Crime & Safety

Stafford Police Report: Road Rage Incident, Other Arrests

Also this week, police charged two men with theft of appliances

On April 27, 2013 at 5:04 p.m., Stafford Township Police responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicles near the intersection of Route 72 and Doc Cramer Boulevard.

The victim in the accident said that after a road rage incident, the driver of a white Toyota Scion purposely used her vehicle to ram the rear bumper of his vehicle, and after an investigation, the driver of the Toyota was identified as Karen M. Garcia, of Harvey Cedars.

She was arrested and charged with criminal mischief and issued multiple motor vehicle summonses. She was released on her own recognizance with a court appearance scheduled for May 10, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in Stafford Township Municipal Court.

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Also in the past week, Stafford police responded to the area of Millcreek Rd in the area of Ralph Lane to take a theft report.

Robert Becker related that he was working at 47 Ralph Lane when several items including a water heater, pump, dishwasher and copper were taken from the driveway while he was eating lunch in the back yard.

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He described a vehicle that was observed in the area as a dark, small pickup truck occupied by two white males.

Police observed a blue Chevy S-10 on Millcreek Rd loaded with appliances and  stopped the vehicle, which was being driven by Leroy Rostien IV, who has been arrested for a similar incident by Stafford Twp. Police.

Further investigation led to the arrest of Rostien with theft as well as his passenger, Donald Ford.

Both were released and are awaiting a court date. Stafford Police once again remind residents of storm-stricken areas to remain vigilant and suspicious. Residents are encouraged to report all suspicious activity to 609-597-8581.


On April 27, 2013 at 1:51 a.m., Stafford police were on patrol in the area of Cedar Run on Route 9 when they witnessed a red Ford Explorer "driving unusually slow and swerving onto the shoulder of the highway," according to a press release.

A motor vehicle stop was initiated and the driver was identified as Jose Nelson Galeano, 42, of Mayetta Landing Road in Mayetta, NJ. Upon further investigation, Galeano was placed under arrest and charged with driving while intoxicated. His vehicle was impounded and he was transported to Stafford Township Police Headquarters. A required court appearance is scheduled for May 3, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in the Stafford Township Municipal Court.

On April 30, 19-year-old Steven M. Graziano of Manahawkin was arrested for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia during a motor vehicle stop on Captain Road. Graziano was processed and released with a summons along with motor vehicle violations pending a future court date in Stafford Township Municipal Court.

Also this week, Richard E. Smrkovsky  was arrested on the strength of active warrants out of Stafford Township after stopping in to watch the days court activity. He was processed and lodged in Ocean County Jail in lieu of bail.


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