Police Blotter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-V6CNp31qE

The Ocean County Board of Freeholders produced a video about the Ocean County Police Academy.

On January 4th, The New Jersey State Police notified TRPD of a serious crash involving one of our officers. Twenty eight year old Officer Brett Hansen was traveling on the Garden State Parkway in his personal vehicle near mile marker 90. He was off duty at the time his vehicle collided with a large truck. Officer Hansen, who has been assigned to the patrol division since being hired in August 2015, sustained life threatening injuries. He is being treated at a local medical facility and is expected to undergo numerous surgeries. We anticipate an extensive recovery for Officer Hansen with rapidly mounting medical costs. We will be announcing more information in the future as it becomes available.

The New Jersey State Police is seeking the public’s assistance with the investigation of a motor vehicle crash on the NJ Turnpike involving a dumbbell that smashed through a windshield and seriously injured a man.

Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that a senior correction officer at the Garden State Youth Correctional Facility in Yardville, N.J., was indicted today on charges that he smuggled marijuana and tobacco to inmates inside the correctional facility in return for money.

Jaquae Hollingshead, 24, of Southampton, N.J., was indicted today by a state grand jury on charges of conspiracy, official misconduct and bribery in official matters, all second-degree charges, as well as third-degree charges of distribution of marijuana and money laundering. Hollingshead has been suspended from his position as a senior correction officer as a result of the allegations.

It is alleged that, on multiple occasions, Hollingshead allegedly smuggled marijuana and tobacco to inmates in the correctional facility. In return, he allegedly received bribes in the form of monetary payments made by friends or relatives of the inmates outside the prison. Inmates allegedly communicated with Hollingshead using a cell phone to arrange for the contraband to be smuggled.

“By smuggling contraband to inmates, corrupt correction officers compound the challenges faced by their fellow officers in maintaining security in our state correctional facilities,” said Attorney General Porrino. “We allege that Hollingshead betrayed his badge and compromised safety by smuggling contraband, including drugs, into a youth correctional facility.”

“I commend the investigators in the Department of Corrections who uncovered this alleged smuggling scheme,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice.  “We intend to aggressively prosecute this defendant to send a clear message that we won’t stand for crooked correction officers who undermine security in our prisons.”

“Thanks to everyone who collaborated on this investigation,” said New Jersey Department of Corrections Commissioner Gary M. Lanigan. “The overwhelming majority of New Jersey Department of Corrections staff is hard-working and honest.  However, a corrupt employee can undermine the integrity of the entire criminal justice system.  Every member of our staff knows that if he or she acts in an unlawful manner, then he or she should not be working for the NJDOC and is subject to the legal ramifications of that behavior.”

Deputy Attorney General Ronald Minsky presented the case to the state grand jury for the Division of Criminal Justice Gangs & Organized Crime Bureau. The indictment stems from an investigation by the Department of Corrections Special Investigations Division.  Senior Investigators Samuel Wise and Patrick Sesulka led the investigation for the Department of Corrections.

Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000, while third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. The second-degree charges carry a mandatory minimum period of parole ineligibility of five years. The third-degree money laundering charge carries an enhanced fine of up to $25,000.

The charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The indictment was handed up to Superior Court Judge Mary C. Jacobson in Mercer County, who assigned the case to Burlington County, where Hollingshead will be ordered to appear in court at a later date for arraignment on the charges.

Attorney General Porrino and Director Honig noted that the Division of Criminal Justice has established a toll-free tipline 1-866-TIPS-4CJ for the public to confidentially report public corruption, financial crime and other illegal activities. The public also can log on to the Division’s web page at www.njdcj.org to report suspected wrongdoing confidentially.

Defense Attorney: Ross Gigliotti, Esq., Gigliotti & Lehrfeld, LLC, Cherry Hill, N.J.

Follow the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office online at Twitter, Facebook, Instagram & YouTube. The social media links provided are for reference only. The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office does not endorse any non-governmental websites, companies or applications.

On Friday, December 30, 2016, at 2:24 p.m., Officers Michael Hein and Jeffrey Slota responded to the parking lot of 701 Lacey Road in Forked River, in reference to a road rage incident. The complainant reported that he was stopped in the Garden State Parkway toll plaza for southbound exit 74 when the driver behind him became agitated with how long he was stopped at the toll booth.

