-24 in the 2017 Shore Conference Tournament championship held at Jackson Liberty High School on Saturday.  Howell is 21-1 on the season.

Luke Rada, Darby Diedrich, Kyle Slendorn, Xavier Kelly, Christian Murphy, Shane Reitsma, Eric Keosseian and Jake Nash all had victories in the championship meet.

Man Held on Immigration Detainer After Trying to Lure Young Girls Walking Home From School

LONG BRANCH-On January 25th, at approximately 3pm, the Long Branch Police received a call of a possible kidnapping near Prospect Street and Bath Ave. While officers were enroute to this call, another call came in from the same area concerning the robbery of a cell phone. SGT Robert Bell immediately responded to the area and was able to detain a subject who fit the description of the accused in both incidents. Officers Gary Vecchione, Daniel Richards and Hector Umana arrived shortly thereafter, and were able to ascertain that 3 separate incidents had occurred, all involving girls aged 12-14 that had either just exited the school bus or were walking home from school.

The accused, later identified as Daniel Omar Mejia-Reyes, approached the girls separately, but all within a few minutes of each other. In the first two incidents, he forcibly robbed the victims of their cell phones. In the last case he picked up the young victim and attempted to remove her from the area. In the first two cases, the bus driver and bus aide saw the robberies and came to the victim’s aid, and ushered the victims back onto the bus. In the last case, the victim was walking home from school, and she attempted to fight off her attacker, and was helped by another classmate.

Detectives arrived at the scene at the same time. Detective Jake Pascucci became the lead investigator and he was assisted by Detective SGT Brendan Cahill, Romano, O’Brien, Spitale and Kennedy. They were able to arrest Daniel Omar Mejia-Reyes, 27 years old, 383 Bath Avenue, and he was charged with 2 counts of Robbery, Criminal Restraint, Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact and Sexual Assault. He was remanded to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution with no bail and additionally held on an Immigration detainer.

The quick response time and actions by both the Patrol Division and the Detective Bureau, working together, brought this incident to a quick conclusion, ending in the arrest of the accused. Everyone involved, including the bus aide driver and student, should be commended. If anyone has any further information please contact DET Jake Pascucci at 732-222-1000.

Dental Office Welcomed to Brick Plaza

Brick Mayor John Ducey this week welcomed Amara Dental to the Brick Plaza.  Amara also has locations in Howell, Cherry Hill and Toms River.

https://twitter.com/MayorDucey/status/822568476275593218

Roof ripped off building in Long Branch

Long Branch Fire Depart reported: Tour 4 clearing up from the scene of storm damage to a beachfront building. The buildings roof membrane separated from the structure. No injuries were reported. Photo: James Quinn.

Nasty nor'easter bearing down on N.J. with heavy rain, damaging winds, snow, ice

If you thought Monday was going to be an ordinary start to the work week, think again. A nasty nor’easter is heading in our direction and is expected to strengthen during the late morning and afternoon, unleashing batches of heavy rain that could flood streets across New Jersey, and wind gusts as strong as 50 to…

Man Arrested for Neptune Machete Attack

NEPTUNE-The Neptune Township Police Department responded to the 1100 Block of Heck Ave. at 8:28 pm on 1/19/17 for a reported large fight involving approximately 20 people. Police arrived on scene and were unable to locate any actors. At the same time, two adult males arrived at Jersey Shore University Medical Center with serious but non-life threatening wounds. It was discovered by police that the wounds were a result of the fight at the aforementioned location by a subject who wielded a machete. The first victim was stabbed in the leg and back, while the second subject suffered a large avulsion to the upper arm. Both victims remained at the JSUMC in stable condition.

Through further investigation, Neptune Township Police identified the accused as Nico Durant, 18 years old of Neptune.

At approximately 2:00 am, Neptune Township Police Officer Lay located Durant operating a vehicle on W. Lake Ave. Durant was taken into custody at that time.

Howell Republican Club Swears in 2017 Executive Board

“United Republican Club of Howell” new executive board members get sworn into office by Monmouth County Clerk Christine Hanlon. Tommy Russo (President) Billy Stahnten (Vice President) Carol Chirico (Rec Sec) Rich Mertens (Treasurer) Irene Boyle (Corr Sec) Tommy Campagna (Sergeant at Arms) Congratulations to them all. Other elected officials in attendance were Sen. Bob Singer, Assm. Dave Rible, Sheriff Shaun Golden, Frhldr. Tom Arnone, Dep. Mayor Rob Nicastro and Councilwoman Evelyn O’Donnell.

