Police: Lacey Teen Pointed Flare Gun at Car

Lacey police charged a 13-year-old Lanoka Harbor boy after he allegedly pointed a flare gun at a car.

Police received a report by a Lacey Township resident that while driving down Deerhead Lake Drive at 5:15 p.m. Jan. 19, she observed the teenager pointing what was believed to be a flare gun at the vehicle.

Investigation of the allegation led to the teenager being charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, aggravated assault with a weapon and obstructing the administration of law.

The flare gun was recovered during the investigation.

Lt. James Veltri provided the following information:

Jan. 22
Edward Thau, 50, of Forked River was arrested at 3:19 p.m. for allegedly shoplifting $257.43 worth of Walmart merchandise, including baseball hats and electronic games.

A $1,500 warrant was issued for the shoplifting charges. While in custody, police found that Thau also had a $900 warrant from Wall Township and a $431 warrant from Ocean Township. He was unable to post bail and sent to Ocean County Jail. 

Jan. 21
A resident from Center Street in Forked River reported that items were stolen from their home. The stolen items, including cellular phones, were valued just under $600. There was no forced entry. Investigative efforts by police working in conjunction with the victim led to the items being recovered. Criminal prosecution is pending. 

Jan. 20
An officer parked on Route 9 conducted a computer check on a motor vehicle at 1:26 a.m. and found that the car had an expired registration.

A motor vehicle stop was then conducted and Nicholas DeStefano, 35, of Bayville was charged with DWI, refusal to submit to a breath test, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane, expired registration, failure to change address and DWI within 1,000 feet of a school. 

Jan. 20
A resident on East Hickory Drive in Lanoka Harbor reported that someone damaged a metal mailbox and post value at $50. 

Jan. 20
A Forked River resident reported that someone gained entry into a locked vehicle. Stolen were several credit cards that were inside a purse secured inside the car. The car did not sustain damage.

Investigation by Lacey police determined that the credit cards were utilized at Lacey Township businesses.

The same victim reported that someone stole two rings, valued at $2,000, from within her residence. There was no forced entry. The investigation is ongoing. Investigated. 

Jan. 20
A resident of Pine Beach reported that their unlocked car, parked at a local restaurant, was entered. A wallet containing personal identification and credit cards was stolen. The total value was $95.