Police Blotter

Police blotter reports are generally written by the authoritative agency and only edited by Shore News Network for grammar and accuracy. If you have any questions regarding the information in these reports, please contact the issuing authority.

Victims of Lacey double homicide were beaten as part of marital dispute, cops say

LACEY TOWNSHIP — The Lacey Township man whose family was found dead inside their home on Wednesday beat them to death in a marital dispute before he killed himself, authorities said on Friday. Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato and Lacey Police Chief Michael DiBella said Gregg Scott, 51, killed his 48-year-old wife Kimberly Dunphey and their…

N.J schools, police go high-tech to combat terrorism

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP — Police in New Jersey are employing a new technology that will be at the touch of their cell phones to help them better respond at scenes of terrorism and other scenes of mass casualties where good communication and the quick deployment of officers is critical. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday rolled…

Woman accused of exploiting Lowe’s website glitch is an expert shopper, attorney says

BRICK — A township woman who authorities say exploited a glitch in the Lowe’s website to steal items is actually just really good at spotting deals, her attorney said in a statement. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Tuesday that it had arrested Romela and Kimy Velazquez and charged them with finding a “weakness” in…

New Jersey Town Threatening Residents with 90 Days in Jail; $2,000 fines for Basketball Hoops and Eruvs

JACKSON,NJ-Spurred by complaints over eruvs installed by Orthodox Jewish residents in the township, the township of Jackson, New Jersey has issued a directive to residents to remove all obstructions in the public right of way.

With some residents in town complaining about the eruvs, poles, attached to each other by thin wire to mark out areas where they may carry objects such as keys, strollers and even babies, according to Jewish religious law, the township was at a loss on how to enforce the new objects popping up around town.

According to sources within the township, the matter has been under legal review for several weeks, but this week, the township began issuing code violations and warnings to anyone who obstructed the public right of way between the public street and a homeowner’s property, typically encompassing the curbs, public easements, sidewalks and varying distances beyond the sidewalks.

Many residents complained on social media this week about receiving violations notices for eruvs, basketball hoops and even landscaping that resided in the public right of way.

Violations cited township ordinance 372-8 and 372-10, stating that the failure to remove the objects from the public space could lead to fines up to $2,000 and 90 days in jail.

We reached out to the township officials, including Mayor Michael Reina, Township Business Administrator Helene Schlegel and the five member township council township and received the following response from Administrator Schlegel:

Please be advised that Township ordinance § 372-8 states, “No person shall encumber or obstruct any street or public place with any article or thing whatsoever unless permission has been first obtained in writing from the Township Committee of the Township of Jackson.”  We are simply fairly and equitably enforcing the existing ordinance as written.

According to township ordinance, 372-10, fines could range from $100 to $2,000 and could land the violator in jail for up to 90 days.

Township code officials have issued “Notice of Violation and Order to Correct” notices to residents.  We asked the township to confirm the number of violations issued, but have not received a response.

“Basketball hoop in street or right of way. Must be removed,” read one violation we obtained from a surprised resident.

An attachment to the violations from the township identified basketball hoops, advertising signs, real estate signs, poles and eruv wires, and for sales signs as obstructions that could land a homeowner with a violation notice.

 

 

Four From Howell, Jackson Charged after Drug Bust

by NJSP

HOWELL– The New Jersey State Police have arrested Darnell Williams, 34, of Jackson, N.J., and Joseph Cottrell, 50, of Howell, N.J. for multiple drug related offenses and seized more than $800 worth of heroin.

During the investigation, State Police detectives from the Troop “C” Criminal Investigations Office, Detective Operational Group (D.O.G.) determined that Williams and Cottrell were distributing heroin. Troopers also discovered that Cottrell had an outstanding criminal warrant from Cherry Hill, N.J.

On Monday, July 31, detectives, with assistance from the State Police Fugitive, K-9, and Electronic Surveillance Units, attempted to serve Williams and Cottrell with the arrest warrants at a residence on Church Road in Howell Township. Cottrell was located and arrested without incident. As a result of the arrest, troopers seized two and half bricks of heroin and drug paraphernalia.

While at the residence, Williams attempted to flee in a car driven by Daniel O’Shea, 41, of Howell. Detectives stopped the car and arrested O’Shea without incident. Williams ran from the vehicle, but was later apprehended and arrested by detectives at the Red Roof Inn in Neptune Township. Nyesa Richardson, 32, of Howell, who was with Williams at the Red Roof Inn, was also arrested.