Gates Removed at Fort Monmouth; Route 537 through former base opens to traffic

The front gates which have been closed at Fort Monmouth since September of 2011 are opening again today.  Route 537 through the base will be open for public traffic at noon. The plan is part of an overall project to repurpose now defunct U.S. Army base.

Route 537 which connected Fort Monmouth from the Eatontown gate to Camden is the state’s third longest county road.

 

Foster Rescue Saves Pregnant Dog From Kill Shelter; Broadcasts Birth Live on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/itsaruffliferescue/videos/633732776813051/

When It’s a Ruff Life Rescue, a dog fostering network in New Jersey which has many canine foster homes in Ocean County found out about Little Miss Sunshine waiting on death row at a North Carolina kill shelter, the group sprung into action.

Little did they know just last week, that the dog they rescued was pregnant.  They also didn’t know until she was taken in for x-rays that she had been used as target practice in North Carolina. Doctors found several bb’s lodged under her skin.

After asking for donations, the community responded and food, toys, training pads and other items started pouring in.  There were also supplies for the babies.

Within a few days, a foster home was found for Little Miss Sunshine.   Then, she gave birth to her puppies which was broadcast live on Facebook.  Over 50,000 people watched the birth live.

Now named Abigail, she birthed 8 puppies, one did not make it.  She gave birth to 6 boys and 2 girls.

If you would like to get involved and help, visit It’s A Ruff Life’s Facebook page.

 

 

 

 

 

Chief Welcomes New K-9 Unit

by Andrew Kudrick, Chief, Howell PD

HOWELL-Congratulations to Patrolman Jesse Moore #617 and his partner Opus on becoming a certified Police K-9 Patrol Team.

For the past 16 weeks, he and his partner were trained by Long Branch Police Sgt. Bobby Shamrock in obedience, tracking, building searches, agility, articles, building/area searches and criminal apprehension and handler protection. This is a tough, extensive training and certification obtained by very few officers.

A sincere thank you to Sgt Shamrock and Long Branch Police Director Jason Roebuck. You did an outstanding job!

Congratulations to Long Branch K9 Officer Omar Akel and his partner Hades who also graduated. Stay safe!!!

Monmouth County is now safer for both residents and the officers. It’s also more dangerous for the criminals!

Next up, 12 weeks of scent training to become certified in narcotics detection.

I’m very proud of Officer Moore. As a former K9 handler, I realize the inherent dedication and commitment and responsibility required to be a handler. I wish you a very safe tour. It will be the most rewarding years of your career. No doubt, you will proudly and honorably represent the Howell Police as well as the small police K9 community.

Bamboozled: Employee says A.J. Perri scammed a senior. Here's what happened next.

Consumers are often at the mercy of specialists: contractors, electricians, plumbers and the like. Unless you’re super handy, you rely on them to diagnose and fix problems in your home. Even if you get multiple estimates, how do you know they’re not misrepresenting a situation to make a small job into a bigger, more expensive one?…

Ocean County Drug Deaths Soared by 43% in 2016

Despite best efforts to combat the drug epidemic that plagues Ocean County, drug overdoses soared in 2016 to 205 possible cases by the end of the year.   According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, there were 195 confirmed deaths caused by drug overdoses with 10 additional cases pending autopsy reports.

In 2015, there were 118 deaths linked to drug overdoses, representing a 43% spike in deaths.

Those numbers could have been much higher.   In 2016, the Prosecutor’s Office said the opiate reversing drug Narcan was used in 502 cases countywide by local law enforcement agencies and first responders.

In neighboring Monmouth County, 154 died from drug overdoses in 2016, a spike of 32 over the 2015’s total of 122, a jump of nearly 21%.  There were 415 deployments of Narcan in the county.

 

Jackson, Howell Firefighters Fight the Elements, Truck Fire on 195

On Saturday morning, firefighters from Jackson’s Station 54 and Howell’s Freewood Acres and Southard Fire Department No. 1 braved the elements to put out a truck fire on Interstate 195 near the Howell-Jackson border.  Photo by Freewood Acres Fire Departmetn.

