Loaded Gun Found In Front Seat Of Sleeping Man's Car: Lacey Police Blotter

LACEY, NJ — A man sleeping in his car was caught with a loaded gun, billy club and open container of alcohol in Lacey, according to the August police blotter.

Each month, Lacey police release their blotter, outlining various incidents that officers responded to in that time period.

"In addition to below, the dedicated officers of the Lacey Township Police Department respond daily to hundreds of calls that are not able to be published due to confidentiality purposes," police said. "This included juvenile issues, domestic violence issues, mental health responses, medical calls, etc.."

Here is the August police blotter, courtesy of Lacey police and unedited by Patch.

Nature: DWI
On Friday, August 1, 2025 at 18:17 hours, Officer Morrone was at 7-11, 403 North Main Street, investigating an unrelated matter when he was alerted to an MVA in the parking lot. It was learned that a vehicle being operated by 61 year old, Richard Kennedy, of Beachwood, struck a parked vehicle. Officer Morrone met with Richard who displayed signs of impairment and was subsequently placed under arrest. His vehicle was impounded by Accurate Towing. Richard was processed and charged with DWI and Reckless. He was released to a family member.

Incident: Warrant Arrest
On Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 12:33 hours, Officer Ricciardella located Michael Bezak, age 47, who is currently homeless, on the Rail Trail near Lacey Road. When questioned, Michael provided false information. After Michael was identified by Detective Dalziel, he was placed under arrest for multiple warrants. Furthermore, Michael was charged with Hindering, and Failure to Register. Michael was transported to OCJ where he was lodged without incident

Nature: DWI/Assault
Multple Officers including Officer Swain and Gant responded to 127 Route 9 South, for a report of an assault. Investigation revealed that Brianna Iacovelli, of Manahawkin, NJ, was intoxicated, and caused a disturbance by banging on the door to Apt. 1. During this investigation, it was learned that Brianna had driven intoxicated from the Pine Tar Bar and Grill (121 Route 9 South) back to 127 Route 9 South. Brianna was subsequently arrested for DWI by Officer Gant. Brianna was charged with Simple Assault, DWI, and Reckless driving.

Nature: Shoplifting
On Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 20:01 hours, Officer McKee and Officer Hyle responded to Walmart for a report of a female shoplifter. Upon arrival Officers met with Loss Prevention and the suspect, 38 year old, Alissa Stanley, of Manahawkin. The investigation revealed that Alissa stole $142.20 worth of merchandise. Alissa was placed under arrest and charged on a summons for shoplifting.

Nature: DWI
On Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 22:46 this agency was notified by a staff member of the Water Front Bar and Grill that an intoxicated female had just driven from the restaurant in a Kia Sportage. Officer Brown located the vehicle passing 741 South Main Street and conducted a motor vehicle stop. Officer Brown met with the driver, 53 year old, Debra Valley who displayed sign of impairment. Debra was ultimately placed under arrest. Debra was charged with DWI, Reckless, and Failure to Maintain Lane.

Nature: Hindering-Warrants
On Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 20:41 hours, several Officers including Officer Brown responded to the Lacey Inn to check the welfare of "Barbara Hanvey" who was reporting a disturbance. Upon arrival Officers made contact with “Barbara” who was highly intoxicated. The investigation revealed that “Barbara” was actually 41 year old, Luz Crespo of Neptune. Furthermore, it was discovered that Luz had several warrants issued against her (2 from Red Bank, 2 from Neptune). Luz was placed under arrest, transported to headquarters and confirmed her identity. Officer Brown charged her on a warrant for hindering apprehension and disorderly conduct.

Nature: Shoplifting
On Monday, August 11, 2025, at 1022 hours Officer Triano responded to Walmart, for a report of a shoplifting. Upon arrival, Officer Triano located 44 year-old Daniel Clappsy, of Butler Boulevard Berkely Township, who had taken $151 worth of merchandise. Daniel also had parked his vehicle in the fire lane while inside the store. Daniel was arrested and transported to police headquarters. His vehicle was impounded for blocking the fire lane. He was charged with shoplifting on a summons and issued a motor vehicle summons for the parking violation.