Williams was charged with distribution of heroin and eluding. Cottrell was charged with possession of heroin, possession of prescription legend drugs, and possession of hypodermic needles. O’Shea was charged with possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, and obstruction. Richardson was charged with obstruction of justice.

Darnell Williams was lodged in Ocean County Jail. Joseph Cottrell, Daniel O’Shea and Nyesa Richardson were all released with pending court dates.

Two of Three Accused Heroin Traffickers Caught in Jackson Already Released from Jail

TOMS RIVER-Two of three suspected heroin distributors caught by an Ocean County SWAT team just over 24 hours ago have already been released from jail under New Jersey’s reckless Bail Reform Act.

According to the Ocean County Jail Inmate Search, 18 year old Genuine Baines and 28 year old Lindsay Robson have already been released from the Ocean County Jail.

 

The full story…

Jackson Police Department Release

JACKSON-On Tuesday August 1, 2017, Jackson Police Detectives received information in reference to suspects who were reportedly going to be delivering a quantity of heroin to a location in Jackson Township. Information was also learned that one of the suspects may be armed.

At approximately 5:30 pm, working in conjunction with officers from the patrol division, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Operations Group (SOG), the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department K-9 and the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, a motor vehicle stop was conducted with a 2006 Lexus on Hyson Road near Jackson Mills Road and three suspects were taken into custody without incident.

The investigation resulted in the seizure of 50 decks of suspected heroin and the arrests of the three suspects in the vehicle. No firearms were located.

Arrested:

– Genuine Baines, age 18 of Trenton, NJ.
– Isaiah Porter, age 21 of Trenton, NJ.
– Lindsay Robson, age 28 of Mercerville, NJ.

All three suspects were charged with: possession of a controlled dangerous substance (heroin), possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance and conspiracy to distribute a controlled dangerous substance. They were processed and lodged in the Ocean County Jail. The Lexus used was seized for potential forfeiture proceedings.

Video by Peter Grzelak.

Police Seeking to ID Man Accused of Fondling Self During Children's Movie

by Howell PD

HOWELL-The Howell Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a male suspect committing a lewd act during an afternoon showing of the “Emoji” movie at “Xscape” movie theater on Route 9 in Howell on July 28, 2017.

A female patron watching the movie with her children and friends noticed the male, depicted in the attached surveillance still image, with his pants unbuttoned, zipper undone and hand down his pants. The suspect was seated alone in the back row of the theater and was described as a heavy set white male in his 20s or 30’s, wearing a white dress shirt, black pants and a yamaka on his head. The suspect also has a goatee and/or beard. The female immediately reported the incident to management.

Management responded and escorted the male out of the building. Police were called later when the female witness returned home. Anyone with information regarding the suspect’s identity is asked to call Detective Janet Benitez #627 at (732)938-4575 ext. 2885 or at jbenitez@howellpolice.org. The public can also provide us tips anonymously through our tip line at www.p3tips.com.

Driver critically injured after being thown from car in Parkway crash

TINTON FALLS – A man was critically injured early Wednesday when his car veered into the median between the Garden State Parkway’s express and local lanes and overturned, police said. The driver was thrown from the Honda Civic in the 1:06 a.m. crash and taken to a nearby hospital, the State Police said. The man was…

School bus engulfed in flames on Garden State Parkway

TINTON FALLS – A school bus burst into flames on the Garden State Parkway’s northbound lanes Wednesday morning, but no injuries were reported, the State Police said. The driver was the only person on board and escaped unharmed in the 6:32 a.m. incident near mile marker 105, near the Asbury Toll Plaza, police said. The cause…

40-year-old man accused of masturbating at playground

PARSIPPANY — A township man was arrested on Friday on charges he was masturbating at the playground in Troy Hills Village, police said. Jeffrey VanDuyne, Jr., 40, of Parsippany, was charged with lewdness following his arrest, police said in a news release. Multiple officers responded to the playground off of Route 46 shortly before 4 p.m.…

Rescuers search for swimmer who went missing off Steel Pier in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY — Rescuers are searching for a swimmer who went missing off the Steel Pier on Tuesday night, according to a report. The man went in the ocean around 10 p.m. and never came out, NBCPhiladelphia.com reported. The U.S. Coast Guard used a a 29-foot response boat and a helicopter to look for the swimmer.…

Jackson Police Seeking to ID Illegal Off Road Riders Who Vandalized Property

JACKSON-Finding a good spot to ride in the woods in Ocean County has become hard to find over the years.  Finding a good spot where it is legal to ride is even harder, but Jackson Township Police say finding a place to ride is not an excuse for breaking the law and vandalizing somebody’s property.

