20 vehicles broken into on Thursday night 2/4/2012
Toms River Police said two suspects attempted to rob more than 20 vehicles' homes, taking cash and gift cars from
unlocked cars. Unlocked vehicles were entered on Bartlett Place, Alden, Wedgewood ,Round tree, Breezy Oaks, Cornell, Cedar
Grove streets. Investigating are Toms River Police Brian Dugan, Paul Burkhardt, Thomas Herbst, Louis Sulsenti, and Steve
Bucci.
OCC approves 4.3% tuition increase 1/31/2012
For the first time in four years, students at Ocean County College will see an increase in tuition. The college's
board of trustees approved the school's $60.13 million budget for the 2012-13 school year during a meeting Monday afternoon.
Eyewitness ID's shooting suspect in Lakewood Police Officer murder case 1/31/2012
An eyewitness had just finished parking his car on August Drive in Lakewood one afternoon last January when he witnessed
an encounter between a police officer and a young man. The young man and the officer had a brief conversation before
the officer told the young man he had to come with him, the eyewitness said. The young man said, “Oh, man,”
spun around and fired a gun at the officer’s head, the eyewitness said. Then, as if he were a pitcher trying to pick
off a base runner, he looked at Scalzo before firing two more shots at the officer, the eyewitness said. “Do you
see the person in court today who murdered the police officer?” William J. Heisler, chief assistant Ocean County prosecutor,
asked the witness. “Yes, I do,” the eyewitness replied. “He’s right there.”
Four armed men invade home, rob 19 year old 1/29/2012
Four men with handguns forced their way into a Dover Pines home Sunday night to rob one of the occupants of money
and then fled on foot, police said. Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said
the resident, a 19 year-old man, was downstairs in his Toby Court home playing video games with four friends, when four men
broke in through the front door. The suspects — three black males and one white male — rushed downstairs
in the bi-level home and demanded the victim's wallet, Mastronardy said. They fled with the wallet, which contained
$70 in cash, said the police chief. Anyone with information is asked to call police headquarters at 732-349-0150.
Pizza deliveryman held up in Pleasant Plains 1/27/2012
Police said a 19 year-old Toms River man working to deliver pizzas arrived at a home in Pleasant Plains, only to be
approached outside the house by two men who tried to rob the teen. Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said
the teen was delivering a pizza for a local restaurant to a home on Camino Roble, near Route 70 and Cox Cro Road, around 9
p.m. He got out of his vehicle and started to walk to the home, which he said had no lights on. "The house was
dark and vacant," Mastronardy said. "As he noticed this from the front steps, he was approached by the two suspects."
The two men demanded money of the pizza delivery man, and said they had a gun, police said. One of the men went to grab into
the victim's pockets, but he fought back.
Man arrested, goes into cardiac arrest, revived 1/25/2012
A Manchester man, arrested on outstanding warrants after an alleged theft from a Silverton home, went into cardiac
arrest at Toms River Police Headquarters and was revived by officers there, police said. Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said the man, a
21 year old from Manchester, is being investigated for allegedly stealing a $1,000 ring from a Kettle Creek home. The man
and the home's occupants all knew each other, Mastronardy said.
Vacancies on Town Council filled 1/24/2012
Two vacant seats on the Toms River Township Council are now filled: former at-large interim councilman Alfonso Manforti
will serve Ward 4 and local engineer Jeffrey Carr will serve Ward 3. The two men were selected after the Toms River
Council interviewed five individuals nominated for the two respective seats by the township Republican club. Toms River woman ticketed for accident with three parked cars 1/23/2012
A Shelter Cove resident was issued a summons for careless driving Sunday night after police say she caused a chain
reaction collision because she was distracted while adjusting the heat in her car
Police arrest Toms River man on cocaine charges 1/23/2012
Police arrested a township man wanted on a warrant for cocaine distribution after he showed up in court on an unrelated
charge, police said Monday.
$15K in metal stolen from Toms River AC Units 1/23/2012
Township police say more than $15,000 worth of metal was stolen from three commercial air conditioning units during
the weekend. Someone removed the copper and aluminum from the units that were located at the rear of a building
Co-defendant says Ritacco innocent 1/22/2012
The insurance broker accused of bribing former Toms River Regional Superintendent Michael J. Ritacco wants to testify
at trial that he never paid bribes to Ritacco.
Woman injured when struck by cup thrown from vehicle 1/22/2012
A 38-year-old Money Island woman said she was assaulted while walking on Whittier Avenue near Poe avenue, according
to Toms River police. She told Officer George Fernicola that a black male, who was a rear passenger in
a newer model white four-door vehicle, threw a cup of soda and ice at her striking her face, Police Chief Michael Mastronardy
said. The victim did not recognize the suspect or two other black females who were in the vehicle. The victim was transported
to Community Medical Center by Toms River Police EMS for a facial injury. Anyone with information should contact
Captain Bruce Burgess of the Detective Bureau at 732-349-0150 ext 1200
Car flips in driveway 1/22/2012
An 18-year-old male was issued a careless driving summons after the car he was driving overturned in a residential
driveway. Stephen Sabie, Toms River, was westbound on Huckleberry Lane attempting a turn at 2 p.m. on Thursday
when he lost control of his 1988 Ford, according to Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy. His vehicle mounted
the curb, then entered the property of 660 Huckleberry Lane and struck a 1994 Toyota parked in the driveway before it overturned,
Mastronardy said. Sabie and two 17-year-old passengers declined medical treatment at the scene.
Police charge man with theft of 1,000 lb. propeller 1/21/2012
A Manchester man was charged in the theft of a 1,000-pound propeller blade last week from the yard of a township home,
police reported. Andrew White, 23, of the 900 block of Wellington Avenue, is accused of taking a 62-inch, 4-blade propeller
from Arcadia Drive last weekend, according to Chief of Police Michael G. Mastronardy. The propeller was sold for scrap
and destroyed, the chief said. He said White collected $900 for the scrap. White was released on a summons after
his arrest, Mastronardy said.
Three teens charged with arson 1/19/2012
Toms River Police arrested three teens on charges of arson and vehicle theft, after two separate incidents found stolen
vehicles lit ablaze and abandoned in the woods. Toms River Detective James Magovern arrested Armere Caruso, 18, of Dolly
Road, and Daniel Sanchez, 19, of Coolidge Avenue in Toms River and charged them with two counts each of vehicle theft and
aggravated arson. Both are lodged in Ocean County Jail on $50,000, no 10 percent option. Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy
said a third individual, a 15 year old juvenile, was also charged with one count of vehicle theft and arson.
ATM machine stolen from Boston's 1/14/2012
A foyer window was smashed and an ATM machine valued at $5,000 was stolen from Boston’s Restaurant early Friday
morning, Toms River police said. Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said the report on the incident says two males broke
the window and removed the ATM machine at 4:18 a.m. The sign from the ATM was found on the ground outside the restaurant.
