Category: Brick

Brick, Ocean County

180 Animals Removed From Brick Township “Puppy Mill”

135 Dogs And 45 Cats were removed from the “puppy mill” in addition, there were two deceased dogs. Approximately eight animals were sent for emergency veterinary care.

December 3, 2022

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Brick Township Police say that around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 2, 2022, Brick Police Humane Law Enforcement Officer Ptl. Scott Smith responded with Ptl. Brennan Lanni to a home on Arrowhead Park Drive in reference to an anonymous complaint that the residents there were running a puppy mill. The officers met with the two residents, Aimee Lonczak (49 years old) and Michele Nycz (58 years old), in the driveway where the four had a conversation about the nature of the complaint. While speaking with Lonczak and Nycz, officers could smell a strong odor coming from the residence and they could hear barking.

The officers were subsequently permitted to enter the residence and immediately noticed a strong odor and unsanitary conditions.  The officers observed stacks of animal crates on top of each other with dogs and cats in the crates. Because of the conditions, the officers were forced to exit and requested that a Hazmat team respond.

Initially, officers estimated that there were approximately 30 animals contained within the residence. Once emergency response teams were able to get into the home it became apparent that the number of animals was in excess of 100. The home was full of animal waste and the animals were living in horrible and inhumane conditions. At least two animals removed were deceased – both were dogs.

The number of animals that needed to be rescued called for a large response from agencies throughout central New Jersey.

Rescuers in Hazmat equipment began removing animals which took approximately ten hours. The animals were then transported to a number of area shelters. There were 135 dogs and 45 cats removed from the residence. Veterinarian Steven Cudia V.M.D. responded to assess the animals as each was pulled from the home. In addition to the two deceased dogs, approximately eight animals were sent for emergency veterinary care.

Lonczak and Nycz, who were living inside the residence with Lonczak’s 16-year old child, were both arrested for animal cruelty and child endangerment. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed. The residence was subsequently condemned by the Brick building and code department.

Among the dozens of agencies and entities that responded to assist with the rescue, placement of the animals and support services are Berkeley Hazmat, Laurelton Fire Company, Pioneer Hose Fire Company, Point Pleasant Boro Fire Company, Brick Animal Control, Brick EMS, Brick Office of Emergency Management, the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, Brick Township Building Department, the Red Cross, NJ Animal Disaster Response, the Associated Humane Societies Animal Rescue, and several animal control and rescue agencies from several counties, including the Ocean County Animal Response Team, Anny, Jack and Lucy’s Animal Rescue, Tiny Paws Rescue, Art Cast Rescue, Animal Adoption Center, the Monmouth County SPCA, and the Popcorn Zoo.

Brick, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Wall

Wall Township Man Charged With Vehicular Homicide In Death Of 82-Year-Old Brick Township Man

An investigation by the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit, and the Wall Township Police Department determined that Dickson was driving his vehicle recklessly under the influence of intoxicating substances at the time of the collision. The investigation further revealed that Dickson’s vehicle was traveling on State Highway 35 southbound when he struck the rear of the 2019 Honda CRV and then crossed over the double yellow line into northbound traffic, striking the vehicle being operated by Yuro.

August 4, 2022

WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ (MONMOUTH)–On Monday, August 1, 2022, the Wall Township Police Department arrested and charged a 27-year-old Wall Township resident with being criminally responsible for a motor vehicle collision that occurred as a result, leaving an 82-year-old Brick man dead.

Nolan T. Dickson, 27, is charged with 2nd Degree Vehicular Homicide and 3rd Degree Causing Death While Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License.

At approximately 10:09 a.m. on Saturday June 27, 2021, members of the Wall Township Police Department responded to a report of a head-on collision on State Highway 35 just north of the intersection with Lakewood Road.

Upon arrival, the officer encountered three involved vehicles: a 2019 BMW430i driven by Dickson, a 2019 Honda CRV and a 2017 Toyota Camry driven by Paul Yuro of Brick.

Dickson was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. Yuro was also transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for severe injuries by Wall Township Emergency Medical Services and paramedics from Hackensack Meridian, where he later died from his injuries.

