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Lakewood, NJ

Stab Wound To The Heart: Suspect Convicted Of Ocean County Manslaughter, Prosecutor Says Stab Wound To The Heart: Suspect Convicted Of Ocean County Manslaughter, Prosecutor Says
Stab Wound To The Heart: Suspect Convicted Of Ocean County Manslaughter, Prosecutor Says A 28-year-old Jackson man faces up to 30 years in prison after he was convicted on Friday, Feb. 21 of fatally stabbing a man in the heart in 2020. On Friday, June 19, at 5 a.m., Jackson Township police found Isaiah Renouf, a 23-year-old Jackson resident on the floor of a Cannon Blvd. residence with a large wound to his chest, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. Renouf was taken to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead, Billhimer said.  An investigation revealed J'Shawn Cutler stabbed Renouf. He was apprehended that same day following a traffic stop in Lakewood. Cu…
Construction Worker Killed In Fall, Failed To Secure Safety Harness: Lakewood Police Construction Worker Killed In Fall, Failed To Secure Safety Harness: Lakewood Police
Construction Worker Killed In Fall, Failed To Secure Safety Harness: Lakewood Police A 51-year-old construction worker from The Bronx was killed after falling three floors in Lakewood on the morning of Friday, Feb. 21, authorities said. Jorge Paltan-Ajila was working at a construction site at 1600 Avenue of the States, Lakewood police said. Paltan-Ajila while working on the third floor of the construction site, slipped and fell while handing tools to a fellow employee on a boom lift, police said. He was wearing a safety harness, but it was not secured to any anchor point, police said. As he stepped on an unsecured beam, both the beam and Mr. Paltan-Ajila slip…
Another Man Accused Of Exposing Himself To Young Girls In Ocean County: Prosecutor Another Man Accused Of Exposing Himself To Young Girls In Ocean County: Prosecutor
Another Man Accused Of Exposing Himself To Young Girls In Ocean County: Prosecutor The day after authorities announced the arrest of an 18-year-old ski-masked man masturbating in front of young females, officials in the same county announced a similar arrest. Michael Marto, 28, of Tuckerton, exposed his penis to a 10-year-old girl, propositioned two 15-year-old girls, and made sexual comments toward a 17-year-old girl — all in Lakewood, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. Marto's arrest comes one day after that of Massinissa Ladj, who wore a ski mask as he drove around and masturbated in front of females as young as 12 years old in Lakewood, polic…
Ski-Masked Masturbator Who Lured 4 Females To His Vehicle In Ocean County Arrested: Prosecutor Ski-Masked Masturbator Who Lured 4 Females To His Vehicle In Ocean County Arrested: Prosecutor
Ski-Masked Masturbator Who Lured 4 Females To His Vehicle In Ocean County Arrested: Prosecutor An 18-year-old man who lured multiple females including a pre-teen to his vehicle, masturbated in front of most of them, and then drove off in multiple Ocean County towns has been arrested. Massinissa Ladj, of Jackson, has been charged with sexual assault, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child, and four counts of lewdness, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. On Jan. 24, Lakewood police were notified that a male wearing a ski mask and driving a black vehicle motioned to a 16-year-old girl who was walking down East 5th Avenue to approach his car the previ…
3,200 Without Power In Middlesex County 3,200 Without Power In Middlesex County
3,200 Without Power In Middlesex County Thousands of New Jersey residents remained without power Monday morning, Feb. 17, after wind gusts of nearly 70 mph over the weekend. According to the PSE&G outage center, the following areas were in the dark as of 7:50 a.m: Burlington County: 2,400 Camden County: 787 Mercer County: 1,900 According to JCP&L, the same was true for the following customers: Hunterdon County: 2,075 Mercer County: 787 Middlesex County: 3,236 Monmouth County: 6,384 Morris County: 1,600 Ocean County: 3,300 Restoration times are varied. The highest wind gust in the state was 71 mph, …
Toms River Drug Raid Nets Four Arrests In Crack Cocaine Ring: Prosecutor Toms River Drug Raid Nets Four Arrests In Crack Cocaine Ring: Prosecutor
Toms River Drug Raid Nets Four Arrests In Crack Cocaine Ring: Prosecutor Four people were recently arrested after multiple searches unraveled a crack cocaine ring in Toms River, authorities said. Keith Morse, a 20-year-old Toms River resident, was using a residence on Walnut Street to store and distribute crack cocaine, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. Detectives observed Morse meeting with Phillip Tarver, a 41-year-old Toms River resident on Tuesday, Jan. 21, Billhimer said. Police pulled over Tarver's vehicle on Route 37 and a search of the car turned up crack cocaine, pills and $5300 in currency. Tarver was hit with numerous drug char…
Toms River Mom Of 5, Model Dies After 3-Year Cancer Battle: Remembering Tina Vasile Toms River Mom Of 5, Model Dies After 3-Year Cancer Battle: Remembering Tina Vasile
