Two charged with drug possession 5/18/2012
Police arrested two Toms River residents and recovered cocaine and cash after an early-morning raid Friday.
Zahid Evans, 23, and Jihad Burns, 20, of Winteringham Village were charged with possession of cocaine and possession with
intent to distribute after Toms River authorities and State Police searched two Village units. Chief Michael Mastronardy
said six ounces of cocaine, a digital scale, marijuana and $14,768 in cash were seized. Superior Court Judge Wendel
Daniels set bail at $200,000 for Evans and $100,000 for Burns, no 10 percent option allowed.
Home Invasion at Villages of Bea Lea Apartments 5/14/2012
Police are looking for two men who, after ringing a door bell, burst into the apartment and robbed the tennant and
their friends of cash, jewelry, prescription drugs
Cancer experience led Toms River woman to new career 5/13/2012One of the most shocking things that can happen in a family is when one of the members is diagnosed with cancer.
In 1999, that happened in our family twice in the same month.
Local woman charged with bomb threat at care center 5/08/2012
A 19-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with a bomb scare at the Holiday Care Center last month, township
police reported. Victoria Manganiotis, a former employee at Holiday Care Center, left a note in an employee bathroom
stating the threat, according to Detective Sgt. James J. Smith.
Bomb scare at Sovereign Bank 5/12/2012
Sovereign Bank and nearby stores were evacuated today as police investigated a bomb threat that didn't turn up any
explosives. Toms River police said the Sovereign Bank in the Indian Head
Plaza, Routes 9 and 571, received a bomb threat at 1 p.m. Officers responded and evacuated bank employees and those in nearby
stores. K-9 Units from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office helped police search for explosives. After nothing was found,
employees were able to return to work around 2:15 p.m. Toms River police, the Pleasant Plains Fire Company, Toms River
EMS and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office all responded to the threat.
Silverton Plaza Expanding 5/8/2012
The leveling of land next to a plaza in the Silverton section of Toms River signals the expansion of a parking lot
and the possible addition of a tenant there. The addition coming to town is located at the northbound side of Hooper
Avenue, in Silverton, on the far side of the plaza containing CVS Pharmacy, Dunkin’ Donuts and Buy Rite Liquors on Silver
Bay Road. There, the Club Metro USA fitness facility will be expanding their parking lot and the plaza it’s located
in will be expanding also, according to Toms River Township Planner Jay Lynch.
Toms River man struck by vehicle in Brick 5/7/2012
A Toms River man was injured after being hit by a car while walking along Drum Point Road Sunday night. Brick
Police Ptl. Scott Dierking said Durrell L. Warford, 30, was attempting to cross Cherry Quay Road while walking east on Drum
Point Road when he was struck by a 2003 Ford Focus being driven by Casey F. Russo, 18, of Brick. The accident occurred
at 10:58 p.m. Sunday. Dierking said in a prepared statement that Warford was in the crosswalk on the south side of the
intersection when he was struck by Russo, who was attempting to make a a left turn from the westbound lane of Drum Point onto
the southbound lane of Cherry Quay. The impact of the accident sent Warford into the northbound lane of Cherry Quay.
The car came to rest on the shoulder of Cherry Quay.
Tax increase kept to 2.8 cents 5/2/2012
The 2012 municipal budget is one of trying to manage mandated increases against stagnant state aid and the multi-million
dollar impact of tax appeals, officials said at the annual budget hearing last night. Although Toms River Township Administrator
Paul Shives said the directive from Mayor Thomas Kelaher was to keep services level, nevertheless, Toms River's tax payers
will be paying more in taxes this year. Toms River's tax rate would increase 2.8 cents per $100 of assessed valuation,
resulting in about $79 more annually in tax payment.
Reverend remains on administrative leave 5/2/2012
Timothy Holder, associate rector of Christ Episcopal Church in Toms River, remains on administrative leave, five months
after church elders announced it to the church's congregation. Holder was placed on administrative leave in January
by the Right Rev. George Edward Councell, Bishop of New Jersey, in connection with a court issue, Councell said Wednesday
afternoon.
Cash and jewelry stolen 5/1/2012
Toms River Police are investigating a home burglary in the Gilford Park section, when a suspect took cash and valuables
from a Lillie Road home before 2 p.m. today, police said. The Tuesday burglary took place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
in the unoccupied home in the 500 block of Lillie Road, Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said. "The
resident returned home and found their house burglarized," Mastronardy said. The front door of the home had pry
marks, said the police chief, and the suspect targeted the bedroom to find cash and jewelry. Elementary school custodian arrested on child porn charges 4/27/2012
A Toms River elementary school worker was arrested on child pornography charges this morning. By this evening, Stephen
Tisch, 27, was suspended from his job as a custodian at the Walnut Street Elementary School, where he’s been employed
for seven years, Toms River Regional School District Superintendent Frank Roselli said. Tisch is listed on the school’s
website as one of five custodians for the school. Roselli said that when Tisch was hired, he passed all required background
checks.
Teen saves family from burning home 4/25/2012
Looking back, one thing 13-year-old James Lowe wishes he had time to grab, after he helped his grandma and 6 year-old
brother from their burning home, was a pair of sneakers for his feet. Waiting outside as emergency personnel arrived
to battle the flames and smoke, James was shoeless, thinking instead of the emergency and acting quickly to find help and
get his family out of the home. “My mind was just set on going in there and getting her,” James said of
his grandma. “I am so proud of him. He’s my little hero,” said Jean Lowe of her son James. Faced
with devastation to their home and possessions, friends have rallied to help the family. Lowe said the help was immediate,
and immediately overwhelming.
