8 Fight Outside Of Restaurant, Chicken Coop Catches Fire: Lacey Police Blotter

LACEY, NJ — July was a busy month for Lacey police with eight people fighting outside of the Captain's Inn, a chicken coop catching fire and more, according to the police blotter.

Each month, Lacey police release their report detailing the incidents officers responded to, with everything from DWIs to shoplifting and more. All charges are accusations until proven guilty in a court of law.

Here's July's blotter, courtesy of Lacey police and unedited by Patch.

Nature: Shoplifting
On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Officer McKee responded to Wal-Mart for a shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival, contact was made with loss prevention and the arrestee, 66-year-old Donna Heim of Toms River. Investigation revealed that Donna attempted to leave the store without paying for $273 worth of merchandise. Donna was placed under arrest and later released on a summons for shoplifting.

Nature: Burglary
On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Officer Triano responded to 142 Caldwell for a report of a car burglary. Upon arrival, contact was made with the victim, who explained that he went to bed last night at around 2230 hrs and woke up in the morning, noticing that a metal box containing his driver's license, passport card, and other items was missing from his center console. The victim explained that he usually leaves the car locked, but found it unlocked this morning. The investigation is ongoing.

Nature: Municipal Ordinance Violation
On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Officer Triano responded to the area outside 136 Nautical Drive for a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, contact was made with 22 year-old Jose DelaCruz, from Goose Creek, SC who was working for EcoShield. Investigation revealed that EcoShield was not on the permit list and Jose was issued a Special Complaint for soliciting without a permit.

Nature: DWI/Warrant
On Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 01:46 hours, Officer Primavera observed a Nissan Altima fail to maintain its lane. Officer Primavera met with the driver, 23-year-old, Hassan Wilson of Yardville, NJ. During the investigation, Hassan displayed signs of impairment due to cannabis and was subsequently arrested. Additionally, Hassan was found to have a warrant issued out of East Windsor. Hassan was transported to police headquarters where he was charged with DWI, Reckless, Suspended DL, Open Container, and Failure to Maintain

Nature: DWI
On Friday, July 04, 2025, at 0012 hours, Officer Spina conducted a motor vehicle stop for failure to maintain lane and impeding the flow of traffic. Contact was subsequently made with the driver, Julie Demitrack (age 45), of Brick Twp, who was displaying signs of intoxication. After being administered the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, Julie was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Julie was then processed and issued summonses for DWI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, Impeding the Flow of Traffic, and Failure to Exhibit Insurance. She was released in accordance with John's Law.

Nature: Shoplifting
On Friday, July 4, 2025, at 17:00 hours, Officers Holt and Lepeshko responded to Walmart, 580 Route 9 North, for a report of an adult female shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival, they met with Asset Protection Associates, who indicated that Dorothy McKenzie, age 62, had concealed two items and altered the price tags on three other items, resulting in a total loss of $38.16. In addition, AP informed the Officers that Dorothy was trespassed from the store last July. As a result, Officer Lepeshko placed Dorothy under arrest and charged her with Shoplifting and Defiant Trespass. She was released on a summons.

Nature: Fire
On Friday, July 04, 2025, at 2142 hours, several officers, including Officer Tirella, responded to 1207 Leguene Avenue for a chicken coop on fire. On arrival, the Forked River Fire Department extinguished the fully engulfed chicken coop. Contact was made with the homeowner, who noted several chickens and hens perished in the fire. Additionally, he lost approximately $500.00 worth of building materials. The victim indicated he was preparing for bed, when he was alerted by his neighbor, which prompted the call to 911. The Fire Marshal's Office responded. Det. Dalziel responded and investigated the fire. Preliminary investigation concluded that the origin of the fire is unknown at this time.

Nature: Bench Warrant
On Friday, July 04, 2025, at 2234 hours, Officer Biel responded to the Wawa (701 Route 9 N) after a third-party caller reported a possible intoxicated subject walking around the parking lot. On arrival, contact was made with Christian Mills (age 28), of Edison, NJ. Christian provided identification, but would not provide any details as to why he was in the area. Investigation concluded that Christian had a no bail NCIC warrant out of Linden, NJ. Officer Biel subsequently arrested Christian and later met with them at the Monmouth County Rest Area. Christian was turned over to the Linden Police Department without issue.

