NOW OPEN! p oli C e B lotter Ocean County Man Pleads

Guilty To Eluding Police

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JACKSON – A Township man has admitted to assault and evading authorities after starting a pursuit on the Parkway and hitting a cop car, police said.

Kevin Valverde-Cruz, 21, of Jackson, pled guilty to Aggravated Assault and Eluding Law Enforcement in connection with an incident that occurred on October 18, 2022 in Lakewood. At the time of his sentencing on September 8, the State will be seeking a term of five years as to the Aggravated Assault charge, and five years as to the Eluding charge. The sentences are to run concurrently.

According to authorities, Valverde-Cruz was speeding in a white Jeep Grand Cherokee on October 18, 2022. When officers attempted to pull him over, he sped onto the Garden State Parkway. A pursuit began but was ultimately terminated due to public safety concerns, officials said.

Later that evening, Valverde-Cruz was found on the shoulder of the westbound lane of Central Avenue in Lakewood. When officers made contact with Valverde-Cruz, he did not comply and proceeded to put the car in reverse and struck a detective’s car. Valverde-Cruz then abruptly turned back into the roadway almost striking the detectives and fled the area, police said.

After authorities identified the driver as Valverde-Cruz, a search warrant was performed at his home in Jackson on January 10. Valverde-Cruz was arrested without incident and processed at Lakewood Township Police Department. Police said the white Jeep Grand Cherokee was located at the home. ValverdeCruz was transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer acknowledged the diligent efforts of Assistant Prosecutor Madeline Buczynski who is handling the case on behalf of the State, and commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Lakewood Township Police Department Patrol Division, Jackson Township Police Department, Howell Township Police Department, Ocean County Regional SWAT, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Valverde-Cruz’s guilty pleas, and soon his state prison sentence.

Owls For Kids

JACKSON – Come out for a morning program on New Jersey Owls. This will include taxidermy and owl call, followed by an owl pellet dissection using a vole identification guide with each participant. Meet at the Forest Resource Education Center, located at 495 Don Connor Boulevard Jackson Township, on July 28 or

29 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Registration required. Maximum participants 12 per class. Children ages 10 to 16. Register at eventbrite. com/o/forest-resource-education-center-31858983647. P l ease leave your phone number in case of weather emergencies.

9th Annual Beef & Beer

JACKSON – The 9th Annual Beef & Beer will be on September 30 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Co. #1 - Station 55.

Presale Tickets are $50, and include a t-shirt. Tickets the day of the event are $60. Reach out to any Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Co. #1 - Station 55 member to get tickets!

Nightingale Catering is back! They will be provided unlimited Beef. Unlimited Craft Beer will be provided by Icarus Brewing. Unlimited domestic beer. Hot Wing Challenge. Gift Auction. Mega 50/50 drawing. Come to an amazing event you won’t want to miss and support your volunteer firefighters.

Tractors, Trucks, & Big Stuff

CREAM RIDGE – Tractors, Trucks, & Big Stuff will be on September 10 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the New Egypt Flea Market, 933 Monmouth Road, Cream Ridge.

Free event. Bring the whole family. Pet friendly. To apply as a vendor, visit newegyptfleamarket.com. to sign up your rig, contact Allison Mains at 609-346-4412.

Jackson EMS Seeking Volunteers

JACKSON – Make a difference in your community! Jackson Township EMS is currently seeking volunteers. No experience needed. Must be 16 years or older. Free first aid training. Learn skills for life. Now hiring EMTs. Paid holidays. Healthcare benefits. Competitive pay. Flexible schedule. To apply, visit JTFAS.org.