Former NBA player to speak at High School North's Pine Belt Arena 4/24/2012
Former NBA player Chris Herren is scheduled to speak Wednesday at Toms River High School North. Herren, who
played for the Boston Celtics, will talk about overcoming drug addiction and homelessness at the school district’s Pine
Belt Arena. The event will start at 7 p.m. Herren established Hoop Dreams, a basketball player development program that
has helped more than 200 athletes since 2009. His memoir “Basketball Junkie” and the award-winning ESPN
documentary “Unguarded” remain popular among the teen audience. Sponsored by the Toms River school district,
admission is free to the public. The arena is located at 1245 Old Freehold Rd.
Ritacco drops lawsuits against district 4/24/2012
Disgraced former Toms River Regional Schools Superintendent Michael J. Ritacco has dropped a lawsuit that sought his
unused benefits, which the school district agreed to not pay after Ritacco retired the same day as a federal indictment for
corruption charges. The lawsuit, filed October 2011, was dismissed without prejudice by Judge Douglas Albert in U.S.
Magistrate court on April 23. Ritacco was suing for $15,000 in unused sick days, $23,750 for 25 unused vacation days
from the 2008-09 school year, and $24,062.50 for 25 unused vacation days from the 2009-10 school year.
Four years in jail for Toms River man posing as doctor 4/23/2012
A Toms River man who admitted to unlawfully treating hundreds of elderly patients was sentenced to four years in prison
today. Federal investigators said the man created a medical practice and employed nurses and doctors to make visits,
but failed to pay them, and eventually visited patients himself under his employees' names though he was not a doctor.
Patrick Lynch, 55, pleaded guilty to the federal charges and faces a 48-month sentence imposed by U.S. District Judge Peter
G. Sheridan, announced U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman. Lynch was sentenced today to 48 months in prison for unlawfully
treating patients, prescribing medicine and ordering procedures while posing as a licensed physician with an Ocean County
medical practice in a Medicare fraud scheme, Fishman announced in a news release.
Clerk held up in Route 9 hotel lobby 4/19/2012
Toms River Police responded to a hold up alarm at the Ramada Inn at Route #9 and #70 230 a.m. on Wednesday morning.
Investigation found that one suspect approached the 46 year old female employee demanded money and after getting
about $100 fled on foot. Security cameras determined that two suspects were involved in the robbery that is being investigated
by Officer Ron Bayer, Chris McDowell, Dewey Unger and Sergeant Raymond Maloney.
Rash of car burglaries nets three Toms River resident arrests 4/18/2012
Three Toms River residents were arrested after police investigated a series of car burglaries around Vaughn and Yellowbank
roads early Monday. Additional car break-ins and vandalism were reported through Tuesday that police said are unrelated.
The initial report came in 1 a.m. Monday, said Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy, after a resident called police.
The resident saw three men enter an unlocked vehicle on Vaugh Avenue, who were headed toward Yellowbank Road.
Softball complex nearing completion, awaiting name 4/22/2012
In addition to some finishing touches, it needs a name and an opening day. The new Toms River softball complex
on North Bay Avenue needs to be named, and a grand-opening ceremony will be planned, said Toms River Mayor Tom Kelaher.
Some of the ideas include naming the complex “Veterans Field.” Many of the other parks in Toms River are named
for the section of town they are in or a nearby landmark. The 26-acres softball complex is the site of the former Epstein
and Frankenburg farms near Whitty Road. The construction of the complex — for $3.5 million — is being
partially funded by a $750,000 Green Acres grant, officials said previously, and the additional cost will be paid out of Toms
River's open space tax fund.
Three arrested for overnight break-in's 4/17/2012
Three men were arrested in connection with one of two waves of overnight car break-ins, the police chief said.
The trio was caught by a patrolling officer in the area of the crimes; no charges have been filed in the other reported crimes.
According to Police Chief Michael Mastronardy, a Vaughn Avenue resident called the police around 1 a.m. reporting they saw
three men entering his car – unlocked – and then run in the direction of Yellowbank Road. The patrolling officer,
Christopher McDowell, spotted the men, who are all from town, nearby and recovered items stolen from more than a dozen vehicles
– also unlocked – on Vaughn, Goose Creek Road and Redwood, Fairview, Culpepper and Glendale drives. Kyle
Cannon, 20, of Red Cedar Drive; Dale Parducci, 19, of Raider Way; and Timothy Simpson, 20, of Hazelwood Road, were all charged
with burglary. Cannon and Simpson were held in Ocean County Jail, here, on $50,000 bail; Parducci was held there on $35,000
bail.
Pick-up smashes into pole on Hooper 4/17/2012
Toms River Police responded to a one-car accident on Hooper Avenue this morning, with a pick-up truck smashing into
a utility pole near South Shore Drive. The incident occurred around 8:15 a.m. today and slowed traffic along the Hooper
Avenue corridor near South Shore Drive. A witness reported to Toms River Patch that the driver of the pick-up was able
to get out of the vehicle following the crash, but that the truck sustained heavy damage from the impact.
Toms River man falls to his death at WVU 4/11/2012
West Virginia University officials confirmed yesterday that Toms River resident Brian Weithenauer, 19, fell to his
death from a ledge outside a campus apartment building Sunday morning. Weithenauer, a sophomore at WVU, was a Toms River South
2010 alumnus who played football in high school. The Associated Press reported Morgantown police said no foul play is
suspected. The WVU community called the incident a tragedy and Becky Lofstead, assistant vice president for University Communications,
issued the following statement on the death:
Intentional brush fire set 4/11/2012
A brush fire near Skyview Park in Toms River was believed to have started with juveniles in the woods with gasoline,
said Toms River Fire District #1 Chief John H. Lightbody. The fire, reported 6:01 p.m. Thursday, was visible from Goose
Creek Road and covered a quarter acre area about 20 feet from the roadway. East Dover Fire Company responded on a report of
juveniles in the woods with gasoline, attempting to light a brush fire, Lightbody said. East Dover Fire Co. Captain
James Golden was the incident commander, directing trucks from East Dover, Island Heights and the NJ Forest Fire Service,
who responded.