The machine had an unknown amount of cash, Mastronardy said. Officer Dan Brennan is investigating.
Toms River man jailed after robbery and assault at Sears 1/14/2012
A Toms River man is facing assault and robbery charges after a shoplifting incident at Sears on Friday night, police
said. David Forte, 29, of Whitesville Road, was charged with robbery, aggravated assault and resisting arrest, and was
being held at the Ocean County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail, no 10 percent, Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said.
Mastronardy said police were called to Sears in reference to a shoplifting and robbery about 7:30 p.m. on Friday. A white
male had been stopped by loss prevention officers for Sears on suspicion of shoplifting cologne and was being held when he
pulled a knife and lunged at the security officers, Officer Frank Moschella reported. The suspect ran out of the store and
got into a white BMW and fled.
Police charge two men in aggravated assault 1/13/2012
Officers charged two men with aggravated assault following a Wednesday night fight, police said. Robert Johnson,
33, of Whittier Avenue, Toms River, and Christopher McLaughlin, 27, of Locker Street, Berkeley Township, were arrested by
police who responded to a fight call at 10 p.m. at Johnson’s home, according to Chief of Police Michael G. Mastronardy.
Island Heights officers found a 30-year-old Toms River man bleeding and suffering from significant facial injuries, Mastronardy
said. Toms River Police transported the victim, who was not identified, to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in
Neptune Township by Toms River Police Emergency Medical Services.
Donut shop robbed, police look for suspect 1/13/2012
A burglar broke into the Dunkin’ Donuts early Wednesday but left without finding cash, police said. Township
Police Officer Anthony Scali is investigating the 1 a.m. burglary on Route 166, according to Chief of Police Michael G. Mastronardy.
He said a security video shows a white man prying open the window at the drive through to break into the store. The
man is seen in the video wearing blue jeans, a blue sweatshirt and a mask, Mastronardy said.
Police confiscate synthetic marijuana 1/10/2012
A special unit of the Toms River Police is targeting synthetic marijuana, and uncovered the sale of the drug at a
local gas service station Tuesday afternoon. Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said synthetic marijuana products
were allegedly being sold by a staffer and owner of the Exxon station at Fischer Boulevard and Bay Avenue. The Toms
River Police Special Enforcement Team executed a search warrant at the Exxon Station after a month long investigation, headed
by Officer Patrick Jacques, said the police chief. "This is the third warrant executed by the special enforcement
team of local businesses that sell these products," Mastronardy said.
Police arrest 2, search for 4 more 1/8/2012
Theft, burglary and robbery were reported Saturday night and early Sunday morning throughout this nearly 53-square-mile
community as suspects stole or attempted to steal money and wares from a restaurant, motel, vacant home and local Walmart.
In the end, police arrested two suspects and were searching for at least four others. Arrested in an attempted burglary
of a vacant Tennyson Avenue home was a 48-year-old township man, Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said. Mathew Farrington
of Sixth Avenue was charged with attempted burglary, trespassing and criminal mischief. Mastronardy said that when police
responded to a 3:30 a.m. burglary in progress call, they found a propeller had been removed from the home’s shed and
used to break the glass in a rear door. Investigating officers who searched the area located, and arrested, Farrington. They
include patrolmen Daniel Herr and Adam Koepppen, K-9 Officer Steve Eubanks and Sgt. Patrick Dellane.
Toms River woman dies in accident 1/8/2012
Police responded to a fatal motor vehicle accident Saturday morning at Cedar Bridge Road and the Garden State Parkway
entrance that resulted in the death of a Toms River woman. The two-car crash occurred near exit 89 of the northbound
Garden State Parkway at the Lakewood/Brick Township border.
Suspect at large in Ortley restaurant break-in 1/8/2012
Toms River police are investigating a burglary at the Golden Gate Express Restaurant on Route 35 north, Ortley Beach.
A police investigation found that a suspect broke the glass front doors with a cinder block to gain entry into the store,
according to Police Chief Michael Mastronardy.
Downtown parking garage construction 1/3/2012
Construction on the downtown parking garage is underway and is expected to last through the summer as workers repair
the structure then add a roof with solar panels.
Toms River man charged with New Years eve stabbing 1/2/2012
Robert Hankins was charged with attempted murder, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and was sent to Ocean
County Jail on bail of $250,000. All of this results from a stabbing Hankins stands accused of at the American Legion
Hall in Lakewood on New Years Eve. Police investigating forced-entry burglary 12/29/2011
The Toms River Township Police Department, through Officer Pascal Gambardella, is currently investigating a burglary
which occurred on Tuesday morning in a home on located on River Terrace, in the Silver Ridge section of Toms River.
Police noted that the residents of the home reported the burglary themselves, and that the theft occurred sometime between
7:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Chief Michael Mastronardy confirmed that an unknown perpetrator entered the residence by forcing
open the front door, and stole over $1000 in jewelry from the home’s bedroom
One car crashes to avoid deer, takes down utility pole 12/29/2011
Chief Michael Mastronardy of the Toms River Township Police Department reported that as of just before 3 p.m. today,
Route 9 is now once again open in both northbound and southbound directions. Toms River Township's Police Department
reported that 48-year-old Michael Goldsmith, of Jackson Township, was heading northbound on Route 9 at 12:20 a.m. this morning
and driving a 2008 Ford Ranger, when he swerved to avoid a deer which ran into the roadway and subsequently struck a utility
pole.
Toms River man injured in Brick crash 12/27/2011
A Toms River man was injured after being involved in a motor vehicle accident with a Brick man on Brick Blvd. Tuesday
morning at approximately 10:51 a.m., police said. John Coviello, 37, of Toms River, was traveling southbound on Brick
Boulevard in his 2005 Chevrolet Equinox, proceeding into the intersection with Cedar Bridge Avenue, when a 2009 Toyota Corolla
driven by Colin Hartigan, 20, of Brick, struck his vehicle, according to Brick Police Sgt. David Bedrosian. Hartigan
was traveling southbound in the center lane and was attempting to change to the left lane, where Coviello was traveling, when
the crash occurred. The crash caused Coviello to lose control of his vehicle and strike the center concrete median, located
on the south side of the intersection. Striking the median caused the vehicle to roll over, said Bedrosian. Coviello's
Equinox came to a final rest on its right side approximately 60 feet past the intersection in the left southbound lane, Bedrosian
said. The overhead traffic light pole, located on the southbound median, was also struck by the Equinox and came down into
the roadway as a result of the crash. Coviello was transported to Ocean Medical Center for further treatment of his
injuries, which were described by police as leg pain and a minor arm burn due to air bag deployment. Hartigan was not injured.