The driver behind him began to excessively honk his car horn. The complainant further reported that he allowed the other vehicle to go around him. After proceeding through the toll, the complainant traveled east on Lacey Road when he came to a complete stop for the red traffic signal at the intersection of Lacey Road and Deerhead Lake Drive.

The complainant advised that the driver of the same vehicle pulled into the parking lot of 701 Lacey Road and exited his vehicle.

The driver then approached his stopped vehicle at the traffic signal and sprayed him in the face with pepper spray. The suspect then got back into his vehicle and fled the scene. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 50 to 60 years old, 5’ 8” tall, 240 pounds, with dirty blond hair and a gray beard. The vehicle is described as a dark colored sport utility vehicle. The victim refused medical treatment. The incident is under investigation.

 

The following is a sample of incidents that Patrol Officers recently responded to or were involved with. This does not represent all of the calls for service that were responded to during this time period. Any persons arrested or charged with offenses are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Additionally, except in specific circumstances, arrest and complaint information filed with the court is public information and names of those charged may be released.

Wednesday December 28, 2016

ASSIST OTHER AGENCY: At 12:21pm Officer Thomason and Officer Grochowski responded to a residence in the Winding Ways Adult Community regarding assisting Manalapan Police Department locate a vehicle. The vehicle was apparently taken without the consent of the owner the day before. After locating the vehicle, the vehicle keys were retrieved and the vehicle was secured for the owner to retrieve.

CRISIS INTERVENTION: At 2:42pm Officer Cilento and Officer Reiff responded to a residence to speak with a female who indicated she wished to commit suicide. After making contact, screeners from Monmouth Medical Southern Campus arrived to speak with the female. After doing so it was determined she needed further evaluation and was transported to the hospital.

Thursday December 29, 2016

AGGRAVATED SEXUAL ASSAULT: Jackson Police Detectives Rodriguez and Manion, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office and the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) are currently investigating an aggravated sexual assault involving a child under the age of 13.

SHOPLIFTING: At 4pm Officer French and Officer Thomason responded to the Meridian health Pharmacy regarding a female who was wandering around the store and acting confused. While speaking with the female, various items were seen protruding from her jacket. As a result of the investigation, the female was arrested. 25 year old Kaylee Pierce of Jacksonville Florida was charged with shoplifting. Ms. Pierce also had an outstand warrant for her arrest out of Howell Township.

CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE: At 10:25pm Officer Riso conducted a motor vehicle stop in the parking lot of the Wawa Convenience Store on Bennetts Mills Road. During the stop, Officer Riso detected the odor of marijuana. As a result of his investigation, the driver was arrested. 32 year old Michael Jordan of Jackson was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of CDS in a motor vehicle and making an improper turn.

Friday December 30, 2016

FORGERY: At 9am Jackson Municipal Court Clerk Eluzzi was processing the bail money received from the previous day. While doing so, a fraudulent $50 bill was located after being tested with a special pen. The originator of the money is known and the investigation is ongoing.

The Jackson Police Department responded to 9 motor vehicle crashes on this date.

Saturday December 31, 2016

CONTROLLED DANGEROUS SUBSTANCE: At 3am Officer French was dispatched to the area of East Pleasant Grove Road after the department received calls regarding suspicious banging noises being heard and someone walking around with a flashlight. In the area Officer French stopped a vehicle travelling slowly, with a flat tire. The driver indicated he attempted, unsuccessfully, to change the flat tire. While speaking with the driver, the odor of marijuana was detected. As a result, 21 year old Davis Haines of Jackson was arrested. Mr. Haines was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of CDS paraphernalia, possession of CDS in a motor vehicle and operating a vehicle in an unsafe condition.

ANIMAL COMPLAINT: At 11am Officer C. Kelly responded to a residence on Maxim Court to speak with the owner of a dog who was attacked. The caller indicated she heard barking and yelping coming from her backyard area and viewed two pit bull dogs attacking her dog. After going outside, the two pit bulls ran off. Unfortunately the dog that was attacked did not survive. The owner of the two bull dogs was later identified and was issued numerous summonses regarding the incident. Officer Grochowski and Officer J. Roth assisted.

Tuesday January 3, 2017

ARREST: At 8:30am Officer Grochowski, Officer Chesney and Sgt Parise attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Harmony Road. At the residence, 45 year old John Horaneck was found hiding in the basement. Horaneck was arrested on an outstanding warrant out of Wall Township. While there, 44 year old Steven Dubois was also arrested. Dubois was charged with hindering his apprehension by giving a fictitious name, possession of CDS paraphernalia and possession of a hypodermic needle.

