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Ocean County, NJ

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…
Double Murder Gets Toms River Man 30 Years: Prosecutor Double Murder Gets Toms River Man 30 Years: Prosecutor
Double Murder Gets Toms River Man 30 Years: Prosecutor A 42-year-old Toms River man was sentenced to 30 years in prison on Tuesday, Jan. 9 for his role in the murder of two people in 2021, authorities said. Tyshaun Drummond was convicted of two counts of murder following a month long trial, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said. Drummond was also sentenced to 10 years in prison, to run consecutively, for being convicted of burglary, Billhimer said. On Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7:20 a.m., Lakewood Township police responded to an apartment complex on River Avenue and found Nicholas Hardy and Sergio Chavez-Perez, who were killed after bein…
Vehicle Overturns On Garden State Parkway: NJDOT Vehicle Overturns On Garden State Parkway: NJDOT
Vehicle Overturns On Garden State Parkway: Njdot A crash caused a vehicle to overturn on the Garden State Parkway in Ocean County on the afternoon of Tuesday, Jan. 7, authorities said. The crash occurred on the Garden State Parkway southbound north of Exit 91B in Brick Township, the New Jersey Department of Transportation said. The right shoulder is blocked, the New Jersey Department of Transportation said.
Prosecutor IDs Man Killed In Ocean County Fire Prosecutor IDs Man Killed In Ocean County Fire
Prosecutor IDs Man Killed In Ocean County Fire A 75-year-old man has died after suffering serious burns in a house fire in Ocean County, authorities said. First responders from the Lacey Township Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to the reported structure fire on Signal Street at approximately 5:50 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Upon arrival, they found the homeowner, identified as Edward Teixeira, outside the residence with severe burns. Teixeira was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he succumbed to his injuries on Jan. 4, the prosecutor said. A j…
6 To 8 Inches Of Snow Could Fall In Parts Of NJ, PA: Here's The Latest Winter Storm Forecast 6 To 8 Inches Of Snow Could Fall In Parts Of NJ, PA: Here's The Latest Winter Storm Forecast
6 To 8 Inches Of Snow Could Fall In Parts Of NJ, PA: Here's The Latest Winter Storm Forecast The first significant snowstorm of 2025 is expected to hit the region Sunday night, Jan 5, bringing up to 8 inches of snow to parts of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, according to the National Weather Service. The storm is expected to begin late Sunday night, continuing through Monday, Jan. 6 before tapering off into Monday night.  Snow accumulations are forecast across the region, with the highest totals predicted in South Jersey (Vineland, Atlantic City, Cape May) and Philadelphia, where snowfall could reach 6 to 8 inches, new weather maps show.  Greater Philadelphia could see 3 t…
Decomposed Body Update: 5th Suspect Charged In Murder Of Man Found In Woods, Prosecutor Says Decomposed Body Update: 5th Suspect Charged In Murder Of Man Found In Woods, Prosecutor Says
Decomposed Body Update: 5th Suspect Charged In Murder Of Man Found In Woods, Prosecutor Says A fifth person has been charged in the killing of a 35-year-old man from India whose body was found in a wooded section of Ocean County last month. On Friday, Jan. 3, Sandeep Kumar, 34, was taken into custody and processed at the New Jersey State Police Barracks in Holmdel, on accusations he'd been involved in the murder of Kuldeep Kumar, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said.  Kumar was lodged in the Ocean County Jail on charges of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Kuldeep Kumar had been reported missing by family members in Ozone Park, NY on Oct. 26,…
DUI Driver Wanted In Deadly Garden State Parkway Crash Arrested At JFK Airport, Prosecutors Say DUI Driver Wanted In Deadly Garden State Parkway Crash Arrested At JFK Airport, Prosecutors Say
DUI Driver Wanted In Deadly Garden State Parkway Crash Arrested At JFK Airport, Prosecutors Say A Long Island man accused of driving drunk in a deadly Garden State Parkway crash has been captured nearly 15 years after he jumped bail and became a fugitive, authorities said. U.S. Marshals arrested 52-year-old Chaudhry Yousaf at John F. Kennedy International Airport on Tuesday, Dec. 24, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Monday, Dec. 30. Yousaf's last known address was in Valley Stream, New York. Yousaf was originally charged in the crash that happened on the southbound side of the parkway on Saturday, March 28, 2009. Troopers responded to …