An investigation by the Monmouth County Serious Collision Analysis Response Team (SCART), the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit, and the Wall Township Police Department determined that Dickson was driving his vehicle recklessly under the influence of intoxicating substances at the time of the collision. The investigation further revealed that Dickson’s vehicle was traveling on State Highway 35 southbound when he struck the rear of the 2019 Honda CRV and then crossed over the double yellow line into northbound traffic, striking the vehicle being operated by Yuro.

This case is being handled by Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Meghan Doyle. Dickson is represented by Mitchell Ansell, Esq. with an office in Ocean Township.

If convicted of a second-degree offense of this nature, Dickson would be subject to a term of up to ten years in state person, with 85 percent of the term to be served before the possibility of parole, according to the provisions of New Jersey’s No Early Release Act (NERA).

Despite the aforementioned pending charges, every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution and State Law

Brick, Ocean County

Armed Burglars Caught After Fleeing on Foot in Brick Township

April 29, 2022

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Brick Township Police say that on Wednesday, April 27, just after 1:00 P.M., Patrol Officers responded to the area of 18th Ave. in response to a burglary. Prior to police arrival, two suspects fled in a black vehicle. Officers responding to the area discovered the suspect vehicle in the area of the River Rock Restaurant on Rt. 70. Two suspects who matched the description of the burglars were nearby and fled in different directions on foot as Patrol Officers approached the vehicle.

One of the suspects, identified as Jermaine Mayer Jr, (20 years old from Allentown, PA) was eventually caught by Ptl. Christopher Newlund and placed under arrest. The second suspect, Marquis Pettise, (20 years old from Allentown, PA) had returned to the vehicle while responding Officers were arriving. Pettise removed a handgun he had left inside the vehicle and tossed it on the side of the Liquor store. Pettise was later found on the Brielle Bridge and arrested by Ptl. Matthew Knehr. The discarded handgun was recovered and a high capacity magazine was located at the scene.

Det. Michael Bennett and Det. Ryan Talty, who are leading the investigation, filed charges on warrants for both suspects for Armed Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Possession of a handgun, Possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, Possession of high capacity magazine, Possession of hollow point ammunition, and Obstruction. Mayer and Pettise were lodged in Ocean County Jail.

The investigation is continuing and it is believed that this incident was targeted for the victim in particular and not a random act.

Brick, Ocean County, State of NJ

Amtrak Employee Sentenced to 18 Months in Prison for Defrauding Amtrak of $76K Worth of Chainsaws and Parts

April 19, 2022

TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 18 months in prison for fraudulently obtaining chainsaws and chainsaw parts from his employer Amtrak and then selling this equipment for personal profit, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Jose Rodriguez, 49, of Brick, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi to an information charging him with one count of mail fraud. Judge Quraishi imposed the sentence today

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

Rodriguez had been an Amtrak employee since October 2007, most recently as a senior engineer and repairman, based out of an Amtrak facility in North Brunswick, New Jersey. Between March 2012 and July 2020, Rodriguez obtained approximately 114 chainsaws, 122 chainsaw replacement bars, and 222 replacement chains from Amtrak, the total value of which was over $76,000, under the false pretense that this equipment would be used for Amtrak projects, but then sold the equipment either on an online auction service or directly to purchasers. Rodriguez used the U.S. Postal Service to mail the stolen chainsaw and chainsaw parts to purchasers throughout the United States, including purchasers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.

In addition to the prison term, Judge Quraishi sentenced Rodriguez to three years of supervised release and ordered restitution of $76,379 and forfeiture of $53,381.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited detectives from Amtrak Police New York Division and Mid-Atlantic Division, under the direction of Chief Sam Dotson, and special agents from Amtrak Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Waters, Eastern Field Office, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Faye Schwartz in the Special Prosecutions Division and Cari Fais, Chief of the Criminal Division’s Opioids Unit.

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Defense counsel: Severiano E. Lisboa Esq., Hackensack, New Jersey

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Brick, Ocean County

Car Fire Extinguished in Brick Township

April 17, 2022

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Yesterday, around 7:05 PM Brick Township received a call for a car fire. First arriving firefighters from Laurelton Fire Company (Brick Twp) Station 23, found a car well involved and extinguished the fire. There was a report of a small gas leak of 5-gallons that was cleaned up and there were no exposures in the fire. No further information is available.