Nature: Structure Fire
On Sunday, July 06, 2025, at 11:49 hours, several officers, including Officer Ravallo, responded to 746 Clubhouse Drive for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, the Officers discovered the front porch and soffit in flames. The fire was quickly extinguished by members of the FRFD. Det. Dalziel responded to the scene along with the Ocean County Fire Marshal, Building Inspector Jim Peters, and representatives of NJNG and JCP&L. A resident suffered a minor burn to her left arm. She was evaluated by Lacey EMS and refused further treatment. An investigation at the scene revealed that the fire originated from a discarded item in a trash can on the front porch and was determined to be accidental. The home was deemed uninhabitable, and the gas and electricity were turned off to the residence.

Nature: Fraud
On Sunday, July 06, 2025, at 17:35 hours, Officer Ravallo responded to the Bay Harbor Motor Lodge to meet with the victim, who indicated that he lost his Visa credit card at Wawa, 444 South Main Street on Thursday, July 03. Thomas stated that he had called his bank to cancel the card, but he just received an alert that his card was used at Wawa, 444 South Main Street, as well as the Bay Harbor Motor Lodge. Staff at the Bay Harbor confirmed that the card was used by an individual to rent a room. Officer Ravallo made contact with Trent Heinrichs, age 21, of New Gretna, who had the credit card in his possession and an active warrant for his arrest out of Little Egg Harbor for $550, which was issued on 10/31/2023 for failing to appear. Trent was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters, where he was charged with Possession of Stolen Credit Card, Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card, Theft of a Lost or Mislaid Credit Card, and Impersonation a warrant. Trent was transported to Ocean County Jail without incident.

Nature: Burglary/Theft
On Friday, July 11, 2025, at 08:08 hours, Officer Ravallo responded to J&F Mechanical for a report of a theft. Upon arrival, Officer Ravallo met with the business owner, who reported he and his employees noticed that 16 air conditioning condensers had been stolen from a fenced-in area behind the building. The fence was damaged which appeared to be how the suspect entered the secured area. Video was obtained and showed a white van that parked in the rear of the building. The total value of the items taken was reported to be $400 and the damage was estimated at $4,000. The investigation is ongoing

Nature: Terroristic Threats
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 0122 hours, Officer Gant and Officer Hyle responded to the Bay Harbor Motel for a report of an individual threatening to shoot other residents of the motel. Officer Gant was recently at the motel dealing with Pasquale Rasile (age 46) and his wife for reported disturbances that did not materialize into anything being reported between them two. Upon arrival, officers met with the complainant and multiple witnesses, who stated that they were involved in a verbal argument with Pasquale regarding the recent disturbances. During this time, an intoxicated Pasquale threatened to shoot Daryl, all while motioning with his fingers in a shooting action. It should be noted, no physical weapons were shown and no firearms are registered to Pasquale. Pasquale was subsequently arrested and charged on a complaint warrant with Terroristic Threats. He was transported to Ocean County Jail.

Nature: MV Stop / Eluding
On Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 16:28 hours several Officers from the Detective Bureau conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2013 Hyundai Tucson being operated by 27-year-old, Brook Matthews of Forked River. During the investigation, Brook fled in her vehicle, striking Det Baldasari and Det Flynn's vehicle. While fleeing, she struck another vehicle on Lacey Road. Officers checked the area to include her residence with no contact. A warrant was completed charging Brook with Eluding, Obstruction, and Aggravated Assault. At 21:30 hours Det Flynn, Sgt. Sarno, and Officer Walsh located Brook at her residence and placed her under arrest. Brook was processed and transported to Ocean County Jail.

