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Ocean County Sheriff’s Office

Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators
Campfire Accidentally Sparked Huge Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood: Investigators An illegal and abandoned campfire started a massive wildfire that burned for three days in Ocean County, authorities said. Investigators determined the wildfire was accidentally started by "an unknown person(s) improperly extinguishing a campfire," Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The roughly 189-acre wildfire burned near Fishers Pit, a sand and gravel pit in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township. In its final update, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the wildfire was 100 percent contained a…
Smoke Diminshes As Crews Begin Containing Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood (UPDATE) Smoke Diminshes As Crews Begin Containing Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood (UPDATE)
Smoke Diminshes As Crews Begin Containing Wildfire Near Jersey Shore Neighborhood (Update) Smoke has diminished as a massive wildfire burned for a second day in Ocean County, officials said. The fire was first spotted at the Cedar Bridge fire tower at 4:44 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 9, the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said in an update. The roughly 189-acre wildfire was burning near Fishers Pit, a sand and gravel pit in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township. Conditions have improved after "erratic fire behavior" caused problems for the first firefighters at the scene. "Fire crews continue to secure and reinforce containment lines by mopping up hot …
Crews Battle 150-Acre Wildfire Across Ocean County (DEVELOPING) Crews Battle 150-Acre Wildfire Across Ocean County (DEVELOPING)
Crews Battle 150-Acre Wildfire Across Ocean County (Developing) Firefighters were battling a massive wildfire in Ocean County that broke out late Monday, Sept. 9, officials said. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the fire was burning near Fishers Pit, a sand and gravel pit in the Bayville section of Berkeley Township. The NJFFS first posted on Twitter about the wildfire at 7:30 p.m. Monday. As of Tuesday morning, the fire had been 20 percent contained to 150 acres, after spreading near Northern Boulevard in the Barnegat Pines neighborhood of Berkeley. "When firefighters arrived on scene initial attack efforts were unsuccessful due to erratic…
Four-Year-Old Pulled From Jersey Shore Pool Dies On Labor Day, Investigators Say Four-Year-Old Pulled From Jersey Shore Pool Dies On Labor Day, Investigators Say
Four-Year-Old Pulled From Jersey Shore Pool Dies On Labor Day, Investigators Say A young boy died on Labor Day after he was pulled from an Ocean County swimming pool a few days earlier, authorities said. The four-year-old was pronounced dead at Jersey Shore University Medical Center on Monday, Sept. 2, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Berkeley Township police responded to "an accidental submersion" at a home in South Seaside Park at around 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30. Paramedics performed CPR on the boy before he was rushed to the Neptune hospital.  The boy was originally listed in critical but stable…
Divers Pull Drowning Swimmer From Privately-Owned NJ Lake Divers Pull Drowning Swimmer From Privately-Owned NJ Lake
Divers Pull Drowning Swimmer From Privately-Owned NJ Lake Dive teams pulled a drowning swimmer from a privately-owned New Jersey lake Monday evening, July 29. According to Whiting Fire Company Station 33, multiple rescue agencies were called to Heritage Mineral's Crystal Lake in Manchester around 6:55 p.m. for a submerged individual. UPDATE: Police ID Crystal Lake Drowning Victim As 18-Year-Old Trespasser Whiting Fire divers and surface swimmers went into the water and, after a brief search, found the swimmer. The swimmer was turned over to EMS and the Ocean County Sheriff's Office took control of the scene. The victim's condition…
Tattooed Gunman Charged With Shooting NJ Victim In Face In Tag-Team Assault: Prosecutor Tattooed Gunman Charged With Shooting NJ Victim In Face In Tag-Team Assault: Prosecutor
Tattooed Gunman Charged With Shooting NJ Victim In Face In Tag-Team Assault: Prosecutor A 26-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after shooting another man in his face last month, authorities in Ocean County said. Michael Vulpis, 26, was arrested at his home in Freehold on Wednesday, July 3, in connection with the June 27 incident in Jackson Township, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The 27-year-old victim and a female were sitting in a parked car outside of a home on Larsen Road when a blue sedan then parked in front of the vehicle, blocking it in, Billhimer said.  Vulpis and another man got out of the blue sedan, approached the ve…