SHOPLIFTING: At 9:30am Officer Candido responded to Stop and Shop regarding a male who was being detained on the ground outside the store. Investigation revealed the male attempted to shoplift $274 worth of batteries. After being confronted by management, the male attempted to flee. While doing so the male destroyed additional merchandise on his way out the door however was detained shortly thereafter. Officer Candido charged 30 year old Brian Worthington of Southampton Pennsylvania with shoplifting and criminal mischief.

SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: At 11am a resident on Forrest Drive called indicating a hispanic male with long black hair came to her door. After answering the door, the male indicated he was there to fix a leaking pipe. The caller states she closed the door and contacted the police. The male left in a bright blue Ford pickup truck, however was not located by responding officers.

– The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

No charges have been filed yet, but the Jackson Police are investigating a possible weekend sexual assault of 13 year old. Police did not give any further details other than Jackson Police Detectives Rodriguez and Manion, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office and the NJ Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) are currently investigating an aggravated sexual assault involving a child under the age of 13.

The incident happened on Thursday, December 29th.

No further details have been released since.

by Jackson PD

On Saturday at 11am, Jackson Police Officer Chris Kelly responded to a residence on Maxim Court to speak with the owner of a dog who was attacked. The caller indicated she heard barking and yelping coming from her backyard area and viewed two pit bull dogs attacking her dog. After going outside, the two pit bulls ran off. Unfortunately the dog that was attacked did not survive. The owner of the two dogs was later identified and was issued numerous summonses regarding the incident. Officer Grochowski and Officer J. Roth assisted.

The incident happened on Thursday, December 29th.

Early this morning, Surf City Police units were dispatched to a structure fire at 232 Division Avenue. The home was was fully engulfed upon arrival. Surf City Volunteer Fire Company responded, along with fire companies from Long Beach Island and Stafford Twp. The fire was extinguished and the cause of the blaze is currently under investigation. Neighboring homes at 228 Division and 236 Division suffered external damage from the heat. No one was home at the time and no one was injured.

 

On Sunday, at approximately 7:45pm, the Beachwood Fire Department was dispatched to Birch and Surf Park to set up a landing zone for a severely injured subject.

Upon arrival, Command Units and MONOC’s medical airship found the location was unable to be used due to the powdery snow conditions.

The landing zone was then relocated to the parking lot of the Beachwood Elementary School. Fire Department personnel assisted the Beachwood First Aid, South Toms River First Aid and MONOC medics with the patient.

Photo, info provided by Beachwood VFD

TOMS RIVER-Former Toms River Chief of Police, Sheriff Michael Mastronardy was sworn in for his second term in office on Wednesday.

Do you recognize this man?  A sketch, drawn with no shirt on to depict accuracy was released by the Evesham Police Department today.   Police are seeking this man who allegedly chase a couple of teenage girls wearing nothing but his sneakers.   This hairy, plump beast who harassed these girls is on the loose and police want to find him.

On Friday December 30, 2016, at 1:07pm, Patrol Units responded to the area of Ravens Row and Fox Chase Road for the report of a Lewdness Complaint/Attempted Luring. Upon arrival the caller, reported his 15 year old daughter and her 14 year old friend ran into his home after reporting that a naked man got out of his vehicle and ran toward them.

It was reported that the young girls were walking in the area of Westerly Drive to the basketball courts when they a noticed a black Jeep (Cherokee Style) drive by them. They noticed the white male driver did not have a shirt on, which struck their attention. Minutes later they observed the Jeep again, this time it stopped and the white male got out of the vehicle who was fully naked. The girls reported the naked male ran toward their direction at which time they ran home. The subject was last seen getting back into his vehicle and driving toward Ravens Row. Both girls reported the subject did not say anything to them during the incident.

Suspect Description: a “chubby” white male late 30’s to early 40’s age range “clean shaven” with a faded style haircut.

Vehicle Description: black Jeep “Cherokee style” with no tire and white decal on right side of window. Unknown registration.

If anyone witnessed this incident or has information on the identity of this suspect you are asked to contact the Evesham Police Department at 856-983-1116, the Confidential Tip Line at 856-983-4699 or email at Facebook@Eveshampd.org. Anonymous tips text ETPDTIP to 847411

TOMS RIVER-Firefighters responded to a home at 1401 Silverton Road here last night in response to a structure fire.   The fire appears to have started in a detached two car garage adjacent to the home.    The fire spread to the main structure before the first firefighters arrived, damaging the living area of the home.    The fire began at 4:28pm. Police said a man and woman were inside the home at the time of the fire but were not injured.   The fire is under investigation.