The owners of a property in Jackson tried to curb illegal riding on their land by placing a gate at the access point.   After the gate was broken down and chains cut several times, the owner put up a security camera to see who was doing it.   This week, that camera caught the perpetrators and the police department wants to find them.

A report by the Jackson Police Department reads:

The Jackson Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance in the attempt to identify several subjects suspected of being involved in a recent incident of trespassing and criminal mischief.

On Sunday July 23, 2017, Police Officer Ryan Donnelly responded to a residence on Toms River Road to take a report of trespassing and criminal mischief to property.

The victim reported that he had been having ongoing problems of several unknown subjects who have been damaging his property to gain access to ride off road vehicles. Due to past damage and occurrences of a gate being opened to access the property, the property owner had secured a trail camera at the location and chained and locked the gate.

On the afternoon of Saturday July 15, 2017, the suspects are pictured approaching the gate and after finding it locked, attempting to cut the chains but were unable to. In another area nearby the gate, it was discovered that a section of the property owner’s fence was cut open to allow access to the property. The damaged fence was valued at $200.00 and was reported to be new damage which coincided with the incident and photographs provided by the victim.

The photographs depict several subjects who are on the victim’s property, which extends past the gate it appears they are attempting to open. The gate is used to block access to an area where he houses livestock. Anyone with information of the identities of these persons is asked to contact P.O. Donnelly at 732-928-1111.

Man Injured After Being Pulled Under Street Sweeper

JACKSON-On Thursday, at approximately 10am, Officer Stybe responded to a business on Faraday Avenue for an injured employee. The 19 year old victim was servicing a street sweeping truck when he was partially pulled under the vehicle after the broom was activated. The employee was transported to Ocean Medical Center with non life threatening injuries.

32 Year Old Man Swerves into Pole While Drunk Driving, Texting, Police Say

JACKSON-On July 11, at approximately 11:30 pm Officer Travisano responded to a motor vehicle crash on East Veterans Highway, near the intersection of Dunhill Road. The driver indicated he picked up his cellular phone and while texting, swerved off the roadway, into a utility pole. After investigating the incident, Officer Travisano arrested the 32 year old driver from Jackson for driving under the influence.

JCP&L Employee Attacked After Shutting Off Power at Jackson Home

On July 11, at approximately 1:30pm, an employee of JCP&L contacted the Jackson Police Department, looking for assistance. The JCP&L employee indicated when she arrived at a residence on Grawtown Road to turn off the electricity; someone came outside yelling and screaming, followed by the person punching the vehicle the JCP&L employee was operating. With the assistance of Officer Wasnesky, the electricity was turned off and the meter was locked.

Car Stolen Out of S. Toms River Found at Jackson Outlets

On July 10th, at approximately 10 am, Jackson Police Officer Baranyay responded to the Jackson Premium Outlets regarding a stolen automobile. Jackson Police received information that a 2017 Nissan Sentra, which was previously reported stolen out of South Toms River, was now located in the Jackson Premium Outlet parking lot. Officer Baranyay located the vehicle and later turned it over to the owner.

Howell Police Seek Help to ID Motorcyclist Who Got Away

The Howell Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance identifying the rider of a green motorcycle who eluded police.  A photo was released.  Police said the rider fled, getting on I195 westbound.

—

From the department facebook page:

At approx 1050 this morning, a Howell Police officer attempted to stop the operator of a neon green motorcycle for speeding on Rt.9SB between West Farms Road and Sunnyside Road. Instead of simply pulling over, the operator ignored the officer and eluded him by increasing speed while weaving in and out of traffic. The motorcycle was last seen entering Interstate 195 WB.   Below is a picture of the suspect described as a scrawny white male.

