47°
Alexis L. Prager, 22, of Holmdel, and Aaron M. Olmeda, 21, of Point Pleasant, were charged with defiant trespass after police found them on the abandoned property at 23 Main St. around 2:19 a.m. on Dec. 4, 2024, according to Holmdel Township police paperwork.
The duo's misadventure, which was first reported by Transparency Bodycam, unraveled when Patrolman Robert Lambe spotted Olmeda’s empty 2008 Honda Accord in the parking lot and decided to investigate. Minutes later, he found Olmeda himself lingering nearby. When asked what he was doing, Olmeda allegedly said he was “going for a walk” and checking out the old Vonage site because he had seen a Reddit post about abandoned buildings.
With temperatures at a bone-chilling 23 degrees, police weren’t convinced Olmeda had just gone for a casual stroll, police paperwork says. Officers also noted the property had been a frequent target for vandalism and break-ins.
As Lambe kept an eye on Olmeda, Patrolman Michael Sasso checked the building—and that’s when things got even more suspicious. A figure peeked around the corner before cautiously stepping forward. That figure, police said, was Prager.
When questioned, Prager admitted she and Olmeda had tried to get inside the building but found the doors locked. She was standing directly in front of a large "NO TRESPASSING" sign and told officers she just wanted to snap some interior photos, police said.
Backup officers arrived to inspect the property, confirming no new damage. The pair was charged with defiant trespass and released on a summons—but probably not before getting a very real lesson in why exploring abandoned buildings isn't always the best late-night activity.
VONAGE REDEVELOPMENT
A redevelopment plan aims to transform the former Vonage headquarters into a senior living community with housing, medical offices, and recreational spaces. The project will repurpose the 350,000-square-foot building while adding assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities, along with senior apartments and townhomes.
Plans include walking trails, sports courts, a golf simulator, and a fitness center, as well as a new emergency services facility for police, fire, and EMS. A portion of the units will be designated for affordable housing.
Click here for more from Transparency Bodycam.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Bayville-Berkeley and receive free news updates.