Burglar steals Christmas presents in Pleasant Plains 12/27/2011
Thieves spoiled a Pleasant Plains family's Christmas by stealing cash and checks. Police investigated a burglary
at a Route 9 home Monday morning in which an unlocked side door was entered while the homeowner was out for breakfast. The
burglar stole two pocketbooks from the residence, police said, which contained two Christmas envelopes with checks as well
as $200 cash. Officer Steve Austin and John Bajcic are investigating.
School district audit says schools in good financial shape 12/23/2011
The Toms River School District is in a "strong financial position" according to the results of a recent
audit of its balance sheet. Frank B. Holman III of Toms River-based Holman & Frenia Associates presented his firm's
findings at Tuesday night's meeting of the Board of Education, held in the auditorium of Toms River High School North.
Holman conducted the audit for the fiscal year that ended on June 30, labeling it a “clean” audit that revealed
a “strong financial position” for the Toms River district. “This was a thorough review, and the board
is definitely paying attention to the numbers,” Holman said. Holman explained that the district had total assets
of $138,550,000 and total liabilities of $95,470,000 – leaving a total of net assets for the Toms River Regional School
District of $43,080,000.
Toms River family stunned by outpouring of support 12/22/2011
Amid the glowing lights of the homes that lined the street just off Route 37, the house stood out for its starkness.
No decorations in the yard. No lights twinkling from the roof or the windows. Only the glow of a Christmas tree in the
living room indicated that Christmas was coming, and coming soon. From the street, cars could be seen zooming along
Route 37, many of them likely shoppers buying their last Christmas gifts. Then, lights appeared at the end of the street.
Flashing lights, soon accompanied by sirens broke the quiet of the rainy night. It’s the kind of combination that, just
before Christmas, often brings with it bad news. But on this night, the sirens were actually tidings of joy. No one was more
surprised when the trucks from Toms River Fire Company 1 rolled to a stop in front of his house than Kieth, who darted out
the door to see what the fuss was about. The 6-year-old came face-to-face with the Big Man himself: Santa Claus, who had just
stepped off the fire truck. After staring for a moment or two, the questions began. “Are you one of Santa’s helpers?”
he asked, and Santa assured him that no, he was the real thing. In the family’s cozy living room, with Santa sitting
on his couch, Kieth continued to ask questions. Anothoer phone scam targets a senior 12/22/2011
Berkeley Police are reporting a phone scam similar to one reported in Toms River this week. A Holiday City woman
is out thousands of dollars after a series of phone calls last month when a man pretending to be her grandson phoned and asked
her to wire him money, Berkeley Detective Sgt. James J. Smith Jr. said. "It happens every day," Smith said.
"But usually the act of them giving the money doesn't happen." The woman — whose name is being withheld
by police — received a phone call around 11 a.m. Nov. 28 from a man who said "Do you know who this is?" according
to the police report. When the woman said her grandson's name, the man told her he was in trouble in New York City,
had been involved in a car accident and needed her to send him money. A man who identified himself as the grandson's public
defender then got on the phone and asked the woman to wire $8,662 to his secretary through Western Union, according to the
police report. The woman got another call shortly after from the bogus public defender, who told her there had been
a problem with the Western Union transfer and to wire $2,055 via Moneygram to a CVS store, the police report states.
The woman then went to the CVS store on Bananier Drive and wired the money. The next morning she received another call
from her "grandson," who asked her for another $2,100 for car rental fees and told her "not to tell anyone."
The woman went back to CVS and sent the money. The woman then contacted her son, who is a Neptune police officer, and
told him what had happened Her son then called the woman's grandson, who lives out of state. The grandson told him he
had not been in New York, had not been in an accident or asked for money, the police report states. The woman's son
then called the number and got no answer. It was later determined the call came from the Toronto, Canada area, according to
the police report.
82 year old Toms River Man bilked of over $40,000
A man was robbed of more than $40,000 in a phone and wire scam when a caller lied and said his grandson was in trouble,
police said. After a greeting card arrived in the mail from the actual grandson, the victim discovered the ruse and called
police. The theft occurred over the last 10 days, said Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy. An 82 year
old Toms River man began receiving phone calls around Dec. 9, when a woman called and said his grandson was involved in an
accident in Las Vegas, Mastronardy said. The caller asked the victim to wire $4,420 to a Kevin Korn at a Western Union in
Los Angeles. The next call came Dec. 13, when the woman said the person his grandson had hit had “taken a turn
for the worse” and he needed to wire an additional $39,780, Mastronardy said. The latest request came Dec. 16,
for $100,000. “On the 16th another call came to the victim and stated the person struck by his
grandson passed away and that an additional $100,000 would be needed to get him out of trouble,” Mastronardy said.
71 year old dragged through Stop & Shop parking lot 12/19/2011
A Toms River woman was dragged 40 feet after a man in a car drove past and grabbed her purse outside a Route 37 supermarket
this afternoon. The 71 year old woman was in the Stop and Shop parking lot around 4 p.m. Monday, when a white man driving
a dark vehicle reached out and grabbed her purse, said Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy. With the purse now
twisted over her shoulder, the woman was dragged for 40 feet before managing to free herself, said the police chief.
The suspect is still at large. Police are looking for a white man, approximately 30 years old, with short brown hair, driving
a dark vehicle last seen driving westbound on Route 37 at high speeds. Woman dies in Route 70 crash 12/18/2011
A 71 year-old woman passenger died from injuries after a van turned head-on into a pick-up truck on Route 70 Saturday
evening. The driver of the van fled on foot and is now in police custody, officials said. Toms River Police Chief Michael
Mastronardy has not released the names of the victims, or the driver of the second vehicle. He said that shortly after 7 p.m.
Saturday, a pick-up truck heading westbound on Route 70 struck a van that was making a turn from Route 70 east onto Massachusetts
northbound. The driver of the van, a 28 year-old Lakewood man, hopped out of the van and ran north. Canine police found
him in the ensuing manhunt on Massachusetts Avenue. Mastronardy said the man is in custody at police headquarters as part
of an ongoing investigation.
Collission closes Bay Ave. 12/15/2011
Maria Gomez-Botero 17 of Park Crest Road was operating a 1999 VW westbound on Bay Avenue when she reports her vehicle
experienced steering problems. Her vehicle crossed the centerline and struck a 2011 Honda that was eastbound on Bay
Ave then struck a tree. The eastbound vehicle was operated by Elaine Cheek 60 of Toms River whose vehicle left the road
and struck the curb and a mailbox then rolled over once before coming to a stop. Bay Avenue was closed in both directions
for about one hour due to the accident. Both Drivers were taken to Community Medical Center in Toms River by Toms River
Police EMS with minor injuries. The investigation is being conducted by Traffic Officers Brian Doyle and Frank
Palino.