You can see a video of the fire on our Ocean County news Facebook page.  Photo by TRPD. Overview by Google Earth.

by Al DellaFave, OCPO

TOMS RIVER-Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Toms River Chief of Police Mitch Little announced today the culmination of an investigation by Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, Northern Enforcement Unit along with members of the Toms River Police Special Enforcement Team resulting in the arrest of an out of state fentanyl dealer. The partnering agencies operation culminated in the arrest of two Philadelphia residents on multiple drug charges and seizure of a large quantity of fentanyl.

The above investigation which began in mid-December centered around a Philadelphia man who was allegedly found to be distributing quantities of Fentanyl from a Toms River hotel. The investigation identified Farid Brown, 24, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as being an alleged supplier of Heroin who would travel to Toms River regularly to distribute quantities of Heroin.

On December 28, 2016 detectives learned that Mr. Brown was staying in a room located at the Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge located at 955 Hooper Avenue, Toms River NJ. During the evening hours of Wednesday, December 28, 2016, members of the Toms River Police Departments Emergency Services Unit executed a no knock search warrant on room 135 of the Howard Johnson’s Motor Lodge. As a result of the search warrant Detectives recovered approximately 40 grams of a white powder believed to be heroin in raw (Unpackaged) form as well as in pre-packaged individual dosage units. Detectives also recovered drug paraphernalia such as rubber bands, hundreds of new unused wax folds, a scale and a small spoon often associated with the packaging and distribution of heroin.

Farid Brown was located in the hotel room at the time of the search warrant, along with Ms Ganiel L. Howard, 25, also of Philadelphia. Both Brown and Howard were subsequently placed under arrest and transported to the Toms River Police Department.
The recovered white powder in both raw (Unpackaged) form and the pre-packaged folds of white powder that was originally believed to be heroin were submitted to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI Lab. The test results revealed that the white powder was actually Fentanyl.

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Captain Jack Sramaty, who serves as the Commander of the Prosecutor’s Special Operations Group, praised the efforts of all the detectives involved in this investigation stating, “The dedication and commitment of the Detectives of both the Special Operations Group and the Toms River Police Department are second to none. As a team, the Prosecutor’s Office along with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners will continue to relentlessly identify, investigate and prosecute the dealers whose illegal activities are impacting Ocean County.”

In addition to the Prosecutor’s Detectives from the Special Operations Group and the Toms River Police Departments Special Enforcement Team, Toms River Police Department’s Emergency Services Unit, Operations Bureau and K-9 Unit all participated and assisted in this investigation.

The following individuals were arrested and charged:

Farid Brown, age 24, 6132 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia Pennsylvania was charged with Possession of CDS (Heroin/Fentanyl), Possession of CDS (Heroin/Fentanyl) over one half ounce Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The Honorable Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels, P.J.Cr.P set bail at $150,000 no ten percent. Mr. Brown was subsequently lodged in the Ocean County Jail.

Ganiel L. Howard, age 25, 1515 North 58 th Street, Philadelphia Pennsylvania was charged with Conspiracy to Possess of CDS (Heroin/Fentanyl) over one half ounce Intent to Distribute. Ms. Howard was released on a summons pending future court dates.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

by Steven Laskiewicz, JPD

JACKSON-On Wednesday January 4, 2017 at approximately 10:43 am, a call was received at the Rosenauer School by an anonymous subject indicating that a person armed with a weapon was enroute to the school and would be there shortly.

by Ralph Stocco, TRPD

TOMS RIVER-On December 22^nd, Toms River Detective Randy Petrick, arrested and charged a Toms River Man with robbery. The charges stem from a December 20^th incident at the Fischer Boulevard TD Bank in which a man handed the teller a note demanding money.  The note stated “If you don’t follow these instructions then I will shoot you and everyone else in the bank.”

After surveillance images of the man were disseminated to local news outlets and various social media sites; tips began to come in.  The man was ultimately identified as 36 year old Paul E. Hansen, of Linden Road.  He is currently being held in the Ocean County Jail on $100,000 bail. We want to thank those citizens that provided us with the valuable information that led to this arrest.

by Al DellaFave, OCPO

TOMS RIVER-Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato and Toms River Township Police Chief Mitch Little today announced the following investigation update regarding the Christmas Day pedestrian death of Keith Elliott, 45, of Toms River.