Toms River Mom Of 5, Model Dies After 3-Year Cancer Battle: Remembering Tina Vasile Tina Vasile, a mother of five from Toms River, passed away on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, after a three-year battle with ovarian cancer, according to her obituary on the Ocean County Cremation Service website. She was 45 years old. Born in Lakewood, Tina was known for her love of life, glamorous style, and deep devotion to her children, her obituary reads. A former model and actress, Tina had a passion for fashion, makeup, and music, never turning down an opportunity for a concert or a night out. Tina Vasile  Tina Vasile Facebook photo Tina Vasile Tina Vasile Faceb…
Newark Man Stole $700K Worth Of Luxury Vehicles: AG Newark Man Stole $700K Worth Of Luxury Vehicles: AG
Newark Man Stole $700K Worth Of Luxury Vehicles: AG A 19-year-old Newark man was arrested and charged with running a residential burglary and auto theft ring throughout the state last year, authorities said. Samir White's crew  targeted high-end vehicles throughout New Jersey and New York, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said. White and others used stolen vehicles to travel to target locations throughout Monmouth, Ocean, and Essex counties, where they forced entry into homes using a crowbar, removed expensive items and key fobs to vehicles, then stole the homeowner’s cars from the residence, Platkin said. The estimated value of vehicles…
Trail Of Terror: Prison For NJ Man In Cross-County Crime Spree Trail Of Terror: Prison For NJ Man In Cross-County Crime Spree
Trail Of Terror: Prison For NJ Man In Cross-County Crime Spree A New Jersey man who left a trail of terror across county lines in a crime spree involving attempted kidnapping, sexual assault, and high-speed police chases has been sentenced to over a decade in state prison, officials announced. Quamel Benton, 36, of Farmingdale (Monmouth County) was sentenced on Jan. 10, to seven years in New Jersey State Prison for attempted kidnapping by Superior Court Judge Kenneth T. Palmer, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer.  The sentence requires Benton to serve at least 85% of his term under the No Early Release Act. He also received additional se…
Driver High On Meth In Toms River Crash That Injured Four People Sentenced, Prosecutors Say Driver High On Meth In Toms River Crash That Injured Four People Sentenced, Prosecutors Say
Driver High On Meth In Toms River Crash That Injured Four People Sentenced, Prosecutors Say A Jackson Township man will spend up to two decades in prison for driving a stolen pickup while high on methamphetamine in a crash that injured another man and three children, authorities said. Charles Sharkey Jr., 35, was sentenced to 20 years in state prison on Friday, Dec. 20, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He was given two 10-year sentences that will run consecutively. Sharkey previously pleaded guilty to aggravated assault and certain person not to possess a firearm. He was charged in a crash at around 4 p.m. on Thur…
Photos Show Plane Crash Near Lakewood Airport, 4 Miraculously Survive (UPDATE) Photos Show Plane Crash Near Lakewood Airport, 4 Miraculously Survive (UPDATE)
Photos Show Plane Crash Near Lakewood Airport, 4 Miraculously Survive (Update) A small plane crashed near Lakewood's airport, leaving four passengers injured, authorities said. Officers received a call about the crash at the Lakewood Township Municipal Airport just before 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, a Lakewood Police Department spokesperson said. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found the plane in a wooded area. The general aviation airport is located on 191 acres off Cedarbridge Avenue and is operated by the township government. Photos were shared by The Lakewood Scoop, who was the first to report the story. View this pos…
Two Men Captured 14 Years After Toms River Killing To Remain In Jail, Prosecutors Say Two Men Captured 14 Years After Toms River Killing To Remain In Jail, Prosecutors Say
Two Men Captured 14 Years After Toms River Killing To Remain In Jail, Prosecutors Say Two Lakewood men charged in the 2010 shooting death of a man in Toms River will stay in jail, authorities said. Judges ordered 36-year-old Maurice Cole and 41-year-old Jerron Evans to remain detained pending their trials, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nolan Jr. said in a news release on Tuesday, Dec. 10.  The duo was accused of taking part in the killing of 22-year-old Rondell Proctor, who was originally from Arkansas. Toms River police responded to the shooting at the Winteringham Village Apartments on Route 166 at around 12:45 p.m. on Thursd…
Woman Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries In Jersey Shore Pedestrian Crash, Prosecutors Say Woman Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries In Jersey Shore Pedestrian Crash, Prosecutors Say
Woman Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries In Jersey Shore Pedestrian Crash, Prosecutors Say A pedestrian was severely injured after being struck by a vehicle in Howell Township, authorities said. The crash happened near the intersection of US Route 9 and Lanes Mill Road at around 5:17 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Thursday, Dec. 5. Howell Township police responded to the scene and found a 45-year-old woman from Lakewood had been hit by a vehicle while crossing the road. Investigators said a female driver was heading north in the left lane of Route 9 when the collision occurred. The driver stayed at the sce…