Firehourse land buy rejected by voters 12/15/2011
A $1 million land buy for a new firehouse on Hooper and Hadley was overwhelmingly voted down in Toms River Fire District
1. The measure failed, 273 voting “yes” and 663 voting “no,” said Fire District 1 Administrator
Brian Kubiel. Voters were faced with a second question, on whether the district should appropriate $48,750 for
District 1's share of an emergency generator for the Toms River Fire Academy. It too failed, 450 to 480. “Both
projects failed,” Kubiel said. “We respect the voters’ decision.” The land buy would have paved
the way toward building a new firehouse, to be shared by the two downtown firehouses of Toms River Fire Co. No. 1 and 2.
Armed robbery at Maill nets $50 12/13/2011
A theft of $50 worth of drugs led to the victims' chasing the suspects in the JC Penney parking
lot, with one man whipping out a semi-automatic weapon and pointing it at their pursuers, police said. Toms River Police
Chief Michael Mastronardy said the incident is the fourth armed robbery involving guns and people dealing narcotics reported
to police this month. Mastonardy said the incident began around 2 p.m. with two men, Dominic Piccini, 19, and Michael
Sica, 21, of Toms River were talking to two other men in the parking lot. The two men got into the back seat of Piccini's
car. At that point, one of the two men grabbed a prescription bottle of codeine cough syrup and the two victims' cell
phones from the car and fled, said the police chief. The victims chased the two men, who hopped into another car. As
the victims approached the car, which had two other men in it, a confrontation ensued, Mastronardy said. One of the men in
the car pointed a black semi-automatic gun at the victims, who then backed off.
Voters to decide on land buy for new firehouse 12/13/2011
A $1 million land buy for a new firehouse will be in the hands of voters in Toms River Fire
District 1 on Thursday. The special referendum vote affects just those districts served by Toms River Fire District
1: generally, downtown Toms River, East Dover and the barrier island. District 2, which is Pleasant Plains, Silverton and
North Dover, is not impacted by the vote. District 1 is aiming to move Toms River Fire Co. No. 1 & 2, which operate
out of the Robbins Street and Water Street stations currently, into a new firehouse to be built on Hadley and Hooper Avenue
where Williamson Realty currently is. District 1 Administrator Brian Kubiel, also the township council vice president,
said moving the two downtown firehouses out of their current facilities is an idea at least two decades old.
Billy Clayton dead at 57 12/12/2011
A homeless Toms River man was found dead by police at his 'campsite' early Thursday evening. Billy Clayton,
57, was found in his tent in the woods across from the 7-Eleven store between Fischer Boulevard and Hooper Avenue.
The cause of death is yet to be determined pending autopsy results, according to Police Chief Michael Mastronardy.
An acquaintance of Clayton's contacted police around 5 p.m. Thursday to alert officers that Clayton hadn't been seen in a
while, according to Mastronardy. Dennis Galante, former owner of Nature Fair on Hooper Avenue, was one of many residents
who had known Clayton over the years. "A lot of us befriended and took care of him," Galante said. "We
did the best we could." "He was a long-time recognized figure by anyone who frequented or lived in the Silverton
section of Toms River," Galante added. "This is a tragedy of circumstance of the homeless around us. This follows
along with the big problem going on in Ocean County and the lack of housing for them (the homeless)." Galante had
requested, on Clayton's behalf, that a prayer be said in memory of Clayton's loss, at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church
on Hooper Ave in Toms River.
Two arrested, cocaine seized on Crescent Court 12/08/2011
Two Toms River residents were arrested today, and five ounces of cocaine was seized in a police raid on a Crescent
Court home. Santiago Kennedy, 41, and Alnique Terry, 22, were arrested after members of the Ocean County Prosecutor's
Office Special Operations Group and the Toms River police executed a search warrant at 1102 Crescent Court. Police seized
more than five ounces of cocaine and drug parphernalia, Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford said in a written statement. Kennedy
and Terry were each charged with possession of cocaine over five ounces with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine and
possession of drug paraphernalia. Superior Court Judge Ronald E. Hoffman set Kennedy's bail at $250,000, cash only. Terry
was released on a summons.
Suspect Sought in Silverton attempted burglary 12/08/2011
Toms River police are searching for a man who they say attempted to rob a Holiday City at Silverton residence earlier
this afternoon. A New Jersey State Police helicopter assisted local authorities in the search for a white man in his
20s described as wearing a black hoodie, gloves and light grey pants. Toms River police Chief Michael Mastronardy said something
was covering the suspect's face. He reportedly stands 5'9" and is 200 pounds. Mastronardy said the suspect attempted
to break into an 84-year-old woman's home via the back window, but fled when confronted by the resident just before 1:30 p.m.
He had attempted to remove the window screen when he was allegedly caught in the act, police said. The man then fled
on foot toward Church Road with a crow bar in his hands. Officer Mark Nater and Sgt. Dave McCallum are investigating
the attempted burglary while Lt. Michael Brosnan is in charge of the search for the suspect.
Car strikes pole and tree to avoid deer 12/07/2011
A township woman escaped injury Tuesday after the car she was driving hit a pole and trees as she steered to avoid
a deer that ran in front of her, police said. The crash happened about 5 a.m. at New Hampshire Avenue and Hickory Street,
according to Police Chief Michael G. Mastronardy. Arielle Bandes, 23, of Lakewood told police she was driving north
on New Hampshire Avenue in a 2008 Lexus and swerved to avoid a deer, Mastronardy said in a prepared release. Bandes‘
car left the road, struck a utility pole and several trees, then stopped on the lawn of a home on Bridgeport Drive, he said.
There were no injuries, and the crash is being investigated by Officer Dan Ruiz, Mastronardy said.
Bicyclist hurt when struck by truck 12/07/2011
A township man was taken to the hospital after the bicycle he was riding was struck by the truck early Tuesday, police
said. The crash happened about 6:30 a.m. at Route 37 and Charles Drive, according Police Chief Michael G. Mastronardy.
The bicyclist, Hector Barrientos, 26, of James Street, was traveling east on Route 37 in the westbound shoulder when he was
struck by a truck driven by William Chapman, 29, of Montana Drive, who was traveling south on Charles Drive and making a right
onto Route 37 west, Mastronardy said in a prepared release. Chapman reported that he did not see the bicyclist because
Barrientos was wearing dark clothing, Mastronardy said. Barrientos was transported to Community Medical Center here
by Toms River Police EMS, he said. His condition was not immediately available. Traffic Safety Cpl.Paul Worth is investigating
the crash.
