See Incidents Lacey Police Responded To In April

LACEY, NJ — Lit firecrackers damaged a car and a mailbox, a man brandished a knife during a dispute at a park and more during April, according to Lacey police.

The Lacey Township Police Department released their monthly police blotter, outlining the variety of incidents officers responded to during the past month.

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

Motor Vehicle Stop/Warrant Arrest
On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at 8:51 pm, Officer Biel conducted a motor vehicle stop in the parking lot of Walmart. The driver, Antonio Rivera 3rd, 40, of Forked River, was discovered to have an outstanding warrant out of the Camden County. Antonio was placed under arrest and transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Endangering the Welfare
On Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 4:57 pm, Officer Tamburro responded to the parking lot outside of the Dollar Tree for a report of a child left unattended in a vehicle that was observed by several witnesses. Upon arrival, contact was made with Jocelyn Worthy, age 31, of Barnegat, standing alongside her vehicle with her one year old son. Jocelyn admitted to leaving her son in the vehicle for a period of time. At the conclusion of the investigation, Jocelyn was charged with Child Abuse or Neglect on a complaint summons.

Warrant Arrest
On Friday, April 4, 2025, at 02:27 am Officer Spina conducted a motor vehicle stop near Lacey Road and the Garden State Parkway. The driver, Osman Brown, 43, of Irvington, was found to have an outstanding warrant out of Galloway, NJ. Osman was placed under arrest and transferred to the custody of Galloway Police.

Motor Vehicle Stop/Warrant Arrest
On Friday, April 4, 2025, at 4:43 pm, Officer Nilon conducted a motor vehicle stop at Station Drive and Route 9 South. The driver, Laura Ramirez-Sanchez, 45, of Forked River, was found to have an outstanding warrant out of Berkeley Township for $500. Laura was released on her own recognizance at the scene after being issued a motor vehicle summons for Driving While Suspended and Unregistered Vehicle.

Shoplifting
On Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 12:30 pm, Officer Tranz responded to Home Depot for a report of a shoplifter that fled on foot. Investigation at the scene revealed that a male subject removed power tools from their packaging before leaving the store. Over the course of the investigation, Officer Tranz identified the suspect as Scott Bates, 33, of Stafford. On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Scott was entered as a wanted person for Shoplifting. Later that day Scott was arrested by Ship Bottom Police Department and transported to Lacey Headquarters for processing. Scott was ultimately lodged in the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Motor Vehicle Stop/Warrant Arrest
On Sunday, April 6, 2025, at 6:42 pm, Officer Zacco conducted a motor vehicle stop, near the intersection of Lacey Road and Holmes Avenue. The driver, Lexus Dickey, 26, of Point Pleasant, was found to have an outstanding $750.00 warrant out of Keansburg. Lexus was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters. Lexus was issued motor vehicle summonses for Speeding and Failure to Exhibit an Insurance Card then posted bail and was released from police custody.

Shoplifting
On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11:35 am, Officer Schaffer responded to Home Depot for a reported shoplifting. Upon arrival, Officer Schaffer met with Loss Prevention, who indicated that a male subject, identified as a 38 year old Manchester Twp Resident, attempted to steal three cordless nail guns valued at $1007. He had left the scene prior to officer’s arrival but was later positively identified. An arrest warrant was issued for Shoplifting and the arrest is pending.

Criminal Mischief
On Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 9:20 pm, Officers Julian and Officer Gant responded to Portsmouth Drive for a report of a mailbox on fire. Upon arrival, the Forked River Fire Department extinguished the fire and determined it was set off by a fire cracker. The damage was valued at $100. This investigation is ongoing.

Criminal Mischief
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 8:42 am, Officer Ravallo, responded to the 2000 block of Crestwood Drive for a report of criminal mischief to a vehicle. Upon arrival, the victim/registered owner reported some one damaged her vehicle, causing approximately $1700 worth of damage. Julia was able to provide a Nest video which showed three subjects lighting firecrackers and throwing them onto her vehicle. This investigation is ongoing.

Possession of a Weapon/Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at 1:36 pm, Officers Schaffer and Officer Carver responded to Ash Road Park for a report of a dispute between two males, one of which brandished a knife. Upon arrival, officers met with the two victims who reported Vincent Nardi Jr, 29, of Barnegat, displayed a knife during a verbal argument. Investigation lead to the arrest of Vincent for Possession of a Weapon and Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose. Vincent was transported to headquarters where he was charged on a complaint summons and released.