Nature- Weapons Possession
On July 17, 2025, at 0810 hours, Officer Damian Morrone and Officer Christopher Triano responded to Grizz's Bait and Tackle for a report of a road rage incident that occurred on Lacey Road. The victim reported that the subject had exited his vehicle with a handgun and fired a shot at his vehicle, causing a bullet hole in the grill. The caller described the suspect and his vehicle which led to officers locating the suspect at Wawa, 701 Route 9. The suspect was identified as 39 year-old Paul Cacciola, of Bayville, who was arrested without incident. The investigation revealed Paul and the victim were involved in a road rage incident on the parkway, which continued onto Lacey Road. At the area of Lacey Road and Deerhead Lake Drive, Paul stopped his vehicle and exited with a Byrna CL Launcher, which fires hard plastic projectiles using Co2. Paul fired a projectile at Joaquim's vehicle, causing a small hole in the grill. Paul then fled the area. Paul was charged on a warrant with Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Certain Persons Not to Possess Weapons, Terroristic Threats and Criminal Mischief. He was lodged at Ocean County Jail.

Nature: Eluding- Aggravated Assault on Police
On Thursday, July 17, 2025, at 3:46 PM, the Lacey Township Police Department received a report of a Silver Hyundai Tucson bearing New Jersey Registration traveling south on Route 9 in the area of Lacey Road. The caller reported the driver was actively drinking alcohol from a bottle and swerving in and out of traffic. The caller continued to follow the vehicle, updating officers as they responded, reporting that the vehicle had struck a curb as it turned onto Beach Blvd , nearly causing several head-on collisions while traveling in the wrong lane on Beach Blvd. The caller then reported the vehicle turned around on Orlando Drive, struck the caller’s vehicle, and then fled the area at a high rate of speed toward Route 9 as officers began to flood the area. While officers were searching for the vehicle in the area, there was a report of the same vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed, passing other motorists on the shoulder of Lacey Road.
A Lacey Township Police Detective located the vehicle and conducted a motor vehicle stop in the parking lot of 1044 Lacey Road, BaCorp. While the detective attempted to make contact with the driver, the vehicle fled, colliding with detective’s vehicle. The vehicle then fled at a high rate eastbound in the westbound lane on Lacey Road, colliding with another Lacey Township patrol vehicle. The suspect vehicle continued to flee, then turned into the Barnegat Pines, where pursuit efforts were immediately terminated.
The driver of the suspect vehicle continued to operate the vehicle recklessly, without officers in pursuit. The vehicle then crossed Lacey Road into Cranbury Hill, emerged back onto Lacey Road, where Officers again attempted to stop him. The driver continued operating the vehicle at a high rate of speed, then turned onto Municipal Lane and into the parking lot of the Lacey Township Recreation Department. The vehicle nearly struck several more patrol vehicles as it went over the curb into the culvert, becoming airborne and landing back into the roadway. The vehicle then travelled at a high rate of speed through police headquarters, across Lacey Road and onto Arlington Avenue. As the pursuit was about to be terminated in the residential area, the suspect vehicle’s wheels became disabled from the collision with the culvert. The vehicle then collided with a utility pole at Arlington Avenue and Lakeside Drive North. The driver then fled on foot into the wooded area and jumped into Deerhead Lake where officers apprehended him.
The driver was identified as 33-year-old Ronald Banilov of Ridgeway Road in Manchester, NJ. Further investigation revealed he had taken the vehicle without consent and was operating while intoxicated.Banilov was charged on a warrant with 2nd Degree Eluding Police in a Motor Vehicle, Two Counts of Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement, Resisting Arrest by Flight, Resisting Arrest, Obstruction, Five Counts of Criminal Mischief, Two Counts of Trespassing, and Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Consent. He was also issued several motor vehicle summons including but not limited to DWI, Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing, Failure to Have an Interlock Device, Driving While Suspended, Six Counts of Reckless Driving, Five Counts of Leaving the Scene of a Crash, Five Counts of Failure to Report a Crash, Three Counts of Speeding, Driving over a Sidewalk, Failure to Observe Traffic Signal, Failure to Observe Stop Sign, Failure to Keep Right, and Careless Driving.
He was also issued a Municipal Ordinance Violation for Swimming in the Lake Without a Beach Badge.
Banilov was transported to Ocean County Jail.

Incident: Warrant Arrest
On Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 12:19 hours. Officers Ricciardella and Carver responded to Lakeside Drive North and Wallace for a report of a possible dispute. Upon arrival, the officers located the vehicle in front of 276 Wallace Avenue and made contact with Michael Rausa, age 38, of Beachwood, who was found to have three warrants for his arrest out of Berkeley Township. Michael was unable to post, and Officer Ricciardella transported him to Ocean County Jail without incident.