The initial accident was reported on December 25th, at approximately 10:38 am, when police and medical units were dispatched to the intersection of Highland Parkway and Herflicker Boulevard for a man lying in the roadway. Responding officers located the victim, later identified as Keith Elliott, 45, of Messenger Street in Toms River. Mr. Elliott was deceased and no lifesaving efforts were able to be performed.

The Ocean County Prosecutors Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office were called to the scene to assist Toms River Township Police in the investigation. Toms River Police Traffic Safety Officer Adam Koeppen and Ocean County Prosecutor Detective Michael Proto were designated the lead investigators on the case.

The initial investigation found that, prior to his death; Mr. Elliott left his residence and was believed to be walking to the bus terminal on Highland parkway. He was planning on taking a bus to Lacey Township where he was to spend Christmas Day with his family.

On December 26, 2016, members of the Toms River Police Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office responded to the scene to continue the investigation and observe traffic near the time of the incident. At approximately 10:15 am (approximate crash time) a NJ Transit bus traveling north on Highland Parkway made a right turn onto Herflicker Blvd. This bus was stopped and questioned as to its possible involvement regarding the prior day pedestrian fatal. The partnering detectives found that the driver, Wilford Anderson Jr., 60, of Sicklerville, NJ, had worked the previous day and while operating a different bus, did in fact turn onto Herflicker Blvd after exiting the bus terminal. They found further that Anderson did encounter a pedestrian near the area of the crash walking south towards the bus terminal who was trying to wave him down and board the bus. Anderson stopped the bus and allowed the pedestrian to cross in front of him while gesturing to him that he cannot board the bus. Anderson believed the pedestrian continued walking away from the bus toward the terminal as he made his turn onto Herflicker Blvd to continue his route.

OCPO Detectives would later secure video footage confirming the involvement of Mr. Anderson’s bus in the accident. An examination of the bus Anderson was operating at the time of the accident provided additional evidence that Keith Elliott was indeed struck by Anderson’s bus. Interviews of Anderson, as well as bus passengers, indicated that they allege they were not aware that Elliott had been struck.

The above event details are preliminary findings to date. The investigation continues.

by Manchester PD

MANCHESTER-If you don’t yet have a New Year’s Resolution, please consider making a renewed focus on safe driving: help keep yourself, your loved ones, and other drivers safe while on the road. For starters, always wear a seat belt, never text and drive or operate other electronic devices, obey all speed limits and traffic signs, and have a designated driver if drinking.

For those with small children, our Traffic Safety experts will be happy to install car seats and check that current installations are safe. Stop by Ridgeway Vol. Fire Co. #1 Sta. 34 tomorrow (Wednesday, January 4th) for our monthly car seat safety inspection, from 4 to 7 p.m. These free safety inspections are held on the first Wednesday of each month.

by Vincent Manco, MPD

MANCHESTER-Three local men, including two from Manchester were arrested by officers from the Manchester Township Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team after they investigated suspected drug activity in the Pine Lake Park section of the Township. The investigation started after the Narcotics Team received several complaints about suspected drug activity in the area.

On Wednesday evening, December 28, 2016, members of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team (N.E.T.) were conducting surveillance in the Pine Lake Park section of the Township when they observed suspicious activity which they suspected to be drug related. At approximately 6:21 P.M., officers stopped a suspicious vehicle, which was involved in the suspected drug distribution investigation on State Highway 70 near mile marker 37. During the stop, officers detected the odor of marijuana inside of the vehicle and subsequently requested the assistance of the Department’s K-9 Unit which was nearby. Further investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle, 19-year-old, Nicholas Marquis of Beacon Street in Manchester, provided false information to officers. Additionally, he was found to be in possession of a hunting knife, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. One of the vehicle’s passengers, 18-year-old, Troy Ksyniak of Monmouth Avenue in Manchester was also found to be in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The third occupant of the vehicle, 21-year-old, Elijah Miller of Anchorage Boulevard in Bayville was found to be in possession of 28 doses of LSD or “acid”, alprazolam, marijuana, THC extract, and drug paraphernalia. As a result, all three were arrested and taken to police headquarters for processing.