Teen On Ventilator, Families Rebuilding After Massive Townhome Fire In Toms River: Fundraisers Teen On Ventilator, Families Rebuilding After Massive Townhome Fire In Toms River: Fundraisers
Teen On Ventilator, Families Rebuilding After Massive Townhome Fire In Toms River: Fundraisers A teen was put on a ventilator after a fire ripped through a Toms River townhome complex, according to a fundraising campaign. A GoFundMe page said the 17-year-old boy named Matthew was in the intensive care unit at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick after inhaling "a significant amount of soot and smoke." Two of his family members and three firefighters were also injured in the massive fire at Mariners Cove on Monday, July 1. Matthew's GoFundMe page had raised more than $2,200 from at least 39 donations as of Tuesday, July 2. "Our family is absolutely crushed over th…
Six Firefighters, Residents Injured In Massive Toms River Townhouse Complex Fire Six Firefighters, Residents Injured In Massive Toms River Townhouse Complex Fire
Six Firefighters, Residents Injured In Massive Toms River Townhouse Complex Fire Six people were injured, including three firefighters, when townhomes caught fire near the Toms River waterfront, officials said. Silverton firefighters responded to the fire on Kettle Creek Road at around 3:20 a.m. on Monday, July 1, the Toms River Bureau of Fire Prevention said in a news release. Two townhome units were fully on fire and flames were spreading to neighboring units in the Mariners Cove townhome complex. First reports said a man was possibly trapped inside the building and fire crews began searching for him. They had to retreat because of how severe the fire was bu…
Manchester Shooting Victim, 25, Dies After Being Airlifted To Hospital, Cops Say Manchester Shooting Victim, 25, Dies After Being Airlifted To Hospital, Cops Say
Manchester Shooting Victim, 25, Dies After Being Airlifted To Hospital, Cops Say Police in one Ocean County town are investigating the shooting death of a 25-year-old woman on Thursday, June 27, authorities said. Officers responding to a 9-1-1 call found the woman on Ridgeway Road and Hope Chapel Road with a gunshot wound to her stomach just before 5 p.m., Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. ALSO SEE: Victim Of Ocean County Shooting, 25, Was 'Vibrant' Mom Survived By Young Son, Obituary Says The victim was airlifted to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where she died of her injuries, the prosecutor said alongside Manc…
Suspect Wanted After Shots Fired At Bike Rider In Toms River Mobile Home Park Suspect Wanted After Shots Fired At Bike Rider In Toms River Mobile Home Park
Suspect Wanted After Shots Fired At Bike Rider In Toms River Mobile Home Park A teen was charged with attempted murder and another suspect was wanted after shots were fired at a bicyclist in Toms River, authorities said. In a news release, Toms River police said officers responded to a report of gunshots on Camino Medio in the Friendly Village of Riverwood at around 4:05 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14. A male victim told police he was riding his bike in the mobile home park when a teen he knew shot at him. The bike rider was not injured by the several shots that were fired but some bullets did hit houses in the neighborhood. Investigators from the Ocean Count…
Officer Rescuing Victim, Firefighter Hospitalized In Massive Lakewood Blaze: Prosecutor Officer Rescuing Victim, Firefighter Hospitalized In Massive Lakewood Blaze: Prosecutor
Officer Rescuing Victim, Firefighter Hospitalized In Massive Lakewood Blaze: Prosecutor A firefighter, a police officer, and a civilian were hospitalized in a fire in Lakewood caused by improperly discarded smoking material early Saturday, May 4, authorities said. Heavy flames were coming from the front and back of the house on Joe Parker Road when emergency personnel arrived around 1:20 a.m., Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Occupants of the home told responders one person was still inside. A Lakewood police officer successfully rescued him from the home. He was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for treatment of his injurie…
Jersey Shore Man Admits Anti-Semitic Rampage: Running Down Victims, Stabbing, Carjacking Jersey Shore Man Admits Anti-Semitic Rampage: Running Down Victims, Stabbing, Carjacking
Jersey Shore Man Admits Anti-Semitic Rampage: Running Down Victims, Stabbing, Carjacking A Jersey Shore man admitted in federal court on Thursday that he committed a series of violent assaults on members of the Jewish Orthodox community in and around Lakewood. What became a rampage over roughly seven hours began when Dion Marsh, 29, of Manchester, dragged a "visibly identifiable" Orthodox Jew out of his car, beat him and sped off in the victim's vehicle on April 8, 2022, authorities said. Marsh was driving a different car in the heavily Orthodox community hours later when he ran down victims in three separate incidents, attempting to kill each of them, U.S. Attorney for New Jer…