If you know who this may be, give us a call or send us the information over FaceBook Messenger or our anonymous tip service www.P3tips.com

https://www.facebook.com/howellpolice/photos/a.655217904528013.1073741828.171836439532831/1315268308522966/?type=3&theater

2-car crash damages historic building in Monmouth County

SHREWBURY BOROUGH — The front steps and fence of a a historic building in Shrewbury were damaged after being struck by a car following a crash Sunday afternoon, according to a report on APP.com Two vehicles headed in different directions collided on Sycamore Avenue, sending one of the car spinning through the fence before it came…

Saad Doctor Charged With Sexual Contact With 17 year old Girl

Dr. Saad A. Saad, 71 of Red Bank, was charged with second degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child and fourth degree Criminal Sexual Contact by a Monmouth County Grand Jury last week over an incident that occurred while he was examining a 17 year old female patient at Meridian Pediatric Associates in Eatontown on May…

Girl Who Was Rescued, Revived at Sandy Hook Passes

Editor Update: According to officials, the girl in this story passed on Monday at the hospital.

SANDY HOOK – A young girl had to be revived with a defibrillator Sunday after being pulled from the water by lifeguards at a Sandy Hook beach. Lifeguards immediately began CPR after rescuing the girl, who was taken to Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, said Daphne Yun, a spokeswoman for the National Park Service. “I…

Stranger chases girl down street in Lakewood, police say

LAKEWOOD — Police are investigating a report that a man pulled up to a Lakewood house and chased a 10-year-old girl down the street and into a neighbor’s yard, authorities said. The girl was not harmed and the stranger fled, Lakewood police said in a statement. The girl was in the driveway unloading items from her…

Booze buying teens beware: Cop may be lurking in that Shore shop

Police in 32 towns along the Shore are taking part in the annual summer ritual in which undercover officers hang out in and around liquor stores looking for underage customers. The officers will also arrest people 21 and older who attempt to buy booze for those note of legal drinking age. The participating towns received federal…

One Dog Dead, One Recovering After Being Chained to Highway Median by Drug Crazed Man

NEWARK-Two dogs were chained to a highway median on Route 280 in Newark and abandoned by their owner, according to the Associated Humane Society.    Animal welfare officers were called to investigate and upon their arrival, found the dogs, one dead and the other wounded with severe injuries.

As an AHS animal welfare officer was trying to free the female dog, she was confronted by a man claiming to be the owners of the dog.

“Our AHS Newark animal control officer, Cinda, raced to the scene as soon as she received the call and the male could not be revived,” the AHS said in a statement. “Cinda worked on freeing the female from her restraints and just as she got her free, the owner of the dogs arrived on the scene. He began rambling and yelling about how much he loved his dogs and instructed Cinda to give the female back to him.”

AHS called the police after the man fled the scene.

“The irate man then grabbed the female pit bull and slammed her on the pavement, then took off running. Police were called, sketches were drawn of the owner but as is so often the case, the perpetrator will likely never be caught, and never be brought to justice,” AHS said.  “What can be said about a horror story such as this one except, we, as a society, need help. People that think treating animals in this manner needs lots and lots of help. What goes wrong in their mind that makes them feel as if they have the right to abuse and destroy an animal? We can only hope that such an individual will never, ever get another animal again.”

“Can you just imagine the terror that these dogs must have experienced,” AHS said. “The fear was just too much to bear for the male pit bull mix and as he tried with all his might to free himself, he only made his situation worse and sadly, he strangled himself in front of his helpless female friend.”

AHS named the white female pit bull Rose, after Rose from the movie Titanic, who helplessly watched as the one that she loved struggled and died.

“Rose is now resting comfortably in the medical department of our AHS Newark facility,” they said. “A thorough examination by our veterinarian revealed that Rose had a heavy collar or chain embedded in her neck at some point, and her ears are nearly torn to shreds. Rose is traumatized and deeply saddened by the loss of her canine companion, but she is still so happy to receive the help that she desperately needed, and is eager to see what the future holds for her.”

Rose will soon be transferred to the AHS Popcorn Park facility in Lacey township to continue her recovery.

The AHS is asking residents for donations to help pay for Rose’s treatment and recovery.

Please click here to donate to Res-Q Fund: https://www.ahscares.org/shop/item.asp?itemid=28&catid=5 or text ResQ to 501501 to make a $10.00 donation.

Check the AHS Facebook page for updates on Rose.

