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Toms River, NJ

Toms River Firefighter Injured At 'Santa Detail' Event Three Days Before Christmas Toms River Firefighter Injured At 'Santa Detail' Event Three Days Before Christmas
Toms River Firefighter Injured At 'Santa Detail' Event Three Days Before Christmas A firefighter was injured during a "Santa detail" event in Toms River, the second incident of its kind in New Jersey on the weekend before Christmas, officials said. The firefighter suffered a minor injury during the event on Sunday, Dec. 22, according to a news release from the Toms River Fire Department. The firefighter was given treatment and expected to be released shortly after the incident. The department didn't specifically say how the firefighter was injured. "We are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure the safety of our members and commu…
Elderly Driver Plows Into Three Ocean County Homes, Two Hospitalized: Police Elderly Driver Plows Into Three Ocean County Homes, Two Hospitalized: Police
Elderly Driver Plows Into Three Ocean County Homes, Two Hospitalized: Police An elderly driver crashed into three homes Saturday morning, Dec. 21 in Manchester Township, sending two people ot the hospital, police said. It happened in the Leisure Village West community, causing extensive damage just before 11 a.m., according to the Manchester Township Police Department. Upon arrival, officers found a 2017 Toyota Camry with severe front-end damage. The driver, identified as an 84-year-old woman from Manchester, was extricated from the vehicle by first responders. Police say she initially backed her car into a residence where an 88-year-old female occupant, was present…
These 18 NJ Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When These 18 NJ Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When
These 18 NJ Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When Big Lots, the popular discount retailer, is officially going out of business.  The company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September, has announced plans to close all 963 of its remaining stores nationwide, including 18 locations in New Jersey. The last day of business is expected to be in mid-February, according to sources familiar with the closures. While official store closing sales have not yet begun, all Christmas items are currently 50% off, offering shoppers a chance to stock up before the doors shut for good. The closures mark the end of an era for the budget-friendl…
Teen Convicted Of Murder, Accomplice Admits To Plotting 2022 Jersey Shore Shooting: Prosecutors Teen Convicted Of Murder, Accomplice Admits To Plotting 2022 Jersey Shore Shooting: Prosecutors
Teen Convicted Of Murder, Accomplice Admits To Plotting 2022 Jersey Shore Shooting: Prosecutors An Asbury Park teen was found guilty of shooting and killing another teen more than two years ago, authorities said. A jury convicted 18-year-old Joseph Argilagos of first-degree murder and two gun-related charges, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond Santiago said in a news release on Friday, Dec. 20. He was found guilty on Wednesday, Dec. 18 in the killing of 19-year-old Dariel Vernet, also from Asbury Park. Police responded to the scene near the intersection of Prospect and Atlantic avenues in Asbury Park shortly after 5:45 p.m. on Friday, July 8, 2022. Officers fo…
NJ Man Pleads Guilty To Toms River Man's Grisly Dismemberment, Prosecutors Say NJ Man Pleads Guilty To Toms River Man's Grisly Dismemberment, Prosecutors Say
NJ Man Pleads Guilty To Toms River Man's Grisly Dismemberment, Prosecutors Say A Brick Township man admitted to his role in the dismemberment of a Toms River man's body, authorities said. Jared Krysiak, 34, pleaded guilty on Monday, Dec. 16 to desecration of human remains, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Krysiak was among the four people indicted in the killing of 56-year-old Kerry Rollason. Elizabeth Mascarelli of Seaside Heights entered a guilty plea on Monday, Dec. 9 for an aggravated manslaughter charge. She was previously indicted on Thursday, Oct. 24 for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, hindering apprehen…
22+ Pounds Of 'Gas Station Heroin' Heading To North Jersey Seized, Feds Say 22+ Pounds Of 'Gas Station Heroin' Heading To North Jersey Seized, Feds Say