Toms River man held in armed robbery of Brick man 4/10/2012
Two local men are lodged in the Ocean County Jail on armed robbery charges. David W. Langworth, 29, of Toms
River and Timothy R. Delmonico, 23, of Bayville were each charged with robbery, possession of a weapon and possession of a
weapon for an unlawful purpose after police said they held up a Brick resident Sunday night. Township police responded
to a Lenape Trail home at 10:30 p.m. Sunday and encountered a resident who said he was robbed at gunpoint after a "failed
drug purchase," Brick police Capt. John Rein said. The resident said a gunman, who police said was Delmonico, fled with
$8 and a pack of cigarettes after demanding money.
Police arrest High School North student for online bullying incident 4/09/2012
An 18-year-old student from Toms River High School North has been charged with harrassment following an online bullying
incident that occured earlier in the week. "Scot Donley, Toms River, was charged by Detective John Turner
as a result of the investigation into postings on the internet that caused concerns last week," said Toms River
Police Chief Michael Mastronardy. Toms River school officials worked cooperatively with law enforcement officials in
the investigation, Mastronardy added. Counseling offered for students affected by bus accident 4/07/2012
Toms River Regional is offering support to the families involved and has three resources available, according to a
statement: "Any parent whose child was riding in BUS 101 and feels their child is in need of counseling services, please
contact the following resources: TLC (732) 773- 8007; Pess (732) 886-4474; Mobile Resources (1877) 652-7624."
Acident downs traffic light, results in DUI arrest 4/07/2012
An early morning traffic accident at the intersection of Route 37 and Fischer Boulevard also caused the downing of
a traffic light stanchion, resulting in the vehicle driver’s arrest for DWI. James Murphy, 31, of Barnegat, was traveling
westbound on Route 37 at 1:10 a.m. this morning, when he lost control of his car, hit the light stanchion at the intersection
of 37 and Fischer Boulevard, then struck another car, according to Toms River Township Police Chief Michael Mastronardy.
Ritacco guilty plea 4/05/2012
Former Toms River Regional Superintendent Michael J. Ritacco pleaded guilty this morning in federal court to public
corruption and tax evasion charges, days before he was scheduled to stand trial. Ritacco trial begins Monday with jury selection 4/04/2012
The historic trial of Toms River Regional Schools' then-Superintendent will begin Monday, when Michael J. Ritacco
faces corruption charges accusing him of accepting more than $2 million in bribes. He has pleaded not guilty. In Ritacco's
trial, jury selection is scheduled to begin April 9 in Trenton. Judge Joel Pisano is presiding over the proceedings.
Ritacco has hired Jerome A. Ballarotto and William J. Hughes as his lawyers for the case. Prosecuting the case is Dustin
Chao, assistant U.S. attorney.
Toms River man arrested on child pornography charges 4/03/2012
Working off a tip from an Ohio sheriff's department, detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office said they
arrested a Fieldcrest Lane man Monday night on suspicion of producing and distributing child pornography.
Extra Police at schools after online "threat" 4/03/2012
Township police had an increased presence at district schools Tuesday based on concerns about posts made on a controversial
website. Police Chief Michael G. Mastronardy said plainclothes and uniformed police officers were stationed at district school
buildings based on “Internet chatter from a website that was discovered at 8:22 p.m. Monday.’’ The website
featured a photo of actor Gene Wilder in his role in the film “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” beneath
a heading for Toms River High School North. Below the photo words were added that suggested a violent incident could happen
at one of the district’s campuses.
Former Insurance Broker admits payments to Ritacco, pleased guilty 4/02/12
Francis X. Gartland admitted in federal court today that while he served as the insurance broker for Toms River Regional Schools
he funneled bribes through a series of intermediaries to then-superintendent Michael J. Ritacco. The payments were in
excess of $1 million total from 2002-2010, announced the U.S. Attorney's Office. Gartland, 70, had pleaded not guilty
previously and was awaiting trial, scheduled to begin in a week alongside Ritacco, in a 27-count federal indictment that alleged
bribery, kickbacks, fraud and tax evasion.
Police investigate more burglaries 3/30/2012
Officers Matthew Broderick, Jason Putkowski and Ron Bayer of the Toms River Police Department are currently investigating
a series of car burglaries which occurred in the Oak Ridge section of the township on Friday morning. Police reported
that a resident on Coulter Street heard the sound of a car alarm sounding, and a pair of white males flee towards Oak Ridge
Parkway, where they entered a small, dark vehicle and proceeded to flee the area. At least three unlocked vehicles on Coulter
Street were burglarized, along with one on Whitesville Road also. The alleged thieves removed three hundred dollars in cash
and two GPS navigation units from the unlocked vehicles.
Local Girlscouts honored at Council meeting 3/30/2012
Local Girl Scouts received Silver Award commendations from Mayor Thomas Kelaher and the Toms River Township Council,
at the start of the governing body’s meeting on Tuesday evening. First, Scouts Devon Gallo, Taylor DeMeo, Heather
McCobb, and Olivia Bohanan from Troop #68 were presented with their awards by the mayor and council. They were being honored
for their work in creating Project O.A.S.I.S., a 550-square foot, self-sustaining rain garden. O.A.S.I.S. stands for organic,
animal-friendly, self-sustaining, instructional, soil-cleansing.
Board of Education approves budget 3/30/2012
The Toms River Regional School District’s Board of Education approved its $204.362 million budget for the 2012-13
school year at a public hearing Wednesday night in the auditorium of Toms River High School North — but not without
open and vocal dissension from both board members and residents. It is also the first year the budget did not go to the voters
at the polls, due to recently-passed statewide legislation.
