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News from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Beyond.

No Relief in Sight for Brick Flooding Problem

BRICK-A resident concerned over the frequent roadway flooding problems at Jack Martin Boulevard and Burrsville Road in Brick asked Mayor John Ducey if he will be addressing this matter in the near future with the Ocean County engineer.

Ducey said that not only will he be asking for remediation, but he has asked several times in the past for it.

“We have that meeting usually in February,” the mayor said. “That’s always on our list every year and we get the same response every year and it’s not a good response.”

Ducey said the county engineers are waiting for a developer to develop the triangle property that lies at the intersection of Route 88, Jack Martin Boulevard and Burrsville Road.

Ducey said there was a proposal to build a Marriott hotel but fell through.  The county expects the developer of that land to pay for the repairs of the flood prone intersection.

“The county’s plan is to wait until it’s developed,” Ducey said.  “Then it’s off their pocket book and onto the developer’s pocketbook, but I’ll still make the request and see if the answer is the same this year.”

Ducey did not say whether or not past plans to develop the property had failed based on the county’s requirement for the expensive civil engineering project attached to the property.

Images by Google Earth/Google Maps.

No relief in sight for brick flooding problem

Ocean County Beach Replenishment Project Awarded to Weeks Marine

by Debra Hoover, NJDEP

TRENTON-The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, working in partnership with the Department of Environmental Protection, has awarded a contract to construct long-awaited engineered beaches and dunes for the northern Ocean County peninsula, one of the areas hardest hit by Superstorm Sandy, Commissioner Bob Martin announced today.

The Army Corps awarded a base contract of $92 million to Cranford-based Weeks Marine to conduct the first phase of construction. The total contract amount is expected to reach about $128 million as work progresses to additional areas of the peninsula where the state is continuing to work to secure access easements from property owners.

The overall project will cover some 14 miles of coastline along the Barnegat Peninsula and will protect the communities of Bay Head, Berkeley, Brick, Lavallette, Mantoloking, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park and Toms River.

This is the last major stretch of beaches in New Jersey to be awarded a contract for construction of engineered systems of beaches and dunes. These systems are proven to protect lives, property and infrastructure, a major goal of the Christie Administration in the aftermath of Sandy.

“We are very pleased that this crucial project is moving forward,” Commissioner Martin said. “When completed, all of New Jersey’s coastal communities will be afforded the level of protection that comes with beach and dune systems that meet Army Corps’ engineering standards. The Christie Administration has remained steadfast – even in the face of challenges from some property owners over providing easements – in its commitment to building a full coastal system of engineered beaches that, in addition to providing protection, are vital to the state’s economy and identity.”

Work will begin in the spring and will progress in 1,000-foot sections to minimize impacts to residents and visitors.

“This represents one of the largest beach-fill contracts in the history of the United States Army Corps of Engineers,” said U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Philadelphia District Commander Lt. Col. Michael Bliss. “The engineered dune and berm system will serve the vital purposes of reducing risk and helping to protect people and property.”

The Barnegat Peninsula was hit especially hard when Sandy slammed the state in October 2012. The ocean breached the peninsula in Mantoloking. Record storm surge caused significant damage to Brick, Lavallette. Mantoloking, Seaside Heights, Seaside Park and the Ortley Beach section of Toms River. Homes, businesses, piers, boardwalks and infrastructure – including State Route 35 – were destroyed or severely damaged.

These areas did not have properly engineered beached and dunes when Sandy hit. Engineered beaches and dunes block and absorb the impact of storm surge, mitigating property damage.

A key component of the project is the construction of dunes and beaches along a four-mile stretch of sea wall in Mantoloking and Brick that the DEP teamed up with the New Jersey Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to build as added protection for Route 35. This is the main artery and coastal evacuation route through a particularly vulnerable stretch of the peninsula that was severely damaged during Sandy.