Former Jersey Shore Mayor Sentenced For Taking Money From Parking Meters, Government Auctions Former Jersey Shore Mayor Sentenced For Taking Money From Parking Meters, Government Auctions
Former Jersey Shore Mayor Sentenced For Taking Money From Parking Meters, Government Auctions A former mayor of Ocean Gate will spend time in state prison for pocketing money from government auctions, parking meter funds, and scrap metal sales, authorities said. Paul Kennedy, 68, of Ocean Gate, was sentenced on Friday, Jan. 26 to three years in prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer announced. Kennedy pleaded guilty on Friday, Sept. 22 to pattern of official misconduct. As part of his plea deal, Kennedy is banned from holding public office or employment. Investigators said that while he was mayor, Kennedy took money from borough assets sold on the government auc…
Jersey Shore Man Gets Prison Time For Stabbing: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Gets Prison Time For Stabbing: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Gets Prison Time For Stabbing: Prosecutor A 35-year-old man from Ocean County has been sentenced to seven years in New Jersey State Prison in connection with a stabbing, authorities said. Michael Stallworth, of Seaside Heights, was convicted for aggravated assault, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On July 26, 2021, at approximately 4 p.m., Officers of the Brick Township Police Department responded to the parking lot of the ShopRite on Route 70 in Brick in response to a male victim having been stabbed. Responding Officers found a 44 year-old male victim with apparent stab wounds to his back.&…
Jersey Shore Man Charged In Fatal 86 MPH DWI Crash: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Charged In Fatal 86 MPH DWI Crash: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Charged In Fatal 86 MPH DWI Crash: Prosecutor A 41-year-old man from the Jersey Shore has been charged with vehicular manslaughter in connection with a fatal high-speed crash in May, authorities said. John Zinkoski, 41, of Beachwood, surrendered himself to the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, Aug. 22, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. The charges are in connection with the alcohol-related crash that occurred in Plumsted Township which resulted in the death of Judi Smith, 59, of Browns Mills, the prosecutor said. On May 12 at approximately 5:50 p.m., Plumsted Township police re…
Man Who Shot At Jersey Shore Police Dies Of Self-Inflicted Wound: Prosecutor Man Who Shot At Jersey Shore Police Dies Of Self-Inflicted Wound: Prosecutor
Man Who Shot At Jersey Shore Police Dies Of Self-Inflicted Wound: Prosecutor A 28-year-old man from Brick Township has died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds after firing a weapon at police, authorities said. Corey Johnson, of Brick Township, who allegedly fired a weapon at a Brick Township Police Officer on Monday, Aug. 14, succumbed to his self-inflicted injuries at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On Monday, at approximately 8:40 a.m., the Brick Township Police Department received a 911 call from a female stating that she had been notified by her Ring doorbell camera th…
Man Fires Weapon At Jersey Shore Police, Shoots Himself: Prosecutor Man Fires Weapon At Jersey Shore Police, Shoots Himself: Prosecutor
Man Fires Weapon At Jersey Shore Police, Shoots Himself: Prosecutor A 28-year-old man from Brick Township is in critical condition after firing a weapon at police and then shooting himself, authorities said. On Monday, Aug. 14, at approximately 8:40 a.m., the Brick Township Police Department received a 911 call from a female stating that she had been notified by her Ring doorbell camera that her ex-husband, identified as Corey Johnson, 28, of Brick Township, had broken into her residence on Judy Court. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s O…
4 Killed As Roof Collapses In Ocean County House Fire 4 Killed As Roof Collapses In Ocean County House Fire
4 Killed As Roof Collapses In Ocean County House Fire Four people were killed when a roof collapsed during a house fire in Ocean County, authorities said. On Tuesday, Aug. 1, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a structure fire with entrapment was reported on Buttonwood Drive in the Lanoka Harbor section of Lacey Township, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Upon arrival, emergency personnel discovered a fully engulfed two-story structure fire. A female victim was rescued from the rear of the structure. She was taken to Community Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.  There were four additional victims insid…
NJ Driver Bailed In Crash That Left Passenger Dead: Prosecutor NJ Driver Bailed In Crash That Left Passenger Dead: Prosecutor