New gift card program for Downtown Toms River 3/29/2012
With the revitalization of Downtown Toms River currently underway, a handy asset for customers to enjoy its businesses
has proven to be its gift card program launched earlier this month, according to Executive Director Jody Alessandrine.
“They can currently be bought in our office and on our website,” he said. Alessandrine said that 25 businesses
are already activated to accept the gift cards, with a few more imminent approvals on the way. “Soon, we’ll have
almost 30 businesses on our list,” he said. These businesses include downtown mainstays such as Capone’s
Gourmet Pizza and Pasta Trattoria, plus newer additions to the area such as Sweet Tush and the Traco Theater.
School budget tops $204,000,000 3/27/2012
Toms River Regional Schools will hold a budget presentation March 28 to outline a $204.362 million operating budget,
with a possible tax rate of $0.7785 per $100 on Toms River property owners. That night, the school board will hear comments
from the public before voting on the budget, in a meeting at Toms River High School North
at 7:30 p.m. The anticipated total operating budget for Toms River Regional is up $4 million over 2011-2012, climbing
to $204.362 million. Taxes could climb in Toms River, although state aid increased. The district budgeted more for instruction,
but officials said the spending plan is still more than $1 million under the state 2-percent budget cap, and is much less
than the state Department of Education suggests it spend for a district of its size.
Police investigate thefts 3/26/2012
The Toms River Police Department is investigating a series of recent thefts from both automobiles and residences in
the area. Officer Michael Gallipoli is investigating a theft of copper pipes that took place recently on Bay Stream
Drive. A neighbor noticed water coming from a nearby residence, and after calling the owner, contacted a plumber. The
plumber who responded to fix the leak then discovered that the copper pipes were removed from the home's crawlspace. The plumber
estimated that the stolen 50-foot section of pipe is valued at $1,500.
Japanese students spend a day at High School South 3/22/2012
The student body at Toms River High School South is made up of young adults from the district’s four constituent
municipalities: Beachwood, Pine Beach, South Toms River and Toms River. But on Wednesday, students from Fukui, Japan
were added to the mix. “I hope to learn more about them (the students from Fukui) and I hope they like America
and our school,” said Amanda Applegate. Applegate, a 17-year-old Beachwood resident and student council member,
navigated the school’s busy corridors with three Japanese students, all on their way to her junior honors English class.
For the past 11 days, about 100 students from Fukui have been visiting Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including the group of
25 young adults at High School South. It was their first visit there.
Man charged with multiple burglaries again 3/21/2012
A man that police said allegedly robbed the Middletown home of Jon Bon Jovi and who is also facing burglary charges
in Toms River was again arrested on new charges this week. Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said Nicholas
Tracy, 22, of Beachwood was arrested this week after an investigation into multiple burglaries in Silverton and North Dover.
Around 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Toms River police responded to a suspicious vehicle parked on Silverton Road, and when the vehicle
left the residential road, Detective Brian Lomer followed. "Shortly thereafter, Sergeant Ralph Stocco found a home
whose owners were on vacation had been burglarized," said Mastronardy in an email. The home's rear window was smashed
with a rock and jewelry was removed from the bedroom. Officers investigating found the driver of the suspicious vehicle was
Tracy, Mastronardy said. Tracy was arrested in a parking lot in a shopping center in South Toms River. Detectives Brian
Lomer and Louis Santora executed a search warrant at Tracy’s home on Clubhouse Lane in Beachwood, and searched his vehicle.
Dover Woods resident identified as man struck by pick-up dies 3/21/2012
A 56-year-old resident of Dover Woods died after he was struck by a pick-up while walking in front of the Ramada Inn
on Route 9 at 11 p.m. Monday, police said. Edward Braden IV died not far from his home at Dover Woods, 1001 Route 70
in Toms River on the border with Lakewood. Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said Braden was struck by a southbound
2006 Ford pick-up truck, driven by Michael Fennessey, 64, of Brick. Toms River Police EMS transported Braden to Kimball
Medical Center were he was pronounced, said the police chief.
St. Joseph's announces new Pastor 3/20/2012
Rev. John P. Bambrick, pastor of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic
Church in Toms River, has requested and been granted a transfer by the Most Rev. David M.
O’Connell, bishop of the Diocese of Trenton, Bambrick announced to parishioners on Sunday. Rev. G. Scott Shaffer,
pastor of St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in Jackson, has accepted a transfer to become the 11th pastor of St.
Joseph’s, the parish where he first served as a priest 20 years ago. The transfers will occur July 1, 2012.
Toms River man arrested in Point Beach beating 3/24/2012
A Toms River man is charged with one count of second degree aggravated assault in connection with allegedly beating
a Point Borough man unconscious, Point Beach police said. Brian Arnett, 28, was arrested at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday
after allegedly beating a 34-year-old Point Borough man outside the 7-11, next to Marlin's, on Route 35 in the southern part
of Point Beach, said Detective Pat Petruzziello. The victim was in critical condition at Jersey Shore Medical Center
in Neptune on Monday, police said. Police are not releasing his name, so Patch was not able to get an update on his condition
on Wednesday.
Toms River burglar now facing more charges in Lacey 3/23/2012
Nicholas Tracy, a man charged this week with burglary and possession of stolen goods in Toms River, is now facing
more charges from Lacey, where police allege he stole more than $100,000 in items from residents' homes. The Beachwood
man was arrested and charged with Lacey residential burglaries after an extensive investigation involving several Ocean County
police departments.
Truck strikes utility pole 3/18/2012
A 2002 Ford truck collided with a utility pole just after 11:30 on Saturday night at Kettle Creek Road and Blue Sea
Lane in Toms River. Arthur Carballo, 35, of Jackson was eastbound on Kettle Creek Road when the vehicle left the
road and struck a utility pole at Blue Sea Lane, Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said in a prepared news release. After
being extricated from the vehicle by the Silverton Fire Company Carballo was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical
Center, Neptune, by Toms River Police EMS.