This highway, since reconstructed to modern design standards with extensive flood controls, was the scene of a major breach at the Mantoloking Bridge during Sandy. The four-mile-long protective wall is comprised of steel sheet pilings driven deep into the sand that will serve as emergency backup protection, with the beach and dune system providing primary protection to the roadway.

Work will begin with beach and dune construction in southern Mantoloking, as well as all of Lavallette, Toms River, Seaside Heights and Seaside Park. Work in Bay Head, Berkeley, northern Mantoloking and Point Pleasant Beach will begin after all necessary easements have been obtained.

A total of 545 easements are needed for the project. An easement is a legal right of access to private or municipally owned property the Army Corps and DEP need to perform construction. Nearly 350 easements – or 64 percent – had been provided voluntarily. The state also obtained 54 additional easements through condemnation proceedings under the Eminent Domain Act and is pursuing additional condemnation proceedings.

“The Governor and I are grateful to the majority of property owners who voluntarily provided their easements because they recognize that this is the right thing to do for their neighbors and their communities,” Commissioner Martin said.

Over the course of the project, some 11 million cubic yards of sand will be pumped from offshore to build dunes and beaches. For most of the project area, dunes will be built 22 feet above sea level. Beaches will be constructed from 100 feet to 300 feet wide and 8.5 feet above sea level. The project area will receive periodic replenishment projects over the course of 50 years to replace sand lost through normal erosion.

The federal government will be paying for 65 percent of the project using money approved under the 2013 Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, which funds projects that Congress had previously authorized but had not been completed by the time Sandy hit in October 2012. New Jersey will pay for 35 percent of the project from the state’s Shore Protection Fund.

NJ Newspaper Public Notice Trough Grows to $1.6m in 10 Days. How Many Have You Read?

In December, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie waged war with New Jersey’s newspapers, some, like the local Gannett paper, Asbury Park Press, on life support from taxpayer funded public notice laws.

Christie claimed New Jersey taxpayers were paying $80 million annually for these archaic notices that reside in the back pages of New Jersey’s dwindling newspapers.  They are those hard to read for most…walls of text printed in tiny fonts that most of the industry’s shrinking reader base passes over on a daily basis.

The industry fought back and claimed New Jersey only spends $40,000,000 to keep their businesses alive.  Most of the industry editors and execs said if they lost this welfare lifeline, their papers would be forced to fire dozens of reporters.

The Shore News Network is giving both sides in the battle the benefit of the doubt and we’ve chosen $60,000,000 as the estimated cost per year of public notices to the New Jersey taxpayer.

According to that estimate, New Jersey taxpayers have already spent $1.64 million, just 10 days into the New Year on these costly and outdated public notices.

What if the actual cost is $80,000,000 annually as the Governor suggests?  That would mean taxpayers have already given their local newspapers $2.2 million already this year.  At that rate, they should deliver their papers for free in exchange for this government subsidy.

How many public notices have you read this year in your local newspaper? Should New Jersey newspapers continue to receive this taxpayer bailout?

 

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.

Overdose at Nursing Home Leads to Suspected Heroin Dealer

On Friday, 12/30/2016, at approximately 9:25 PM, the Stafford Township Police Department was dispatched to an overdose at the Manahawkin Nursing and Rehab located at 1211 Route 72 West in Manahawkin, NJ.

The initial Officers on the scene administered several doses of Narcan to the victim, and she was later transported to Southern Ocean Medical Center.

During the investigation, it was learned the victim was sold fentanyl/heroin from a resident who resides in the facility. A search warrant was obtained in the early morning hours of December 31st for the resident’s room, and was executed by the Stafford Township Drug Enforcement Unit. Approximately twenty (20) glassine envelopes containing suspected heroin/fentanyl were located within the room belonging to Walter Gibbs 59 years old of Atlantic City, NJ.

Mr. Gibbs was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin) and Possession of CDS with the Intent to Distribute (Heroin).

