Wanted Man Nabbed at Middle School

Police arrested a repeat offender after they were dispatched to the Lacey Middle School on report of an alarm activation.

Officer Andrew Slota arrested Michael Cannito, 20, of Forked River shortly before midnight on March 11.

Slota was dispatched to the middle school when the alarm was activated, police said. While inspecting the school, the officer spotted Cannito walking through the school’s parking lot.

The officer made an inquiry regarding Cannito’s presence at the school, police said. It was then discovered that Cannito had three no bail Ocean County warrants. Cannito was arrested and transported to the Ocean County Jail.

According to the Ocean County Jail’s Inmate Information, Cannito has been charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, burglary and possession of a hypodermic needle.

Cannito was indicted in June 2011 for the burglary of Lacey Liquors. He was also arrested in February 2012 and charged with possession of heroin, drug paraphernalia, hypodermic needles and prescription legend drugs. 

Police Chief David Paprota provided the following information:

March 11
At approximately 6:16 p.m., Officers Evan Androcy and Andrew Slota responded to Walmart for a male shoplifter being detained.

Douglas Clayton, Jr., 29, of Bayville, was arrested for allegedly attempting to exit the store without paying for two televisions. The televisions, a Visio LED TV and a 40 inch HDTV, total value of $846, were secured inside a shopping cart. Clayton was processed and released on a summons. 

March 11
At approximately 1:37 a.m., Officer Dimitrios Tsarnas, while investigating a concern at a Circle Drive, Forked River, residence, arrested Joseph Caputo, III, 43, of Forked River on an outstanding arrest warrant. 

The warrant was in the amount of $668 and was issued by North Warren. North Warren Municipal Court authorized Caputo to be released on his own recognizance.

March 10
Vincent Geiger, 34, of Forked River was arrested after Officer Robert Duffy conducted a motor vehicle stop on Lacey Road at approximately 1:55 a.m. Geiger was charged with DUI, refusal to submit to a breath test, reckless driving, no seatbelt and headlights required.

The pickup truck Geiger was driving was impounded pursuant John’s Law. 

March 10
Rosemarie December, 41, of Toms River was arrested at approximately 1:45 a.m. when Officer Dimitrios Tsarnas conducted a motor vehicle stop on a passenger vehicle traveling on Lacey Road. December was charged with DUI, failure to maintain lane and reckless driving.

The vehicle December was driving was impounded.  

March 10
Michael Bickford, 36, of Bayville was arrested at approximately 1:11 a.m. Officer Evan Androcy conducted a motor vehicle stop while on Rt. 9 for failing to maintain its lane. Bickford was charged with DUI, reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane.

An occupant of the vehicle who possessed a valid driver’s license and was not impaired was allowed to drive the vehicle Bickford was operating following the arrest.