Proposed Walmart cannot proceed without NJDOT approval 12/7/2011
The long-proposed Super Walmart, which is planned for the corner of Route 37 and Northampton Boulevard between Toms
River and Manchester, would need to pass New Jersey Department of Transportation clearances before it can proceed. Timothy
Greeley, press officer for the NJDOT, said the arrangement “is an ongoing major access permitting issue”, and
that to allow development along a state highway such as Route 37, “a developer permit agreement must be reached among
the state, the developer and the township” in order to accommodate the expected increased traffic flow. That permit
agreement would require the developer of the Super Walmart, Jaylin Holdings, to make modifications to the current intersection
at Route 37 and Northampton Boulevard in order to account for the increase in traffic in that area.
Silverton woman, 76, chases intruder from house 12/03/2011
A man approximately 25 years old, wearing a grey, hooded sweatshirt and dark pants, apparently forced his way through
the front door of a Silverton home early Saturday morning, robbing the resident of $50. Once inside the house, the suspect
unscrewed a light bulb from a lamp on a living room table and removed $50 cash from the victim's purse that was in the living
room, according to police. Police went on to provide the following information: The victim, a 76-year-old
Silverton woman, stated she was watching television in her bedroom 3 a.m. Saturday, when she noticed a lamp in her living
room flickering. When she went to get up she realized her feet where on top of a man who was lying on the floor next
to her bed. She stated the man sounded intoxicated and stated, "This isn't my house." She yelled
at the man to get out of her house. He then ran out the front door. Officers Richard Buhowski and Jason Putkowski are
investigating.
Woman admits drunk driving in Toms River accident that killed passenger 12/01/2011
A 25-year-old Marlton woman admitted today that she was driving a sport-utility vehicle while her blood-alcohol level
was three times the legal limit last year when she crashed into a pole, causing the death of a passenger. Laura P. Nelson
pleaded guilty before Superior Court Judge Francis R. Hodgson to vehicular homicide and driving while intoxicated. She acknowledged
that her actions resulted in the death of Kelly Walck, 40, of Haddonfield. Being questioned by her attorney, Robert
A. Honecker, Nelson conceded she had no independent recollection of the accident. But she said she didn’t dispute information
about the accident contained in police reports. Police said Nelson was behind the wheel of a 1999 Toyota 4Runner on
May 12, 2010 when it hit a utility pole on the street in front of the parking lot of a supermarket on Route 37 in Toms River.
Walck, a back-seat passenger, was ejected from the vehicle upon impact and thrown into the parking lot, authorities said.
Toms River man faces DWI charge in Seaside Park 11/29/2011
A Toms River man is facing drunken driving and other charges after he stopped at the entrance to Island Beach State
Park waiting for the red lights to turn green, police said. John Polacek II, 49, of Morris Boulevard in Toms River,
is facing charges of driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report a motor vehicle accident
and careless driving after he found sitting at the entrance to the state park inside a 2010 Toyota Corolla after police in
Seaside Park received a 911 call at 6:21 p.m. Monday reporting an erratic driver headed south on Central Avenue, according
to Seaside Park Patrolman Steve Shadiack. “We got a got from an observer near K Street saying ‘the operator
might be intoxicated,’ ” Shadiack explained. At C Street in the borough a concrete street sign was struck
and debris, later identified as belonging to the Toyota Polacek was found driving, was scattered around the area, Shadiack
explained. Seaside Park police informed Berkeley police the suspect’s vehicle was headed in their direction south
on Central Avenue, Shadiack added. Polacek was discovered sitting in the vehicle by the gatehouse guard at the entrance,
Shadiack explained. “The gatehouse guard walked up to him and asked ‘Can I help you?’ and Mr. Polacek
told him, ‘I’m just waiting for the light to turn green,’” Shadiack said.
Police investigate broken window of moving vehicle 11/29/2011
Toms River police are investigating an incident of criminal mischief that shattered the passenger
window of a moving car on Wednesday night. A 31-year-old Toms River woman was cut on the hand when the projectile hit
her car window as she was passing Haines Road at 11:23 p.m., Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said. The window was shattered
and the driver stopped the car and called police. The projectile shattered the front passenger window of the 2007 Nissan
Versa hatchback and cut her hand, he said. Toms River Police EMS treated the woman at the scene, and while officers checked
the area, they could not find anyone near the scene of the incident. Mastronardy said there have been no reports of
similar incidents in the area, and is not believed to be related to April incidents where more than 20 cars were shot at with
a bb gun. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Christopher McDowell at 732-349-0150
Police investigating three reports of stolen cars 11/27/2011
Toms River Police are investigating three separate car thefts that were reported over the weekend. In two incidents,
the cars are still missing, while a third has been recovered, Chief Michael Mastronardy said in a release. A 2001 blue
Volvo was stolen from the One Stop Service Station on Route 37 early Saturday morning, Mastronardy said. Security cameras
caught a white male with short hair apparently enter the vehicle and drive away at approximately 1:30 a.m., Mastronardy said.
Officer George Fernicolais investigated the incident. A 33-year-old Stafford Township man reported his 1998 Ford Taurus
stolen after he went into a Five Guys Burgers on Route 37 just before 8 p.m. Saturday, Mastronardy said. When the man came
out of the restaurant ten minutes later his car was missing from the parking lot. Officer Carl Basile investigated the incident.
A man walking his dog near Fischer Boulevard on Saturday reported to police that he discovered a 1995 Jeep stuck in the woods,
Mastronardy said. Police later discovered the vehicle had been stolen from Coty Marine sometime between Wednesday night and
Saturday morning. Officer Mark DeGrandis investigated the incident. Anyone with information on any of these vehicles
can contact Det. James Magovern at (732) 349-0150 ext 1213.
Toms River man pulls victim from burning car 11/27/2011
An off-duty retired fireman pulled a 21-year old Long Branch man out of burning car around 5:45 a.m. in Holmdel Sunday
morning, police said. Todd D. Stathum was driving a 2004 Suzuki Forenza westbound on Van Shoick Road when his his vehicle
struck a curb, left the roadway and traveled 50 yards before striking a telephone pole near Galloping Hill Circle, according
to Sgt. Vincent Imperato. The off-duty fireman, Nicholas Crosta, 56, of Toms River, witnessed the accident and helped
Stathum to get out of car before it was engulfed in flames, said Imperato.
Pet Valu robbed at knifepoint 11/26/2011
Toms River police are looking for a white male about 20 years old in connection with a robbery at the Pet Valu store
on Fischer Boulevard Friday night. Police said the suspect, who had short curly hair, acne and was wearing dark pants,
a light gray pullover and a black ski mask, approached the 24-year-old male employee with a knife and demanded money, Police
Chief Michael Mastronardy said. The suspect ran across Fischer Boulevard on foot after taking about $100 from the register,
Mastronardy said. There were no injuries. The robbery is being investigated by Toms River Officer TJ Polhemus, the Ocean
County Sheriff’s Department and Detectives Lou Santora and John Bajcic.
