Crime & Safety
Shoplifting, DWI Reported In Lacey During March: Police Blotter
Reports of shoplifting, a hit-and-run, DWI and more were made during March, according to Lacey police.
LACEY, NJ — Shoplifting, DWI and more are among the incidents Lacey police responded to during the month of March.
That's according to the police blotter, which outlines the incidents police respond to each month.
Here is March's blotter, courtesy of Lacey police and unedited by Patch.
Find out what's happening in Laceyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Nature: Criminal Mischief
On Sunday, March 1, 2026 at 1:58pm, Officer Matarazzo responded to the NJ Transit bus stop shelter on Route 9 near Nautilus Boulevard for a report of a male subject who had shattered one of the shelter’s glass panes with a hammer. Contact was made with the suspect, 23 year old Anthony Clark of Bayville. An investigation was conducted and Anthony was placed under arrest. He was charged with criminal mischief and weapons offenses.
Find out what's happening in Laceyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Nature: Attempted Burglary
During the overnight hours of Monday, March 2, 2026, the Lacey Township Police Department responded to Art Gallery Tattoo, 442 Lacey Road, for a report of an attempted burglary. Upon arrival, officers learned that the suspect had attempted to pry the business's front door open, causing significant damage, before fleeing the area. Officers immediately searched the area surrounding the business but were unable to locate the suspect. Through continued investigative efforts, Lacey Police detectives identified the suspect as 40 year old Vito Anderson of Atlantic City. On Monday, March 23, 2026, detectives charged Vito Anderson with Criminal Attempt – Burglary, Possession of Burglar’s Tools, and Criminal Mischief on a complaint warrant. Detectives determined that Vito was incarcerated in Atlantic County at that time on unrelated charges, therefore he was served with his copy of the warrant at the Atlantic County Jail.
Nature: DWI
On Monday, March 2, 2026, at 2:06pm, Officer Julian responded to the parking lot of a local business on Route 9 for a report of a male subject banging on the windows of the business. Upon arrival, contact was made with 39 year old Joseph Chiacchio of Toms River. Investigation revealed that Joseph was operating a motor vehicle and was under the influence. Joseph was placed under arrest for DWI. He was charged with Under the Influence, DWI, Reckless Driving, and later lodged in Ocean County Jail.
Nature: Shoplifting
On Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 2:32pm, Officer Tranz and Officer Nilon responded to Walmart for a report of shoplifting. Officers met with the suspect, 36 year old James Fisher of Toms River, who attempted to conceal merchandise in a backpack. James was placed under arrest and charged with shoplifting.
Nature: Hit and Run/DWI
On Saturday, March 07, 2026 at 11:01pm, multiple Officers, including Officer Lepeshko responded to the area of Lacey Road and Briggs Avenue for a report of a hit and run-motor vehicle crash. The caller reported that their vehicle was struck near the intersection of Lakeside Drive North and Lakeside Drive South. Officer's located the suspect vehicle near Lacey Road and Holmes Avenue North and conducted a motor vehicle stop. Officer Lepeshko met with the driver, 30 year old Amanda Santoro of Lanoka Harbor. Investigation revealed that Amanda was exhibiting signs of intoxication and was placed under arrest for DWI. She was charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, Refusal to Submit to Test, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Failure to Report an Accident.
Nature: Shoplifting
On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 5:26pm, Officer Matarazzo responded to Walmart for a report of a shoplifter. On arrival, contact was made with the suspect, 26 year old Alissa Goffio of Forked River. Investigation revealed that Alissa shoplifted merchandise. Alissa was placed under arrest and charged with shoplifting.
Nature: Motor Vehicle Crash/DWI
On Friday, March 13, 2026 at 9:27pm, Officer Spina and Officer Zacco responded to the area of Riviera Drive for a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a parked vehicle. Officers made contact with the driver of the vehicle, 41 year old Lori Hall of Forked River. Investigation revealed that Lori was displaying signs of impairment. She was placed under arrest and charged with DWI. Lori was released in accordance with John’s Law.
Nature: Shoplifting
On March 20, 2026, at 9:22pm, Officer Labbate responded to Walmart for a report of a shoplifting. Upon arrival Officer Labbate met the suspect, 36 year-old Stephanie Dyba of Berkeley Township. The investigation revealed Stephanie had shoplifted items and attempted to leave the store. She was placed under arrest and charged with shoplifting.
Nature: Shoplifting/CDS Possession/Under the Influence
On March 25, 2026 at 12:56pm, Officer Ricciardella responded to TJ Maxx for a report of an intoxicated male walking around the store. Upon arrival, contact was made with the suspect, 40 year old Alfred Delvecchio of Little Egg Harbor, who was found to be under the influence. TJ Maxx staff advised that Alfred had also shoplifted merchandise. Alfred was placed under arrest and charged with Shoplifting, Possession of CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Under the Influence. Alfred was lodged in Ocean County Jail.
Nature: DWI
On Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:41pm, Officer Walsh conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Route 9 and Liberty Way for Improper Turn. Investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle, 40 year old Dustin Gibson of Bayville, was displaying signs of intoxication. Dustin was placed under arrest and charged with DWI, Reckless Driving, Refusal to Submit to Test, and Improper Turn. Dustin was released in accordance with John’s Law
Nature: Shoplifting/Warrant Arrest
On Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:33am, Officer Carver responded to Walmart for a report of a male shoplifter that fled the store. Officers located the suspect, 31 year old Adam Samler of Manahawkin, a short distance away. Adam was placed under arrest for shoplifting and also had an outstanding Ocean County warrant. Adam was lodged in Ocean County Jail.
Nature: Theft
On Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 3:18pm, Officer Ravallo took a report from a victim who stated their phone had been stolen hours ago in Brick Township. The victim reported the phone was showing its location at a residence in Forked River. Officers responded to the location and made contact with 58 year old Ariel Perez-Romero of Forked River. Investigation revealed that Ariel possessed the stolen phone and he was placed under arrest. Ariel was charged with Possession of the Stolen Property.
Nature: Shoplifting
On Friday, March 27, 2026, at 4:35pm, Officer Carver and Officer Matarazzo responded to Walmart for a report of a shoplifter. Investigation at the scene revealed that 49 year old David Kaiser of Barnegat, underrang multiple items, totaling $121.09. David was placed under arrest and charged with shoplifting.
Nature: DWI
On Monday, March 30, 2026 at 12:45am, Officer Spina conducted a motor vehicle stop for headlights required. Officer Spina met with the driver, 36 year old Gadiel Garcia Martinez of Forked River, who displayed signs of intoxication. Based on the investigation, Gadiel was placed under arrest for DWI and charged with for DWI, Reckless Driving, Open Container, and Headlights Required. Gadiel was released in accordance with John’s Law.
Nature: Shoplifting
On March 30, 2026, at approximately 12:49pm, Officer Tranz and Officer Morrone responded to Walmart for a report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival, officers arrested 28 year old Kiera Circle of Bayville for shoplifting. She was transported to police headquarters, processed, and released on a summons.
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