22+ Pounds Of 'Gas Station Heroin' Heading To North Jersey Seized, Feds Say Customs agents seized more than 22 pounds of tianeptine—a dangerous drug also called "gas station heroin"—at a South Jersey shipping facility, authorities said. Customs and Border Protection officers found the shipments at "an international express consignment facility," CBP said in a news release on Friday, Dec. 13. CBP didn't mention the specific location where the packages were found. The shipments were marked as "deep groove ball bearings" but officers found five bags of a white powdery substance in each package. The parcels were seized on Monday, Nov. 25 and Monday,…
Toms River Worker Discovers $1.8M Jackpot Win During Virtual Meeting: 'I Am Still In Shock' Toms River Worker Discovers $1.8M Jackpot Win During Virtual Meeting: 'I Am Still In Shock'
Toms River Worker Discovers $1.8M Jackpot Win During Virtual Meeting: 'I Am Still In Shock' A routine day at the office turned into a life-changing moment for a Toms River resident who discovered they had won a nearly $2 million New Jersey Lottery jackpot—while checking emails during a virtual meeting. The Jersey Cash 5 player hit the $1,883,824 jackpot on Friday, Dec. 6, the New Jersey Lottery said in a news release. The winning ticket was purchased at the Silverton Super Buy Rite on Hooper Avenue in Toms River. The anonymous winner matched all five numbers—7, 21, 28, 31, and 38. The XTRA number was 2 and the Bullseye number was 31.  The winner, who plays occ…
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…
NJ Woman Confesses To Killing Toms River Man In Grisly Dismemberment Case: Prosecutors NJ Woman Confesses To Killing Toms River Man In Grisly Dismemberment Case: Prosecutors
NJ Woman Confesses To Killing Toms River Man In Grisly Dismemberment Case: Prosecutors A Seaside Heights woman has admitted to killing a Toms River man whose body was dismembered, authorities said. Elizabeth Mascarelli, 29, pleaded guilty on Monday, Dec. 9 to aggravated manslaughter, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. She was previously indicted on Thursday, Oct. 24 for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, hindering apprehension, desecration of human remains, and eight weapons charges. Mascarelli was among the four people charged in the killing of 56-year-old Kerry Rollason. Danielle Bolstad, 42, of Barnegat; Jared …
Toms River Ticket Hits $1.8M Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot In Weekend Lottery Frenzy Toms River Ticket Hits $1.8M Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot In Weekend Lottery Frenzy
Toms River Ticket Hits $1.8M Jersey Cash 5 Jackpot In Weekend Lottery Frenzy A lottery ticket worth more than $1.8 million was purchased at a Toms River liquor store, officials said. The ticket hit a $1,883,824 jackpot in the Jersey Cash 5 drawing on Friday, Dec. 6, the New Jersey Lottery said in a news release on Monday, Dec. 9. The winner was sold at the Silverton Buy Rite on Hooper Avenue. The winning numbers were 7, 21, 28, 31, and 38. The XTRA number was 2 and the Bullseye number was 31. This was the first of two Jersey Cash 5 jackpot wins in back-to-back days. A ticket bought at a convenience store in Paramus won $150,000 on Saturday, Dec. 7. The s…
'Unexplained Drones' Fly Over Jersey Shore, Adding To Statewide Mystery 'Unexplained Drones' Fly Over Jersey Shore, Adding To Statewide Mystery
'Unexplained Drones' Fly Over Jersey Shore, Adding To Statewide Mystery Drones were spotted flying along the Jersey Shore in the latest mysterious sighting in the Garden State, authorities said. In a Facebook post, the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department said three drones were seen at night on Thursday, Dec. 5. The drones reportedly flew over the town's southern coastline and train tracks. Following protocol from the state police Regional Operations and Intelligence Center, officers notified the appropriate state and federal agencies. "I am working closely with our police department and my law enforcement contacts to determine the origin and purpose of thes…
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…
Driver, 28, Seriously Injured In Parkway Crash Thanksgiving Day In Toms River Driver, 28, Seriously Injured In Parkway Crash Thanksgiving Day In Toms River
Driver, 28, Seriously Injured In Parkway Crash Thanksgiving Day In Toms River A 28-year-old man suffered serious injuries in a Thanksgiving Day crash on the Garden State Parkway, authorities said. The man was heading north behind the wheel of a Lexus SUV when the vehicle ran off the road to the right and struck multiple trees at milepost 86.7 in Toms River around 6:50 p.m., New Jersey State Police Sgt. Charles Marchan said. The driver suffered serious injuries as a result of the crash. Police did not provide further details. 
