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48°
Sunday, apr 28
Tag:
Toms River, NJ
Police & Fire
NJ Ex-Con Featured On 'America's Most Wanted' Sentenced For Deadly Stabbing
An Ocean County ex-convict and parolee once featured on the TV show "America's Most Wanted" will spend more than a decade in prison after admitting to his role in the stabbing death of another man, authorities said. Angelo Grenci, 47, of Berkeley Township, was sentenced on Friday, Apr. 19 to 20 years in state prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He pleaded guilty on Monday, Jan. 29 to aggravated manslaughter in the killing of 50-year-old Carlton Williams of Seaside Heights. Toms River and Berkeley Township police responded to RWJBarnabas C…
Police & Fire
Motorcyclist Killed In NJ Crash With State Trooper Was 'Sublimely Talented' Guitarist
They called him Frankie Fender. Frank Lando, that is: The 65-year-old Toms River motorcyclist, guitarist, and father killed in an April 9 crash in Southampton with a New Jersey state trooper. On Friday, April 19, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin released Lando's identity, as well as that of the trooper involved: Anthony Fernandes. Fernandes was conducting routine patrol duties along Route 70 around 11:35 a.m. in Southampton that day, when his marked patrol car collided with Lando's motorcycle near Burrs Mill Road, Platkin said. Lando was taken to Virtua Mount Holly …
News
Where Is Central Jersey? Monmouth U. Poll Finds Answers To NJ's Tricky Regional Debate
Monmouth University pollsters have tried to answer a question that has been hard to solve for many in the Garden State: Where is Central Jersey exactly? The Monmouth University Polling Institute released a survey on Tuesday, Apr. 16 that asked New Jerseyans what region they live in and if they believe their region gets a fair share of state resources. The pollsters also asked people to pick their favorite convenience store. According to the poll, 41 percent of New Jerseyans said they live in North Jersey, 34 percent said they're in Central Jersey, and 23 percent said they're from South…
Police & Fire
Man Accused Of Trying To Abduct Girl In South Jersey Crime Spree To Remain In Jail
A Monmouth County man will remain in jail after he was accused of trying to kidnap a teen girl and groping a woman in a Target parking lot during a two-county crime spree, authorities said. Quamel Benton, 35, of Farmingdale, was ordered by a judge on Wednesday, Apr. 10 to remain in Burlington County Jail through his trial, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He was charged in Ocean County with attempted kidnapping, luring, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal sexual contact, two counts of eluding, resisting arrest, and obstruction. L…
Police & Fire
Toms River Man Sentenced For Dealing Heroin Throughout Ocean County
A Toms River man was sentenced after admitting to selling heroin throughout Ocean County, authorities said. Zachary Lockwood, 25, was sentenced on Friday, Apr. 5 to 10 years in prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced in a news release. He'll be eligible for parole after five years. Lockwood pleaded guilty to possession of one-half ounce or more of heroin with intent to distribute, being a certain person not to possess a weapon, and resisting arrest on Monday, Feb. 12. He also pleaded guilty to an unrelated eluding charge from a second incident. Toms River…
Police & Fire
Teen Threatened Toms River Man With Gun, Fired Shot Into Home: Police
A Toms River teen was accused of threatening a man with a gun and firing a shot into his home, authorities said. Asheer Johnson, 18, was charged with attempted murder, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes, aggravated assault, and possession of hollow point bullets. The Toms River Police Department announced the charges in a news release. Officers responded to a report of a fight involving a gun at a home on Oxford Street at around 10:47 a.m. on Tuesday, Apr. 2. A man said that another man came to his home and pulled out a gun after banging …
Police & Fire
NEW
Details
: Thieves Used Torch, Entered Unlock Door In Toms River Jewelry Heist
Toms River police released more information after someone stole about $1 million in jewelry from a store in the Ocean County Mall. A Toms River Police Department spokesperson gave an update on the investigation into the burglary at Venzio Jewelers that was reported on Thursday, Mar. 28. The store told police that someone had broken into it after closing at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 27. Investigators said the suspects used an unlocked rear door from outside the mall to enter a vacant store that's next to Venzio. There was no evidence of pry marks or forced entry through that door. …
Police & Fire
Million-Dollar Heist: Thieves Cut Hole In Wall To Steal $1M From NJ Mall Jewelry Store
Toms River police were looking for whoever stole about $1 million in jewelry from a store, authorities said. Officers responded to a burglary and theft report at Venzio Jewelers in the Ocean County Mall at around 10:10 a.m. on Thursday, Mar. 28, a Toms River police spokesperson said. The store told police that someone had broken into it after closing at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 27. Investigators said the thieves entered a rear office by cutting a hole in the wall of a neighboring empty store. The suspects sliced phone and alarm cables, and appeared to use a torch to steal about $1 million …