Another senior couple falls prey to telephone scam 3/18/2012
A Toms River couple was the victim of a telephone fraud that lead them to wiring over $1,900 to
a telephone number in Canada. The 72-year-old man received a telephone call Saturday morning stating that
his grandson had been arrested in Canada, and that he needed to wire the grandson money, Police Chief Michael Mastronardy
said in a prepared news release. After he was unsuccessful in getting a hold of his grandson, he and his wife went to
a business on Brick Boulevard, as directed by the caller, and wired $980.
Woman in shower when burglar breaks in 3/17/2012
Toms River Police say a resident came out of the shower and encountered a man that had broken into her home, off Fischer
Boulevard 11 a.m. Friday. Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said the burglary of a home on Frontage Road took
place while the 64 year-old female was in the shower, and after she left the bathroom, discovered the intruder. The
male suspect broke a window on a rear door then unlocked the door to get inside the home, said the police chief.
Girlfriend of 86 year old Holiday City resident charged with drug distribution 3/16/2012
The 52-year-old girlfriend of an elderly Holiday City man has been charged with running a drug operation out of his
home, police said. The man's daughter, who lives in Toms River, called police at March 8 after she found her 86-year-father
lying naked and unresponsive on the bathroom floor of his home at 24 Pine Valley Drive. Joy Lehnert, who had a "dating"
relationship with the man for nine years - was not at home when the daughter arrived and found her father, who had recently
been diagnosed with cancer, having difficulty breathing, according to the police report.
Four Car Crash Closes New Hampshire 3/15/2012
Five people were injured in a four-vehicle crash Thursday, after one car crossed into oncoming traffic and hit three
vehicles, one of which overturned, police said. The crash happened on New Hampshire Avenue at North Maple Avenue at
about 9 a.m. and forced the closure of the road for more than an hour, police said.
Council cuts over $220,000 from fire ditrict 1 budget 3/15/2012
The Toms River Township Council approved a cut of $222,346 from the budget of Fire District 1, reducing the amount to be raised
by taxation to 2011 levels. District 1, which is served by East Dover, Ocean Beach, and Toms River Fire Co. 1 &
2, asked voters to approve a $7.3 million budget, and failed by 16 votes in February's election. The fire budget pays
for the administration, equipment, insurance and hydrant rental, among other expenses. In Feb. 18's election, 399 voters decided
against approving the budget, while 383 were in favor the budget.
Animal Shelter, Police Station getting upgrades 3/14/2012
For several decades, the Toms River Animal Shelter on Whitesville Road was the town’s haven for stray or otherwise
wayward pets that were between homes. However, that will eventually change, thanks to a resolution passed by the Toms River
Township Council during its regular meeting on Tuesday evening. That resolution provided for the awarding of a $6.4
million contract to Kelso Construction Company for the building of a new animal shelter, located on the grounds of the Municipal
Court and Justice Complex on Oak Avenue in Toms River. The project will also include expansion of the Municipal Court
facilities and renovations to Police Headquarters, with Kelso Construction’s complete bid for the work coming in at
$6,409,878.25.
Shots fired as men flee Todd Road home 3/14/2012
Shots were fired on Todd Road 11 p.m. Monday, in an incident Toms River Police said involved at least two targets,
one of which begged for help by pounding on a back door in the neighborhood. "One resident called reporting a young man
was pounding on her back slider door stating someone was trying to kill him," said Toms River Police
Chief Michael Mastronardy in an email. "That male was not injured but fled prior to police units arriving." Mastronardy
said at least two men were targeted. No injuries were reported, but a bullet was recovered in a vehicle. Shots were fired
in the roadway on the portion of Todd Road near Church Road, he said.
High School North's Chris Lesniak places at Monmouth Arts Competition 3/12/2012
A Toms River High School North student topped the list of winners at last week's student art competition sponsored
by the Monmouth Festival of the Arts. The Monmouth Festival of the Arts held its 18th annual student art competition
and art workshops on Sunday at Monmouth Reform Temple in Tinton Falls. The student art competition featured the work of 11th
grade high school artists from nine high schools in Monmouth and Ocean counties. Sixty students in all enrolled approximately
100 pieces of art. Organizers commended the temple for its support of the arts and art education and as the winner of the
Governor's Award in Art Education.
Smash and robbery of two cars 3/12/2012
A 42-year-old Manchester Township woman had her purse stolen from her vehicle 8:30 Thursday night while it was parked
at the Verizon store on Route 37, according to a written release issued by Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy.
Officer George Fernicola found that the suspect broke out the rear window and took a purse that contained Oakley glasses
and about $100. Fernicola is the investigating officer. In what is believed to be a related theft also Thursday
night, a driver’s side window was smashed out of a vehicle parked in the rear lot of the Marquee Cinema on
Route 37, Mastronardy said.
Ridgeway crash sends woman to hospital 3/9/2012
A Toms River woman was taken to an area hospital by helicopter following a two car crash along Route 571 in Manchester
Thursday night. The crash in the township's Ridgeway section happened at about 8:15 p.m. when a westbound 2009 Chevrolet
Cobalt driven by 21-year-old Heather Flitton of Toms River was turning left on to Fairfield Street and was struck by
an eastbound 2004 Nissan Maxima driven by 28-year-old Malgorzat Florasklacza of Manchester, said Manchester Police Capt. Lisa
Parker. Filton was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash and was taken by MONOC Medivac helicopter to Jersey
Shore Medical Center in Neptune where Parker said she is in stable condition with head and leg injuries. Florasklacza,
who was wearing a seat belt, was evaluated by Quality Medical Transport paramedics and refused medical treatment, Parker said.