Cold Case Breakthrough: Duo Charged With Murder In 2010 Toms River Killing, Prosecutors Say Cold Case Breakthrough: Duo Charged With Murder In 2010 Toms River Killing, Prosecutors Say
Cold Case Breakthrough: Duo Charged With Murder In 2010 Toms River Killing, Prosecutors Say Two Lakewood men have been arrested more than 14 years after the shooting death of a man in Toms River, authorities said. Maurice Cole, 36, and Jerron Evans, 41, were charged with murder, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nolan Jr. said in a news release on Wednesday, Dec. 4. They were accused of taking part in the killing of 22-year-old Rondell Proctor, who was originally from Arkansas. Toms River police responded to the shooting at the Winteringham Village Apartments on Route 166 at around 12:45 p.m. on Thursday, May 27, 2010. Officers found Proctor with several&nb…
Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Fully Contained, Smoke Lingers After Days Of Tense Battles Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Fully Contained, Smoke Lingers After Days Of Tense Battles
Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Fully Contained, Smoke Lingers After Days Of Tense Battles A wildfire that sent heavy smoke into the sky over a Lakewood golf club has been tamed, officials said. The Lakewood Country Club wildfire was 100 percent contained by 9 a.m., the New Jersey Forest Fire Service said on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The roughly 35-acre fire burned dangerously close to the golf course and Pine Park. What began as a fast-moving threat on Monday, Nov. 18 initially put six buildings on Seminole Drive at risk. Crews rushed to the blaze, preventing any building from being damaged and no evacuations were ordered. The wildfire forced Clearstream Road to close betwe…
UPDATE: Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Half-Contained After Scorching 35 Acres UPDATE: Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Half-Contained After Scorching 35 Acres
Update: Wildfire Near NJ Golf Course Half-Contained After Scorching 35 Acres Firefighters have contained about half of a wildfire in Lakewood, where flames have scorched dozens of acres, officials said. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service said the 35-acre wildfire was about 50 percent contained as of around 7:40 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19. The fire was burning near Pine Park and the Lakewood Country Club. Clearstream Road remained closed between Brewers Bridge and Hope Chapel Road as crews continued their work. To combat the flames, crews have deployed fire engines, bulldozers, a helicopter, and ground teams to the site. Six buildings on Seminole Drive were …
Photos Show Firefighters Battling 40-Acre Burlington County Forest Fire (UPDATE) Photos Show Firefighters Battling 40-Acre Burlington County Forest Fire (UPDATE)
Photos Show Firefighters Battling 40-Acre Burlington County Forest Fire (Update) A 40-acre wildfire that threatened 20 homes in Burlington County has been fully contained, according to the New Jersey Forest Fire Service. WILDFIRE UPDATE: Big Rusty Wildfire - Hainesport, Burlington County At 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the New Jersey... Posted by New Jersey Forest Fire Service on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Crews achieved 100% containment of the Big Rusty Wildfire near Bancroft Lane and Cove Court at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20, two days after flames erupted.  While no evacuations were required, residents are advised that smoke may linger in the…
Jersey Shore Man Who Killed Victim After Dice Game Gets Life In Prison, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Man Who Killed Victim After Dice Game Gets Life In Prison, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Man Who Killed Victim After Dice Game Gets Life In Prison, Prosecutors Say An Asbury Park man will spend the rest of his life in prison for killing a Lakewood man and robbing him after a dice game, authorities said. Jaszhark Rogers, 38, was sentenced to life in prison, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Friday, Nov. 15. He also received 46 additional years for other charges at his sentencing on Friday, Nov. 1. Asbury Park police responded to the 1200 block of Washington Avenue just after 12:15 a.m. on Saturday, June 18, 2022. Officers found 26-year-old Yahnie Patterson lying in the road with severe head trauma. Patters…
NJ Ranks Among Top States For Hospital Safety In Fall 2024, Leapfrog Report Finds NJ Ranks Among Top States For Hospital Safety In Fall 2024, Leapfrog Report Finds
NJ Ranks Among Top States For Hospital Safety In Fall 2024, Leapfrog Report Finds New Jersey hospitals are among the safest in the nation, according to the fall 2024 Hospital Safety Grade report from The Leapfrog Group.  The Garden State ranks in the top 10 states for the highest percentage of "A" hospitals, joining states like Utah, Virginia, and Connecticut. The grades, which are updated twice a year, assess nearly 3,000 hospitals across the country on their effectiveness at preventing medical errors, accidents, and infections. The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade uses up to 30 performance measures to assign grades ranging from "A" to "F," offering patients and fami…