Brick, Ocean County

Update: Two Juveniles Charged for Fire that Shut Down Garden State Parkway in Brick Township

January 26, 2022

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Acting Attorney General Andrew J. Bruck and New Jersey State Police Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan today announced the arrest of two juveniles from Ocean County for the alleged arson on the Garden State Parkway that shut down the northbound and southbound lanes for approximately 10 hours.

On Wednesday, January 19, at approximately 5:00 p.m., State Police troopers responded to the report of a fire in the area of milepost 91 in Brick Township. During the investigation, detectives determined that the fire was started within a drainage culvert that runs underneath the Garden State Parkway from the 91 north entrance ramp to the 91 south exit ramp.

Through various investigative means, the two juveniles were identified as the suspects that allegedly started the fire. As a result of the investigation, detectives also discovered that the juveniles recently burglarized a building owned by the New Jersey Turnpike Authority adjacent the Garden State Parkway 91 north commuter lot.

On January 25, the two juveniles were charged with arson, burglary, criminal mischief, interference with transportation, and defiant trespassing. They were released pending a future court date.

The case is being prosecuted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office.

While no information is released regarding most juvenile cases, the New Jersey State Police is releasing the above information today in response to public interest regarding the alleged offense. No additional information on the investigation or juvenile complaints will be released at this time, in accordance with the strict confidentiality requirements of juvenile matters and juvenile records. Likewise, Family Court proceedings involving juveniles are closed to the public, and the identities of juveniles involved are kept confidential.

Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.

Jersey Shore Fire Response

Jersey Shore Fire Response

State Police Seeking Public’s Assistance with Arson Investigation
Brick, Ocean County

Fully Involved House Fire in Brick Township

January 24, 2022

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 2:45 p.m. Brick Police received multiple 9-1-1 calls for a possible structure fire at 171 Walnut Drive. Herbertsville 2471 was first due to the fire as the fire station is down the road. When firefighters arrived, they reported heavy fire throughout a 2-story wood frame. Firefighters put the deck gun in service with the tank water and protected the D exposure as there was an issue with the fire possibly spreading to other structures. Stations 23,22,21 and 75 also responded to the scene. Firefighters put two master streams into service and knocked the fire down. The cause of the fire is and is under investigation by the Brick Township Police Department and the Fire Bureau.

Story, photos and video by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response

Brick, Ocean County

State Police Seeking Public’s Assistance with Arson Investigation

UPDATE:

Update: Two Juveniles Charged for Fire that Shut Down Garden State Parkway in Brick Township

January 20, 2022

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–The New Jersey State Police Troop “D” Criminal Investigation Office is seeking the public’s assistance with an arson investigation that occurred on the Garden State Parkway in Ocean County.

On Wednesday, January 19, at approximately 5:00 PM, troopers responded to the report of a fire in the area of milepost 91 in Brick Township. Based on the preliminary investigation, detectives determined that the fire was started by several individuals, possibly juveniles, within a drainage culvert that runs underneath the Garden State Parkway from the 91 north entrance ramp to the 91 south exit ramp.

After starting the fire in the culvert opening on the south side, the suspects were seen running into the Evergreen Woods Park Apartment Complex, which runs parallel to the Garden State Parkway.

As a result of the fire, the Garden State Parkway was closed to all traffic between Wall Township and Lakewood Township for several hours.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, the events leading up to it, or any other information that might aid this investigation, is asked to contact the Troop “D” Criminal Investigation Office – Holmdel Station at 732-441-4576 or 732-441-4550. Anonymous tips are welcomed.

Photos and video by: Jersey Shore Fire Response

Brick, Ocean County

Brick, NJ Man who is a Repeat Offender, Admits Possession of Child Pornography

December 7, 2021

TRENTON, N.J. – An Ocean County, New Jersey, man today admitted possessing thousands of images and videos depicting child sexual abuse, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced.

Andrew Ramey, 34, of Brick, New Jersey, pleaded guilty by videoconference before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an information charging him with one count of possession of child pornography.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From March 13, 2020, through June 8, 2020, Ramey downloaded and shared material containing images of child sexual abuse, via the BitTorrent Network, a publicly available online peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing network of linked computers. Users must download P2P software, which is widely available for free on the Internet. The software allows the user to place files into a designated “shared” folder on his or her hard drive, from which other BitTorrent users can then download those files directly to the “shared” folders of their own computers. Users can then search, select, and directly download, those files.