Woman Found Dead In Lagoon Behind Little Egg Harbor Township Home: Prosecutor Woman Found Dead In Lagoon Behind Little Egg Harbor Township Home: Prosecutor
Woman Found Dead In Lagoon Behind Little Egg Harbor Township Home: Prosecutor An elderly woman was found dead in a lagoon behind a residence on North Boom Street in Little Egg Harbor Township, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced on Sunday, Dec. 29. Officers from the Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department responded to a report of a female floating in the lagoon at approximately 7:45 a.m., Prosecutor Billhimer said. Upon arrival, officers removed the woman’s body from the water. The incident is being investigated by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit, Little Egg Harbor Township Police Department, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Cr…
Multi-Vehicle Route 70 Crash Leaves Driver Critical: Prosecutor Multi-Vehicle Route 70 Crash Leaves Driver Critical: Prosecutor
Multi-Vehicle Route 70 Crash Leaves Driver Critical: Prosecutor A four-vehicle crash on Route 70 left one man critical the day after a fatal accident caused by a wrong-way DUI driver on the same roadway, officials said. The collision occurred on Saturday, Dec. 28, around 8:30 a.m., when a Volkswagen Mini Van struck a Hyundai Sonata from behind at a red traffic signal near Duquesne Boulevard, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The impact forced the Sonata into a Ford F250 Pickup Truck and a Dodge Ram Pickup Truck, both of which were also stopped at the light, according to investigators. The driver of the Hyundai Sonata was transport…
Nearly 6K South Jersey Customers Lose Power, Including 'All' Of One Community (DEVELOPING) Nearly 6K South Jersey Customers Lose Power, Including 'All' Of One Community (DEVELOPING)
Nearly 6K South Jersey Customers Lose Power, Including 'All' Of One Community (Developing) Nearly 6,000 customers were without power in Ocean County, prompting local authorities to urge residents to report issues to JCP&L as crews work to restore service. The power outage affected 5,867 customers as of 9:16 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, according to Jersey Central Power & Light's website. The cause of the outage wasn't immediately known. The outage has impacted 5,213 customers in Manchester Township, representing 19.2 percent of local households, according to JCP&L. Additionally, 473 customers in Toms River and 173 in Lacey Township were also without power. As of 1 p…
Decomposed Body Found In NJ Woods ID'd As Missing Man From India, 4 Charged With Murder Decomposed Body Found In NJ Woods ID'd As Missing Man From India, 4 Charged With Murder
Decomposed Body Found In NJ Woods ID'd As Missing Man From India, 4 Charged With Murder Four men from Indiana have been charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the death of a 35-year-old man from India, whose decomposed body was found in a wooded area of Ocean County, authorities said. Kuldeep Kumar had been reported missing by family members in Ozone Park, NY on Oct. 26, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and NJSP Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan said. His body was later found in the Greenwood Wildlife Management Area in Manchester Township. On Sunday, Dec. 21, authorities identified the suspects as Sourav Kumar, 23…
5 Inches Of Snow Fell In Parts Of New Jersey: See How Much Your Town Got 5 Inches Of Snow Fell In Parts Of New Jersey: See How Much Your Town Got
5 Inches Of Snow Fell In Parts Of New Jersey: See How Much Your Town Got A winter storm dropped varying amounts of snow across New Jersey overnight Friday, Dec. 20, into Saturday morning, Dec. 21.  Snowfall totals ranged from trace amounts in South Jersey to more than 5 inches in parts of North Jersey, creating slippery conditions on roadways as temperatures remained below freezing, according to data from the National Weather Service. Sussex and Morris counties recorded the highest snowfall, with Sparta Township leading at 5.5 inches and Randolph Township close behind at 5.3 inches. Meanwhile, southern counties like Atlantic and Cumberland reported only tra…
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…
Man's Body Found In South Jersey Wildlife Management Area, Prosecutors Say Man's Body Found In South Jersey Wildlife Management Area, Prosecutors Say