Nature: Harassment
On Monday, July 21, 2025, at 14:06 hours, Officers Plis and Zacco responded to Lacey Township High School for a report of a vehicle being driven on the path between the middle school and the high school. Upon arrival, the officers met with Patrick Ferraro, age 60, of 71 Haines Street. Patrick indicated that he drove his vehicle, a 1998 Nissan Sentra bearing NJ REG T78RPU, after a juvenile who was riding his bicycle in his driveway near his vehicle. On Monday, July 28, 2025, at 10:10 hours, Officers Ricciardella and Zacco responded to 71 Haines Street to follow up with this case. Upon arrival, they met with Patrick Ferraro, age 60, who was issued a special complaint for harassment as well as a motor vehicle summons, based on a review of the surveillance footage from July 21st.

Nature: Warrant Arrest
On Monday, July 21, 2025, at 1944 hours, Officer Swain observed Eric Campbell (age 39), of Forked River, walking near the Wawa (444 Route 9 South). A subsequent Ocean County No Bail warrant was located for Eric's arrest. Officer Swain stopped Eric and arrested him without issue. Eric was ultimately transported to and lodged in the Ocean County Jail.

Incident: Warrant Arrest
On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 08:12 hours, Officer Ravallo responded to Clune Park for a report of an adult male sleeping on a bench. Upon arrival, Officer Ravallo met with Thomas Carrano, age 33. Officer Ravallo issued Thomas a special complaint for a violation of 261-19. In addition, Jim Wioland was contacted, and he banned Thomas from the park for 30 days. Finally, a no-bail FTA warrant, which was not entered into NCIC yet, was located for Thomas and confimed with OCSO to be active. As a result, Thomas was placed under arrest and transported to OCJ without incident.

Nature: Warrant Arrest
On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 2236 hours, Kenneth Novak, 36, of Forked River, was arrested by Officer Swain for having a no-bail warrant. After searching him, he located a glass smoking device with burnt residue. Kenneth was transported to police headquarters and charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia on a complaint-summons. Afterward, he was transported to OCJ and lodged in their facility.

Nature: Warrant Arrest
On Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 1112 hours Officer Jason Nilon responded to the area of Route 9 and Musket Road for a report of a driver operating on the wrong side of the roadway. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the driver, 44-year-old Daniel Clappsy of Berkeley Township. Daniel was found to have an outstanding warrant out of the Ocean County Sheriff's Department. He was arrested and transported to Ocean County Jail.

Nature: CDS Possession
On Friday, July 25, 2025, Officer Morrone responded to Wawa (701 N Main) for a report of found property. Dispatch advised that a customer turned in 2 little baggies, possibly containing narcotics, which were located in the parking lot. Both baggies were collected and were indicative of cocaine. Surveillance was subsequently checked and revealed a female, later identified as Karen Mackenzie, 65, of Toms River, exiting her vehicle and attempting to throw out a napkin. During this time, both of the above listed baggies fell onto the ground. Karen then utilized the ATM and proceeded to leave the establishment. She was later contacted and agreed to come to police headquarters. She was placed under arrest, processed, and released on a summons for possession of CDS

Nature: Shoplifting
On Saturday, July 26th, 2025, at 1752 hours officers from this agency, including Officer Tranz, responded to Walmart for a report of a female shoplifter in custody. Investigation revealed that the offender, identified as 31 year-old, Rosemary Encarnacion-Mateo of Lakewood, attempted to leave the store without paying for various food and clothing items totaling $169.56. Officer Tranz placed Rosemary under arrest, completed processing, and ultimately released Rosemary on a summons without incident.

Nature: Warrant Arrest
On Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 1923 hours Officer Spina and Officer Primavera responded to Horner Lane for a report of threats. Upon arrival Officers met with the accused, 40 year old, Stephen Campbell,of Forked River, who was found to have an active NCIC warrant which was issued by the Monmouth County Sheriffs Office. As a result, Officer Spina took custody of Stephen and later met with Monmouth County Sheriff’s deputies, who assumed custody

Nature: DWI

On Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 23:49 hours, Officer Primavera observed a 2011 Lexus E35, speeding and failing to maintain its lane of travel. Officer Primavera conducted a motor vehicle stop on South Main Street (741 South Main Street) and met with the driver, 39-year-old, Duran Moore of Barnegat. Duran displayed signs of alcohol impairment and was subsequently arrested for DWI. His vehicle was impounded by Jersey Shore Towing. Duran was issued summonses for DWI, Reckless, Refusal to Submit Breath Samples, Failure to Maintain Lane, Open Container, Speeding, and driving while suspended. Duran was released to a friend.