Law enforcement used investigative software to access the BitTorrent Network and downloaded video files containing images of child sexual abuse from a device or devices assigned to an IP address at Ramey’s residence. On Nov. 13, 2020, law enforcement searched Ramey’s residence and seized mobile phones belonging to Ramey. Analysis revealed the phones contained thousands of images and videos containing images of child sexual abuse, as well as BitTorrent software.

In a prior federal prosecution in 2018, Ramey was convicted of one count of possession of child pornography in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. For a repeat offender, the possession charge in the information carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, along with a fine of $250,000 or twice the gross pecuniary gain or loss, whichever is greater. Sentencing is scheduled for April 12, 2022.


Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, Atlantic City, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jason J. Molina in Newark; detectives of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer; the Brick Police Department, under the direction of Chief James Riccio; and the Mount Laurel Police Department, under the direction of Chief Stephen Riedener, with the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander E. Ramey of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division in Trenton.

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Defense counsel: Lisa J. Van Hoeck Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Trenton

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Aberdeen, Bradley Beach, Brick, Hazlet, Highlands, Holmdel, Howell, Keansburg, Marlboro, Middlesex County, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Old Bridge, Toms River, Union Beach

Monroe County, PA, Man Sentenced to 16+ Years in Prison for Heroin and Cocaine Distribution in Bayshore Area of Monmouth and Middlesex Counties in NJ

December 3, 2021

TRENTON, N.J. – A Monroe County, Pennsylvania man was sentenced today to 200 months in prison for his role in distributing large quantities of heroin and cocaine in the Bayshore area of Monmouth and Middlesex counties, Acting U.S. Attorney Rachael A. Honig announced today.

Guy Jackson, 49, of Effort, Pennsylvania, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. Jackson also admitted to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a quantity of cocaine. Judge Martinotti imposed the sentence today via videoconference.

Today’s sentence follows a coordinated takedown in November 2018 of 15 defendants charged in a federal criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine. To date, 13 defendants have pleaded guilty. Supplier Gregory Gillens was sentenced on Sept. 8, 2020, to 10 years in prison. Co-defendant Daniel McHugh was sentenced to 90 months in prison; co-defendant David Nagy was sentenced to one year and one day in prison; co-defendant Shavar Williams was sentenced to time served, which amounted to approximately 14 months in prison; co-defendant Daryl Jackson was sentenced to five years’ probation with 10 months of home detention; and co-defendant Brian Hall was sentenced to three years’ probation with eight months of home detention. Co-defendants Krystal Cordoba, Daniel Alfano, Tyler Scarangello, Christy Dube, Richard Gethers, and Lashawn Mealing are awaiting sentencing. Defendant Deberal Rogers has been indicted, and charges were dismissed against one defendant.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From May 2017 to November 2018, Jackson and others engaged in a narcotics conspiracy that operated in the Raritan Bayshore region of Middlesex and northern Monmouth counties. Through the interception of telephone calls and text messages pursuant to court-authorized wiretap orders, controlled purchases of heroin and cocaine, the use of confidential sources of information, and other investigative techniques, law enforcement learned that Jackson regularly supplied large quantities of heroin and cocaine for further distribution. Some of the heroin distributed by the conspiracy contained fentanyl, a dangerous synthetic opioid.

In addition to the prison terms, Judge Martinotti sentenced Jackson to five years of supervised release. Four vehicles that Jackson used in the course of the drug conspiracy, as well as in excess of $10,000 in cash that Jackson admitted was proceeds of drug trafficking, were previously seized and administratively forfeited.

Acting U.S. Attorney Honig credited special agents of the FBI, Newark Division, Red Bank Resident Agency, Jersey Shore Gang and Criminal Organization Task Force (including representatives from the Bradley Beach Police Department, Brick Police Department, Howell Police Department, Marlboro Police Department, Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office, Toms River Police Department, and Union Beach Police Department) under the direction of Special Agent in Charge George M. Crouch, Jr.; special agents of the FBI, Philadelphia Division, Scranton Resident Agency, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jacqueline Maguire; the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan; the Matawan Police Department, under the direction of Chief Thomas J. Falco, Jr.; the Holmdel Police Department, under the direction of Chief John Mioduszewski; the Highlands Police Department, under the direction of Chief Robert Burton; the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, under the direction of Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey; the Old Bridge Police Department, under the direction of Chief William A. Volkert; the Keansburg Police Department, under the direction of Chief Wayne Davis; the Hazlet Police Department, under the direction of Chief Ted A. Wittke; and the Aberdeen Police Department, under the direction of Chief Alan Geyer, with the investigation leading to this week’s sentencings.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elisa T. Wiygul of the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s Criminal Division in Trenton.