NJ Driver Bailed In Crash That Left Passenger Dead: Prosecutor A 26-year-old man has been arrested for leaving the scene of a crash that left his passenger dead in Ocean County, authorities said. Angel Garcia-Rodriguez, 26, of Lakewood, was behind the wheel of a 2007 Honda Civic when he lost control and struck a utility pole on James Street around 2:25 a.m. Saturday, July 22, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Officers found a critically injured male in the passenger seat of the vehicle. He was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he died, Billhimer said. Garcia-Rodriguez fled the scene before police a…
'Suspicious Death' Investigated In Lakewood: Prosecutor 'Suspicious Death' Investigated In Lakewood: Prosecutor
'Suspicious Death' Investigated In Lakewood: Prosecutor Authorities are investigating a suspicious death in Lakewood. On Tuesday, May 30, Lakewood police responded to a residence on Thornbury Court for a wellness check, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Police found the body of a dead woman, Billhimer said. “This is a suspicious death and this remains an active and ongoing investigation," the prosecutor said. "There is no danger to the public and more information will be released when it becomes available."  The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department and Ocean…
Twister Bursts Massive Sports Dome In Ocean County, 2nd Tornado Confirmed In Burlington County Twister Bursts Massive Sports Dome In Ocean County, 2nd Tornado Confirmed In Burlington County
Twister Bursts Massive Sports Dome In Ocean County, 2nd Tornado Confirmed In Burlington County One of two tornados confirmed in New Jersey ruptured one of the nation's largest sports bubbles. The 10,000-square-foot inflatable dome at Adventure Sports & Entertainment, near Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, ruptured in the midst of the twister on Saturday night, April 1, according to the Ocean County Sheriff's Office and National Weather Service. Thankfully no injuries to recreational bubble located near Six Flags Great Adventure. Posted by Ocean County Sheriff 911 on Sunday, April 2, 2023 The theme park was expected to be closed until Wednesday, April 5. A secon…
Toms River Man Found Dead In Water: Prosecutor Toms River Man Found Dead In Water: Prosecutor
Toms River Man Found Dead In Water: Prosecutor The body of a Toms River man reported missing was found in a body of water on Thursday, March 28, authorities said. John Applegate, also known as “Bubby," was found in an area of water between Lakehurst Road and Route 37, after having been missing since Friday, March 24, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. His body was found by a family friend who had volunteered to assist with the search. Applegate's body was taken to Community Medical Center pending a post-mortem examination. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Depart…
Suspicious Brush Fire Investigated On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor Suspicious Brush Fire Investigated On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor
Suspicious Brush Fire Investigated On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor A series of small fires is being investigated as suspicious in origin by Ocean County authorities. On Monday, Feb. 20, at approximately 2:20 p.m., the Berkeley Township Police Department and the Beachwood Borough Fire Department responded to a wooded area inside Johnson’s Pit, located in Berkeley Township, for a report of a brush fire.  Emergency personnel discovered and extinguished a small brush fire. An investigation by the Ocean County Fire Marshals Office and New Jersey State Forest Fire Service determined that there were three separate fires, including one&nb…
Homeowner Killed In Toms River Trailer Park Fire Homeowner Killed In Toms River Trailer Park Fire
Homeowner Killed In Toms River Trailer Park Fire An unidentified man was killed in a house fire at a Toms River trailer park, authorities said. On Thursday, Feb. 16 at about 3 p.m., Toms River police and firefighters were dispatched to a reported structure fire on Roberts Road.  During the primary search of the residence, the body of a dead male was discovered, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.  The decedent’s body was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River for a post mortem examination and identification, he said. A firefighter was treated for a minor injury at Commu…
NJ Detective Required To Sell Handguns Later Reported One As Stolen: Prosecutor NJ Detective Required To Sell Handguns Later Reported One As Stolen: Prosecutor
NJ Detective Required To Sell Handguns Later Reported One As Stolen: Prosecutor A 47-year-old police detective from the Jersey Shore was required to sell handguns due to a restraining order, authorities said. And in 2022, Matthew Curtis signed paperwork saying he did, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. But months later, when some of his guns were stolen out of his car in Little Egg Harbor, the Island Heights detective filed a police report saying that one of the firearms he had claimed he sold was among the items stolen, Billhimer said. Curtis — who once helped deliver a baby — was subsequently charged on Monday, Feb. 13 with with…
