Lifelong Ocean County Resident Derrick Demers Dies, 32 Lifelong Ocean County Resident Derrick Demers Dies, 32
Lifelong Ocean County Resident Derrick Demers Dies, 32 Ocean County native and beloved friend Derrick Michael Demers died on Tuesday, Jan. 10 at the age of 32. Born in Lakewood, Derrick spent his entire life living in Jackson, his obituary says. He attended Jackson Memorial High School and had held various warehouse positions in Manasquan, according to his social media page. Derrick will forever be remembered as a kind and compassionate son, uncle, nephew, and cousin. He is survived by his loving parents, Joseph and Grace Demers; his brother, Joseph and sister-in-law Jessica; brother, Troy, his nephew, Liam; niece, Claire; as well as many ex…
Suspect Backed Jeep Into Detective's Vehicle, Fled Police On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor Suspect Backed Jeep Into Detective's Vehicle, Fled Police On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor
Suspect Backed Jeep Into Detective's Vehicle, Fled Police On Jersey Shore: Prosecutor A 20-year-old man from Jackson was arrested after fleeing from police and backing his Jeep into a detective's vehicle, authorities said. Kevin Valverde-Cruz was charged with three counts of aggravated assault and eluding police, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. On Oct. 18, 2022, detectives from the Lakewood Township Police Department observed a white Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling at a high rate of speed. The operator of the vehicle failed to stop and the police pursuit was ultimately terminated on the Garden State Parkway due to public safety co…
Fire Rips Through Jersey Shore Home, Leaves Family Homeless Fire Rips Through Jersey Shore Home, Leaves Family Homeless
Fire Rips Through Jersey Shore Home, Leaves Family Homeless Fire destroyed a home in Jackson on Thursday, Nov. 17. It left a family homeless. The Red Cross was helping with clothing and food, according to The Lakewood Scoop. 
Four Arrested After Brick Detectives Overhear Them Talking About Drug Sales: Police Four Arrested After Brick Detectives Overhear Them Talking About Drug Sales: Police
Four Arrested After Brick Detectives Overhear Them Talking About Drug Sales: Police Brick detectives were conducting surveillance around the Walmart on Route 88 when they reportedly overheard four suspects talking about their engagement in drug activity, police said. The detectives made contact with the suspects on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. and K-9 Officer Ray LaPoint responded with his K-9 partner Rebel.  An exterior sniff of the suspects’ vehicles resulted in positive indications for the presence of controlled dangerous substances, police said. The ensuing search yielded crack and drug paraphernalia, they said. Charged with multiple drug offenses were: Frank Toma…
Officer Killed In Raleigh Mass Shooting Laid To Rest In Home State Of NJ Officer Killed In Raleigh Mass Shooting Laid To Rest In Home State Of NJ
Officer Killed In Raleigh Mass Shooting Laid To Rest In Home State Of NJ A 29-year-old police officer ambushed and killed while on his way to work as a police officer in Raleigh, NC has been buried in New Jersey — his home state. Services for Gabriel Torres, a Jackson native, were held at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, with internment at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington. Posted by Raleigh Police Department on Saturday, October 22, 2022 Torres and four other victims were killed, and two others wounded, by a 15-year-old shooter wearing camouflage clothing the evening of Thursday, Oct. 13 in Northeastern Raleigh, police said.  Torres was found by h…
Loving, Dedicated Ocean County Mom Of 2 Kristie Scala Dies On 34th Birthday Loving, Dedicated Ocean County Mom Of 2 Kristie Scala Dies On 34th Birthday
Loving, Dedicated Ocean County Mom Of 2 Kristie Scala Dies On 34th Birthday Beloved and dedicated Ocean County mother of two Kristie Scala died on Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022 — her 34th birthday. Born and raised in Bayonne, Kristie moved to Jackson about two decades ago, according to her obituary. Kristie was a selfless, caring, and generous woman who brought love and joy into countless peoples’ lives. Above all, she was remembered as a devoted mother to her two children, Breanna and Cassandra Peterson, her memorial says. In addition to her children, Kristie is survived by her loving father, Thomas Scala; maternal grandmother, Eleanor Mielniczuk; brothers, Bryan and …