Incident: Burglary
On Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 13:52 hours, Officers Ricciardella and McKee responded to the Lacey Inn for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, the officers met with the victim who indicated that his motel room, room 26, was entered sometime between 1800 hours yesterday and 1330 hours today. Shawn indicated that $450 was stolen from his dresser, but nothing else was taken. Officers canvassed the area but were unable to locate anyone who observed any suspicious behavior in the area.

Nature: Suspicious Person; Warrant Arrest
On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 1051 hours, Officers Ricciardella and Plis responded to Wawa at the request of store management about two adult males reportedly panhandling customers. Upon arrival, officers met with 58-year-old Adel Alablawi of Lodi, New Jersey, and another male subject. Adel had a $500.00 warrant from Wayne Township, NJ, and was ultimately released on his own recognizance. At the scene, Adel brandished a glass crack-smoking pipe and was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. Adel was transported to headquarters, processed, and released on a summons. Afterwards, both were given a courtesy ride to the Toms River bus terminal.

Nature: Brush Fire
On Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 1600 hours, multiple Officers responded to the DPW Mulch Yard for a report of a brush fire. Upon arrival, a large pile of brush was fully engulfed with fire. Forked River Fire Department and NJ Forest Fire Service responded and made the decision to let the brush pile burn under their supervision. Forked River Fire Department deemed the fire to be accidental

Nature: Shoplifting
On Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Officer McKee responded to Wal-Mart for an uncooperative shoplifter who refused to be detained. Upon arrival, contact was made with James Smith, 37 of Forked River. Investigation revealed that James attempted to leave the store without paying for several items. James was ultimately arrested and brought to police headquarters. He was charged on a warrant and was transported to Ocean County Jail.

Nature: Trespassing
On Wednesday, July 2, 2025, Officer Triano responded to Spirits Unlimited for a report of a male subject that was passed out in front of the establishment. Upon arrival, contact was made with Joshua Casper, 40, of Fort Pierce Florids, who is prohibited from the premises. Joshua was issued a special complaint for trespassing.

Nature: Burglary/theft
On Monday, 07 July 2025, Officer Triano responded to Nationwide Auto, 332 S Main St, for a report of a former employee who entered the store. The former employee, 45-year-old Michael Lobue, entered through the main door using the code on June 22, 2025, at approximately 2230 hours. Michael then went to the manager's desk and stole 35 sales slips containing customer information as well as credit card information. The manager was informed by a client today that their credit card was fraudulently used in Seaside Heights. Michael was later charged on a warrant with Burglary and Theft

Nature: Shoplifting
On Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Officer Nilon responded to Dollar General (717 South Main) for a shoplifting report. Upon arrival, staff advised Officer Nilon that a subject attempted to leave the store with a package of diapers before it was realized by employees. Investigation revealed that a similar incident took place in Waretown, which led Officer Nilon to Michael Kinsky, 47, Forked River as a prime suspect. On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, Officer Nilon secured a warrant for Michael Kinsky under the premise of shoplifting. Officers Nilon and Triano later responded to 1208 Bullard Ave and placed Michael under arrest. Michael was processed and later transported to Ocean County Jail

Nature: Fight
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 17:01 hours, multiple officers, including Officer Ravallo, responded to the Captain's Inn for a report of eight individuals fighting. A patron provided a video depicting several individuals fighting, and Edwin Foehlich, age 55, Waretown, kicking the victim while he was on the ground Edwin was placed under arrest and charged on a summons with Simple Assault and Endangering an Injured Victim. In addition, Vincent Cipoletti, age 56, of Bayville Werner Kuber, age 58, of Columbus, NJ, and John Breece, age 61, of Langhorn, Pennsylvania, were charged with mutual fighting on special complaints.