The charges and allegations against the remaining defendant are merely accusations, and she is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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Defense counsel: Lorraine Gauli-Rufo Esq., Verona, New Jersey

Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com
Brick, Ocean County

Shots Fired in Road Rage Incident in Brick Township

November 21, 2021

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Brick Township Police report that at 7:45 p.m. last night, Saturday, November 20th, Officers responded to the interchange for a report of shots fired. The victim called 9-1-1 to report the incident while driving home to their residence in Brick. Patrol units met with the victim who was not injured, and they located one bullet in the front passenger side door frame.

The victim stated he was involved in a road rage incident with two unknown white male subjects driving a newer model red pickup truck with an extended cab. The incident began on Brick Blvd. when the pickup truck continued to pass the victim and brake check him several times as they drove down Route 70 east. While the victim was stopped at the at the red light at the interchange (70/88), the suspect drove by and fired three rounds toward the passenger side of his vehicle. The suspect vehicle was last seen fleeing the scene eastbound on Route 70, running several red lights. The victim lost sight of the vehicle in the area of Olden Street.

The suspects are described as two white males late 20’s to early 30’s.

We are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the suspect vehicle, or from anyone with a working dashcam who was traveling on Brick Blvd south and Route 70 East between the hours of 7:35 P.M. and 7:55P.M. and may have captured footage.

The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information please contact Det. Ryan Talty at 732-262-1170 or rtalty@brickpd.com.

Brick, Ocean County

Brick Township Man Indicted For Murder Of Father

October 8, 2021

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on October 7, 2021, a superseding Indictment was returned against Mark J. Austin, 30, of Brick Township, charging him with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, relative to the death of his father, Mark Richard Austin, in Brick Township on September 7, 2019. The superseding Indictment charges that Austin procured the commission of the murder of his father by payment or promise of payment of anything of monetary value, an aggravating factor which – if proven beyond a reasonable doubt at the time of trial – requires that Austin be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole eligibility. Austin and his co-defendant, Jeray Melton, 30, of Salem City, were originally indicted in connection with the murder of the victim on December 3, 2019; it was not known at that time that this was a murder for hire situation.

On Saturday, September 7, 2019, Officers of the Brick Township Police were summoned to a residence on Acorn Drive and discovered the victim’s body. At that time, it was discovered that the victim had been beaten to death. Following a thorough and extensive investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, it was determined that Austin and Melton had conspired to kill the victim. Mark J. Austin and Jeray Melton were charged accordingly and taken into custody on September 13, 2019, and have been incarcerated since that date.

Subsequent investigation determined that Austin agreed to pay Melton a sum of money in exchange for killing Mark Richard Austin. On February 25, 2020, Melton pled guilty to Aggravated Manslaughter in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-4a before the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C. Melton is currently lodged in the Monmouth County Correctional Institution pending sentencing. Austin remains in in the Ocean County Jail awaiting trial.

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the diligent efforts of Chief Trial Attorney Michael Weatherstone and Assistant Prosecutor Kimberly Carr who are handling the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Brick Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Salem County Prosecutor’s Office, Salem City Police Department, New Jersey State Police Major Crime Unit, New Jersey State Police TEAMS Unit, New Jersey Department of Corrections, Port Authority Police of New York and New Jersey, Manchester Township Police Department, Millville Police Department, Bayonne Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for their collective and cooperative efforts in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and 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.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).

  • Mark J. Austin, 30, of Brick Township
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on October 7, 2021, a superseding Indictment was returned against Mark J. Austin, 30, of Brick Township, charging him with Murder in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(1), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4d, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, relative to the death of his father, Mark Richard Austin, in Brick Township on September 7, 2019. The superseding Indictment charges that Austin procured the commission of the murder of his father by payment or promise of payment of anything of monetary value, an aggravating factor which – if proven beyond a reasonable doubt at the time of trial – requires that Austin be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole eligibility. Austin and his co-defendant, Jeray Melton, 30, of Salem City, were originally indicted in connection with the murder of the victim on December 3, 2019; it was not known at that time that this was a murder for hire situation.
Brick, Ocean County

3 Alarm Fire Destroys Home on Bay Way In Brick Township

September 27, 2021

BRICK TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–On Monday afternoon, at 3:30 p.m., Emergency Responders answered a call of a house fire at 31 Bay Way in the Bay Harbor section of Brick. Upon arrival a heavy smoke and fire condition was observed. Strong winds helped to spread the fire quickly. The resident of 31 Bay Way, who was home at the time, was uninjured, but the home was completely destroyed.

The wind driven fire caused extensive damage to the upper portion of the house next door at 29 Bay Way. In addition spot fires on at least one area property were extinguished. The only injury was that of one of the fire fighters who suffered a minor burn that was treated by EMS on the scene.

The fire quickly reached a third alarm bringing Brick Township fire companies, Pioneer Hose, Breton Woods, Laurelton, and Herbertsville. In addition, the Point Pleasant Boro, Point Pleasant Beach, Silverton and East Dover fire companies also responded, along with the Police and the Brick Police EMS. Jackson and Lakewood covered the township’s fire houses while Brick Township’s fire and mutual aid companies worked to extinguish the fire.

The fire is being investigated by Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, the Brick Police Detective Bureau and the Brick Fire Safety Bureau.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Brick Fire Safety Bureau Chief Kevin Batzel at 732-458-4100. No further information is being released at this time.

Brick, Ocean County

19 And 20 Year Old From Brick Township, NJ Killed In Illinois Crash

August 21, 2021

MULBERRY GROVE, IL (FAYETTE) –The Illinois State Police is investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash that happened on Route 70 East Bound at Milepost 55, in Mulberry Grove, Fayette County on August 20, 2021 at 9:19 a.m.

Police say, preliminary investigative details indicate the following occurred:

A 2020 Freightliner tractor trailer was traveling westbound on Interstate 70, near mile post 55.

A Chevrolet Pickup pulling a trailer with a car, and a Honda Odyssey were traveling eastbound on Interstate 70 at the same location.

The tractor trailer left the roadway to the left and traveled through the median. The tractor trailer struck the trailer of the pickup truck. The tractor trailer then struck the Honda, causing both units to skid into the south ditch.

The driver of the tractor trailer from Los Angeles, CA was airlifted to a regional hospital with serious injuries.

The driver and passenger of pickup from Missouri refused medical attention.

The 19-year-old male driver and 20-year-old female passenger of Honda from Brick Township, NJ were pronounced deceased on scene.

The ISP Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit is continuing the investigation. No further information will be disseminated at this time.

The driver of the tractor trailer was cited for Improper Lane Use and Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid a Crash.

IL State Police Photo
Brick, Monmouth County, Ocean County, Wall

New Jersey State Police Seeking Public’s Assistance with Identifying Police Impersonator

August 16, 2021

The New Jersey State Police, Wall Township Police Department, and Brick Township Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance with identifying a man suspected of impersonated a police officer.

On August 1, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the victim stopped her car in Brick Township because she thought a police officer was pulling her over. The suspect was driving behind the victim in a black, older model Ford Crown Victoria when he activated a blue dome light on the front dashboard.

When the victim pulled over, the suspect approached her vehicle and identified himself as a police officer. After a brief exchange, she became suspicious and asked him for identification. He failed to provide identification and instead instructed her to exit the vehicle. She refused to exit and the suspect attempted to remove her from the vehicle, before she fled the scene and reported the incident.

During the investigation, detectives discovered that a similar incident occurred on August 3 at approximately 9:45 p.m. in Wall Township. Another female victim reported that a man in black, older model Ford Crown Victoria pulled her over and impersonated a police officer.

The suspect is described as a white male, 40-50 years old, with long red hair pulled back in a pony tail, a red scruffy beard, and tattoos on both arms and the back of his hands. He was last seen wearing black BDU pants, a light blue short-sleeved bloused shirt with the word “police” on the front and non-descriptive patches on the arms that also said “police” but no specific department. He was also wearing a duty belt and a holster with what appeared to be black handgun.

A detective with the State Police Forensic Imaging Unit created a composite sketch of the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Christopher Mason of the Wall Township Police Department at 732-449-4500 ext. 1192 or Detective Michael Bennett of the Brick Township Police Department at 732-262-1100.