Man's Body Found In South Jersey Wildlife Management Area, Prosecutors Say A man’s decomposing body was discovered in Manchester Township, prompting an active investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, authorities said. The body was found in the Greenwood Wildlife Management Area on Saturday, Dec. 14, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Thursday, Dec. 19. The man was "in a state of advanced decomposition." Investigators from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, New Jersey State Police Major Crime Bureau, New Jersey State Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Manchester Township Police Depar…
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…
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…
Gusty Winds Leave 5,000 New Jersey Residents Without Power: Here's Where Gusty Winds Leave 5,000 New Jersey Residents Without Power: Here's Where
Gusty Winds Leave 5,000 New Jersey Residents Without Power: Here's Where More than 5,000 New Jersey residents are facing power outages as high wind gusts were being clocked in parts of the state on Thursday, Dec. 5. As of press time, JCP&L was reporting 2,521 outages in Ocean County and 1,494 in Burlington County. Monmouth County was also heavily affected, with 1,125 customers in the dark, while Mercer County reports 104 outages and Middlesex County just four. Utility crews were working to restore service, but estimated restoration times have not been provided.  The National Weather Service Mount Holly said wind gusts up to 40-55 mph could be expected…
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…
Drunk Driver Struck Jersey Shore Woman, Crashed Into Her Parked Car: Police Drunk Driver Struck Jersey Shore Woman, Crashed Into Her Parked Car: Police
Drunk Driver Struck Jersey Shore Woman, Crashed Into Her Parked Car: Police A Forked River woman was accused of driving drunk when she hit another woman standing behind her parked car, authorities said. Kathleen Colaio, 44, was charged with driving while intoxicated, the Lacey Township Police Department said in a news release on Tuesday, Dec. 3.  The crash happened near a home on the 400 block of Lake Barnegat Drive North on Monday, Dec. 2. Police and paramedics responded to the scene at around 5:09 p.m. Investigators said Colaio was driving a blue Honda Civic south when the car struck a 63-year-old Bayville woman. The victim was behi…
Electrical Failure Ignites Massive Fire In Ocean County Electrical Failure Ignites Massive Fire In Ocean County
Electrical Failure Ignites Massive Fire In Ocean County A fire sparked by an electrical failure severely damaged an Ocean County home Friday night, Nov. 29, leaving the house uninhabitable, police said. Officers responded to 137A Hudson Parkway in Manchester Township around 9:23 p.m., after receiving reports of an active structure fire, police said. Upon arrival, smoke and flames were seen emanating from the rear exterior of the home. First responders quickly confirmed that all adjoining residences were either unoccupied or self-evacuated, the Manchester Township Police Department said. Multiple fire departments worked together to extinguis…
$2M In Lottery Prizes Sold Across New Jersey This Week: Here's Where $2M In Lottery Prizes Sold Across New Jersey This Week: Here's Where
$2M In Lottery Prizes Sold Across New Jersey This Week: Here's Where New Jersey Lottery players celebrated a winning streak last week, with 12 prizes of $10,000 or more claimed from Nov. 18 to Nov. 24.  Among the biggest prizes were two $500,000 top wins, and over $2 million in total winnings, according to the NJ Lottery. Here’s a full breakdown of this week’s winners and where the lucky tickets were sold: Nov. 18, 2024: Powerball – $150,000, HC Good Neighbor Pharmacy, 1071 Route 37, Toms River, Ocean County. Candy Cane Cash – $100,000, A & M Convenience, 2201 South Clinton Ave., South Plainfield, Middlesex County. Crossword – $20,000, MPM Servic…
Jersey Shore Drug Dealer Captured After Attempted Scooter Escape, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Drug Dealer Captured After Attempted Scooter Escape, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Drug Dealer Captured After Attempted Scooter Escape, Prosecutors Say A Berkeley Township man was arrested after trying to flee on a motor scooter during a month-long drug investigation, authorities said. William Manser, 44, was taken into custody, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Friday, Nov. 22. Berkeley police and detectives with the county prosecutor's office identified Manser as someone using a home in the township to store and sell drugs. Officers set up surveillance around the residence on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Detectives saw Manser leaving the home and approached him but he tried to escape on the scooter.&nbs…