Toms River Man Died In Police Custody: Bodycam Footage Shows His Arrest Toms River Man Died In Police Custody: Bodycam Footage Shows His Arrest
Toms River Man Died In Police Custody: Bodycam Footage Shows His Arrest Authorities have released body camera video of the incident when a Toms River man died while police tried to detain him. The state Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability made the footage public on Tuesday, Nov. 26. The video showed the Friday, Apr. 19 encounter that ended with the death of 47-year-old John Cassidy. The incident began at a gas station on Route 37 near West End Avenue at around 1 p.m. Island Heights police officers Peter Muscarella, Dominique D’Amico-Violante, and Lt. Paul Rutledge attempted to arrest Cassidy on active warrants. The f…
Pharmacy's Prize: $150K Powerball Winner Sold In Toms River Pharmacy's Prize: $150K Powerball Winner Sold In Toms River
Pharmacy's Prize: $150K Powerball Winner Sold In Toms River A lucky Powerball ticket sold at a Toms River pharmacy turned into a six-figure win, lottery officials said. The winner matched four of the five white balls, the Powerball, and the Power Play multiplier, the New Jersey Lottery said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The ticket earned a $150,000 prize in the drawing on Monday, Nov. 18. The winning numbers were 27, 31, 41, 52, and 69. The Powerball number was 26 and the Power Play multiplier was three. The ticket was purchased at HC Good Neighbor Pharmacy on Route 37. No one won the estimated $144 million jackpot. …
NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say
NJ Performing Arts HS Teacher Confesses To Molesting Female Student, Prosecutors Say A former teacher at an Ocean County performing arts academy admitted to molesting a female student, authorities said. Douglas Bollinger of Neptune City, pleaded guilty on Monday, Nov. 18, to endangering the welfare of a child, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Investigators said Bollinger, 57, engaged in "inappropriate sexual contact" with a student. The incidents happened in Point Pleasant Beach and Asbury Park between February and August 2019. Bollinger was a teacher at the Grunin Performing Arts Academy, part of Ocean County Vocational Tech…
Man Who Dropped Gun, Pretended To Be Cop Arrested At Jersey Shore Church: Police Man Who Dropped Gun, Pretended To Be Cop Arrested At Jersey Shore Church: Police
Man Who Dropped Gun, Pretended To Be Cop Arrested At Jersey Shore Church: Police A Sunday morning service at a Point Pleasant Beach church was disrupted when a man dropped a gun and falsely claimed to be a police officer, authorities said. Randolph Tashman of Toms River was arrested on Sunday, Nov. 17, the Point Pleasant Beach Police Department said in a news release.  Officers responded to a report of a man who dropped a gun from his pocket at an unnamed church at around 9:53 a.m. Church security escorted Tashman of Toms River outside to wait for police to arrive. Investigators said Tashman wasn't the gun's registered owner of the firearm and didn'…
Massive White Shark Hangs Out Off NJ Coast Days After Another Pinged Nearby Massive White Shark Hangs Out Off NJ Coast Days After Another Pinged Nearby
Massive White Shark Hangs Out Off NJ Coast Days After Another Pinged Nearby Two enormous sharks have been swimming off New Jersey's coast in recent days. Anne Bonney, a 9-foot-3-inch, 425-pound white shark tagged by the nonprofit OCEARCH, was detected off the coast of Brick and Toms River early Thursday, Nov. 14, at approximately 12:10 a.m. She resurfaced the following morning, pinging again around 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 15. Another massive shark, Scot, was tracked in the Hudson Canyon on Nov. 6 and 7. At over 12 feet long and weighing approximately 1,600 pounds, Scot is one of the largest white sharks monitored by OCEARCH. The Hudson Canyon, located off New Je…
Toms River Mom Looking For 'Fresh New Start' Loses Home In Fire, Fundraiser Says Toms River Mom Looking For 'Fresh New Start' Loses Home In Fire, Fundraiser Says