As a result of the investigation, Ksyniak was charged with Possession of Marijuana under 50 grams and Possession of Paraphernalia, and released on criminal summonses. Marquis was charged with Hindering His Own Apprehension, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Possession of Marijuana under 50 grams, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Paraphernalia. He was lodged in Ocean County Jail on $15,000.00 bail. Miller was charged with Possession of LSD, Possession with Intent to Distribute LSD, Possession of Alprazolam (Schedule IV), Possession of Marijuana under 50 grams, Possession of THC Extract, and Possession of Paraphernalia. He was lodged in Ocean County Jail on $100,000.00 bail. Assisting in the investigation were members of the Department’s Patrol Bureau.

Residents are reminded that drug tips can be reported to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the “Tip Line” link.

Marquis and Miller are no longer lodged in the Ocean County Jail, according to the jail’s inmate lookup system.

MEDFORD TWP. — Authorities believe that a naked man who ran toward teen girls in Evesham Township on Dec. 30 was the same man seen nude in Medford Township earlier last month. Medford Township police received a report Saturday that a naked man was seen on Dec. 21 around 2 p.m. on Huntington Circle Drive. A…

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Just before 4:30 pm, Officers and Detectives responded to the Garden State Pistol Range located on Swarthmore Avenue regarding a shooting victim.

Upon arrival emergency personnel learned that a 61 year old employee from Neptune had accidentally shot himself in the hand while retrieving a rental gun from a storage cabinet.

The bullet entered and exited the employee’s left hand and as a result he was transported to Brick Hospital where he is expected to make a full recovery.

At the time of the incident, there were several customers, including two young boys and at least one other employee in the area. Thankfully no one else was injured.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact Det. Chase Messer at 732-363-0200

Editors Note: After obtaining the video from this encounter, we are now able to properly report this story.  For the benefit of the actor involved, suffering from mental illness, we will not disclose his name or publish the video.

Originally reported on December 15th.

JACKSON-A Jackson resident this week called police after a bizarre interaction with a man who abruptly stopped and skidded his vehicle in front of his home.

According to the video of the event, the man who was driving the vehicle told the resident, “I have reason to believe your daughter is an international criminal.”

“How do you know that?” the victim asked.

“Because my phone’s been hacked playing a silly game and I got a whole bunch of details of things that would seem like her,” the man responded.

When asked by the victim to see the phone, the man notified him he was live broadcasting the encounter on Facebook.

“Just move on,” the victim said and walked back towards his home.

The man then told the victim that the military has been flying jets low over his home and spying on him, and he gives them the middle finger all the time and the pilots saw it.  He then confronted the victim, allegedly an air force veteran and demanding that he tells everything he knew about the military’s spying on him.

“Do you know anything about the jets harassing me?” he said. “Are you going to enjoy your discharge from misusing military equipment?”

“Where do you get this?” the victim responded.

“From the jets flying circles around my house…when I flip them off…they [expletive] fly over me real nice and slow,” the man said.

“You think I’m flying these jets?” the victim asked the man.

“I’m not sure, I know you’re a helicopter pilot mechanic…,” the man said.

The man then continued to argue with the victim, saying he was had information about the jets and helicopters flying over his house.  The encounter happened in an area which lies just a few miles from Joint Base MDL and is in the flight path of the U.S. Navy training missions that circle Jackson Township from the former Lakehurst Naval Air Station side of the joint base.”

“You are just f’d dude, just move on,” the victim told the man. The man began yelling at the victim and that’s when he called the police.   “I know she’s in a non-extradition neighbor…I’m going to come back with more people later.  You’re not going to misused your [expletive] authority as a soldier…have your daughter and her stupid [expletive] friends harass me with jets and try to ruin my life.”

Later the man who made the outlandish claims  arrived at the Jackson Police headquarters to file a report.

“This same male came in to the police department to report his phone had been hacked by the military after downloading a game,” the department said.  “The male, who suffers from mental health issues was not taking his prescribed medication.”

Police notified EMT’s and he was transported to Monmouth Medical Southern Campus for treatment.

LAKEWOOD-Little is still known about a crash that involved an Ocean County Sheriff’s Department officer enroute to a routine call in Lakewood Wednesday afternoon after the driver struck a 17 year old girl walking on the northbound shoulder on New Hampshire Avenue.

Toms River and Lakewood Police arrived on scene, but neither department has issued a media release on the incident, which is typical in a non-officer involved crash within the first 24 hours after the incident.

