P OLICE B LOTTER

Man Allegedly Takes Truck For Test Drive, Doesn’t Come Back

By Alyssa Riccardi

STAFFORD – After taking a car for a test drive and never returning to the dealership, a Barnegat man was arrested and charged with taking the truck and eluding, police said.

On February 18, 47-year-old Jason DeAngelo had taken a 2023 white GMC Sierra from the Barlow GMC car dealership for a test drive around 11 a.m. However, police said DeAngelo never returned with the car.

Later that day the car was seen by the Tuckerton Borough Police Department on Route 539, and they attempted to stop the car. DeAngelo did not stop and proceeded to drive south on the Garden State Parkway. Police said officers did not pursue the vehicle any further.

The Stafford Township Police Department’s DEU was able to gain information that the car and DeAngelo were in the Atlantic City area near the Tropicana Casino. They located the car in the parking garage of the Tropicana unoccupied. Additionally, the New Jersey State Police Casino Operations Unit was contacted to help assist in locating DeAngelo in the casino.

After fi nding DeAngelo in the Tropicana, he was arrested without incident and transported to the Stafford Township Police Department for processing. He was charged with 3rd Degree Unlawful taking of Means of Conveyance in Stafford Township, and 2nd Degree Eluding out of Tuckerton Borough.

DeAngelo was later transported to Ocean County Jail where he was lodged on his charges, and pending a future appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.

Man Arrested For Stealing Building Materials

By Alyssa Riccardi

STAFFORD – A Toms River man has been arrested and charged for stealing over $38,000 of building materials from a local company, police said.

On February 11, the Stafford Township Police Department received a report of theft from the Universal Supply Company, located on East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin.

According to police, 39-year-old Jesse Vonderlinden of Toms River had unlawfully entered the business on multiple occasions between January 13 and February 11, stealing over $38,000 of building materials. As a result, a warrant was issued

Ch arges are merely accusations until proven in a court of law. for his arrest.

On February 15, the owner of Universal Supply notified police that an unauthorized person was seen on surveillance cameras in the supply yard. As police responded, Vonderlinden was seen leaving the area in his car.

Vonderlinden was arrested and charged with multiple counts of Burglary, Criminal Attempt of Theft, and Criminal Mischief. He was processed and lodged in the Ocean County Jail.

Ocean County Jewelry Burglary Under Investigation

By Alyssa Riccardi

LACEY – Authorities are currently investigating a local jewelry store burglary that occurred recently.

Police said the burglary took place around 5:20 a.m. on February 8 at Biele Jewelers, located at 116 Route 9 S, Forked River. Officers found a broken glass door, confi rming that the business had been burglarized.

Once the store was cleared with no subjects inside, police discovered several

The public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. broken display cases with an unknown amount of jewelry stolen.

The Ocean County Sheriff ’s Department CSI Unit, along with Lacey Twp Detectives Jesse Dalziel and Adam Ewart, responded to the scene and assumed the investigation.

The incident remains under investigation. If there were any witnesses to this burglary, they are urged to contact the Lacey Twp Police Department at 609-693-6636.

3rd Annual Spring Cra Fair