Fraud/Forgery/ Hindering
On Saturday April 12, 2025, at 12:48 pm, Officer Slota and Officer Morrone responded to TD Bank, 106 North Main Street, for a report of a subject attempting to cash fraudulent checks. Upon arrival Officers located the suspect a short distance away. The suspect, Alexis I. Oriaku, 26, of Bowie, MD, provided officers with false information and was confirmed to have used a fraudulent driver's license to cash two fraudulent checks. Alexis was arrested and also found to be in possession of a stolen credit card. Alexis was transported to police headquarters where she was charged on a warrant with Uttering, False Government Documents, Hindering Apprehension, and Credit Card Theft then transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

DWI
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 5:29 pm, Officer Spina conducted a motor vehicle stop at 640 Lacey Road. The driver, Kaitlyn McCabe, 30, of Berkeley, was found to be driving while intoxicated and was ultimately arrested. Kaitlyn was transported to headquarters for processing. Kaitlyn was issued multiple motor vehicle summonses including DWI, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, Speeding, and Open Container then released.

Criminal Mischief
On Tuesday, April 15, 2025, the DPW reported two separate criminal mischief incidents that had occurred in the restrooms of the building next to the tennis courts. It was reported the incidents possibly occurred on April 7 and April 12. Officer McKee and Officer Ricciardella are investigation the incident. It appears that juveniles are responsible for the incident. The total value in damage is unknown at this time.

Shoplifting
On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 1:21 pm, multiple officers including Officer Zacco responded to Kohl's for a report of a male shoplifter in the store. Upon arrival the officers located the suspect, Ludwin E. Quintero-Rojas, 31, of Jackson, who attempted to steal $1,042.50 worth of merchandise. Ludwin was placed under arrest, and processed. Ludwin was charged with Anti-Shoplifting Device, Shoplifting and Hindering on a warrant. Ludwin was transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

MV Stop/Warrant Arrest
On Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 9:47 am, Sergeant Hein conducted a motor vehicle stop at Lacey Road and Deerhead Lake Drive. The driver, Philip Cairns, 58, of Manahawkin, was found to have a suspended license and several outstanding warrants. Philip was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters where he later posted bail and was released

Burglary/Trespassing/Criminal Mischief
On Friday, April 18, 2025, at 07:14 am, Officer Nilon responded to Lacey Amoco for a report of burglary. Officer Nilon spoke with the business owner who reported someone entered his property and removed property that had belonged to another person. Officer Nilon continued his investigation a learned that the suspect was an 18 year old male out of Berkeley was responsible. An arrest warrant was issued for Burglary, Trespassing and Criminal Mischief and an arrest is pending.

Shoplifting
On Friday April 18, 2025, at 3:31 pm, multiple officers including Officer Tranz, responded to ShopRite for a report of a male shoplifter who fled the store and ran into the woods. Officer Tranz located the suspect, Daniel Winfield, 41, of Forked River, a short distance away. Daniel was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters. Daniel was processed and charged on a summons and released.

DWI/Assault on LEO
On Friday, April 18, 2025, at 11:36 pm, Officer Lepeshko conducted a motor vehicle stop at 419 South Main Street. The driver, Kelly Leake, 47, of Forked River, displayed signs of alcohol impairment and was placed under arrest. While placing Kelly under arrest she kicked and spat on officers. Kelly was transported to headquarters where she was processed. Kelly was issued motor vehicle summonses for DWI, Reckless, Refusal, and Failure and Maintain Lane. Additionally, Kelly was charged with Aggravated Assault on LEO, Throwing Bodily Fluids, Resisting Arrest and Obstruction. Kelly was served and transported to the Ocean County Correctional Facility.

Warrant Arrest
On Saturday, April 19, 11:24 am, Officer Lepeshko responded to the area of Lakeside Drive East and Marine Plaza for a report of a female that had an active warrant. Heather Julien, 34, of Pemberton, was located and placed under arrest for two outstanding warrants out of Monmouth and Burlington Counties. Monmouth County Sheriff Officers later responded and took custody of Heather.

