Forked River Juvenile Probationer Missing

A probationer from the Juvenile Justice Commission’s (JCC) facility at the Game Farm in Forked River has gone missing.

Police assisted in a search for an absent teen on Nov. 22.

The 16-year-old male “walked away” from the camp, JCC spokeswoman Sharon Lauchaire said.

The juvenile has yet to be found and the case is still under investigation by the JCC’s Office of Investigation, she said.

The missing teen is considered a probationer, which is someone serving a probationary term but not committed to the facility.

Once found, the juvenile would be returned to the Ocean County Juvenile Detention Center until going before a judge once more, Lauchaire said.

Lt. Scott Tirella provided the following information: 

Nov. 26
Brian Arnett, 29, of Toms River was charged with possession of heroin, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a hypodermic syringe and possession of Suboxone. Arnett was arrested in the Home Depot parking lot. 

Nov 25
Michael Lavelle, 34, of Forked River was charged with possession of heroin, marijuana, syringes and drug paraphernalia. He was arrested in the 7-Eleven parking lot. 

Nov. 23
Police responded to a Lakeside Drive South home where a vehicle was on fire. The incident is under investigation by Lacey’s detective bureau, the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Ocean County Criminal Investigation Unit and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.   

Nov. 22
Raymond McElvaney, 51, of Lanoka Harbor was charged with DWI, reckless driving and speeding after he was stopped on Route 9 North near Mill Street in Forked River. He was processed and released. 

Nov. 18
Thomas Vassallo, 26, of Waretown, was arrested at Wawa on Route 9 and Taylor Lane and charged with possession of heroin and possession of a hypodermic needle.