Police Issue Arrest Warrants for New Years Eve Assault

Police have issued two arrest warrants for two Forked River men in relation to a New Years Eve assault, Lt. James Veltri said.

Matthew Copeland, 21, and Dominick Difortuna, 18, have warrants out for their arrest charging them with robbery and bail set at $150,000 a piece in full cash.

Police responded to a residence on Lakeside Drive South on Dec. 31 at 11:15 p.m. A 22-year-old Forked River male along with a 19-year-old Forked River female reported that they were invited to the home to celebrate New Years Eve.

Upon entering, the male was physically attacked, assaulted and robbed of $40 in cash and a cell phone valued at $600, Veltri said. While attempting to help the male, the female was punched in her face.

Residents who know the whereabouts of Copeland and Difortuna or have additional information regarding the incident are asked to call the police, Veltri said. Any information will be taken in confidence.

Copeland has been arrested several times in the last year:

for stealing a necklace and chain, trespassing at the home of a woman on Taylor Avenue and having Oxycodone.

Copeland was previously indicted for on March 10 in Lacey. He has also been charged in three unrelated incidents with f after allegedly refusing to return a missing cell phone; after he allegedly burglarized a car parked at Walmart; and after allegedly tresspassing in the woods.