Jersey Shore Cocaine Dealer Gets 10 Years In State Prison, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Cocaine Dealer Gets 10 Years In State Prison, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Cocaine Dealer Gets 10 Years In State Prison, Prosecutors Say A Lakewood man will spend up to a decade in prison for selling cocaine, authorities said. Timothy Myers, 52, was sentenced on Friday, Nov. 1 to 10 years in state prison, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Lakewood police were conducting drug-related surveillance on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, when they noticed a Ford Expedition make an abrupt U-turn on John Street and park in a parking lot. Detectives saw a woman exit the SUV and enter a nearby Mercedes-Benz. When the woman got back into the Ford, police approached the SUV and Myers was the dri…
Bicyclist, 35, Critically Injured In Jersey Shore Hit-And-Run: Prosecutors Bicyclist, 35, Critically Injured In Jersey Shore Hit-And-Run: Prosecutors
Bicyclist, 35, Critically Injured In Jersey Shore Hit-And-Run: Prosecutors A woman was critically injured in a hit-and-run crash in Lakewood, authorities said. The 35-year-old bicyclist was struck by a vehicle, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 6. Lakewood police responded to the crash at the intersection of Maplehurst Avenue and Cross Street at around 7:15 p.m. Officers found the victim in the road suffering from serious bodily injuries.  Paramedics rushed the woman to Jersey Shore University Medical Center. She was in critical condition at the Neptune hospital as of press time. The…
NJ Catholic University's First Male President Announces Retirement: 'I Am Deeply Grateful' NJ Catholic University's First Male President Announces Retirement: 'I Am Deeply Grateful'
NJ Catholic University's First Male President Announces Retirement: 'I Am Deeply Grateful' Georgian Court University's first male president will retire at the end of the academic year, officials said. Dr. Joseph Marbach announced he'll step down as head of the private Catholic college in Lakewood on Monday, June 30, 2025. He's also the first non-clergy member to be president of Georgian Court. Dr. Marbach said he'll establish a scholarship in his name for students in financial need, "helping future generations of GCU students achieve their academic goals." "Serving as President of Georgian Court University has been one of the greatest honors of my life," Dr. Marbach said in a st…
South Jersey Man Who Tried To Abduct Girl, Groped Woman Pleads Guilty: Prosecutors South Jersey Man Who Tried To Abduct Girl, Groped Woman Pleads Guilty: Prosecutors
South Jersey Man Who Tried To Abduct Girl, Groped Woman Pleads Guilty: Prosecutors A Farmingdale man admitted to 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, 36, pleaded guilty on Monday, Oct. 21 to attempted kidnapping, two counts of eluding, and criminal sexual contact, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Lakewood police responded to a report of an attempted kidnapping near Forest Park Circle at around 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 21. Officers learned that a man tried to force the girl into a "smaller model" white SUV. The …
Toms River Man Convicted For Shooting Two Men In Head, Killing Them: Prosecutors Toms River Man Convicted For Shooting Two Men In Head, Killing Them: Prosecutors
Toms River Man Convicted For Shooting Two Men In Head, Killing Them: Prosecutors A Toms River man was found guilty of killing two men in a Lakewood apartment nearly three years ago, authorities said. After a nearly month-long trial, a jury convicted 42-year-old Tyshaun Drummond on Tuesday, Oct. 22 of two murder counts, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. He was charged in the deaths of 36-year-old Nicholas Hardy of Toms River and 32-year-old Sergio Chavez-Perez of Lakewood. Lakewood police responded to shots fired at an apartment complex on River Avenue at around 7:20 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021. Officers found Drummond matching…
Knife-Wielding Woman Steals Money, Cigarettes In Jersey Shore Crime Spree: Prosecutors Knife-Wielding Woman Steals Money, Cigarettes In Jersey Shore Crime Spree: Prosecutors
Knife-Wielding Woman Steals Money, Cigarettes In Jersey Shore Crime Spree: Prosecutors A Brick Township woman was accused of pulling a knife on a Berkeley Township store clerk and trying to break into another business, authorities said. Jessica Napolitano, 37, was arrested in Lakewood, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Berkeley police responded to a robbery report at The Corner Store on Ocean Gate Drive at around 4:20 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15.  Officers learned that a woman who pulled out a knife at the register demanded money and cigarettes. Store employees gave them to her before she le…
Man, 23, Found Hanging In Tree Of Family's Front Yard In New Jersey, Police Say Man, 23, Found Hanging In Tree Of Family's Front Yard In New Jersey, Police Say
Man, 23, Found Hanging In Tree Of Family's Front Yard In New Jersey, Police Say A New Jersey man was found hanging in the front yard of his family's home over the weekend, police said. Lakewood officers responding to a home on Cedar Street found the 23-year-old man hanging from a tree in the yard, Lakewood Police Capt. Gregory Staffordsmith said. Life-saving efforts were unwarranted and the man was pronounced dead. The investigation is considered closed.
Jersey Shore Target Employee Tried To Take Upskirt Pics Of Shopper, Police Say Jersey Shore Target Employee Tried To Take Upskirt Pics Of Shopper, Police Say
Jersey Shore Target Employee Tried To Take Upskirt Pics Of Shopper, Police Say An employee at the Target store in Wall Township was accused of trying to take pictures up a woman's skirt, authorities said. David Sutton, 20, was charged with invasion of privacy, obstruction of the administration of justice, and harassment, the Wall Township Police Department said in a news release on Wednesday, Aug. 28. Target management called officers to the Route 35 store on Tuesday, Aug. 27. Sutton had been found pointing his cellphone up a female customer's skirt. Sutton ran away when police arrived but he was chased down and arrested. The Lakewood man was released on a summo…
NJ Man, 39, Drowns In Delaware Water Gap NJ Man, 39, Drowns In Delaware Water Gap
NJ Man, 39, Drowns In Delaware Water Gap A New Jersey man's body was discovered in the Delaware River, authorities said. The 39-year-old Lakewood man was found dead in Bushkill, Pennsylvania, on Monday, Aug. 26, a National Park Service spokesperson said in a news release. His body was spotted about 20 to 30 feet from the shore at the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Rangers and divers responded to the drowning call at Bushkill Access at around 1:45 p.m. The man's body was recovered in about seven feet of water at around 3:07 p.m. This is the second person of the summer to drown at th…
Hundreds Without Power In NJ, More Storms Possible Late In The Day Hundreds Without Power In NJ, More Storms Possible Late In The Day
Hundreds Without Power In NJ, More Storms Possible Late In The Day Thousands of New Jersey residents woke up Monday morning, Aug. 19 without power due to Sunday's storm. And according to the National Weather Service, more stormy weather could be on the way for later in the day. As of 6:40 a.m., JCP&L was reporting the most outages with the following areas without power: Clinton, 880; Branchville, 150; Hopatcong, 215; Long Branch/Asbury Park, 350; Lakewood, 265. The National Weather Service said Monday would be cloudy, but will become partly sunny by midday. "A cold front will then approach from the west causing isolated severe thunderstorms this…
New Peter Sarsgaard Movie Filmed Throughout New Jersey Hits Theaters New Peter Sarsgaard Movie Filmed Throughout New Jersey Hits Theaters
New Peter Sarsgaard Movie Filmed Throughout New Jersey Hits Theaters A new movie opening Friday was a real "coup" for the Garden State. "Coup!" starring Peter Sarsgaard opens in theatres throughout New Jersey, distributed by Greenwich Entertainment  The film is set on a seaside estate during World War I amidst the 1918 influenza epidemic as a journalist and his socialite wife take in a mysterious grifter, played by Sarsgaard, to be a private cook, according to a synopsis.  Sarsgaard soon leads staff in a takeover of the mansion as the epidemic reaches the island, according to a synopsis. The movie took advantage of New Jersey's early 20th century…
Man Sentenced For 'Hate-Filled' Rampage That Injured Five Orthodox Jews In South Jersey: Feds Man Sentenced For 'Hate-Filled' Rampage That Injured Five Orthodox Jews In South Jersey: Feds
Man Sentenced For 'Hate-Filled' Rampage That Injured Five Orthodox Jews In South Jersey: Feds A Manchester Township man will spend decades in prison after a series of antisemitic attacks in Ocean County that injured five Orthodox Jewish men, authorities said. Dion Marsh, 29, was sentenced on Tuesday, July 23 to 40 years in prison, New Jersey's U.S. Attorney Philip Sellinger said in a news release. He previously pleaded guilty to five counts of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act and one count of carjacking on Thursday, Feb. 1. Marsh admitted to injuring five victims because they're Jewish, attempting to kill four …