Toms River Mom Looking For 'Fresh New Start' Loses Home In Fire, Fundraiser Says A family was rallying for support after the home of a Toms River mother of two was severely damaged in a fire, according to a fundraising campaign. A GoFundMe page said a woman named Kristin, her daughter, and her son "lost everything" in the fire on Coolidge Avenue on Sunday, Nov. 10. The American Red Cross posted on social media that it was helping a family of five with immediate needs like food, clothing, and housing. Kristin's sister and the fundraiser's organizer Kelly Celentano said the family had just moved into the home in May. "They were looking forward to a fresh new start a…
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…
Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor
Charges Upgraded For Driver 2X Legal Limit After Death Of Jersey Shore Restaurateur: Prosecutor A Seaside Park woman's charges were upgraded when a restaurant owner and well-known fly fisherman died more than a month after a hit-and-run crash. Genell Mcinaw, 50, surrendered to Seaside Heights police on Tuesday, Nov. 5, Ocean County First Assistant Prosecutor Michael Nolan Jr. said in a news release. She was previously charged in the crash that killed Robert Popovics of Seaside Park. Seaside Heights police responded to a report of a man lying in the road near the intersection of Dupont Avenue and the Boulevard at around 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 23. Officers found Popovics u…
Six NJ Corrections Officers Indicted For Covering Up Pepper Spray Attack On Inmate, AG Says Six NJ Corrections Officers Indicted For Covering Up Pepper Spray Attack On Inmate, AG Says
Six NJ Corrections Officers Indicted For Covering Up Pepper Spray Attack On Inmate, AG Says Six corrections officers were indicted after an inmate was pepper-sprayed and forcefully removed from his cell at a Burlington County detention center, authorities said. A grand jury indicted a sergeant and five senior corrections officers for the attack and subsequent coverup, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a news release on Wednesday, Oct. 30. The incident happened at Garden State Youth Correctional Facility, a center for adults 18-30 years old in Chesterfield Township. These were the officers charged in the case: Sgt. Michael Emmert, 40, Toms River Ch…
Gruesome Indictment Details Killing, Dismemberment Of NJ Victim Gruesome Indictment Details Killing, Dismemberment Of NJ Victim
Gruesome Indictment Details Killing, Dismemberment Of NJ Victim Four people from Ocean County were indicted for dismembering the body of a Toms River man killed in his home, authorities said. A grand jury indicted 29-year-old Elizabeth Mascarelli of Seaside Heights on Thursday, Oct. 24 for murder, conspiracy to commit murder, hindering apprehension, desecration of human remains, and eight weapons charges, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. Danielle Bolstad, 42, of Barnegat; Jared Krysiak, 34, of Brick Township; and Jarred Palumbo, 36, of Manchester, were also indicted for hindering apprehension and…
Man Admits To Driving High On Meth, Injuring Four People In Toms River Crash: Prosecutors Man Admits To Driving High On Meth, Injuring Four People In Toms River Crash: Prosecutors
Man Admits To Driving High On Meth, Injuring Four People In Toms River Crash: Prosecutors A Jackson Township man admitted to driving a stolen pickup while high on methamphetamine in a crash that injured another man and three children, authorities said. Charles Sharkey Jr., 35, pleaded guilty on Monday, Oct. 21 to aggravated assault, driving while intoxicated, and certain person not to possess a firearm, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release.  Sharkey was charged in a crash on Thursday, Mar. 23, 2023. Toms River police responded to the wreck near the intersection of Route 70 and Massachusetts Avenue at around 4 p.m. Invest…
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…
CNAs Attack Patient At Jersey Shore Rehab Center: Prosecutor CNAs Attack Patient At Jersey Shore Rehab Center: Prosecutor
