Ocean County

On January 8, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the Lacey Township Police Department was dispatched to a residence on Longwood Drive, Forked River, for a report of gun shots fired.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on January 12, 2025, at approximately 3:05 p.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to Shelter Cove Park in Toms River for a report of a deceased individual located in the water adjacent to the coastal marsh.

Jessica Bartky, 44, fired a gun at another person inside the home, police said.

42-year-old Tyshaun Drummond of Toms River man has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for a double murder more than three years ago at a Lakewood apartment complex.

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on January 3, 2025, at approximately 5:50 p.m., the Lacey Township Police and Fire Departments were dispatched for a reported structure fire on Signal Street

As the holiday decorations come down Ocean County officials are encouraging residents to recycle their Christmas trees. The Ocean County Parks and Recreation Department is accepting live trees to be recycled at its parks and golf courses.

Chaudhry Yousaf, 52, whose last known address was in Valley Stream, New York, was taken into custody at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City on Dec. 24. Yousaf was extradited to New Jersey, and is now in the Ocean County Jail.

The Associated Humane Society's Popcorn Park Shelter in Lacey announced it is closed until further notice due to ongoing renovations.

The former recreation director for Brick Township has pleaded guilty to theft after pocketing over $9000 in fraudulent permit fees.