Ex-Long Beach Officer Stole $47K From PBA: Prosecutor Ex-Long Beach Officer Stole $47K From PBA: Prosecutor
Ex-Long Beach Officer Stole $47K From PBA: Prosecutor A retired Long Beach police officer is accused of taking $47,000 from a PBA account for his own benefit, authorities said. Jason Hildebrant, 44, of Forked River, was charged with theft by failure to make required disposition, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. The charge results from an investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crimes Squad and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Professional Standards Unit.  The investigation revealed that Hildebrant — a recently retired Long Beach Township Police Officer — w…
Verizon Solicitor Indicted For Fatally Stabbing Ocean County Man During Fight Verizon Solicitor Indicted For Fatally Stabbing Ocean County Man During Fight
Verizon Solicitor Indicted For Fatally Stabbing Ocean County Man During Fight A man soliciting customers on behalf of Verizon has been indicted in connection with a fatal stabbing, authorities said. Michael Tsamas, 33, of Laurence Harbor, was indicted by a grand jury on the charges of aggravated manslaughter and weapons offenses in the death of Joseph Delgardio, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On May 26, 2022, at approximately 6:15 p.m., officers from the Jackson Township Police Department responded to West Veterans Highway and Conor Road in reference to a 911 call stating that a male was lying in the road…
Jersey Shore Man Gets 35 Years State Prison In Motel Stabbing Death Jersey Shore Man Gets 35 Years State Prison In Motel Stabbing Death
Jersey Shore Man Gets 35 Years State Prison In Motel Stabbing Death A 51-year-old man from Seaside Heights has been sentenced to 35 years in New Jersey State Prison in connection with a murder in a motel, authorities said. Gerardo Ruiz was sentenced on Friday, Dec. 9 for aggravated manslaughter in the death of Alecia Perreault, 29, also of Seaside Heights, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On May 1, 2021, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Seaside Heights Police received a telephone call from an individual claiming to have knowledge that Ruiz killed a woman at the Offshore Motel in Seaside Heights, Billhimer said. The caller…
'Crazy Rescue Ladies': 180 Animals Saved From Deplorable Conditions Of Jersey Shore Home 'Crazy Rescue Ladies': 180 Animals Saved From Deplorable Conditions Of Jersey Shore Home
'Crazy Rescue Ladies': 180 Animals Saved From Deplorable Conditions Of Jersey Shore Home Two women who call themselves "Crazy Rescue Ladies" on social media have been charged after authorities found nearly 180 dogs and cats living in unsanitary conditions in their Jersey Shore puppy mill last week police said. Aimee Lonczak, 49, and Michele Nycz, 58 — who call themselves the "Crazy Rescue Ladies" — were speaking to officers in the driveway of an Arrowhead Park Drive home in Brick Township, after law enforcement had been called to the scene on a complaint of a puppy mill around 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 2, township police said. Current DOGS IN IMMEDIATE NEED OF ADOPTION OR RES…
Jersey Shore Man Indicted In Road Rage Death: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Indicted In Road Rage Death: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Indicted In Road Rage Death: Prosecutor A 20-year-old man from Lakewood has been indicted in connection with a fatal crash during a road rage incident, authorities said. Avrohom Pam was charged with death by auto and assault by auto, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer  The crash resulted in the death of Sean Avon, 26, of Brick Township, he said. On June 11, 2021, at approximately 5:15 p.m., Lakewood Township Police were called to Lanes Mills Road for a report of a serious motor vehicle crash. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Vehicular Homicide Squad, Lakewood To…
Jersey Shore Man Admits Killing Woman At Motel: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Man Admits Killing Woman At Motel: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Man Admits Killing Woman At Motel: Prosecutor A 51-year-old man has admitted to his role in killing a woman at a Jersey Shore motel, authorities said. Gerardo Ruiz, of Seaside Heights, pleaded guilty to aggravated manslaughter in connection with the death of Alecia Perreault, 29, of Seaside Heights, that occurred on May 1, 2021, in Seaside Heights, they said. On May 1, 2021, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Seaside Heights Police received a telephone call from an individual claiming to have knowledge that Ruiz killed a woman at the Offshore Motel in Seaside Heights, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer …