BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Police say that yesterday December 8. 2022 at 9:30 p.m., Berkeley Township Police Officers were dispatched to Southamton Rd in the Silver Ridge Section of Berkeley Township for a reported structure fire. Patrolman Richard Zieser was the first officer on scene and notified dispatch that the house and several vehicles were fully engulfed.
Patrolman Zieser and Patrolman Tasso immediately made sure that all occupants of the residence as well as surrounding residences were evacuated to safety.
The Manitou Park Fire Department, Bayville Fire Department, Pinewald Pioneer Fire Department and the Toms River Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the blaze.
Berkeley Township EMS and South Toms River EMS assisted on scene and transported the homeowners to Community Medical Center for smoke inhalation.
The Fire was investigated by Ocean County Fire Marshall’s Office as well as Berkeley Township Detectives.
Preliminary investigation indicated the fire to have been accidental. The fire appeared to have started in the garage of the residence before spreading to the rest of the house and to the vehicles located in the driveway.
UPDATE: Sources tell MidJersey.News that a body was found in the water just off the beach at Island Beach State Park just after 12:00 p.m. today and a recovery operation was underway. Check back for updates.
A NJDEP Spokesperson did verify that a body was found at 11:05 a.m.
Updated with the latest information:
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–A spokesperson from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection stated that a multi-agency search for a 59-year-old woman reported missing late yesterday after entering the ocean at Island Beach State Park resumed this morning. Coordinated by New Jersey State Park Police, agencies participating in the search efforts are the U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, Berkely Township Police, the Ocean Beach Fire Department, the Seaside Park Fire Department, the Seaside Heights Fire Department, the Lavallette Fire Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office. New Jersey State Park Police were made aware of a missing person in the A22 area of the park around 8:20 p.m. Monday. A man reported that his wife had entered the water south of A22 and had not returned. A search was immediately launched on land and on the water. The search was suspended at midnight and resumed at 8 a.m. today.
Send photos into MidJersey.News by using the contact form and we will send you the email address to send them. The photos must be your original work and not taken by someone else or to be used without permission from the artist. Gas is +/- $5.00 a gallon and we can’t get to as many things as we would like to so all the help we can get is appreciated. This is a volunteer news site run by journalists as a public service to cover areas of NJ where traditional news agencies ignored.
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 8:45 p.m. last night June 13, 2022, Seaside Heights and Seaside Park Fire Departments were requested to respond to Island Beach State Park for a search for a missing person. Rescue crews started their search in Area 22 and NJ State Police and U.S. Coast Guard Helicopters were requested for assistance.
Ocean County Stations 45 – Seaside Park Fire Department, 44 – Seaside Heights Fire Department, 69 – Lavallette Fire Department, 27 – Ocean Beach Fire Department and 53 – Island Heights Fire Department all responded.
MidJersey.News has reached out to the NJ Park Police for details and when public information becomes available the story will be updated.
Send photos into MidJersey.News by using the contact form and we will send you the email address to send them. The photos must be your original work and not taken by someone else or to be used without permission from the artist. Gas is +/- $5.00 a gallon and we can’t get to as many things as we would like to so all the help we can get is appreciated. This is a volunteer news site run by journalists as a public service to cover areas of NJ where traditional news agencies ignored.
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced on June 3, 2022, that Jamal Preston, 27, of Egg Harbor Township, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., to seven years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) as a result of a previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Arson – by purposely or knowingly placing another in danger of death or bodily injury – in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(1). This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2, meaning that Preston will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. Judge Ryan also sentenced Preston to seven years NJSP in connection with a previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Arson – with purpose to destroy the building or structure of another – in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(2), these charges arose out of an incident that occurred in Lakewood Township on August 22, 2020. Finally Judge Ryan sentenced Preston to eighteen months NJSP in connection to a previously entered guilty plea to an unrelated charge of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, in connection with an incident that occurred two days earlier in Berkeley Township on August 20, 2020. The sentences will run concurrently. Preston pled guilty to all charges before Judge Ryan on January 13, 2022.
On August 22, 2020, Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to a report of a fire at a residence in Lakewood. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s K-9 Unit, determined that the fire had been intentionally set utilizing an ignitable liquid and an open flame. Further investigation determined that Preston intentionally set the fire while the residence was occupied by three individuals. Preston fled the scene, but was arrested at a motel in Absecon by the United States Marshals Service on August 31, 2020. He has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since the date of his apprehension.
On August 20, 2020, Preston was involved in an altercation with another individual in the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township. When Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to the scene, Preston was found to be in possession of a knife. He was taken into custody, charged on a summons, and released pending a future court date.
Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Meghan O’Neill who is handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s K-9 Unit, United States Marshals Service, Egg Harbor Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Berkeley Township Police Department, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and South Toms River Police Department, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Preston’s apprehension, guilty pleas, and now his state prison sentence.
Jamal Preston, 27, of Egg Harbor Township, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., to seven years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) as a result of a previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Arson – by purposely or knowingly placing another in danger of death or bodily injury – in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(1). This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2, meaning that Preston will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. Judge Ryan also sentenced Preston to seven years NJSP in connection with a previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Arson – with purpose to destroy the building or structure of another – in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(2), these charges arose out of an incident that occurred in Lakewood Township on August 22, 2020. Finally Judge Ryan sentenced Preston to eighteen months NJSP in connection to a previously entered guilty plea to an unrelated charge of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, in connection with an incident that occurred two days earlier in Berkeley Township on August 20, 2020. The sentences will run concurrently. Preston pled guilty to all charges before Judge Ryan on January 13, 2022.
BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ (OCEAN)–The Coast Guard rescued an 80-year-old man from a 16-foot boat that ran aground near Barnegat Inlet, Monday.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a report from the son of the overdue boater stating that his father had not returned home at sunset. The son also informed watchstanders that his father departed without communication devices, having only a life jacket and whistle onboard his vessel.
Coast Guard members from Station Barnegat Light and Air Station Atlantic City along with a New Jersey State police aviation unit responded to the report. New Jersey State Police located the man and the Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew hoisted him to safety, transporting him to Island Beach State Park where EMS was standing by.
“This case really emphasized the importance of letting someone know your whereabouts before you get underway,” said Cmdr. Brett Workman, Sector Delaware Bay Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator. “The family knew where he was departing from, where he planned to go, and when he was expected to return. Since his family knew his float plan, we knew where to look, and were ultimately able to locate and rescue him. In addition to letting someone know your float plan, it is always recommended that mariners have reliable means of communication when they are on the water.”
Recent training photograph from USCG Barnegat Light by BMC Paulino — USCG Facebook Page
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–A 10:00 p.m. a witness noticed a fishing vessel run aground on Island Beach State Park in Area 23. The witness and 9-1-1 caller stated that it appeared the the vessel lost power and drifted onto shore. According to other sources there were three aboard and no injuries reported.
Last night, watchstanders at the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay command center received notification via channel 16 from a 68-foot fishing vessel stating that the vessel had three people aboard and ran aground on the beach off #BarnegatLight. A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light arrived on scene and confirmed that the mariners were not in immediate distress.The Sector Delaware Bay command center maintained communication with the vessel throughout the night.The boatcrew from Station Barnegat Light, Towboat US, and Shamrock Marine Towing and Salvage are currently on scene assisting the vessel.
As of right now, we know that a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light is on scene with the vessel. Towboat US and another local towing and salvage company are also currently assisting the vessel. — USCG District 5 Public Affairs
The vessel is marked “Bear” and home port appears to be Barnegat Light, NJ according to the Boat Database and USCG Maritime Information Exchange, Port State Information Exchange. https://cgmix.uscg.mil/psix/psixsearch.aspx
Vessel Information:
Vessel Particulars:
Vessel Name: BEAR Primary Vessel Number: 674417 (Official Number (U.S.)) Hull Identification Number: N/A Manufacturer Hull Number: N/A IMO Number: N/A Vessel Flag: UNITED STATES Vessel Call Sign: WDD6926
Service: Commercial Fishing Vessel Length: 68.00 ft Breadth: 19.00 ft Depth: 8.00 ft Build Year: 1984 Alternate VINs:CG246444 (Coast Guard Number)
Service Information:
Tonnage Information:
Service Status: Active Out Of Service Date: N/A Last Removed From Service By: N/A
Cargo Authority: N/A Tonnage:72 – Simplified, Gross Ton57 – Simplified, Net Ton
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, SEASIDE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 6:45 p.m., Seaside Park along with Seaside Heights were dispatched to 14th Avenue Beach for a boater in distress, the vessel was located in South Seaside Park-Berkley Township off 5th Lane Midway Beach. First reports from PD were that the boat was 100 yards offshore doing circles with the 3-4 swell it was slowly pushed in. Seaside Park & Seaside Heights deployed their rescues swimmers into the ocean as there were two victims onboard the vessel. Batting the surf the water rescue team was quickly able to get them off the vessel and to safely. Two victims were removed and checked by Toms River EMS. It is unknown what caused the power failure at this time.
Just after 11:00 p.m. the Seaside Park Fire Department was dispatched back to the beach for a “boat fire” No boat fire was found but it was reported that the sailboat was out of the water and on the beach.
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP – SOUTH SEASIDE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)—Berkley Township Police have released the name of the lifeguard killed in a lighting strike yesterday as 19 year old Keith Pinto of Toms River, NJ. According to Pinto’s Facebook page he attended Ocean County Community College and was a graduate of Toms River High School North.
Yesterday August 30, 2021 at approximately 4:35 p.m. the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to the 21st Avenue Beach in the South Seaside Park section for a report of a lighting strike involving multiple people on the beach. Upon arrival, first aid and advanced life support was immediately rendered to the victims.
It was determined that a total of 8 victims, four of which were lifeguards, were reported to have been either struck or were injured from the residual lighting strike. One of the victims, a Berkeley Township lifeguard, Keith Pinto 19 of Toms River, succumbed to his injuries. The remaining victims were triaged and treated for their injuries at surrounding hospitals. The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing.
Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato issued the following statement regarding the fatal lightning strike in South Seaside Park today.
“This is a tragic and heartbreaking day for our town and the entire Jersey Shore.”
“This young person was out there every day protecting the lives of others. Our lifeguard teams, like so many along the shore, develop special connections with our community throughout the summer, which makes this loss even greater.”
“On behalf of myself and our entire community, I offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this young man.”
Berkley Township’s ocean beaches will be closed for swimming but open for sunbathers Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday as beach staff and lifeguards will be off. Crisis Counselors will be available for beach staff employees.
Governor Phil Murphy released a statement this evening: “Our hearts are with the family and friends of the young lifeguard killed by today’s horrific lightning strike on the beach in Berkeley Township, and we pray for a full recovery for those injured. I’ve spoken to Mayor Carmen Amato and offered the full support and assistance of our administration during this difficult time.”
Words cannot describe how so many of us are feeling right now. We lost a special guy tonight, one who was so close and meant so much to so many people. Keith passed away after being struck by lightning while he was working his lifeguarding shift. A complete tragedy that nobody would have ever expected to happen. It would be impossible to get it all into words how much our friend meant to us but we all know how amazing he was. Keith has left behind an overwhelming amount of amazing memories that will live in our hearts forever. All donations will go directly to Keith’s family for the proper goodbye that he deserves. Our hearts are broken by what happened and all our love and support goes out to the Pinto family and all others affected by this tragedy. We’re gonna miss you so much brother❤️#LLK
This is the second fatal lifeguard accident at the Jersey Shore this year only 10 days ago on August 20, 2021 a 16 year old lifeguard in Cape May died from injuries from a lifeboat accident.
BERKLEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 4:35 p.m. thunderstorm moving though the area approximately 4 miles to the north of Berkley Township in the Lavallette area generated a lighting bolt that hit the beach in the area of 21st Avenue. This area of Berkley Township is also known as South Seaside Park. The lighting bolt hit a Berkley Township lifeguard who was later pronounced dead and the bolt also injured at least seven more people. Rescue efforts were made and a helicopter was called, other victims of the lighting strike were transported to Community Medical Center, RWJ Barnabas Health in Toms River. The victims were transported by multiple EMS agencies operating at the scene.
Governor Phil Murphy released a statement this evening: “Our hearts are with the family and friends of the young lifeguard killed by today’s horrific lightning strike on the beach in Berkeley Township, and we pray for a full recovery for those injured. I’ve spoken to Mayor Carmen Amato and offered the full support and assistance of our administration during this difficult time.”
This is the second fatal lifeguard accident at the Jersey Shore this year only 10 days ago on August 20, 2021 a 16 year old lifeguard in Cape May died from injuries from a lifeboat accident.
The last lighting death in NJ was on June 9 when 70 year old golfer was killed at Burlington Country Club in Westampton, NJ. 2021 Lightning Fatalities by State
BERKLEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit are currently investigating a non-fatal officer involved shooting that occurred in Berkeley Township on August 1, 2021 at approximately 11:30 a.m. No further information may be released at this time pursuant to New Jersey Attorney General Directive No. 2006-5; a public statement will be released upon completion of the investigation, with the approval of the Attorney General.
BERKLEY TOWNSHIP – ISLAND BEACH STATE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)–Governor Phil Murphy today announced several new vaccination incentives as part of “Operation Jersey Summer”, the statewide public awareness campaign aimed at vaccinating all eligible individuals who live, work, or study in New Jersey against COVID-19. The new incentives include a State Parks Vax Pass, providing free access to New Jersey’s 51 state parks and facilities including Island Beach State Park; a free glass of wine at participating New Jersey wineries; and dinner with Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy.
“Millions of New Jerseyans have rolled up their sleeves and received a vaccination to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19, but there is still much work to be done in order to reach our goal of 4.7 million fully vaccinated New Jersey adults by June 30,” said Governor Murphy. “In partnership with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the Garden State Wine Growers Association, we are giving New Jerseyans more reasons to step up and visit one of our 1,700 vaccination sites to receive a free COVID-19 vaccine. We are determined to reach our vaccination goals and make this the best Jersey summer yet.”
“With continually improving public health indicators, we want every New Jersey resident to get a State Parks Vax Pass and get out to enjoy our incredible State Parks with their families and friends,” said Shawn LaTourette, Acting Commissioner, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. “From High Point in the northwest to Cape May Point in the southeast, our state parks provide a great place for New Jerseyans to connect with one another and with nature. A free State Parks Vax Pass is just one small way that we can thank our fellow residents for taking good care of themselves and each other by getting vaccinated against COVID-19.”
“New Jersey state parks are second to none and offer a great diversity of outdoors recreational experiences,” said New Jersey Parks and Forestry Director John Cecil. “We look forward to welcoming everyone this summer and truly hope many people take advantage of this opportunity to save money while doing the right thing to help end the pandemic.”
“The Garden State Wine Growers Association is proud to have nine of our member wineries join in raising awareness for the Covid-19 vaccination program by offering a free glass of wine to all those of age that show they’ve received their first vaccination dose this May,” said Tom Cosentino, Executive Director, Garden State Wine Growers Association. “We encourage all New Jersey residents to get vaccinated so they can come out this summer to our vineyards and enjoy the award-winning wines New Jersey vintners are producing.”
Governor’s Office Photo
Vax and Visit with the State Parks Vax Pass
Beginning Thursday, May 27, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection will offer a free State Parks Vax Pass under the new “Vax and Visit” campaign to all New Jersey residents who receive at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccination by July 4, 2021. The State Parks Vax Pass, which will be of the same value as the Annual State Parks Pass, will allow free access to all of New Jersey’s 51 State parks and forest facilities that charge daily walk-in or parking fees, from Thursday, May 27 through December 31, 2021. New Jersey residents who have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be able to request a State Parks Vax Pass upon entry at any one of the state’s 51 parks, including Island Beach State Park. The Department of Environmental Protection will also provide refunds to residents who already purchased Annual State Park Passes this year and have been fully vaccinated.
The State Parks Vax Pass, which will be of the same value as the Annual State Parks Pass, will allow free access to New Jersey’s 51 State parks and forest facilities that charge daily walk-in or parking fees, from Thursday, May 28 through December 31, 2021. New Jersey residents who have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine will be able to request a State Parks Vax Pass upon entry at any one of the state’s 51 parks, including Island Beach State Park. The Department of Environmental Protection will also provide refunds to residents who already purchased Annual State Park Passes this year and have been fully vaccinated.
Uncork the Vaccination
In partnership with the Garden State Wine Growers Association, New Jerseyans ages 21 and over who receive their first COVID-19 vaccination in the month of May can visit one of New Jersey’s participating wineries and receive a free glass of wine. Participating wineries include Amalthea Cellars, Auburn Road Vineyards, Bellview Winery, DiMatteo Vineyards, Salem Oak Vineyards, Terhune Orchards, Tomasello Winery, Villa Milagro Vineyards in Pohatcong, and White Horse Winery.
Dinner with the Governor and First Lady
Beginning May 19, individuals age 18 or older who have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination in New Jersey since the roll-out of the state’s program in December, can enter to win dinner along with a guest with Governor Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy. The winner will have the choice between dinner at Drumthwacket, the official Governor’s residence located in Princeton, or the Governor’s residence in Island Beach State Park. Entries must be submitted by May 31. To enter, visit covid19.nj.gov
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Berkeley Township Police Chief Karin DiMichele announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau are investigating a shooting incident that occurred on April 12, 2021 in the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township.
On April 12, 2021, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Berkeley Township Police Officers responded to a residence on Third Avenue following a 911 call reporting shots having been fired in the area. Responding Officers found a 29 year-old male victim with a bullet fragment in his face. The victim was transported to Community Medical Center in Toms River, where he was treated for his injuries and released.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief DiMichele stress that this is an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone in possession of information concerning this investigation is urged to contact Detective Denis Mitchell of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit at 732-929-2027, extension 2476, or Detective Michael Riccardelli of the Berkeley Township Police Department at 732-341-1132, extension 2153
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer has announced that Angelo Grenci, 44, of Berkeley Township, has been charged with Possession of Child Pornography in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4b(5)b(ii). This charge is in addition to the charge of Murder previously filed against Grenci on November 24, 2020 relative to death of Carlton Williams, 50, of Seaside Heights, and in furtherance of that investigation.
On November 16, 2020, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, executed a court-authorized search warrant at Grenci’s residence in Berkeley Township in connection with the stabbing of Mr. Williams which occurred in the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township on November 14, 2020. Grenci was arrested and initially charged with Attempted Murder; he was subsequently charged with Murder on November 24, 2020 after Mr. Williams succumbed to the injuries inflicted upon him by Grenci. During the course of the Murder investigation, a forensic examination of Grenci’s phone was conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit which revealed images of child pornography. As such, a second court-authorized search warrant was obtained to allow for the search of Grenci’s phone specifically for child pornography. A thorough examination of Grenci’s phone recovered additional images of child pornography. Grenci has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since he was apprehended on November 16, 2020.
“We were initially examining Grenci’s phone for evidence relative to the Murder investigation. Upon discovering evidence of another, independent crime, specifically Possession of Child Pornography, Detectives from our High Tech Crime Unit sought an additional search warrant and uncovered over 1000 images of Child Pornography. Grenci was charged accordingly and served with a copy of his complaint today in the Ocean County Jail,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, Ocean County Department of Corrections, State of New Jersey Department of Corrections, and New Jersey State Parole Board, for their cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Grenci’s Murder charge, and now this additional charge of Possession of Child Pornography.
The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that Angelo Grenci, 44, of Berkeley Township, has been charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with the death of Carlton Williams, 50, of Seaside Heights.
During the evening hours of November 14, 2020, Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department and Berkeley Township Police Department responded to Community Medical Center in Toms River relative to a report of a male victim having been stabbed. Responding Officers found Carlton Williams with an apparent stab wound to his neck. Mr. Williams was subsequently flown to Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center in New Brunswick, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on November 21, 2020. A post mortem examination was performed by the Ocean County Medical Examiner on November 22, 2020. The Medical Examiner determined the cause of Mr. Williams’s death to be anoxic brain injury, secondary to massive bleed from a stab to the neck, and the manner of death to be homicide.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, determined that Grenci stabbed Mr. Williams in the neck during an altercation that occurred in the area of Magnolia Avenue in the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township at approximately 7:00 p.m. on November 14, 2020. On November 16, 2020, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, executed a court-authorized search warrant at Grenci’s residence in Berkeley Township. Grenci was taken into custody and was originally charged with Attempted Murder. That charge was amended to Murder after Mr. Williams succumbed to the injuries inflicted upon him by Grenci. Grenci has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since his apprehension, where he remains pending a detention hearing.
