Police Investigate Purse Snatching

An 86-year-old woman had her purse snatched in the parking lot of the Lacey Mall.

A suspect stole the purse off of the woman at 10:36 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 and then fled the area towards the railroad right of way, police said. Some of the stolen items were recovered after they were found on the road.

A K-9 unit was used in the area but the suspect has yet to be found. Police did not provide a description of the suspect.

The incident is still under investigation. 

Lt. Tirella provided the following information:

Feb. 25
A New Brunswick woman reported that her purse was stolen from the Shark Fin Inn at 11:15 p.m. Stolen items included a Coach purse, cash and assorted personal items valued between $800 and $900. 

Feb. 24
A home on Oxgoose Drive in Lanoka Harbor was burglarized. Cash and jewelry valued at $500 was stolen. There was a forced entry. 

Feb. 23
Ryan Lee, 26, of Forked River was arrested for an outstanding county warrant of $2,626 for child support. Lee was sent to the Ocean County Jail. 

Feb. 23
Police conducted a motor vehicle stop and charged Joseph Kaliske, 30, of Barnegat with DWI. He was processed and released.

Feb. 23
Janaya Lassiter, 23, of Toms River and Mellissa Derrick, 29, of Lakewood were arrested for allegedly shoplifting from Walmart.

Lassiter had an outstanding warrant of $500 from Toms River and $500 from Manchester while Derrick had an outstanding warrant of $500 from Lakewood.

Both women were charged with shoplifting. Derrick got $1,000 additional bail for the shoplifting charge. Lassiter was served an additional $500 bail for shoplifting. Lassiter and Derrick were sent to the Ocean County Jail. 

Feb. 22
A resident of Pensacola Road reported a burglary. Numerous items, including copper piping, were stolen from the home. A value has yet to be determined. 

Feb. 22
Police conducted a motor vehicle stop and charged Scott Deserio, 41, of Forked River with DWI.