Accused burglar facing new charges 11/26/2011
A Toms River man already under indictment on burglary charges in Lacey has been indicted again.
Nicholas Merola, 19, was indicted last week by an Ocean County grand jury on theft and dealing in stolen property charges.
Merola stole various jewelry from a Lacey couple on or around Sept. 9, 2010, the indictment states. The jewelry, worth more
than $500, was then sold by Merola, authorities charge. Merola was previously indicted on charges accusing him of burglarizing
two Laurel Boulevard homes in Lacey last fall and stealing more than $30,000 in jewelry and a laptop. He is facing two
counts of burglary, two counts of theft and two counts of dealing in stolen property for the alleged Laurel Boulevard burglaries.
Police investigating pair of burglaries 11/25/2011
Toms River police are investigating a pair of burglaries that happened in sometime between Wednesday and Friday.
A home on Third Bayway in the Money Island section had its front door forced open sometime within the last two days, Police
Chief Michael Mastronardy said. A Hewlett Packard laptop and a 32-inch Samsung flat screen television were taken in that incident,
he said. Officers Paul Burkhardt and Shan Ruiz are investigating. At 6 a.m. Friday, an employee of the Delta Service
Station at 281 Route 37 called police to report a burglary at the station. Officers Mathew Broderick and Jason Putkowski found
that a suspect or suspects apparently entered an outside bathroom and broke through an inner wall to get into the station,
Mastronardy said. More than $1,000 in cash was taken from a safe that was broken into, Mastronardy said. Anyone with
information in either burglary is asked to call Toms River police at 732-349-0150.
Victim faces drug charge after home invasion call 11/25/2011
A Toms River man is facing drug charges after a home invasion robbery attempt where he was hit in the head with a
gun, police said. Deven Skyers, 18, was charged with possession of marijuana and taken to the Ocean County Jail, after
the incident at the home on Cadillac Drive, Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said. Mastronardy said police
were called to the home just after 11:30 p.m. on Thursday. Skyers, who lives there with family members, told police he heard
his dog barking and then was hit in the head with a handgun by one of at least three males, Mastronardy said.
Route 9 closed after car overturns 11/20/2011
A single-car motor vehicle accident on Route 9 just south of Church Road in Toms River Sunday night has closed a stretch
of the highway in both directions, according to police. The accident, which occurred at approximately 7 p.m. in the
Pleasant Plains section of town, has resulted in the temporary closure of a stretch of Route 9 between Sunset Avenue and Church
Road, Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said in a release. The driver of the car, Ramon Rego, was traveling southbound
on Route 9 when his vehicle crossed into the northbound lanes and struck a utility pole on the east side of the road, causing
his car to overturn, Mastronardy said.
Four injured in head-on crash 11/19/2011
A 17-year-old from Lakewood whose license is suspended was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune,
with a leg injury after the car he was driving collided with another head-on early Saturday morning, Toms River police say.
Anthony Wright Jr., 17, of Lakewood, was northbound on New Hampshire Avenue in a 1997 Nissan with Alfred Demby, 17, and Thomas
Jalen, 18, both of Lakewood, when their car collided with a 2011 Honda driven by Laureen Coup, 43, of Bayville, who was southbound
on New Hampshire Avenue, Chief Michael Mastronardy said. The accident happened near White Oak Bottom Road about 1:30 a.m.,
he said. "Wright reported to Traffic Safety Corporal Sean McHugh that he fell asleep as he was driving home,"
Mastronardy said, and Demby, who was in the front seat, confirmed that information. Demby told police he had been asleep in
the front seat but woke up and realized Wright had fallen asleep and tried to wake him just before the accident happened,
Mastronardy said.
Toms River bands top Asbury Music Award 11/19/2011
Toms River's talent shone at the annual Asbury Park Music Awards, as both local favorites The
Amboys and nationally touring River City Extension won big. Each band has members hailing from Toms River. The
Asbury Park Music Awards are given each year across dozens of categories, but they all celebrate the local, original music
scene. River City Extension took home the most awards of the evening: four. The band had the Top Local Release for "The
Unmistakeable Man." River City Extension is the Top Americana Band and Top Live Performance this year, and also has the
top multi-instrument musician in Nick Cucci. Adding to the list of Toms River talent is The Amboys, who had two wins amid
four nominations.
Nobility Crest approved in Toms River 11/19/2011
Toms River and Brick townships will have something in common: each town approved a development
called Nobility Crest this year, with each project creating controversy. Nobility Crest LLC is overseeing both projects.
Brick's was approved by its planning board this week, while the proposal for Toms River was approved back in March. The two
sites are about six miles apart when traveling Route 70. The Toms River site is just north of Cox Cro Road, along Route
9. It includes the construction of a 53,000-square-foot shopping center, two 25-unit apartment buildings and 200 townhouse
units. The Toms River project brought out residents' concerns of child/pedestrian safety and traffic. The development
could create pedestrian traffic on Route 9, as students make their way to the nearby Joseph Citta Elementary School, residents
said.
Body of Toms River man found in Ocean off of Avon 11/18/2011
Authorities have confirmed the identity of a body found near the shore in the Atlantic Ocean off Avon-by-the-Sea this
morning. First Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office confirms that
the body of Paul Tran of Oakview Drive in Toms River was recovered from the ocean after a 911 call at approximately 5:27 a.m.
The 41-year-old man's death is currently under investigation.
Non-violent crime up, violent crime slightly lower in Ocean County 11/17/2011
Nonviolent crime in Ocean County jumped eight percent between 2009 and 2010, state data released last week shows.
During the same period, violent crime fell by 1 percent county wide. State officials released the 2010 Uniform Crime
Report last week, a 233 page document that serves as the state's analysis of crime in an immense number of categories, including
county-by-county data. In Ocean County, every 1.2 out 1,000 residents was a victim of a violent crime in 2010, while
every 19.9 out of 1,000 residents was the victim of a nonviolent crime that year. Compared to neighboring counties, Ocean
County's crime was relatively low; in Monmouth County, the violent crime rate was 2 per 1,000 residents and the nonviolent
crime rate was 22.2 per 1,000 residents. In Atlantic County, the violent crime rate was 5.7 per 1,000 residents and the nonviolent
rate was 36.7 per 1,000. In all, there were 215 robberies, including eight bank robberies, 2,300 burglaries, and 8,881
larcenies – smaller thefts including pickpockets, purse snatchings, vehicle parts or bicycles – last year in Ocean
County. There were twice as many daytime burglaries as night time burglaries, the data showed. Altogether, Ocean County
residents and business owners had $14,788,168 in property stolen last year, of which $2,185,859 was recovered.