 

Christian Brothers gets back to winning wins in victory over Hackettstown

RANDOLPH–After losing a tight game to Toms River North on Saturday, Christian Brothers wanted to jump on Hackettstown early when the two faced off in the Hoops to Help Showcase at the County College of Morris on Sunday. That is exactly what CBA did. It took a nine point first quarter lead and never trailed on…

Monmouth man charged with attempted murder of Eatontown cops in court today

by Charles Webster, MCPO

FREEHOLD-An Eatontown man charged with the attempted murder of Eatontown police officers, during an armed robbery last month will have a first appearance in court today, announced Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni.

Aaron Riley, 31 of Wedgewood Circle in Eatontown, is charged with two counts of first degree Attempted Murder, and one count each of first degree Armed Robbery, second degree Certain Persons not to have a Weapon and second degree Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose after Riley fired at Eatontown police officers, one of whom returned fired during an armed robbery in progress on December 20, 2016.

Eatontown police responded to a pair of 911 calls around 6:43 p.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2016, reporting an armed robbery in progress at the AllTown Pharmacy on Wyckoff Road.  While the officers were responding, Riley was inside the pharmacy demanding prescription narcotics from an employee.  Eatontown police arrived on scene with the suspect inside the pharmacy, but he soon after fled the scene out a rear door without any narcotics.

While Riley was fleeing the scene on foot, he fired at Eatontown police officers, one of whom returned fired.  Riley then ran to a vehicle in the Michael’s Plaza parking lot and was seen fleeing the scene on Route 36 West.  During the investigation, police located the vehicle, a gray four-door 2007 Nissan Altima in the rear parking lot of Stony Hill Apartments with damage consistent with projectile strikes from a gun.

Monmouth County detectives subsequently received information from the New York Police Department that Riley was in their jurisdiction with a gunshot injury to his leg. The investigation continued in New York City, where Riley was eventually taken into custody by New York City police officers and where he currently remains in custody.   Bail was set at $1.45 million with no 10 percent and Riley was also ordered to have no victim contact and not to return to the scene by Monmouth County Superior Court Judge David F. Bauman, P.J.Cr.

Riley’s first appearance is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., January 6, 2017, before Judge Bauman.

Family of Missing New Jersey Teen: We're at a loss

NEPTUNE — It’s been four weeks since the disappearance of a Neptune City teen after her car was found unoccupied on a Belmar bridge on Dec. 2. Sarah Stern, 19, left her family’s home in Neptune City at 11:45 p.m. driving her grandmother’s 1994 Oldsmobile Eighty-Eight Royal, according to her father Michael Stern. The car was…

Jackson K-9 Valor Charity Helps Fire Department After Thief Stole Christmas Tree Funds

by Phil Stilton

SPRING LAKE HEIGHTS-This weekend, a thief walked off with $1,000 of Christmas Tree sales raised through a tree sale fundraiser by the Independent Fire Company.  Today, there has been an outpouring of support all along the Jersey Shore for the firefighters.

“We have been the victim of a real life grinch,” the fire company said Saturday morning when they found out their cash register had been stolen.

This morning, Sue DesMarais and Jennifer Gallagher visited the Independent Fire Company and donated $500 to them from money the charity raised last month at a Jackson Township fundraiser held at Cornerstone Kitchen and Tap.

DesMarais is a former police officer and has been the victim of two home fires said she read the story and felt compelled to make the donation.

” I read that the someone stole $1000.00 dollars from the Independent Fire Company in Spring Lakes Christmas Tree Fundraiser. So Jennifer Gallagher and I went down there with a $500.00 donation from K-9 Valor Task Force.”

She said she was interviewed by Channel 7 News, New York and spoke about her own ordeal where firefighters rescued her pets from her burning home in Jackson.

“I’m sorry this happened, I like to pay things forward,” she said.

“Any donations can be either mailed to Independent Fire Co #1 at 700 6th Ave, spring lake heights NJ 07762. Or can be directly dropped off at our station,” the department said to those who have offered support on their Facebook page.