Nature: Vehicle Fire
On Monday, August 11, 2025 at 17:24 hours, Officer Morrone responded to 15 Bay Berry Drive for a report of a vehicle fire. The Ocean County Fire Marshal and Detective Baldasari responded and determined it was not suspicious. The investigation revealed that while the vehicle was parked, a battery, which was left on portable charger in the center console exploded. As a result the center console and passenger side seat was melted.

Nature: MVA-Fatal
On Monday, August 11, 2025 at 22:24 hours several Officers including Officer Primavera responded to Route 9 and Taylor Lane for a report of a pedestrian struck and who was unresponsive. Officers secured the scene while Lacey EMS attended to the pedestrian, 47 year old, Alycia Mullin of Forked River. Alycia remained unresponsive as CPR was performed. The driver was not injured. EMS transported Alycia to CMC, however she later succumbed to her injuries. Sgt. Keefe, Officer Swain and CSI responded. The preliminary investigation revealed that Alycia was standing at the northwest corner of the Route 9 & Taylor Lane and began to cross Route 9 which had a green traffic signal. Alycia was then struck by a 2002 Toyota Tundra who was traveling north. The investigation is ongoing.

Incident: Warrant Arrest
On Friday, August 15, at 16:57 hours, Officers Lepeshko and Zacco responded to Lacey Used Auto after receiving information that Thomas Keyes, age 51, who was wanted for Lacey Township warrant, was staying at the business. Upon arrival, the officers located Thomas and he was placed under arrest. Thomas was transported to headquarters, processed and served with an outstanding FRO. Officer Zacco transported Thomas to OCJ without incident.

Nature: Shoplifting
On Monday, August 18, 2025, at approximately 1246 hrs, Officer Nilon completed his investigation regarding a shoplifting incident that took place on August 14, at Shop Rite. The offender, Joseph Ryan, 65, of Whiting, was ultimately charged on a summons for pushing a shopping cart filled with food out of the store without paying for same.

Incident: Burglary/Theft
On Thursday, August 21, at 08:58 hours, Officer Ricciardella responded to 917 Kearny Avenue for a theft of two dirt bikes. Upon arrival, the victim reported that at approximately 0150 hours, two unknown males, wearing dark clothing and gloves, had entered his fenced-in backyard, proceeded to enter his unlocked shed, and removed two dirt bikes. The dirt bikes were a 2001 Kawasaki KX125, valued $2,400, and a 2005 Honda 450R, valued at $3,200.

Incident: Burglary- Criminal Mischief
On Friday, August 22, 2025, at 07:55 hours Officers Schaffer and McKee responded to Agni Yoga, 231 Route 9 North, for a report of a burglary. Upon arrival they met with the victim, who indicated that the front passenger side window of her 2024 Toyota Crown, was broken and her bag was stolen off the front passenger seat, while she was in yoga between 0530 and 0730 hours. The total value of the stolen items is approximately $400 and the damage is estimated at approximately $200. The investigation is ongoing.

Nature: Weapons Possession
On Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 0248 hours, Officer Lepeshko was conducting a property check of the Wawa (800 Lacey Rd), when he located a 2021 Jeep Renegade, bearing NJ registration Y14UPV, with its engine on in the rear parking lot. Officer Lepeshko approached the vehicle and discovered the driver was asleep. Contact was made with the driver, identified as Anthony Munoz (age 25), of Forked River. During this time, Officer Lepeshko observed on the front passenger seat, in plain view, a Baby Browning 25 caliber handgun. Sgt. Keefe, who had backed up Officer Lepeshko, removed the gun and determined the weapon was loaded. Anthony was removed from the vehicle and secured in handcuffs. A search of his person yielded no other weapons. During this time, a "billy club" was observed next to the driver's seat and an open container of alcohol was observed in the rear passenger seat. Anthony was administered SFSTs and determined not to be under the influence. Officers searched his vehicle and no other weapons were found. Anthony was transported to police headquarters and was charged with Possession of a Handgun, Possession of a Weapon, and Certain Persons not to possess a Weapon. He was additionally issued a summons for Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle. After completing a complaint-warrant, Anthony was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he was lodged in their facility

Nature: Shoplifting
On Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 1224 hours Officer Nilon responded to Walmart for a report of a shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival Officer Nilon met with 48 year-old Robert Olivadotti of Toms River, who had taken $128 worth of merchandise without paying. Robert was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was charged with shoplifting on a summons and released.