Jersey Shore Check-Cashing Robbery Netted $700K: Prosecutor Jersey Shore Check-Cashing Robbery Netted $700K: Prosecutor
Jersey Shore Check-Cashing Robbery Netted $700K: Prosecutor An Ocean County man has been arrested and charged with committing a daytime robbery of a West Long Branch check-cashing business that netted $700,000, authorities said. Travis A. Bryant, 41, of Jackson is charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree burglary, and fourth-degree possession of an imitation handgun, according to Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago. At approximately 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017, members of the West Long Branch Police Department responded to the check-cashing business on Route 36non a report of a silent alarm activati…
‘Beautiful Soul:’ Ocean County Native, Beloved Brother Eugene Ozonuwe Dies Suddenly, 27 ‘Beautiful Soul:’ Ocean County Native, Beloved Brother Eugene Ozonuwe Dies Suddenly, 27
‘Beautiful Soul:’ Ocean County Native, Beloved Brother Eugene Ozonuwe Dies Suddenly, 27 Ocean County native and beloved brother Eugene Ado Ozonuwe died at St. Francis hospital in Trenton on Friday, Sept. 30. He was 27. Born in Neptune, Eugene grew up in Jackson and graduated from Jackson Memorial High School in 2016, his obituary says. More than $8,300 had been raised on a GoFundMe for Eugene’s funeral expenses as of Monday, Oct. 24. “My fearless, loving, and sweet baby brother passed away,” reads the fundraiser, launched by Ifeekam Ozonuwe. “Taken too soon with no time to prepare, my family and I are asking for support toward his funeral and burial services.” Eugene was kn…
Jersey Shore Roller Rink Staying Open Under New Ownership Jersey Shore Roller Rink Staying Open Under New Ownership
Jersey Shore Roller Rink Staying Open Under New Ownership A Jersey Shore roller skating center that last month announced its closure is staying open after all. The Jackson Skating Rink — which opened in 1978 — will remain in business as United Skates Jackson, as new ownership took over just before it was set to close in early October. Skaters at the Route 526 rink can expect a revamp, new ownership said. "Your beloved Jackson Skating Center, Rollermagic is getting a whole new look," new ownership said on the website. "We will be keeping all your favorite staff and management and are thrilled to become part of your community." United Skates of Am…
Traffic Detoured, Wires Down In Jersey Shore Crash: Police Traffic Detoured, Wires Down In Jersey Shore Crash: Police
Traffic Detoured, Wires Down In Jersey Shore Crash: Police Traffic was being detoured away from East Veterans Highway (Routes 527/528) in Jackson due to a crash, authorities said. The route was closed on Tuesday, Sept. 6 between Bowman Road and Grand Boulevard as a result of a pole and wires down, Jackson police said. Morning school traffic added to the delays, police said. School transportation was reporting significant delays in their pickup schedules for the area, police said.
Boyfriend Stole $217K From Ailing Jersey Shore Woman: Prosecutor Boyfriend Stole $217K From Ailing Jersey Shore Woman: Prosecutor
Boyfriend Stole $217K From Ailing Jersey Shore Woman: Prosecutor A 56-year-old man from Lacey Township has admitted to spending more than $171,000 of his girlfriend's money while she was having medical issues, authorities said. He also stole other belongings bringing the total theft to $217,300, they said.  On Wednesday, Aug. 31, Ross Miserendino pleaded guilty to theft, according to Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer. Miserendino will also be required to make restitution to the victim in the amount of $217,300 as part of his sentence on Nov. 4, Billhimer said. An investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’…
'Out Of Control' Six Flags Rollercoaster Leaves Riders Hurt 'Out Of Control' Six Flags Rollercoaster Leaves Riders Hurt
'Out Of Control' Six Flags Rollercoaster Leaves Riders Hurt At least 16 people were reported hurt — most with minor injuries — when a roller coaster lurched forward at Six Flags Amusement Park, according to police and witnesses. The El Toro Roller Coaster, a high-speed wooden coaster, "jerked forward" while unloading riders at the Jackson amusement park around 7 p.m., Jackson police confirmed. ALSO SEE: 2-Year-Old Child Struck By Train At NJ Amusement Park Jackson Police Chief Matthew Kunz said most people initially declined medical attention, but six later requested to be treated for "bumps and bruises."  Some were treated on scene and …