News
NJ Supermarket Celebrates Selling $1.13B Mega Millions Ticket: 'Thrilled For This Community'
A Jersey Shore supermarket celebrated selling the ticket that earned someone the largest lottery jackpot in the Garden State's history. The New Jersey Lottery said the winning Mega Millions ticket was purchased at ShopRite Wine & Spirits on Route 66 in Neptune. The jackpot reached $1.13 billion in the drawing on Tuesday, Mar. 26. The NJ Lottery held a news conference at the grocery store to formally announce the lucky ticket on Wednesday, Mar. 27. "I used to live in Neptune," said NJ Lottery executive director James Carey. "I live right down the street right now in Monmouth County…
Police & Fire
Man Tried To Abduct Teen Girl, Groped Woman In South Jersey Crime Spree: Prosecutors
A Monmouth County man was accused of trying to kidnap a teen girl and groping a woman in a Target parking lot as part of a two-county crime spree, authorities said. Quamel Benton, 35, of Farmingdale, was arrested on Friday, Mar. 22, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He was charged with attempted kidnapping, luring, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal sexual contact, two counts of eluding, resisting arrest, and obstruction. Lakewood police responded to a report of an attempted kidnapping near Forest Park Circle at around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Ma…
Police & Fire
Toms River Teacher Who Sent Inappropriate Pics To Student, Took Classroom Nudes Sentenced
A former Toms River teacher will spend time in prison after admitting to sending inappropriate Snapchat pictures to a student and posting sexual photos of himself in his classroom, authorities said. Kyle Banner, 49, of Brick Township, was sentenced on Friday, Mar. 22 to four months in Ocean County Jail, county prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced in a news release. He was a teacher at Toms River Intermediate North (TRIN) and Ocean County College. Banner pleaded guilty on Monday, Nov. 6, 2023, to three counts of endangering the welfare of a child. As part of his plea, Banner…
Police & Fire
Fentanyl, Heroin, Ecstasy Seized In South Jersey Drug Bust, Four Arrested
Four people were accused of selling several drugs throughout Ocean County, including heroin and fentanyl, authorities said. The people arrested were 33-year-old Orthis Allen of Bayville, 33-year-old Ashley Banks of Brick, and two 23-year-olds from Toms River, Lauren Torres and Anthony Martinez. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced the four arrests in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 5. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agents helped Ocean County investigators and local police in a two-month-long investigation into illegal drugs sold throughout Ocean County. The investi…
Police & Fire
Seen Him? Attempted Gas Station Robbery Suspect Wanted In Toms River
Toms River police are looking for a man who attacked a convenience store employee in an attempted robbery, authorities said. Officers were called to the Speedway gas station on Route 37 East at around 3:28 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28, the Toms River Police Department said in a news release. The suspect wearing a ski mask went into the store, walked behind the counter, and tried to open a safe. Google Maps The man then fought with the employee and grabbed at his waist "as if he had a weapon." The employee tried to call 911 but was assaulted by the suspect. During the fight, the employee pa…
Police & Fire
Woman Knocked Unconscious, Kidnapped Outside Toms River Grocery Store: Police
A man was accused of kidnapping a woman in the parking lot of a Toms River grocery store, authorities said. Luis Morenogutierrez was arrested on Sunday, Feb. 25, the Toms River Police Department said in a news release. No age or hometown was given for Morenogutierrez. Police responded to customers arguing in the parking lot of the Aldi on Route 70 at around 6:55 p.m. When officers arrived, they learned a woman had been kidnapped at knifepoint by a man. The man assaulted her and knocked her unconscious at a different location. She was brought to the hospital for her injuries. Englewood pol…
News
Jersey Shore Boardwalks Get $100M For 'Vital' Upgrades
Jersey Shore communities are getting $100 million in state grants to make crucial repairs to their boardwalk, officials said. The Boardwalk Preservation Fund money will go to 18 municipalities in Atlantic, Cape May, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties, Gov. Phil Murphy announced on Friday, Feb. 23. The state Department of Community Affairs (NJDCA) will give out the funds to invest in "state-of-the-art materials that increase storm resiliency and ensure longer lasting infrastructure." In a news release, Gov. Murphy said the money will help coastal tourist destinations stay vibrant. …
Police & Fire
Suspected Toms River Hookah Lounge Killer Will Stay In Jail For Trial: Prosecutors