He also had several outstanding warrants from Atlantic City, and later turned over to Atlantic County Sheriff’s Department.

Mr. Gibbs is scheduled to appear in the Ocean County Court at a later date.

Nationally Ranked Drug Sniffing K-9 Kramer Passes Away

Kramer, a retired drug sniffing K-9 who once served the Stafford Police Department passed away this week.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of our retired K9s, Kramer. Kramer served alongside Patrolman Bob Campanile until Ptl. Campanile’s retirement a few years ago,” the department said.  “Kramer had a large tumor on his face and mouth, which developed rapidly over the last several months. Kramer served Stafford Township for many years and was Nationally ranked in patrol and narcotics.”

Armed and Dangerous Fugitive Wanted for Ocean County Crimes Captured in Philadelphia

On January 8th 2017, Andy Kulian 27 of Philadelphia, the suspect wanted in a series of home burglaries in the Silver Ridge retirement section of Berkeley Township, was arrested without incident by the Philadelphia Police Department.
On 12/30/2016 Andy Kulian, fled on foot from police after being approached by Berkeley officers who were investigating suspicious activity. Kulian was with an accomplice, Jose Cruz of Philadelphia who was arrested on scene. A handgun was found in the vehicle they were in.
An extensive search was conducted the night of the last incident for Kulian but met with negative results.
Kulian was charged with two counts of burglary, possession of weapons as well as hindering apprehension and eluding. Bail was set at $100,000 full.
The Berkeley Township Police would like to thank all those involved in the successful apprehension of Andy Kuilan.

DEA, Local Police Discover Heroin Lab at Ocean County Apartment Complex

During the closing months of 2016 the Toms River Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team, in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Ocean County Prosecutors Office Special Operations Group, and Lavallette Police Department, concluded a month long investigation into the distribution of heroin.  On December 22, 2016, Kevin Porter, 27, of Newark NJ was arrested and charged by the investigative team.  The arrest of Porter led to the seizure of 250 wax folds of heroin, 50 grams of powder heroin, and $750.00 in U.S. currency.

Further investigation led to the execution of a search warrant in Winteringham Village as well as a search of a residence on the 100 block of Philadelphia Avenue in Lavallette.  Detectives uncovered a full manufacturing facility where heroin was being mixed, packaged and stamped by Porter for resale.  Items included empty wax folds ready to be packaged, stamps, sifters, and several other items used to package and distribute heroin.

Porter was charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin over one half ounce with the intent to distribute (2nd degree) and maintaining a heroin manufacturing facility (1st degree).  Bail was set at $75,000.00 no ten percent.

What was that? Loud explosion heard across Ocean County

Minutes ago, members from the 87th Explosive Ordnance Disposal team detonated an unexploded ordinance  retrieved from off base at the Joint Base MDL.

The detonation was similar to mortar training, and was a single explosion.

“If you heard a big BOOM, don’t freak out — it’s just the expert hands of 87th EOD,” the base said.
Because it’s overcast, the sound travelled further and seemed louder.

Dems Retain Power on Toms River School Board; Giovine President

TOMS RIVER-Despite some confusion about how to nominate and vote on a new board president and vice president, the Toms River Regional School Board managed to get the vote done at their annual reorganization meeting.

Democratic political operative Ben Giovine will lead the Toms River Regional School Board in 2017 after securing the nomination and election as president by his fellow board members. The board, minus Joe Nardini, Chris Raimann and newly elected board member Daniel Leonard voted in favor of Giovine.

Board member Christopher Raimann was also nominated for presidency, but a vote was not held after the Giovine vote cleared the board successfully.

For Vice President, Loreen Torrone and Nardini received nominations, but after a 4-4 board split, Torrone cast a vote for herself to break the tie.

Outgoing board President Rob Onofrietti was joined by Nardini, Raimann and Leonard, all of whom voted against Torrone’s nomination.

Giovine, was a former Democrat political field agent, organizer and Ocean County director for the campaign of the late John Adler.

