Police Blotter: Walmart Robbery and Unlawful Possession of Weapon at Oyster Creek

A Pennsylvania man trying to gain access to the Oyster Creek Power Plant Feb. 2 was charged with unlawful possession of a loaded .32 caliber pistol, police said.

Charles Vance, 58, of Lititz, Pa., was arrested at 9:30 a.m. that morning after a search of his vehicle turned up the handgun.

Vance was at the nuclear plant on official business but Oyster Creek does not allow armed guests to enter. Any vehicle entering the power plant is inspected and upon inspection of Vance’s vehicle, the security officer took possession of the handgun.

It was determined that Vance legally purchased the gun in Pennsylvania, but his permit had expired, police said.

Beth Archer, spokesperson for Exelon Nuclear, confirmed that Vance was an expected visitor who had a meeting at the plant. Archer could not provide information as to why Vance was visiting Oyster Creek.

Once security discovered the ammunition, they followed procedures and engaged local law enforcement, Archer said.

"This shows that our security processes and procedures as they are designed work," Archer said.

Vance was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of hollow-point bullets. Vance was processed and released.

Feb. 7

A window was broken at Mid-Shore Physical Therapy, police said. An estimated cost of the repair has not yet been determined.

Feb. 7

A resident on Adolphus Street reported $115 worth of merchandise was stolen from the mailbox, police said.

Feb. 5

Philip Bender, 31, of Beachwood was held in custody at Walmart on shoplifting charges.

Bender took $141 worth of merchandise including a fishing reel and other fishing related items and switched the tags, making them worth $35, police said.

While Bender was detained by store security, he physically assaulted the security guard, police said. Bender pushed the security guard, struck the store manager in the face with a closed fist, and fled the store on foot, police said.

Not long after, through investigation, a Berkeley Township Police Officer along with a Lacey Township Officer apprehended Bender on Route 9 and Bayway Avenue.

Bender was charged with second-degree robbery. He was initially sent to Ocean County Jail in lieu of bail, $25,000, with a 10 percent option. Bender posted bail and was released. His vehicle, which was impounded from Wal-Mart’s parking lot, was released.

Feb. 6

A resident on Leilani Drive reported that someone entered a shed and stole an Air-Soft Pistol valued at $150, a hunting bow valued at $400, a chainsaw valued at $400, and a grinder valued at $150. Other items were damaged during the burglary.

Feb. 6

Samantha Carr, 20, of Manalapan and Shaun Schaefer, 21, of Jackson were arrested on charges of shoplifting at Walmart. Schaefer stole $53 worth of merchandise while Carr stole $128 worth of merchandise.

Feb. 5

Fidel Osorno, 46, of Forked River was arrested on an outstanding warrant from North Hanover at $250. Osorno posted bail and was released.

Feb. 5

A juvenile male, 17-years-old, from Beachwood, attempted to steal $12 worth of merchandise from Walmart, police said. While in custody, the juvenile was found to be in possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, police said. He was formally charged with shoplifting and possession of marijuana.

Feb. 5

A resident of Chelsea Street in forked River reported approximately $400 worth of jewelry and a few prescription pills were missing from the home. There was no forced entry, police said.

Feb. 4

A Forked River juvenile resident reported that their Hard Rock bicycle valued at $450 was stolen while out on the ice at Mill Pond, police said.

Feb. 3

A camera valued at $600 was stolen from the lobby of Peppertree Realty, police said. Police continue to investigate.

Feb. 3

A student of Lacey Township High School reported a 8GB iPod, valued at $200; along with the ear buds valued at $20 were stolen from an unsecured locker in the boys locker room.