The man accused of murder in a triple shooting at a Toms River hookah lounge will have to stay in jail through his trial. A judge ordered on Thursday, Feb. 22 that Eric Manzanares, 24, of Asbury Park, will remain detained in the Ocean County Jail pending his trial, county prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced. He was charged with murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and unlawful possession of a weapon. Manzanares has been held in the county jail since Wednesday, Jan. 24, when he was extradited to New Jersey from Virginia. H…
Police & Fire
Jacket With Name, Phone Number Led Feds Right To Capitol Rioter From New Jersey: DOJ
A Toms River man wearing a jacket with his business's name and phone number on the front of it to the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol insurrection has been arrested more than three years later. Robert Coppotelli was charged with four misdemeanor counts of illegally entering the Capitol and disrupting the joint session of Congress to count the electoral college votes in the 2020 Presidential election. The accusations against Coppotelli were outlined in a court document filed on Friday, Feb. 16. Prosecutors with the U.S. Department of Justice said an anonymous tip in July 2021 identified …
Weather
Four Inches Of Snow Forecasted Along Jersey Shore Overnight
Many parts of the Jersey Shore avoided the snow during a pre-Valentine's Day winter storm, but the coast doesn't appear to be dodging it this time. The National Weather Service said the Jersey Shore could see two to four inches of snow overnight and in the morning on Saturday, Feb. 17. All counties in South Jersey are under a winter weather advisory for the duration of the storm, with some winter storm warnings expected. The snow is expected to begin across South Jersey at around 1 a.m., according to the NWS. Places along the Pennsylvania border could see the snow start falling a little ear…
Schools
Mercer County Schools Closed Due To Major Winter Storm
Some South Jersey school districts are canceling classes or delaying the start of school before a winter storm that's expected on Tuesday, Feb. 13. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth Counties. There is also a coastal flood warning in Atlantic, Burlington, Cape May, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties. The NWS predicts four to six inches of snow in Trenton, three to four inches in Long Branch, and one to two inches in Toms River. Southern Jersey Shore places like Atlantic City, Cape May County, Long Beach, Ocean City, and Vinela…
Police & Fire
Toms River Heroin Dealer Pleads Guilty
A Toms River man admitted to selling heroin throughout Ocean County, authorities said. Zachary Lockwood, 25, pleaded guilty on Monday, Feb. 12, to possession of one-half ounce or more of heroin with intent to distribute, being a certain person not to possess a weapon, and resisting arrest, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced. He also pleaded guilty to an unrelated eluding charge from a second incident. Toms River police started investigating Lockwood in July 2023 as someone distributing heroin in Ocean County. Police were granted search warrants for his home a…
Obituaries
Former Toms River Track Star Diego Rodriguez Garibaldi Dies Following Crash, 19
Family and loved ones are mourning the death of a teen from Toms River. A GoFundMe page was created in the memory of Diego Rodriguez Garibaldi, who died on Friday, Jan. 26 at 19 years old, according to his obituary. The memorial fundraiser was created after a car crash sent Rodriguez Garibaldi to the hospital. Details in the crash were not immediately available. The GoFundMe page raised more than $28,500 from at least 500 donations as of Thursday, Feb. 8. "Your overwhelming support has meant the world to his family during this challenging time," the fundraiser page said. "We are gra…
Police & Fire
NJ Ex-Con Featured On 'America's Most Wanted' Pleads Guilty In Deadly Stabbing
An Ocean County ex-convict and parolee once featured on the TV show "America's Most Wanted" admitted to his role in the stabbing death of a Seaside Heights man, authorities said. Angelo Grenci, 47, of Berkeley Township, pleaded guilty on Monday, Jan. 29 to aggravated manslaughter, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced on Tuesday, Jan. 30. Grenci was charged in the killing of 50-year-old Carlton Williams. Prosecutors will pursue a prison sentence of 25 years for Grenci. He'd have to serve 85 percent of his term before being eligible for parole under the state's No Early Release…
Police & Fire
Suspected Toms River Hookah Lounge Killer Extradited Months After Virginia Capture
Nearly nine months after his Virginia capture, a Monmouth County man will face charges in New Jersey, authorities announced. Asbury Park's Eric Manzanares, 24 — the accused gunman in a triple shooting that left one man dead and two others injured at a Toms River hookah lounge in 2022 — has been extradited from Prince William County, VA, to Ocean County, NJ, Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced on Thursday, Jan. 25. Toms River police responded to a shooting at Top Tier Hookah Lounge on Hooper Avenue at around 1:20 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Officers found three victim…
News
Pennington Biz Barred From Government Contracts Over Labor Violations: State DOL