The board in their first two votes, maintained political party lines.

Democrat political powerbroker and board attorney Steven Leone addressed those in attendance and let the audience know he would leave the meeting early to make a flight to Florida.

 

 

 

 

 

Mariners' Tutzauer Scores 1,000th Point Against Jackson Memorial

Ashley Tutzauer, a senior basketball player at High School North, scored 24 points and lifted High School North, No. 12 in the Star Ledger Top 20, to a 60-31 win over Jackson Memorial at Jackson. She connected on four 3-pointers and recorded her 1,000th career point in the victory.

Crowdfunding Set Up For Toms River Police Officer Injured in Crash on GSP

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.

A crowdfunding site to assist the family will be set up in the near future. In the meantime, donations can be made to the “Brett Hansen Fund” Mailed to Toms River PBA #137, P.O. Box 5011, Toms River NJ 08754

Dumbbell caused crash on NJ Turnpike

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.

On Monday, January 9, at approximately 7:15 a.m., Jack A. DeCarlo, 75, Hamilton Twp., NJ, was driving a GMC Terrain south on the NJ Turnpike in Oldman’s Twp., Salem County, when a 50-pound dumbbell crashed through the windshield and struck him in the head. The SUV then travelled off the right side of the roadway into a ditch.

Mr. DeCarlo was airlifted to Crozer Medical Center in Chester, PA where he is being treated for serious injuries. His passenger, Patricia DeCarlo, 57, Hamilton Twp., NJ, sustained minor injuries. Anyone with information is asked to contact Moorestown Station at (856) 235-1937. Anonymous tips welcome.

NJ correction officer caught smuggling marijuana to juvenile offenders

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.

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Security guard stole $200k in cash after being fired from Casino sentenced

Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino announced that a former security guard at the Caesars Casino in Atlantic City was sentenced to prison today for committing an armed robbery at the casino in 2014 after he was fired from his job.

Izyiah Plummer, 22, of Atlantic City, was sentenced to 11 years in state prison, including nine years and four months of parole ineligibility, by Superior Court Judge Bernard E. DeLury Jr. in Atlantic County. Plummer pleaded guilty on Aug. 22, 2016, to all of the charges filed against him in an Aug. 20, 2015 indictment, including first-degree armed robbery, conspiracy, aggravated assault and weapons offenses.

Deputy Attorney General Kerry DiJoseph prosecuted Plummer and handled the sentencing for the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau-Casino Prosecutions Unit.

Three other defendants who were indicted with Plummer have pleaded guilty and face prison sentences in connection with the robbery. Aaron Evans, 26, of Atlantic City, pleaded guilty on Dec. 12 to second-degree theft and faces a recommended sentence of eight years in state prison. Nathaniel Greenlee, 23, of Bear, Delaware, and Donavon Jackson, 22, of Wilmington, Delaware, each pleaded guilty in June 2016 to second-degree theft. The state will recommend that each of those two men be sentenced to seven years in state prison. Evans, Greenlee and Jackson are scheduled to be sentenced on March 17.

The men were charged in an investigation by the New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau and the Division of Criminal Justice Specialized Crimes Bureau-Casino Prosecutions Unit. They were charged in connection with an armed robbery of a security guard and a second casino employee who were removing cash from a kiosk inside Caesars Casino on July 21, 2014.

“Plummer planned and executed a violent armed robbery that put lives at risk,” said Attorney General Porrino. “With this sentence, we’re protecting the public by keeping a dangerous criminal behind bars for many years.”

“Plummer thought he could evade capture by wearing a mask and using his inside knowledge of casino security to commit this heist, but the State Police quickly identified Plummer and his accomplices,” said Director Elie Honig of the Division of Criminal Justice. “Together we built a strong case that now has resulted in lengthy prison sentences.”

