Wanted Lacey Man Turns Himself In

After allegedly fleeing from Lacey police, a Forked River man who was wanted, turned himself in, Capt. David Paprota said.

Lacey police found Paul R. Clifton, Jr., 22, at approximately 12:53 p.m. Feb. 28, as officers responded to a residence on Phillips Road in Forked River. Police were attempting to serve an Ocean County Sheriff’s Department warrant in the amount of $5,000.

Clifton was located outside the Forked River home and supplied a false identity to the police officers, Paprota said. As an officer was uncovering his true identity, Clifton fled on foot into the nearby woods, ultimately avoiding apprehension.

An additional warrant of $2,500, with no 10 percent option, was issued charging Clifton with obstructing.

Police also found that Clifton has an outstanding warrant in the amount of $439 from Manchester Township.

At 11 p.m. on Feb. 28, Clifton emerged from the woods, asked a local resident to call the police and turned himself in, Paprota said.

Clifton was transported to the Ocean County Jail.

According to Ocean County Jail’s inmate information, he was charged with obstruction of the administration of law, hindering apprehension or prosecution, contempt, driving without a driver’s license and theft by unlawful taking.

His total bail amount was $28,000.

He was indicted in July 2012 on counts of theft, dealing in stolen property and criminal mischief, in Toms River and Waretown.

Clifton was also indicted in October 2012 for allegedly breaking into the Barnegat business and stealing company items.