N.J. cop was subject of internal investigation before fatal crash, police say

DEAL — In light of a toxicology report that shows one of their captains was impaired by drugs and alcohol when he fatally crashed his car in January, Deal police said Friday they are investigating the circumstances leading up to the death of the off-duty officer, who was the subject of an internal affairs investigation. The…

Middletown Porch Poacher Caught and Released

The Middletown Police department announced that they have arrested the women who was caught on video stealing a package from the porch of a Statesir Place home last week. Lauren Miller, 51, of West Front Street in the Township was arrested this morning by Detectives Daniel Sullivan and Keith Hirschbein. Miller was charged with three counts…

Cape May Company Cited by DEP for Illegal Dumping on Deal Beach

DEAL — A federal sub-contractor violated New Jersey’s anti-dumping laws when it disposed of excavated material on the beach in Deal, state officials said on Tuesday. Agate Construction Co. of Ocean View dumped an undetermined amount of fill onto the Roosevelt Avenue beach in Deal last week when the loads actually were supposed to be taken…

Yeshiva sues Shore town after denial of boarding school application

OCEAN TWP. — A group representing a proposed Jewish boarding school is suing the township and its Zoning Board of Adjustment after its application for a 96-student Yeshiva was denied late last year. The 79-page complaint filed on Friday in U.S. District Court alleges that the Zoning Board’s denial of the Yeshiva, whose students, ages 18…

Jersey Shore Police Captain Killed in Car Crash

OCEAN TOWNSHIP — An off-duty Deal police captain was killed Saturday morning when he lost control of his car and crashed into a utility pole in Ocean Township, authorities said. Capt. Earl B. Alexander 4 th died from his injuries in the single-car crash at Route 71 near Perrine Avenue at 12:38 a.m., said Ocean Township…

Polar Bear Plunge in Asbury Park chills and thrills for charity

ASBURY PARK — It wouldn’t be New Year’s Day in Asbury Park without the annual Sons of Ireland Polar Bear Plunge, where those who don’t mind braving the elements take a dip in the ocean for charity. The 13 th annual event this year drew more than 600 plungers whose donations to three Monmouth County charities…

Manatee Sightings Prompt Warning to Barnegat Bay Boaters

BRICK-Tuesday’s manatee sighting at Beaton’s Boatyard in Brick Township means boaters in the Barnegat Bay should use caution this weekend and to be on the lookout.   Collisions with watercraft in Florida, manatee’s native home account for a large majority of their deaths in those waters each year.   Approximately 70 manatees were killed in Florida in boating or jet ski crashes between January and September of this year.

Beaton’s posted pictures of their sighting on their Facebook page.   The boatyard is located at the northern end of the Barnegat Bay, just south of the Mantoloking Bridge.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center which monitors and cares for distressed seals and other marine wildlife urges boaters to slow down.

“Watch out for our slow tropical friends, give them lots of space and slow down,” MMSC said.

If you see a manatee or seal in distress in the Barnegat Bay, you should call the MMSC.

“The best way to inform us of stranded animals is to call us,” the said.  “Please call 609-266-0538 to report stranded marine mammals and sea turtles.”

Manatees in New Jersey are not a new phenomenon.  In 2009, MMSC successfully rescued a manatee named Ilya who was going into hypothermia in the cold Jersey water.

“After a few days of stabilization at our facility we found him a ride to Florida via the US Coast Guard Atlantic City, who was heading that way on a training mission,” the said. “Ilya spent a few months in rehab and was successfully released back into Florida’s waters.”

The National Oceanic and Atmosphere Administration also advises New Jersey residents that it is illegal to feed or harass marine mammals.

“Feeding, attempting to feed, or otherwise harassing marine mammals in the wild was made illegal because it is harmful to the animals,” the NOAA said.  “It causes marine mammals to lose their natural wariness of humans or boats and become conditioned to receiving handouts and associate people with food, It changes their natural behaviors, including feeding and migration activities, and decreases their willingness to forage for food on their own. They may also begin to take bait/catch from fishing gear.”

These changed behaviors may be passed on to their young and other members of their social groups and increases their risk of injury from boats, entanglement in fishing gear, and intentional harm by people frustrated with the behavioral changes, according to the NOAA.

“Some of the items that are fed to marine mammals may be contaminated (old or spoiled) or not food at all. Feeding marine mammals inappropriate food, non-food items, or contaminated food jeopardizes their health,” an online notice read.

Viewing of marine mammals should be done at a safe distance to allow the animal to be uninterrupted in their activities.   You should never attempt to swim with or touch dolphins, manatees, seals or other marine mammals you might encounter in the water.

Those caught and accused of violating the Marine Protection Act can be subjected to fines of up to $11,000, up to one year in prison and forfeiture of their vessel.

Photos by Beaton’s Boatyard.

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