Ocean County Sheriff Michael Mastronardy deferred media questions to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.    Calls made to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office and Freeholder / Director of Public Safety Jack Kelly have either yet to be returned or calls have been missed and return calls have not been returned.

According to the New Jersey State Police, Juan Mercado, 44, of Jackson struck the Lakewood girl at approximately 1:25 pm as she was walking on the shoulder.

According to The Lakewood Scoop, the girl was rushed to Jersey Shore Medical Center’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit where she was in critical condition.

 

 

LAKEWOOD-A situation in Lakewood escalated quickly between a black man and Orthodox Jewish men after a car accident here on Wednesday.

Police in Lakewood have arrested 34 year old Elijah’s Chandler of Jackson after he reacted aggressively and violently to the driver of a vehicle in Lakewood he claims ran a red light and crashed into his vehicle.

Chandler claimed the driver ran the red light, police have not released any information pertaining to the actual accident, but did file charges against him.

“The [expletive] ran the light,” Chandler shouted. “He tried to beat the light, like all y’all [expletive].”

After the accident, he began yelling at a driver he claims sped through the intersection after the traffic light had turned red.   During the heated confrontation, some of which was captured on video, police arrived and arrested Chandler, charging him with bias intimidation, terroristic threats, simple assault, criminal mischief and two counts of harassment. Chandler was surrounded by a group of individuals described as Orthodox Jewish men during the clash.

In the video, Chandler could be seen yelling and pointing at the man, shouting anti-semitic remarks, but no physical assault was captured on video.  Chandler then kicked the vehicle which was operated by the driver who committed the initial offense.  Witnesses claimed Chandler opened the offending driver’s car door and removed him from the vehicle.

Lakewood police refused to release the comments made by Elijah to the media, but the video released shortly afterwards on social media captured the event.

You can watch the full video on the Ocean County Police Blotter facebook page.

Main Photo:  Chandler lays on the road after being instructed by police, prior to his arrest.

 

JACKSON-On Saturday September 17, 2016 at approximately 8:30 pm, Jackson Police Officers Michael Kelly and Shane Davis, along with Jackson First Aid responded to a residence located on Bennetts Mills Road on the report of an unresponsive male who had been located in the bathroom of the residence.

 

While enroute to the location, officers were updated that the male was now responsive. The officers arrived on scene and observed the 35 year old male who had been reported as the unresponsive victim. Officer Kelly, who is one of the agency’s certified Drug Recognition Experts (DRE), made observations that it appeared that the male was exhibiting the common signs and symptoms of being under the influence of a narcotic and was having difficulty in speaking with the officer. Further investigation revealed that the male had been in the bathroom giving a small child a bath and when other family members arrived home from being out, the small child ran from the bathroom saying that the male was sleeping. The male was then found in the bathroom, reportedly barely breathing and failing to respond to attempts to wake him.

 

The investigation was continued and resulted in the male being arrested and charged with child abuse/neglect. He was processed at Police Headquarters and was released on summons pending a court appearance, further investigation is ongoing at this time. The child was placed with family members for safety and the DCPP was also contacted to investigate.

 

 

–          The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Howell police today are seeking to identify a woman who allegedly harassed a group young boys at the Walmart store on Route 9 here earlier this month.

Tensions are  beginning to flare as some residents in Howell, Jackson, Toms River in Brick react to a growing trend of Orthodox Jewish families moving into those towns surrounding Lakewood.

On September 5th, at around 10pm, a boy was standing in front of Walmart with his friends and was harassed by a woman.

“According to the victim, the female suspect enters the Walmart with another male and as she’s entering the store she turns towards and confronts him aggressively without provocation,” Chief Andrew Kudrick said.   “The male that was with the female unsuccessfully attempted to restrain her.”

The woman then asked the boy if he was from Lakewood.

“Go back to Lakewood you [expletive] Hasidic Jews”, she yelled at them and pushed one of the boys as she entered the store.

Kudrick said police were called, but the woman left the store minutes later and was gone prior to police arrival.

The female is described as a white female in her mid-twenties to early thirties operating what appears to be a newer model white 4-door Kia Optima. Photographs of the female suspect and her vehicle are attached.

Anyone with information regarding the suspect is asked to contact Detective Corporal Nancy Carroll #182 at ncarroll@howellpolice.org or (732)938-4575 Ext. 2894.