New ward map, little changed 3/5/2012
The eighth time was the charm for the board of ward commissioners, who accepted the eighth option of what the map
of Toms River’s wards should look like. The map divides the township into four wards, each of which is represented
by a member of the township council. When population shifts with each Census, the ward map must be redrawn. The commissioners
last met in October but finally agreed to meet last night in town hall to discuss how to divide Toms River into four parts.
Two burglaries over the weekend 3/5/2012
Toms River Police are investigating two incidents where suspects broke into homes by smashing through rear doors over
the weekend. Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said a Vincenzo Drive residence was burglarized 8 p.m. Sunday.
A suspect took a stone from the lot and smashed through a rear door, which activated the alarm, police said. The suspect,
or suspects, left without entering the home after being deterred by the alarm, said Mastronardy. Officers Joshua Kuhlwein
and Christopher Raia are investigating the Vincenzo Drive incident. Another home had its rear door smashed over
the weekend, when suspects took a boat anchor from the property and shattered the glass door with it, in order to break into
the home, police said. The North Bay Avenue home was burglarized sometime over the weekend.
Ritacco trial to begin April 9, 2012 3/1/2012
Former Toms River Regional Superintendent Michael J. Ritacco's is scheduled to stand trial April 9 on bribery and
conspiracy charges after a federal court judge granted the defense a one-week adjournment to the case.
Hundreds turn out for tax appeal seminar 3/1/2012
For the third consecutive year, a standing-room-only audience came to the Ocean County Library to learn whether appealing
their recently distributed 2012 tax assessment might be the right road to take. “We started the process once before
when our homes were reassessed,” said 55-year-old Sheila Burns, a Holiday City homeowner. “We met with the
company that did the reassessment but they told us it wasn’t worth the effort,” said her husband Rob, 58.
But since this year’s assessment dropped their land’s value, the couple wanted to determine whether it was worth
their while to appeal their assessed home value, they said.
Three Toms River Men charged with arson 3/1/2012
Three Toms River men were arrested Monday for allegedly starting a forest fire at the Heritage Minerals site along
Route 70 in Manchester. Manchester Police responded to the area, located at 100 Route 70, at about 11:30 a.m. after
the New Jersey Forest Fire Service Cedar Bridge Fire Observation Tower reported the blaze, said Capt. Lisa Parker.
"Emergency personnel conducted an investigation which revealed that the seven-acre forest fire was intentionally set
by using an open flame to multiple points of origin," Parker said. Three men from Toms River — 20-year-old
Richard V. Rubino Jr., of Sharon Drive, 19-year-old Timothy J. DeMarco of Carol Drive, and 19-year-old Tyler A. Anderson of
Haifa Court — were arrested and charged with arson, according to Parker.
Toms River man charged with heroin and cocaine possession 2/24/2012
A township man is charged with possession of cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin following his arrest on Thursday.
Patrick J. O’Brien, 25, of Mount Carmel Boulevard was charged with possession of less than one-half ounce of heroin
with intent to distribute after police found 485 wax paper folds of heroin, according to court documents. Police also
confiscated approximately 73 grams of crack cocaine and O’Brien was charged with possession of less than one-half ounce
or more of cocaine with intent to distribute, according to authorities. He was also charged with possession of less
than one ounce of Suboxone with intent to distribute after police confiscated approximately 73 Suboxone films from him, according
to court documents. Suboxone is normally used to treat narcotic addiction; the “film,” which is dissolved in the
mouth, is one way the drug is prescribed.
School District files "Dishonesty Policy" insurance claim regarding Ritacco 2/23/2012
Toms River Regional Schools has filed an insurance claim, in an attempt to recoup funds that former superintendent
Michael J. Ritacco is accused of taking in a alleged bribery kickback scheme. The claim is on the "dishonesty policy"
of the school district's insurance package, which was taken out to specifically protect the district in the event of theft,
illegal wrongdoing or ethical violations, said school board attorney Thomas Monahan. The claim was filed Feb. 15, said
Business Administrator William Doering, and it is through the district's insurance provider, Traveler's Insurance, through
broker Connors Strong. The parameters of the dishonesty policy claim — such as total amount claimed, potential payment
or other policy terms — was not released.
Lakewood man indicted in robbery charges from three local banks 2/19/2012
A Lakewood man has been charged by an Ocean County grand jury with committing three bank robberies last year, including
two at the same location within about a month. The grand jury handed up an indictment earlier this month charging Michael
H. Gilzean, also known as Hugh M. Gilzean, 46, of Woodlake Manor Drive, with three counts of robbery. The indictment
alleges that Gilzean robbed a teller at the Harmony Bank on River Avenue in Lakewood on May 27, that he robbed another teller
at the Wells Fargo Bank at routes 9 and 70 in Toms River on June 27, and a third teller at the Harmony Bank in Lakewood on
June 28.
Police investigating thefts in town 2/18/2012
Police said they are investigating several thefts, one from an industrial park and others from several unlocked vehicles
in driveways. Copper grounding bars valued at nearly $2,000 were reported stolen from the ATT cellular telephone tower
site in the Toms River Industrial Park, Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said Friday. The theft of four copper grounding bars
and copper wire reportedly took place in last few months, he said. At about 4:30 a.m. Friday, police responded to Marc
Drive about two men who were checking out vehicles in driveways, the police chief said. The men were about 6 feet tall and
wearing dark hooded sweatshirts, he said. Numerous unlocked vehicles were entered on Marc and Dallas drives, Mastronardy
said
Toms River man hit with bat while collecting $20 debt 2/16/2012
A township man was hit in the head with a baseball bat after he tried to collect a $20 debt from another resident
Thursday morning, township police reported. Louis Livesay, 19, of Hilltop Road was charged with aggravated assault,
according to Police Chief Michael Mastronardy. The victim, 20-year-old Tyler Wallis of Toms River, suffered numerous
facial fractures, Mastronardy said Two witnesses drove Wallis to the emergency room at Community Medical Center in Toms
River at about 3:20 a.m. They told police that Wallis had been attacked by Livesay, the police chief said. The witnesses
told police that they went with Wallis to Livesay’s house on Hilltop Road at about 1 a.m. and as the two men argued,
Livesay hit Wallis in the head with a baseball bat, Mastronardy said. Wallis was trying to collect a $20 debt when the
altercation happened, the police chief said
Toms River borthers charged with drug offenses 2/16/2012
Two brothers have been charged with drug possession following a two-month investigation, township police reported.