School bus crash injures 22 children, officials say

MOORESTOWN — Twenty-two children are being treated for minor injuries after a school bus crash on Route 38 West Wednesday afternoon. Lenola Fire Chief Robert Grant said the crash around 4:15 p.m. at the intersection with Pleasant Valley Avenue was minor, but children who said they were hurt were taken to Kennedy University Hospital in Cherry…

The story of a young drug dealer who murdered four men just got worse

The search for four missing Pennsylvania men ended Thursday morning when police cadaver dogs led law enforcement officials and FBI officers to a 12-foot-deep grave on a farm in rural Pennsylvania. At that time, police named 20-year-old Comso DiNardo as a “person of interest” in the case. The remains were discovered on DiNardo’s parents’ farm, and…

Arrest made in killing of 11-year-old Keansburg girl

KEANSBURG– Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the death of a young girl found dead at an apartment complex Thursday morning. Andreas Erazo was arrested and charged Thursday morning, the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office said. Erazo is due in Monmouth County Superior Court in Freehold at 1:30 p.m. Eleven-year-old Abbiegail “Abbie” Smith was found…

Woman found dead in 7-Eleven parking lot

BRICK — A woman was found dead in a car parked in a 7-Eleven parking lot Wednesday, according to a report. She was found in the passenger’s seat of a vehicle with tinted windows around 6 p.m., APP.com said. A police officer noticed that the car had been parked at the convenience store in Burnt Tavern…

Human remains found in Bucks County search for missing men

Investigators searching for four missing men in Bucks County found human remains buried in a grave 12-and-a-half feet underground, the district attorney announced early Thursday. District Attorney Matthew Weintraub said some of the remains were identified as those of one of the missing men, 19-year-old Dean Finocchiaro, of Middletown Township, Pa. “We notified his family that…

Father of star pitcher Jason Groome arrested on drug, weapon charges in Barnegat

TOMS RIVER — The father of Boston Red Sox minor league pitcher Jason Groome was arrested on drug and weapons charges on July 10 the Ocean County Prosecutors office said in a release Wednesday. Jason Groome, 43, of Barnegat was arrested by Prosecutor’s detectives along with members of the Barnegat Township Police and Ocean County Regional…

Yeshiva sued over huge fire at allegedly illegal dorm

LAKEWOOD – An insurance company based in Bergen County has filed suit against a Yeshiva, alleging the Jewish study institution was to blame for a fire that destroyed a house where 27 students were illegally rooming. United Specialty Insurance Company claims in court papers that Yeshiva Gedola of Lakewood rented a house for male students ages…

5 alleged crack cocaine, heroin dealers arrested

EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP — Three men and two woman were arrested Tuesday on a slew of drug dealing charges after authorities raided a condominium and found heroin and crack cocaine, Egg Harbor Township police said. Police executed a search warrant in the London Court condominium complex in the Farmington section of Egg Harbor Township and seized…

Baby thrown from SUV during Parkway crash remains critical, cops say

MONMOUTH COUNTY — A 1-year-old girl thrown from a vehicle during a rollover crash on the Garden State Parkway on Sunday after she wasn’t properly secured remains in critical condition, authorities said. No charges have been filed against the 42-year-old Ocean Township woman driving the vehicle but the investigation is ongoing, State Police Lt. Ted Schaefer…

Councilman busted with cocaine after crash, cops say

JAMESBURG — A borough councilman allegedly had cocaine on him when he crashed his pickup on Friday afternoon, according to records. Thomas Busco Jr., 49, was charged by Jamesburg police with reckless and careless driving, operating under the influence of liquor or drugs and possession of a controlled dangerous substance, according to court documents obtained by…

Woman Arrested After Trying to Rob Elderly Good Samaritan

A South Toms River woman has been arrested and charged after trying to take advantage of the charity of a good samaritan.

According to South Toms River Police, on Tuesday, patrol officers and detectives responded to Chamberlain Street for a report of a robbery.

Responding officers found an 80 year old female had given Ashley Miller a ride from the American Deli on Dover Road.

During the ride, Miller advised the female to stop the vehicle and then attempted to leave the vehicle with the victim’s purse.  A struggle, ensued causing an injury to the victim.

Miller was later found in the Manitou Park area by the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department officers who had responded to the area to assist.

Detectives were able to locate the victim’s property and returned all of her belongings.  Miller was charged with a 2nd degree robbery and lodged in the Ocean County Jail.

Miller has already been released from the Ocean County Jail under NJ’s Bail Reform Act.