“Many people have dreams of getting lucky and walking away from a casino with the big jackpot, but unfortunately Izyiah Plummer chose to rely on robbery and violence to make his dream come true,” said Colonel Rick Fuentes, Superintendent of the New Jersey State Police. “Thanks to some great work by the lead State Police detectives and our partners, Plummer won’t be planning heists in the near future.”

The investigation revealed that at about 6:18 a.m. on July 21, 2014, Plummer and Evans arrived at Caesars Casino in a car driven by Greenlee, with Jackson in the passenger seat. Plummer and Evans entered the casino wearing masks and gloves and approached a security guard and another casino employee who were loading full cash boxes onto a trolley from a self-redemption terminal at a kiosk. Plummer pointed a handgun at the two employees. Plummer pointed the gun at the security guard’s head while Evans removed three cash boxes from the trolley. As the two robbers were fleeing the casino, one of them dropped one of the cash boxes and left it behind. Plummer and Evans escaped from the casino with two cash boxes containing approximately $181,200 and entered Greenlee’s vehicle.

Greenlee drove to Plummer’s apartment in the Venice Park section of Atlantic City. There proceeds of the robbery were divided among Plummer, Evans, Greenlee and Jackson. A search warrant was executed at Plummer’s apartment, where a black ski mask, bullets for a .38 special handgun and $43,900 in cash were found. A search warrant also was executed at Evans’ home, where $4,300 in cash was seized. Detectives found a handle from one of the cash boxes in the street in front of Evans’ home.

The lead detectives on the case for the New Jersey State Police Casino Gaming Bureau were Detective Michael Nelson and Detective Sgt. Charles Vicente. The Atlantic City Police Department, Pleasantville Police Department, Delaware State Police and Pennsylvania State Police provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

Defense Attorney: Andrew Butchko, Esq., Of Counsel at Helmer, Paul, Conley & Kasselman, P.A., Wildwood, N.J.

State Morgue Technician Charged for Stealing Money from Man Killed in Crash

technician at the Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office in Newark has been charged with stealing cash from the body of a man who was killed in a car crash in December in Newark.

Darryl L. Green, 48, of Piscataway, N.J., who was employed as a forensic morgue technician by the Office of the State Medical Examiner, was charged yesterday by complaint-summons with third-degree theft by unlawful taking. Green is being terminated from his state position in connection with the charge. As an autopsy photographer for the Northern Regional Medical Examiner’s Office, Green produced photographic records for death investigations.

Green allegedly stole U.S. currency totaling approximately $1,120 from the body of a 28-year-old man who was killed in a single-car crash that occurred before 3:15 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18, in the 300 block of Sherman Avenue in Newark.

Members of law enforcement and personnel from the Medical Examiner’s Office observed and documented that there was cash in the victim’s pocket at the scene of the accident, where he was pronounced dead and placed in a body bag. However, the cash was missing when the man’s body was removed from the body bag the following day, Dec. 19, for an autopsy. Green allegedly opened the body bag at the morgue at some point in time prior to the autopsy and took the cash from the victim’s clothing.

The case is being investigated and prosecuted by the Division of Criminal Justice Corruption Bureau.

Third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a fine of up to $15,000. The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Because the charge is an indictable offense, it will be presented to a grand jury for potential indictment.

The Division of Criminal Justice has established a toll-free Corruption Tipline 1-866-TIPS-4CJ for the public to confidentially report 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.

Jackson Township's Meet the Mayor returns in January

Meet the Mayor Sessions are returning on Monday, January 30th at 7pm. These sessions take place in the Main Meeting Room at the Municipal Building located at 95 West Veterans Highway and are open to the Public. These gatherings allow the Mayor to hear what the residents are thinking and strengthens the connection between the residents and the Township officials/ employees. Mark your calendars…. these meetings take place on the last Monday of each month unless other stated.

Mayor Reina looks forward to seeing / meeting each of you.

Road Rage: Man sprays driver in face with pepper spray after waiting too long at toll booth

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.