Nicholas Mayer, 18, and Michael Mayer, 22, both of the 500 block of Woodview Road, were arrested Monday, according to a statement
from Police Chief Michael Mastronardy. Both men were charged with possession of oxycodone and possession with intent
to distribute oxycodone, Mastronardy said. Nicholas Mayer additionally was charged with forgery because of counterfeit
currency that police found, the police chief said. Quantities of oxycodone, suboxone, xanax, marijuana and $1,500 in
cash were seized by investigators, he said. The search of the Mayer residence recovered three imitation handguns, Mastronardy
said. Bail for Michael Mayer was set at $10,000 and bail for Nicholas Mayer was set at $20,000, he said.
Crockam GUILTY! 2/16/2012 Life behind bars next up
Kelly Walsifer sat trembling in a courtroom at the Ocean County Courthouse Thursday morning, clutching her mother’s
hands. Minutes earlier, she had been outside the courtroom praying, clutching rosary beads given to her a little more
than a year ago at the wake of her fiancé, Lakewood police officer Christopher Matlosz, whom she planned to marry this
April 21. Inside the courtroom of Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels, emotions ran high, but the room was silent
as Matlosz’s friends and family waited tensely to hear the verdict in the case against Jahmell Crockam — the man
accused of executing the 27-year-old officer, the first in Ocean County to be gunned down in the line of duty. “I
tried not to get my hopes up,” Walsifer said of her thoughts just before the verdict was announced. “In my heart,
I knew he was guilty. “I was a basket case,” she said. “I couldn’t control my emotions. It brought
back memories of the day he was killed.” Then, the jury forewoman announced the verdict: Crockam, 20, of Edgewood
Drive in Lakewood, was guilty of murdering Matlosz in the line of duty, a crime for which he faces life in prison with no
possibility of parole when he is sentenced by Superior Court Judge Wendel E. Daniels on March 22.
Parents of 3 month old charged with abuse 2/15/2012Two parents were charged with abuse and neglect of their three month old infant child, the Ocean County Prosecutors
Office announced today. An investigation kicked off between the prosecutors office and Manchester Police after the child
was treated at Jersey Shore Medical Center on Saturday. The infant, born Nov. 12, was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive
Care Unit for "treatment of injuries suggestive of child abuse," said Prosecutor Marlene Lynch Ford in a prepared
statement. “After interviewing both parents and completing the initial investigation, child abuse and neglect
charges were authorized against both parents," Ford said.
Council to decide on golf ordinance tonight 2/14/2012
A revamped ordinance that amends rules at Toms River's municipal golf course is among the business at tonight's town
council meeting. The ordinance was tabled and re-introduced after residents who use Bey Lea spoke out against the measure
at a previous town council meeting. The original ordinance would have eliminated the unlimited permit, forcing those
who had that permit to instead pay a la carte.
Clerk robbed at silverton store 2/13/2012
A man fled on foot after demanding cash from a store clerk in Silverton Monday evening, in an incident police said
they are investigating as possibly related to an armed robbery of a pizza delivery man. Toms River police are investigating
robbery that occurred just before 630 p.m. Monday night at the Asby News Hooper Avenue in Silverton. Toms River
Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said a white male — about 6’ 3” wearing dark clothing, sunglasses and a
dark hat — walked into the Asby News & Varieties Store on Hooper Avenue.Board of Ed elections moved to November 2/10/2012
The Toms River Regional Board of Education has voted 6-3 to move the school district election from April to November.
The change in date is not without controversy. More than 200 people attended a special meeting at Toms River High School South
on Thursday night, when the nine-member school board passed a resolution implementing the move. Many in attendance were
spurred into action by mysterious, automated telephone calls that criticized the proposed change. A new state law permits
school districts to move their April school board elections to the November general election date. Districts that move the
election and keep spending within the state-imposed 2 percent cap on tax increases will no longer have to seek voter approval
for annual budgets. On Friday, Robert M. Silva, 64, of Toms River said the board had taken away his right to vote on
how the district spends his taxes and accused the board members who voted for the change of being either communists or just
arrogant.
Toms River police catch township woman in sandwich scam 2/10/2012
Township police have put an end to a tri-town sub shop scam. On Thursday, a 34-year-old Toms River woman claiming
she was getting sick from sandwiches she never purchased was arrested on a count of theft by deception.
Copper thief caught 2/10/2012
Township detectives said they arrested a township man responsible for several downtown copper thefts, in which the
man would break an air-conditioning unit and take the coils for scrap metal.
2 birds die in house fire, cat missing 2/10/2012
Firefighters from all six township companies extinguished a fire at a home off Hooper Avenue on Thursday afternoon,
rescuing two pets, according to the Fire Department. Two birds did die, however, and a cat was missing after the fire.