Nature: Gas Leak
On Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at 1058 hours, several officers, including Officer Triano, responded to Exit 74 Fabrication for a report of an extensive gas leak. The area was ultimately evacuated and NJNG was contacted to assist. Additionally, JCP&L was contacted and subsequently disabled the power grid to avoid any complications. Investigation at the scene revealed that a forklift at the said company had struck the gas line before the meter on the side of building. NJNG ultimately shut off the gas and power was restored.

Nature: DWI
On Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 00:37 hours Officer Spina conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2003 Ford Ranger for careless driving. Officer Spina made contact with the driver, 37 year old, Justin Hurtig of Forked River. Justin displayed signs of impairment and was subsequently placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. His vehicle was impounded by Midnite Towing. Justin was transported to headquarters where he was processed and charged with DWI, Reckless, Impeding the Flow, and Refusal. He was released to his mother.

Nature: Shoplifting
On Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 2117 hours, Officer Tirella and Officer Julian responded to Walmart (580 Route 9 N) for a female shoplifter in custody. Upon arrival, contact was made with Loss Prevention and Heather Keegan (age 40), of Barnegat. Loss Prevention indicated Heather concealed $135.35 worth of merchandise and attempted to leave the store without paying. Additionally, Heather had a $750.00 Lacey Township ATS warrant. Heather's two juvenile children were turned over to Heather's friend prior to her being transported to police headquarters. At Police Headquarters, Heather was charged with Shoplifting on a complaint-summons.

Location: Wawa, 701 Route 9 N
On Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 2157 hours, police dispatch received a report of a possible intoxicated driver in the Wawa parking lot (701 Route 9 N). The caller provided the vehicle description and mentioned the driver was stumbling as he walked. Officer Biel and Officer Swain responded and located the driver, and registered owner, Todd Bernat (age 49), of Lanoka Harbor. Todd was displaying signs of alcohol impairment and was arrested for DWI. Todd was issued summonses for DWI and Reckless Driving.

Nature: Hindering & Warrant Arrest
On Friday, August 29, 2025, at 0018 hours, Officer Tirella and Officer Swain responded to the 7-Eleven (403 Route 9 N) for a report of a male causing a disturbance. The male was located near Constitution Dr and Independence Dr. After requesting his information, the subject identified himself as Quron Wynn, 27, of Mount Holly. While being checked for warrants, police dispatch located a “Divine Grace” (age 32), of Jackson Twp, with the same date-of-birth as "Quron Wynn" and Divine's was known to have an alias as "Quron Wynn." Furthermore, Divine had a $1,000.00 (10% option) warrant out of Camden County. The subject was later positively identified as Divine Grace. Divine was arrested for Hindering and the warrant. A search of his backpack resulted in a small plastic wrapper with one small crystalized rock was located. Two additional $500.00 warrants out of Voorhees Twp and Bellmawr Borough were located. He was lodged in the Ocean County Jail after being charged on a summons for Hindering Apprehension.

Nature: Shoplifting
On Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 1714 hours, Officer Zacco and Officer Julian responded to the Walmart (580 Route 9 N) for a shoplifter in custody. On arrival, contact was made with Loss Prevention and the defendant, Krystyan Mazzuca (age 30), of Jamesburg. Loss Prevention indicated Krystyan failed to scan $115.68 worth of clothing and attempted to leave the store without paying. Officer Zacco arrested Krystyan and transported him to police headquarters. There, Krystyan was charged with Shoplifting on a complaint-warrant. He was then transported to the Ocean County Jail without incident.