Nineteen businesses who owe a total of $1.1 million have been barred from public contracting until they pay back their dues, the New Jersey Department of Labor said. R.A. Florio Building Contractors Inc., of Toms River, for example, has been ordered to pay $39,555.57 to the state, according to the department of labor and workforce development. The final judgment was given on Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020. The contractor is one of 101 total businesses on New Jersey's Workplace Accountability in Labor List, also known as the WALL. According to the state, Florio Building Contractors violated …
Sports
'Always The Underdog:' Toms River Fighter Frankie Edgar Will Be Inducted Into UFC Hall Of Fame
A Toms River mixed martial artist known for taking down more physically imposing fighters has reached the summit of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Frankie "The Answer" Edgar was named as the first UFC Hall of Fame inductee for 2024. The UFC announced his acceptance into MMA's most exclusive club during UFC 297 in Toronto on Saturday, Jan. 20. The UFC released a video tribute to Edgar's career when making the announcement. "Undersized, always the underdog, everyone could see themselves in Frankie," UFC commentator Din Thomas said in the video. "Frankie was really the first fighter to p…
Weather
New Forecast: Increased Snowfall Totals Expected, Arctic Temps To Follow Northeast Storm
Newly-released forecast maps show parts of the region could see up to six inches of snow in the end-of-week storm. Intermittent snow is expected to begin between 4 and 7 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19, with the heaviest amounts falling in the afternoon, the National Weather Service said. Snow will fall at about 0.5 inches per hour and will taper by the evening, with temps in the upper 20s and low 30s, the NWS said. SNOWFALL PREDICTIONS The areas expected to get 4 to 6 inches are Trenton, Long Branch, Allentown, and Philadelphia. Reading, Vineland, Parsippany and Toms River are expected to get 3 to …
Obituaries
'RIP To The Queen:' Condolences Pour In For Toms River Icon Sondra Fortunato, 'Miss Liberty'
Sondra Fortunato, an iconic New Jersey entertainer and model known to many as "Miss Liberty USA," has died. Condolences were widely posted online on Thursday, Jan. 11 for the well-known local celebrity from Toms River, including the town's Republican party organization. "Dear sweet Sondra, I first met you when I was about 12 years old. I'm now 66. We girls would see you in Seaside buying the latest fashion's," one mourner wrote. "We were all fascinated by your stunning appearance. You truly were the first Barbie doll! "As the years went by it was a delight to see you in Toms River wh…
Police & Fire
CEO In Bergen Sold $35M Worth Of Banned Chinese Surveillance Cams To Police, Others In NJ: Feds
A Jersey Shore businessman conned state and local law enforcement agencies and others into buying nearly $35 million worth of surveillance cameras that were made in China and then illegally rebranded for sale by his Bergen County company, federal authorities charged. Tamer Zakhary, 49, of Toms River, modified license-plate readers and other cameras, then removed the original company’s logo, an FBI complaint says. He then told the police departments, prosecutor's offices and other buyers throughout the state that they were compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act, U.S. Atto…
Police & Fire
Update
: Gunman Killed In Confrontation With Police Was Married To Ocean Prosecutor's Detective
UPDATE: Authorities officially identified a 39-year-old man armed with a semi-automatic rifle who was shot and killed by police in Manchester Township last week as the husband of an Ocean County prosecutor's detective. Shannon “Shane” Rose, 39, encountered police responding to a 911 call on Elizabeth Avenue in the Ocean County township shortly before 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. Two of them fired their service weapons, fatally wounding Rose, the attorney general said. "A firearm was recovered near the subject," Platkin added. It was reportedly an AR-…
Weather
These NJ Towns Got The Most Rain, Snow In Weekend Storm
The National Weather Service has released rainfall totals from the weekend storm. Between Sunday morning, Dec. 10 and Monday morning, Dec. 11, the area that got the most amount of rain was Deerfield with 4.45 inches, then Flemington/Hopewell, with 4.29 inches. Franklin Lakes saw 4.09 inches, the NWS says. Flanders only got .13 inches, and Florham Park only had .38 inches of rain. High Point got 5.1 inches of snow, according to the NWS, the most across the state, while Wantage saw 5 inches and Hardyston saw .4 inches. Here are the average inches of rain that feel from across the s…
Police & Fire
2 Broken Thumbs Down: Gambino Family Hothead Nearly Torches Jersey Shore Restaurant, Feds Say
Life imitated art when a reputed Gambino crime family captain threatened to burn down a Jersey Shore restaurant, then went to a service station across the street and tried to buy and fill a plastic gas can, federal authorities said. In what could’ve been a scene from any number of modern-day mob movies, Joseph Lanni of Staten Island became a walking cliché, the Justice Department said in announcing an organized-crime takedown that stretched all the way to Sicily. Lanni and fellow Staten Islander Vincent “Vinny Slick” Minsquero “became belligerent” after being asked to leave Roxy’s Bar and G…
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