“Fortunately, this appalling and senseless crime was solved expeditiously as a result of the hard work and dogged determination of all the Officers and Detectives involved in this investigation,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “Through their combined efforts, an extremely dangerous person has been removed from the streets of Ocean County. We will now turn our focus to ensuring that justice is accomplished for Mr. Williams and his family,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.
Prosecutor Billhimer would like to acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Victim Witness Advocacy Unit, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, Ocean County Department of Corrections, State of New Jersey Department of Corrections, and New Jersey State Parole Board, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this matter leading to Grenci’s swift apprehension and appropriate charges.
The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Angelo Grenci, 44, of Berkeley Township
Angelo Grenci, 44, of Berkeley Township, has been charged with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), in connection with the death of Carlton Williams, 50, of Seaside Heights.
TOMS RIVER, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer and Berkeley Township Chief of Police Karin DiMichele have announced that Angelo Grenci, 44, of Toms River, was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), relative to a stabbing incident which occurred in Berkeley Township on Saturday, November 14, 2020.
During the evening hours of November 14, 2020, Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department and Berkeley Township Police Department responded to Community Medical Center in Toms River relative to a report of a male victim having been stabbed. Responding Officers found Carlton Williams, 50, of Seaside Heights, with an apparent stab wound to his neck. Mr. Williams was subsequently flown to Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center in New Brunswick where he remains listed in critical condition.
An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, determined that Grenci had stabbed Mr. Williams in the neck during an altercation that occurred in the area of Magnolia Avenue in the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township at approximately 7:00 p.m. on November 14, 2020. On November 16, 2020, Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, and Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, executed a court-authorized search warrant at Grenci’s residence in Berkeley Township. Grenci was taken into custody and brought to Berkeley Township Police Headquarters for processing, and subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail where he is currently lodged pending a detention hearing.
“Each and every officer and detective involved in this investigation acted quickly and professionally in solving this horrendous crime. Through their tenacity and dedication, a very dangerous individual is now off the streets. As I have stated many times before, senseless acts of violence are not acceptable in any civilized society, and will certainly not be tolerated here in Ocean County,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.
Prosecutor Billhimer and Chief DiMichele acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Regional SWAT Team, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Toms River Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Department of Corrections, State of New Jersey Department of Corrections, and New Jersey State Parole Board, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation leading to Grenci’s swift apprehension.
The press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Angelo Grenci, 44, of Toms River
Angelo Grenci, 44, of Toms River, was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), relative to a stabbing incident which occurred in Berkeley Township on Saturday, November 14, 2020.
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal announced that two men were sentenced to state prison today for attempting to lure underage girls they met on social media to meet for sexual encounters. The “girls” in reality were undercover detectives participating in “Operation Open House,” a multi-agency undercover operation in September 2018 led by the Attorney General’s Office that resulted in arrests of 24 men who allegedly were using social media to lure underage girls and boys for sexual activity.
William Singleton, 25, of Pemberton, N.J., and Charles Schlottfeld, 28, of Bayville, N.J., were each sentenced today to four years in state prison by Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan in Ocean County. Each man pleaded guilty to second-degree luring, Singleton on Feb. 3, 2020, and Schlottfeld, on July 22, 2020. Both men will be required to register as sex offenders under Megan’s Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life.
Deputy Attorney General Thomas Huynh prosecuted Singleton and Deputy Attorney General Rachael Weeks prosecuted Schlottfeld for the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Cyber Crimes Bureau.
Both men were arrested in September 2018 during Operation Open House. In each case, an undercover detective with the New Jersey Regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force encountered the defendant on social media, and the defendant, believing the undercover detective was a 14-year-old girl, asked the “girl” to meet him for sexual activity. Both Singleton and Schlottfeld discussed in detail the sexual acts they would perform with the underage girl. Singleton was arrested on Sept. 7, 2018, and Schlottfeld was arrested on Sept. 9, 2018. They were arrested when they arrived at the undercover house in Toms River, where dozens of officers and agents participating in Operation Open House were prepared to arrest offenders and process any evidence seized.
“With these prison sentences, we are sending a strong message to predators who think they can freely hunt for vulnerable children online,” said Attorney General Grewal. “We will continue to identify and arrest these offenders because there is no higher priority for us than the safety of our children. But at a time when more young people are online as a result of the pandemic, we especially need parents and guardians to do their part by warning children that these dangerous predators use popular social media services, gaming platforms, and chat apps to target unsuspecting victims.”