Jersey Shore Man Confesses To Illegally Having Loaded Gun During Traffic Stop, Prosecutors Say Jersey Shore Man Confesses To Illegally Having Loaded Gun During Traffic Stop, Prosecutors Say
Jersey Shore Man Confesses To Illegally Having Loaded Gun During Traffic Stop, Prosecutors Say A Berkeley Township man admitted to illegally having a gun during a traffic stop in Manchester Township, authorities said. Charles Coley, 39, pleaded guilty to certain person not to possess a firearm, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release on Wednesday, Nov. 20. He entered his guilty plea on Monday, Nov. 18. Manchester police said they pulled over Coley after he didn't stop for a traffic light on Route 70 near County Route 571 on Sunday, June 11, 2023. Officers saw the barrel of a loaded 9mm gun on the backseat floor of the Honda. Col…
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…
Teacher From Neptune Confesses To Molesting Female Performing Arts HS Student, Prosecutors Say Teacher From Neptune Confesses To Molesting Female Performing Arts HS Student, Prosecutors Say
Teacher From Neptune Confesses To Molesting Female Performing Arts HS 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…
South Jersey Woman Admits To Using Child For Psychedelic Mushroom Sales, Prosecutors Say South Jersey Woman Admits To Using Child For Psychedelic Mushroom Sales, Prosecutors Say
South Jersey Woman Admits To Using Child For Psychedelic Mushroom Sales, Prosecutors Say A Lacey Township woman admitted to using a child living in her home to sell psychedelic mushrooms, authorities said. Margaret Whalen, 60, entered a guilty plea on Monday, Nov. 18, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer said in a news release. She pleaded guilty to possession of psilocin mushrooms with intent to distribute, employing a juvenile in a drug distribution scheme, and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges came from an investigation when Lacey Township police received a tip from the state Division of Child Protection and Permanency. Investigators said Wh…
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…
Million-Dollar Powerball Ticket Sold At Jersey Shore Convenience Store Million-Dollar Powerball Ticket Sold At Jersey Shore Convenience Store
Million-Dollar Powerball Ticket Sold At Jersey Shore Convenience Store A Powerball ticket worth $1 million was purchased at an Ocean County convenience store, lottery officials said. The winner was sold at Quick Stop inside the 7-Eleven on West Bay Avenue in Barnegat, the New Jersey Lottery said in a news release. The ticket was in the Powerball drawing on Saturday, Nov. 9. The winning numbers were 11, 24, 50, 56, 66. The Powerball was 16. Two other tickets worth $50,000 were bought at a Stop & Shop in Franklin Park and a 7-Eleven in New Milford. No one took home either jackpot on November 9 or Monday, Nov. 11. The next Powerball drawing is on …
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials
Illegal Shotgun Round Sparked 350-Acre Jackson Wildfire, Brick Man Charged: Officials A massive wildfire that scorched 350 acres in Jackson Township was ignited by an illegal shotgun round that authorities said was fired by a 37-year-old Brick Township man. Authorities charged Richard Shashaty, 37, with arson after an investigation revealed that magnesium shards from a prohibited Dragon’s Breath 12-gauge shotgun round sparked the blaze on Nov. 6, Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer said. The fire, known as the Shotgun Wildfire, erupted shortly after noon on November 6 near the Central Jersey Rifle Range on Stump Tavern Road. Investigators determined that the incendi…
Weapon-Dealing Duo Found With Illegal Guns At Jersey Shore Motel, Police Say Weapon-Dealing Duo Found With Illegal Guns At Jersey Shore Motel, Police Say
Weapon-Dealing Duo Found With Illegal Guns At Jersey Shore Motel, Police Say A man and woman from Ocean County were accused of illegally selling guns, authorities said. George Garulle of Beachwood and Dana Restiano of Whiting were arrested on Monday, Nov. 4, the Stafford Township Police Department said in a news release. Investigators executed two search warrants at the Howard Johnson motel in Toms River and a home on Neptune Avenue in Beachwood. Garulle and Restaino were found with several illegal guns, including defaced guns, ghost guns, rifles, and shotguns. Police also discovered the two had high-capacity magazines, an undisclosed amount of …