 

Attorney General of the United States Loretta E. Lynch, Assistant Attorney General for National Security John P. Carlin, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman for the District of New Jersey, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara for the Southern District of New York, Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) Director James B. Comey, Assistant Director-in-Charge William Sweeney of the FBI New York Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Timothy Gallagher of the FBI Newark Field Office and Commissioner of the Police Department for the City of New York (“NYPD”) James O’Neill announced that Ahmad Khan Rahami, a/k/a “Ahmad Rahimi,” has been charged in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, for conducting and attempting to conduct bombings in New York City and various locations in New Jersey on September 17, 2016, and September 18, 2016.
Rahami, 28, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, is charged in a Complaint filed in the Southern District of New York with one count of using and attempting to use weapons of mass destruction, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2332a, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment; one count of bombing and attempting to bomb a place of public use, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2332f, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment; one count of destroying and attempting to destroy property by means of fire or explosive, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(d), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and use of a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence, namely, the use and attempted use of weapons of mass destruction, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), which carries a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 30 years in prison, all in connection with Rahami’s alleged detonation of an explosive device and efforts to detonate explosives in New York City.
Rahami is also charged in a Complaint filed in the District of New Jersey with two counts of using and attempting to use weapons of mass destruction, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2332a, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment on each count; one count of bombing and attempting to bomb a place of public use and public transportation system, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2332f, which carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment; one count of attempting to destroy property by means of fire or explosive, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 844(i), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison; and two counts of using a destructive device in furtherance of a crime of violence, namely, the use and attempted use of weapons of mass destruction, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c), each count of which carries a mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 30 years in prison and, if convicted of both counts, a
mandatory sentence of life imprisonment, all in connection with Rahami’s alleged efforts to detonate explosives in Seaside Park, New Jersey, and Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Rahami will first be transported by the United States Marshals Service, pursuant to a writ of habeas corpus ad prosequendum, to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York to face the charges filed in the Southern District of New York. More than 30 people were injured as a result of the detonation of a bomb in the Chelsea area of New York City.
Mr. Bharara and Mr. Fishman praised the outstanding efforts of the FBI’s New York Joint Terrorism Task Force, which principally consists of agents from the FBI and detectives from the NYPD, and the FBI’s New Jersey Joint Terrorism Task Force. Mr. Bharara and Mr. Fishman also thanked the Counterterrorism Section of the Department of Justice’s National Security Division for its assistance.
The prosecution in the Southern District of New York is being handled by that Office’s Terrorism and International Narcotics Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas J. Lewin, Emil J. Bove III, Andrew J. DeFilippis, and Shawn G. Crowley are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Brian Morgan of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The prosecution in the District of New Jersey is being handled by that Office’s National Security Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dennis C. Carletta, Francisco J. Navarro, Margaret Ann Mahoney, and James M. Donnelly are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Trial Attorney Brian Morgan of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.
The charges contained in the Complaints are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

ELIZABETH — The father of Ahmad Khan Rahami, the man suspected in planting bombs in New York and New Jersey, told reporters outside his fried chicken restaurant this morning that he called the FBI twice about his son. Mohammad Rahami at first came to a side gate outside the First American Fried Chicken restaurant around 10…

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On September, 19, Berkeley Township Police Det. Joseph Santoro and Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Special Victim’s Unit Det. Stephanie Bayha arrested and charged Yordy R. Santanacastillo, 28, of Forked River, NJ, with 2 counts of Fourth Degree Child Abuse.

The investigation initiated on September 9th, 2016, by the partnering Detectives, with assistance from Ocean County Sheriff’s Department CSI, found the defendant was allegedly observed at approximately 4:40 pm by witnesses leaving his two children (ages 1 and 3) unattended in his car for approximately 19 minutes.  The car was parked in the Retro Fitness parking lot on Route 9 in Berkeley with the ignition to the vehicle off while SantaCastillo inquired about a gym membership.  The outdoor air temperature at the time exceeded 90 degrees.  A temperature as high as 97 degrees was recorded on the day of the incident.

The case was reviewed by Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christine Lento who approved the above charges.  The defendant is released on a summons pending his appearance in Superior Court.

The media and public are reminded that criminal charges are merely accusations and that these defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

 

New York and New Jersey bombing suspect Ahmad Rahami will be charged with five counts of attempted murder, Reuters reported Monday. He will be charged with two gun related offences, a law enforcement official told the news agency. Rahami was apprehended in Linden, New Jersey, after a firefight earlier on Monday. Rahami is an immigrant from…

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