Welfare Check/Assault on LEO
On Sunday, April 20, 2025, at 10:34 pm, Officer Spina and Officer Tamburro responded to Hurry Road for a report of a female screaming, received by several 911 calls. Upon arrival Officers met with Stephanie Focht, 27, of Forked River, who was actively inhaling from a canister of nitrous oxide. Officers attempted to place Stephanie who then became combative and spat and kicked Officers. Stephanie was taken into custody and transported to headquarters. Stephanie was charged on a complaint summons with Assault on LEO, Resisting, Obstruction, Throwing Bodily Fluids, Threats, Use/Being Under the Influence, and Possession and Use of Toxic Chemicals.

Weapons Offense/Endangering a Child
On Monday, April 21, 2025, at 8:13 pm, Officer Spina had taken a report from a group of juveniles that while they were in the Forsythe Wildlife Reserve off of Clearview Street, they were threatened by an unknown adult male. The male was later identified as Ryan Homme, 41, of Forked River. Based on the investigation Ryan was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters where he was charged on a complaint summons with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, Criminal Restraint, and Endangering a Child.

\Burglary
On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 4:30 am, several officers, including Officer Primavera, responded to a residence on Station Drive for a report of a male attempting to enter vehicles. Officers arrived on scene and located the suspect, Rafael Lewis-Gonzalez, 35, of Barnegat, who was laying down in an open trailer in the driveway. The investigation revealed that Rafael attempted to enter two vehicles that were parked at the residence. Rafael was placed under arrest and later released on a complaint summons for Burglary, Criminal Attempt and Trespassing.

Burglary/Theft/Criminal Mischief
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 6:59 am, Officer McKee responded to the Mobile Medic for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival, Officer McKee located evidence of forced entry into the building. The business owner responded to the scene and reported a theft from the store totaling more than $10,000. The Detective Bureau is investigating the case.

DWI
On Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 9:59 pm, Officer Lepeshko conducted a motor vehicle stop near Route 9 North and Haines Street for delaying the flow of traffic. Subsequent investigation revealed the driver, Keri Hjalte, 57, of Lanoka Harbor, was driving while intoxicated. Keri was ultimately arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, and Delaying the Flow of Traffic. She was then released from police custody with a future court date.

DWI
On Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 2:13 am, several officers, including Officer Lepeshko, responded to the Shell Gas Station after the caller, Nicholas Kearns, 27, of Mays Landing, reported being followed by another vehicle for the past ten miles. Officers discovered no one was following Nicholas, however he was showing signs of impairment. Nicholas was arrested for driving while intoxicated and transported to headquarters. Nicholas was later issued motor vehicle summonses for Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving and released.

DWI/Resisting Arrest
On Sunday, April 27, 2025, at 1:44 am hours, several officers, including Officer Fusceillo, responded to Christopher’s Auto Sales for a report of a male slumped behind the wheel in front of a utility pole after an apparent minor crash. On arrival, officers discovered the driver, James Gonzalez, 32, of Lanoka Harbor, was showing signs of impairment. As James was being placed under arrested for DWI, James resisted arrest. James was issued motor vehicle summonses for Driving While Intoxicated, Refusal, and Reckless Driving. James was also charged on a complaint summons for Resisting Arrest and Obstruction then released.

DWI/MVA
On Monday, April 28, 2025, at 6:55 pm Officer Walsh and Officer Lepeshko responded to Arborridge Drive for a report of an MVA. Upon arrival Officers met with the driver, Gayle Friedman, 81, of Forked River. The investigation revealed that Gayle was operating her vehicle while intoxicated and struck a parked vehicle. Gayle was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters where she was processed and charged with DWI, Reckless, and Open Container. Gayle was released to a family member in accordance with Johns Law.

MV Stop/Warrant Arrest
On Tuesday, April 30, 2025, at 11:33 am, Officer Zacco conducted a motor vehicle stop near Maxim Drive and Haines Street. The driver, Sherwin Edmonds, 65, of Forked River, was found to have a suspended license and a $1000 ATS warrant out of Neptune Township. Sherwin was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters. Sherwin was issued a motor vehicle summons for driving while suspended and released on his own recognizance.

Shoplifting
On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 10:00 pm, Officer Lepeshko and Officer Gant, responded to Walmart for a shoplifter in custody. Investigation at the scene revealed that Lisa Colt, 55, of Beachwood, had failed to scan and concealed $136.67 worth of merchandise. Lisa was charged with Shoplifting on a summons.

Released by Captain Paul Sullivan Jr #77