20 vehicles broken into on Thursday night 2/4/2012
Toms River Police said two suspects attempted to rob more than 20 vehicles' homes, taking cash and gift cars from
unlocked cars. Unlocked vehicles were entered on Bartlett Place, Alden, Wedgewood ,Round tree, Breezy Oaks, Cornell, Cedar
Grove streets. Investigating are Toms River Police Brian Dugan, Paul Burkhardt, Thomas Herbst, Louis Sulsenti, and Steve
Bucci.
OCC approves 4.3% tuition increase 1/31/2012
For the first time in four years, students at Ocean County College will see an increase in tuition. The college's
board of trustees approved the school's $60.13 million budget for the 2012-13 school year during a meeting Monday afternoon.
Eyewitness ID's shooting suspect in Lakewood Police Officer murder case 1/31/2012
An eyewitness had just finished parking his car on August Drive in Lakewood one afternoon last January when he witnessed
an encounter between a police officer and a young man. The young man and the officer had a brief conversation before
the officer told the young man he had to come with him, the eyewitness said. The young man said, “Oh, man,”
spun around and fired a gun at the officer’s head, the eyewitness said. Then, as if he were a pitcher trying to pick
off a base runner, he looked at Scalzo before firing two more shots at the officer, the eyewitness said. “Do you
see the person in court today who murdered the police officer?” William J. Heisler, chief assistant Ocean County prosecutor,
asked the witness. “Yes, I do,” the eyewitness replied. “He’s right there.”
Four armed men invade home, rob 19 year old 1/29/2012
Four men with handguns forced their way into a Dover Pines home Sunday night to rob one of the occupants of money
and then fled on foot, police said. Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said
the resident, a 19 year-old man, was downstairs in his Toby Court home playing video games with four friends, when four men
broke in through the front door. The suspects — three black males and one white male — rushed downstairs
in the bi-level home and demanded the victim's wallet, Mastronardy said. They fled with the wallet, which contained
$70 in cash, said the police chief. Anyone with information is asked to call police headquarters at 732-349-0150.
Pizza deliveryman held up in Pleasant Plains 1/27/2012
Police said a 19 year-old Toms River man working to deliver pizzas arrived at a home in Pleasant Plains, only to be
approached outside the house by two men who tried to rob the teen. Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said
the teen was delivering a pizza for a local restaurant to a home on Camino Roble, near Route 70 and Cox Cro Road, around 9
p.m. He got out of his vehicle and started to walk to the home, which he said had no lights on. "The house was
dark and vacant," Mastronardy said. "As he noticed this from the front steps, he was approached by the two suspects."
The two men demanded money of the pizza delivery man, and said they had a gun, police said. One of the men went to grab into
the victim's pockets, but he fought back.
Man arrested, goes into cardiac arrest, revived 1/25/2012
A Manchester man, arrested on outstanding warrants after an alleged theft from a Silverton home, went into cardiac
arrest at Toms River Police Headquarters and was revived by officers there, police said. Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said the man, a
21 year old from Manchester, is being investigated for allegedly stealing a $1,000 ring from a Kettle Creek home. The man
and the home's occupants all knew each other, Mastronardy said.
Vacancies on Town Council filled 1/24/2012
Two vacant seats on the Toms River Township Council are now filled: former at-large interim councilman Alfonso Manforti
will serve Ward 4 and local engineer Jeffrey Carr will serve Ward 3. The two men were selected after the Toms River
Council interviewed five individuals nominated for the two respective seats by the township Republican club. Toms River woman ticketed for accident with three parked cars 1/23/2012
A Shelter Cove resident was issued a summons for careless driving Sunday night after police say she caused a chain
reaction collision because she was distracted while adjusting the heat in her car
Police arrest Toms River man on cocaine charges 1/23/2012
Police arrested a township man wanted on a warrant for cocaine distribution after he showed up in court on an unrelated
charge, police said Monday.
$15K in metal stolen from Toms River AC Units 1/23/2012
Township police say more than $15,000 worth of metal was stolen from three commercial air conditioning units during
the weekend. Someone removed the copper and aluminum from the units that were located at the rear of a building
Co-defendant says Ritacco innocent 1/22/2012
The insurance broker accused of bribing former Toms River Regional Superintendent Michael J. Ritacco wants to testify
at trial that he never paid bribes to Ritacco.
Woman injured when struck by cup thrown from vehicle 1/22/2012
A 38-year-old Money Island woman said she was assaulted while walking on Whittier Avenue near Poe avenue, according
to Toms River police. She told Officer George Fernicola that a black male, who was a rear passenger in
a newer model white four-door vehicle, threw a cup of soda and ice at her striking her face, Police Chief Michael Mastronardy
said. The victim did not recognize the suspect or two other black females who were in the vehicle. The victim was transported
to Community Medical Center by Toms River Police EMS for a facial injury. Anyone with information should contact
Captain Bruce Burgess of the Detective Bureau at 732-349-0150 ext 1200
Car flips in driveway 1/22/2012
An 18-year-old male was issued a careless driving summons after the car he was driving overturned in a residential
driveway. Stephen Sabie, Toms River, was westbound on Huckleberry Lane attempting a turn at 2 p.m. on Thursday
when he lost control of his 1988 Ford, according to Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy. His vehicle mounted
the curb, then entered the property of 660 Huckleberry Lane and struck a 1994 Toyota parked in the driveway before it overturned,
Mastronardy said. Sabie and two 17-year-old passengers declined medical treatment at the scene.
Police charge man with theft of 1,000 lb. propeller 1/21/2012
A Manchester man was charged in the theft of a 1,000-pound propeller blade last week from the yard of a township home,
police reported. Andrew White, 23, of the 900 block of Wellington Avenue, is accused of taking a 62-inch, 4-blade propeller
from Arcadia Drive last weekend, according to Chief of Police Michael G. Mastronardy. The propeller was sold for scrap
and destroyed, the chief said. He said White collected $900 for the scrap. White was released on a summons after
his arrest, Mastronardy said.
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