CNAs Attack Patient At Jersey Shore Rehab Center: Prosecutor A pair of certified nursing assistants are accused of beating a patient now listed in critical condition at the rehabilitation center they worked at, authorities in Ocean County said. Dhenmark Francisco, 28, of Toms River, and Jovi Esperanza, 31, of Beachwood, were each charged with aggravated assault in connection with the Sunday, Oct. 14 attack at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Facility in Berkeley Township, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The Berkeley PD was contacted by officials at the Crystal Lake Rehabilitation Facility regarding a patient that had been assa…
College Track Star, Special Toms River Police Officer Dies After Tonsil Surgery College Track Star, Special Toms River Police Officer Dies After Tonsil Surgery
College Track Star, Special Toms River Police Officer Dies After Tonsil Surgery A Toms River police officer who was part of the department since she was a girl died after tonsil surgery, according to a fundraising campaign. Ingrid Rivera-Zuniga, 21, died on Saturday, Oct. 5, her obituary from Horizon Funeral and Cremation Services said. She was a Class I special law enforcement officer with the Toms River Police Department. According to a GoFundMe page, Rivera-Zuniga had a difficult recovery from tonsil surgery. She was hospitalized with meningitis and suffered two strokes. The GoFundMe had raised more than $29,700 from at least 453 donations as of Wednesday, Oct. 9. …
Toms River Arsonist Started Blaze That Injured Three Firefighters, Prosecutors Say Toms River Arsonist Started Blaze That Injured Three Firefighters, Prosecutors Say
Toms River Arsonist Started Blaze That Injured Three Firefighters, Prosecutors Say A Toms River man was accused of intentionally starting a fire in Brick Township, injuring three firefighters, authorities said. Charles Maulbeck, 51, was charged with aggravated arson, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Brick Township police saw smoke and heavy fire at a home on Falkenberg Road on Friday, Sept. 13. Two firefighters were treated and released from a nearby hospital, while a third declined medical attention. Investigators said the fire started in the north side of the home's split basement by someone who used "a…
Toms River Sex Offender Who Assaulted Lost Girl In His SUV To Stay In Jail: Prosecutors Toms River Sex Offender Who Assaulted Lost Girl In His SUV To Stay In Jail: Prosecutors
Toms River Sex Offender Who Assaulted Lost Girl In His SUV To Stay In Jail: Prosecutors A Toms River man accused of sexually assaulting a lost teen will remain in jail, authorities said. A judge ordered 46-year-old Keith Hahn to stay in Ocean County Jail through his trial, county prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Tuesday, Oct. 8. He was arrested in the case on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Investigators said the 14-year-old girl got lost while she walked along Route 70 in Manchester Township on Sunday, Sept. 29. A man driving a white Jeep Grand Cherokee stopped and talked to her. The girl asked the man to drive her to the animal shelter i…
'Worst Pain Known To Humanity' Once Plaguing NJ Woman Now Controlled With Cellphone 'Worst Pain Known To Humanity' Once Plaguing NJ Woman Now Controlled With Cellphone
'Worst Pain Known To Humanity' Once Plaguing NJ Woman Now Controlled With Cellphone A New Jersey resident who one day woke up and began experiencing the most excruciating pain of her life is now able to manage it through a cell phone, thanks to physicians at Jersey Shore University Medical Center. Mary Rice, 42, of Toms River, began experiencing the extreme facial pain one day in January 2018. She described it as electric shocks over her left eye, and almost anything set it off. "Healthcare professionals talk about a 10-point scale of pain with their patients," she said. "My pain was mostly a 10+, off the scale, leaving me unable to do the most simple of tasks and prevent…