Cops search for suspect who may have inappropriately touched child in park

HANOVER — Police have released a sketch of the man suspected of inappropriately touching a girl at a Whippany park last month in an effort to identify him. Hanover police said in a news release the incident involving the girl occurred on June 29 or June 30 between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.…

4 firefighters hurt battling house fire

MATAWAN — Four firefighters were hurt and a home badly damaged during a fire Monday afternoon, according to APP.com. A neighboring home on Nawatam Way also sustained smoke damage, the report said. No one was home when the fire broke out. One firefighter burned a hand, another an arm while two were treated for smoke inhalation.…

JetBlue flight reportedly makes emergency landing at JFK

NEW YORK — A plane had to turn around and make an emergency landing minutes after taking off from John F. Kennedy International Airport when pilots saw fumes in the cockpit, according to NBCNewYork.com. JetBlue flight 2802 departed for Buffalo but returned at 6:50 a.m, the report said. No one was hurt. The FAA investigating what…

2 car fires in Lakewood were intentionally set, police say

LAKEWOOD — Police are investigating two car fires early Monday morning they say are cases of arson. Firefighters responded to a car fire on Miller Road and then, a short time later, a second vehicle fire on Iroqoius Place, Lakewood police Detective Lt. Gregory Staffordsmith said. Authorities determined both fires were arson cases, Staffordsmith said. “However,…

Attorney for man accused of killing Sarah Stern: 'There will be no plea deal'

FREEHOLD — The man accused of strangling Sarah Stern during a robbery attempt late last year at her Neptune City home will not take a plea deal, his attorney said on Monday. Liam McAtasney, 19, has pleaded not guilty in the Dec. 2 death of Stern, 19, his childhood friend. He is charged with murder and…

Lawmakers seek to give N.J. workers back pay from shutdown

TRENTON — The leaders of both houses of the New Jersey Legislature are seeking to secure back pay for the tens of thousands of state workers furloughed during the recent state government shutdown — and they’re taking two different approaches. State Assembly Speaker Vincent Prieto is calling on Gov. Chris Christie to use his executive authority…

6-year-old girl drowned in Wildwood motel pool, police say

WILDWOOD — A 6-year-old girl drowned in a motel swimming pool while vacationing with her family on Saturday, police reported Sunday. The incident happened at the Nantucket Inn & Suites in the 4100 block of Ocean Avenue. The victim was not immediately identified. First responders found the girl unresponsive shortly after they arrived at 4:30 p.m.,…

Parkway Fire Snarls Sunday Evening Shore Traffic

By Beachwood VFD,

BEACHWOOD-At approximately 3:30pm on Sunday, the Beachwood and Pinewald Fire Departments responded to a motor vehicle fire at 78.8 south on the Garden State Parkway. The fire was knocked down in minutes of arrival, traffic however was tied up for sometime. There were no injuries as a result of the incident. The Bayville First Aid provided assistance at the scene as did the New Jersey Forest Fire Service.

Photo by Beachwood VFD.

Truck Fire in Beachwood Woods Being Investigated

By Beachwood VFD,

BEACHWOOD-At approximately 5:45 AM the Beachwood Fire Department responded to the report of smoke in the area of the 600 block of Briar Way. Upon arrival a working vehicle fire was discovered in the wooded area off of Oak Street and Briar Way. The fire was quickly extinguished and is suspicious in nature. The incident is under investigation by the Beachwood and Toms River Police Department Detective Bureaus and the Ocean County Arson Task Force. The New Jersey State Forest Fire Service and Beachwood EMS assisted at the scene.

Photo by Beachwood VFD.

Ex-gang member testifies he expected associates to kill man who shot him

FREEHOLD — A former Crips street gang member told jurors on Thursday he expected his friends, on trial for racketeering conspiracy, would retaliate against the man who shot him and that he became upset when they didn’t. Pedro Rosario said he called James Fair to complain that no one had tried to kill the man who…

Man charged with cyber harassment for video targeting police

EWING — A township man who police say created and posted a video online that illustrates guns being fired at a Ewing police car has been charged with cyber harassment. Octavius Covington, 31, was charged Monday after police learned of the video Sunday. Police spokesman Capt. Rocco Maruca said the department is aware of prior videos…

Court administrator accused of stealing $3K in cash from town

LOWER TWP. – A municipal court worker in Cape May County has been charged with stealing more than $3,000 paid to the court by residents, prosecutors said Thursday. Mariya Starrett, 31, of Absecon, could face five to 10 years in state prison if convicted of the second-degree official misconduct charge. She was also charged Wednesday with…

12 more Lakewood residents charged in massive welfare fraud sweep

LAKEWOOD — Twelve more Lakewood residents were charged Thursday as the massive sweep targeting welfare fraud totaling millions of dollars continues to widen, officials said. The defendants are all charged with theft by deception and are accused of misrepresenting income to receive benefits from government programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (better known as…