Town Council to fill two vacancies 11/16/2011
The township council may enter 2012 with two vacancies to be filled by the Toms River Republican
Club. Coming out of the November election, Ward 3 Councilman Mo Hill won a seat as the at-large councilman. Councilman
Gregory McGuckin was elected to the District 10 Assembly seat. Both will vacate their current township council spots
before being sworn in to their respective new seats. Hill isn’t going anywhere, just moving into the at-large
council seat on the council, which is one that speaks to town-wide issues as opposed to representing a particular ward’s
voice on the council. Neither councilman has submitted their resignation, but there’s no rush to do so.
“There is no specific time Greg or Mo has to resign, other than this: they must resign before they are sworn into their
new office,” said Toms River Township Clerk Mark Mutter. For Hill, the swearing in to the at-large council seat
would come during the township re-organization meeting in January. The date of the meeting has yet to be scheduled, Mutter
said. For McGuckin, the state Assembly organizes on Jan. 10, 2012. The vacant council seat would be filled by
the two councilmen’s political party. That’s the Toms River Regular Republican Club, as both men are republicans.
Senior's purse snatched by two Lacey men 11/15/2011
Two Lacey men were arrested on the strength of a $75,000 warrant issued by the Toms River Police
Department related to robbery. Michael Visinski, 26, was arrested when the Lacey Township Police Department responded
to a residence on Maple Road in Lanoka Harbor on Nov. 3 at 11:56 p.m. Toms River Police arrested Visinski along with
Michael Sandella, 24, of Oak Hill Court in Lanoka Harbor after an investigation into a robbery and theft that occurred at
3:30 p.m. that Thursday afternoon at Sears in the Ocean County Mall. An 84-year-old Barnegat woman was in the
parking lot when her purse was removed from her arm and the suspect ran across Hooper Avenue. A witness, who observed a male
in Bed, Bath and Beyond with a gold purse, notified the police. The victim’s cellular phone and garage door opener were
located in the public restroom in the toilet and her pocketbook minus $50 in cash was located a short time later on Lowell
Avenue in Toms River. Both men were held at the Ocean County Jail on $75,000 bail with no 10 percent option.
Three incidents of theft being investigated 11/14/2011
Police are investigating three recent incidents of theft at local homes and businesses. Officer
Frank Moschella and Detective Chris Fluck are investigating a burglary at a Mountainview Drive home that happened between
10:30 and 11 a.m. today, according to Police Chief Michael G. Mastronardy. The chief said alert neighbors noticed the
front door of the residence had been forced open, and contacted police. The homeowners told investigators that jewelry
valued at more than $1,000 had been taken from the bedroom, the chief said. Meanwhile, Officer Ron Sermarini is investigating
the theft of two catalytic converters from Coastal Auto and two from Guardian Auto Sales, Mastronardy said. The thefts were
reported today but suspected to have occurred sometime during the last two weeks. Both businesses are located on Route 9 in
Pleasant Plains. Finally, Officer Robert O’Neill is investigating the theft of copper pipes from a building at
255 Main St. on Friday night, the chief said. A resident of an apartment there took a shower at about 8 a.m. Saturday
morning and discovered he only had cold water. The resident went to the basement to investigate, and found that the basement
was flooding because pipes had been cut and stolen, Mastronardy said. Eight pieces of copper pipe cut into 2-foot lengths
had been left behind, the chief said. The loss and vandalism is estimated to be in excess of $2,000, Mastronardy said.
Anyone with information is asked to call 732-349-0150, ext. 1222.
Shop Rite to open Wednesday 11/13/2011
The metal benches are out. The boxwood is planted. The milk and eggs are on the way. Saker
ShopRite announced it will cut the ribbon at its Route 37 and 166 location Monday, and will officially open for business 7
a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16. The former Dover Mall, now known as Crossroads Center, will open a long-awaited tenant with
the new ShopRite. The supermarket sits toward the back of the property on Route 37, and road construction is reconfiguring
Presidential Boulevard to be the access road to ShopRite from Route 166. This week, the final touches are underway for
a grand opening. Giant signs point delivery trucks to the ShopRite loading docks around the construction site, as stores such
as Spirits Liquors make progress at the front of the property. The ribbon cutting is 11 a.m. Monday Nov. 14 at the new
store, which is at 2 Route 37 West.
High speed chase back and forth across bridge 11/14/2011
An attempt to stop a suspicious vehicle led to a high-speed chase from Route 37 in Toms
River to Ortley Beach, and then back to East Dover, police said. A man fled an attempted traffic stop just before 11:40
p.m., driving his pick-up truck through Toms River’s mainland and barrier island, before ducking out of his vehicle
on Vaughn Avenue and running into a backyard, said Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy. At 12:15 a.m., the police
chief said the man had just been apprehended and his name was not released. Mastronardy said the driver of the pick-up
truck fled north on Route 35 to 3rd Avenue in Ortley Beach, before heading south and then back over the Seaside
bridge into Toms River. “This started on the mainland, went onto the barrier island and came back onto the mainland,”
he said. The chase was east over the Seaside bridge, with its ongoing lane closures for reconstruction, then north into
Ortley Beach before heading west over the Seaside bridge, up Hooper Avenue into Cedar Grove, driving through East Dover before
coming to an end on Vaughn's westernmost portion after the intersection with Verdant Road.
Armed robber hits WaWa 11/12/2011
Toms River police are investigating the third armed robbery of a service station in a
week in the township. This robbery occurred at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Wawa located at the
corner of Route 70 and Massachusetts Avenue, Chief Michael Mastronardy said. A male
about 20 years old, 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, dressed in a black puffy coat, black pants and a black ski mask armed with a
box cutter demanded cash from a male gas attendant, Mastronardy said. After getting about $40 from the attendant, witnesses
said, the suspect got into an older dark color Toyota pickup truck with a dark color bed cover and fled the station.
There were no injuries in the robbery. Officer Pascal Gambardella, Sergeant Ralph Stocco and
Detective James Magovern are investigating. While this is the third time in a week that
a service station has been robbed, the suspect in the Wawa case is different. Police noted the suspects in the other two robberies
-- on Nov. 5, at the Holiday City Service Center, and on Nov. 10, at the Shell station -- were described as being 5-foot-6
with a medium build and dressed in a sweatshirt and jeans or black pants.Elderly couple found dead inside of home 11/9/2011
An elderly couple was found dead inside their East Dover home late Wednesday morning in an apparent murder-suicide,
according to Police Chief Michael Mastronardy. Authorities recovered a gun at the home, and Mastronardy said initial
investigation shows that the two were shot. The couple, identified as George and Anna Spangler, was found just after
11:30 a.m. in the living room of their Scrimshaw Court home by a Meals on Wheels employee, who notified authorities, Mastronardy
said. George Spangler was 88; Anna Spangler was 85. A neighbor who declined to identify herself said Anna Spangler had
been very ill. Detective Bruce Burgess said in the last year and a half, there have been six medical-related police calls
to the home for both Spanglers. The incident is being investigated by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, township
police and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.Kelaher wins second term, republicans returned to council 11/8/2011
It was a clear win for Republicans in Toms River, who re-elected Thomas Kelaher to his second
term as mayor by a 2:1 margin in many districts. According to unofficial results, Kelaher established a strong lead
early against challenger and former mayor Paul Brush. The incumbent won 62 out of 63 districts. Kelaher said the victory
was indication voters agreed with the direction the township has gone. "We’ve got a great governing body,
great department heads — this is a great team in place," Kelaher told crowds in a victory speech at County Republican
headquarters last night. "Whether it's a hurricane, a blizzard, or whatnot, people agreed with the response and
the cooperation they saw. Things like Christie's two percent tax cap keeping things down for taxpayers — people responded
to that." To thunderous applause at the county party, Kelaher thanked his runningmates and his supporters.