“We will never cease in our efforts to arrest those who use the internet and social media to sexually exploit children, either by distributing child sexual abuse materials or by grooming children to sexually abuse or assault,” said Director Veronica Allende of the Division of Criminal Justice. “We want predators like Singleton and Schlottfeld to know the child they stalk online may turn out to be a law enforcement officer.”
In addition to investigating cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, members of the New Jersey State Police ICAC Unit, the Division of Criminal Justice Financial & Cyber Crimes Bureau, and the New Jersey ICAC Task Force routinely conduct undercover chat investigations on social media platforms leading to arrests of hands-on offenders and defendants seeking to lure children. They also conduct proactive investigations to apprehend offenders by monitoring peer-to-peer file-sharing networks and identifying the IP addresses of individuals sharing child sexual abuse materials.
Attorney General Grewal and Director Allende urge anyone with information about the distribution of child sexual abuse materials on the internet – or about suspected improper contact by unknown persons communicating with children via the internet or possible exploitation or sexual abuse of children – to please contact the New Jersey Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Tipline at 888-648-6007.
Defense Attorneys
For Singleton: Assistant Deputy Public Defender Marissa K. DeAnna, Ocean County
For Schlottfeld: Alexandra Nieves-Martinez , Esq., Berkeley Township, N.J.
Charles Schlottfeld, 28, of Bayville, N.J.,
William Singleton, 25, of Pemberton, N.J.,
William Singleton, 25, of Pemberton, N.J., and Charles Schlottfeld, 28, of Bayville, N.J., were each sentenced today to four years in state prison by Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan in Ocean County. Each man pleaded guilty to second-degree luring, Singleton on Feb. 3, 2020, and Schlottfeld, on July 22, 2020. Both men will be required to register as sex offenders under Megan’s Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life.
William Singleton, 25, of Pemberton, N.J., and Charles Schlottfeld, 28, of Bayville, N.J., were each sentenced today to four years in state prison by Superior Court Judge Guy P. Ryan in Ocean County. Each man pleaded guilty to second-degree luring, Singleton on Feb. 3, 2020, and Schlottfeld, on July 22, 2020. Both men will be required to register as sex offenders under Megan’s Law and will be subject to parole supervision for life.
SHIP BOTTOM, NJ (OCEAN)–Estimates of 2,500 boats participated in a Trump Boat Parade that was also supporting Law Enforcement Officers and Veterans yesterday.
Boaters are congregated at the mouth of Tom’s River in Barnegat Bay and split into two major groups north bound and south bound.
The northbound parade started at the mouth of Toms River and past the Mantoloking Bridge, F-Cove and Bay Head.
The southbound parade started from the mouth of the Toms River and went past the Manahawkin Bridge all the way down to Beach Haven. A large group of boaters anchored in Ship Bottom after the parade.
Rep Smith joined the Law Enforcement Officers and Veterans Supporters of Trump Boat Parade in Barnegat Bay in Ocean County today in a boat captained by Ocean County GOP chairman Frank Holman. One report estimates that 2,500 boats participated in the show of support.
Some of the many Trump Boat Parade participants in the Ship Bottom area and Manahawkin Bridge
BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Yesterday, troopers working a detail with the New Jersey State Police Marine Services Bureau Point Pleasant Station assisted two kayakers who were stranded in the Sedge Islands and unable to return to Island Beach State Park.
At approximately 10:10 p.m., Detective Sergeant Kenneth Lutz and Sergeant Christopher Carney were dispatched to the report of two kayakers who got lost attempting to return to Island Beach State Park. While fishing in the Barnaget Bay, the kayakers were unable to navigate back to the docks after it suddenly got dark during a storm that came through the area.
When troopers arrived in the area, they worked with dispatchers to quickly locate the kayakers on one of the islands. Due to the shallow waters, the troopers were unable to make it to the shoreline of island. However, they illuminated a path for the kayakers who were able to paddle a short distance out to the troopers’ vessel.
The troopers helped the kayakers, Ken Staunton and his son, Christopher, onto their vessel and transported them back to Island Beach State Park.
Great job by DSG Lutz and Sgt. Carney for their quick intervention.
MidJersey.News 
You must be logged in to post a comment.