"Thank you all for your support and god bless you," said Kelaher.
GOP carries 10th district, McGuckin Assemblyman elect 11/8/2011
District 10 and Ocean County voters overwhelmingly chose the Republican ticket when heading to the polls Tuesday.
With almost all districts reporting results as of 10:45 p.m., the GOP team of James Holzapfel, Gregory McGuckin and David
Wolfe have won seats in the Legislature, while Freeholder Director Joseph Vicari cruised to victory over Democratic challenger
Michelle Rosen. Holzapfel, a Brick resident and incumbent assemblyman, will take the two-year Senate seat long inhabited
by retiring incumbent Andrew Ciesla, while former Toms River councilman McGuckin and incumbent Wolfe will head to the General
Assembly for two-year terms. Holzapfel earned at least 28,538 votes to Democratic challenger Charles Tivenan's 16,042.
McGuckin and Wolfe tallied 26,697 and 27,818 votes, respectively, to Democrats Bette Wary and Eli Eytan's 16,841 and 15,639,
respectively. Vicari easily fended off Rosen's challenge by capturing more than 65 percent of the vote, with 67,880
votes to Rosen's 35,961 tallies. Legislative District 10 includes the following municipalities: Bay Head, Brick, Island
Heights, Lakehurst, Lavallette, Manchester, Mantoloking, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights and Toms River.
Occupy Toms River? 11/7/2011
It's not much of an occupation but, for the time being, they're here.
Just as Occupy Wall Street continues in New York City, here in Toms River some folks who identify with
the cause have pledged to return every Sunday to protest as "Occupy Toms River." The local citizens are coming
to Huddy Park in downtown Toms River to be seen and heard about what they believe in, protesting disproportionate wealth and
corporate greed. The group was out Sunday afternoon. This is their third Occupy Toms River event and will continue to
do so every Sunday starting at noon. The participants are encouraging more people to join them in walking along the park with
signs as vehicles drive by honking support, they said. The participants said they have a peaceful understanding with
Toms River Police Department and are allowed to be there as long as they do not disrupt traffic on Water Street.
Police search for robbery suspect 11/6/2011
Toms River Police are investigating a robbery that occured Saturday night at a Route 37 auto shop, authorities said.
At approximately 7 p.m., a white male in his early 20s brandishing a knife approached an employee of Holiday Service Center
and demanded money, Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said in a release. The alleged suspect, described as 5'9"
and 155 lbs., took $100 from the 17-year-old male attendant and fled on foot north on Sumner Avenue, Mastronardy said.
At the time of the robbery, the suspect was wearing a brown pullover hooded sweatshirt that read "Billa Bong" in
white letters on the front, blue jeans and black sneakers, Mastronardy said. Officers Carl Basile and Brian Dugan, Lt.
James Harris and Det. Mark Bajada are investigating the incident. Anyone with information regarding the robbery can
reach Toms River Police at (732) 349-0150.
Social worker sentenced for defrauding companies 11/4/2011
An Ocean County social worker from Toms River was sentenced today for bilking insurance companies for
services that were not performed. Mary F. Rizzuto, 51, was sentenced to 90 days in county jail and five years of probation
by Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels. Rizzuto also had previously agreed to pay $76,304 in restitution after pleading
guilty Sept. 12 to a third-degree theft by deception charge. Rizzuto admitted to fraudulently submitting claims for
professional services which were never provided to Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and Guardian Life Insurance
Company from Jan. 3, 2003, to Nov. 22, 2008, according to a news release. An investigation into the fraud began after
a former client of Rizzuto received a benefits document from his insurance company showing that the social worker had filed
claims for more than 20 counseling sessions that never occurred, according to a release.
Ritacco suing school board 11/4/2011
Attorneys for former Toms River Schools superintendent Michael Ritacco have filed a lawsuit demanding
the school district pay him for unused sick days and his deferred compensation plan. Each of the current members of
the Toms River Regional School Board, as well as three members whose terms expired in 2011 and board attorney Thomas Monohan,
are being sued in the federal lawsuit filed Oct. 25. That's four days after the one-year anniversary of Ritacco's federal
arrest for bribery and fraud, the same day he resigned as superintendent. At issue is approximately $63,000 in unused
sick and vacation time Ritacco accumulated. Business Administrator Bill Doering said in an interview with Toms River Patch
on Oct. 20, before the lawsuit was filed, that there had been no action by the district to pay that money.
Two break-ins of Pleasant Plains homes 11/2/2011
Two Pleasant Plains homes were burglarized about the same time Monday and yesterday, police said. In both cases,
suspects used force on doors. The homes were empty at the time, said Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy. “Are they related? We are investigating that,” Mastronardy said.
“There have been no incidents today.” In the Monday burglary, a Clayton Avenue home’s rear door was
forced open, said the police chief. More than $1,000 in jewelry was stolen between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Officers Steven Austin
and Frank Moschella are investigating. In the second incident, police responded to a Grande Woodlands Way, off Whitesville
Road, just before 2 p.m. Tuesday. An alarm at the home had been tripped, and police arrived to find the front door with signs
of forced entry, police said.
Council President Hill explains where tax money goes 11/2/2011
Although the residents of Toms River pay their property taxes to the local municipality, some people have
the misconception that the municipality keeps all the revenue. Toms River collects the total property tax but then must disperse
funds to cover various other taxes that have been assessed. In fact there are eight separate taxes that comprise the total
property tax of Toms River residents. The following chart breaks down the local property tax into those eight separate
taxes: Tax, and its cost per $100 of assessed evaluation
Local Municipal Tax .362
County
Tax
.279
County Library Tax .032
County Health Tax .012
County
Open Space Tax .012
Regional School Tax
.739
Municipal Open Space Tax .015
Fire District Tax
.050
Total Tax
1.501
|
|
