Lakewood Police Department

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day from the Lakewood Police Department!

Today we’re celebrating our hardworking four-legged members of the LPD family: K9 Shim, K9 Ranger, K9 Mellow, K9 Kika, and K9 Gunner!

Our K9s play an important role in keeping our officers and community safe. Depending on their training and assignment, our K9s assist with explosive detection, tracking, searches, and other specialized police operations. They spend countless hours training with their handlers so they are ready to respond when called upon.

But being an LPD K9 isn’t just about the work. These dogs are part of our department’s daily life—from training and patrol to relaxing, playing, and spending time with their handlers. They truly become members of the family.

We also want to recognize and thank the families and handlers who care for our K9s around the clock. The job doesn’t end when the shift is over. Our handlers and their families provide the love, care, exercise, attention, and home life that keep these K9s happy, healthy, and ready to serve.

Today, we’re giving a special shoutout to Shim, Ranger, Mellow, Kika, and Gunner. We appreciate everything they do for the Lakewood community—and all the wet noses, wagging tails, and companionship they bring along the way!

Happy National Dog Day to our LPD K9 family! 💙

08/22/2026

One App. Two Great Resources.

Download the LakewoodPD Connect App and have access to both Lakewood Police Department and Lakewood Township resources all in one convenient app.

Police Resources:
• File certain reports online
• Request a house check
• Register your bicycle (non motorized)
• Contact the Police Department
• Access important public safety information

Township Resources:
• Township services and information
• Upcoming Community Events
• Contact township departments

Download the LakewoodPD Connect App FREE on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today!

08/21/2026

One Trip to Wawa. Two Arrests. Two Unrelated Cases.

What started as a trip to Wawa to follow up on one investigation ended with two unrelated suspects in custody.

On August 18, Detective Robert Meyer Jr. and Patrolman Anthony Amoroso traveled to the Wawa on Juliustown Road in Browns Mills while investigating the alleged fraudulent use of a credit card stolen during a vehicle burglary in Lakewood.

Officers located Raymond L. Lawson, 59, of West Creek, who was arrested and charged with fraudulent use of a credit card. He was released on a criminal complaint summons pending a future court appearance.

While working on that investigation, Detective Meyer recognized Alexander Lowery, 59, of Lakewood. Lowery was wanted in connection with an unrelated series of shoplifting incidents in Lakewood and also had an active arrest warrant.

Lowery was taken into custody and later transported to the Ocean County Jail.

The Lakewood Police Department thanks the Pemberton Township Police Department for assisting with both arrests.

All charges are merely accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/20/2026

Lakewood Community Coalition Highlights Hope Hub & Community Health

On Tuesday, August 18, the Lakewood Community Coalition (LCC) held its quarterly meeting at the Historic Strand Theater, bringing together community leaders, health-care professionals, law enforcement, faith leaders, and local partners.

Co-chaired by Lakewood Police Captain Steve Allaire and Cori Scotti of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, the meeting focused on community health, mental health resources, and the Hope Hub, a new mental health resource in Lakewood.

Presenters from Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus shared findings from the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment and discussed the growing need for accessible medical and mental health services as Lakewood’s population continues to grow.

Abby Masiello, MPH, CHES, highlighted community health needs, including financial challenges facing many Lakewood residents and the importance of expanding access to health-care resources.

JoAnn Jason, M.A., and Randi Hershkowitz, MSN, RN, PMH-BC, discussed Psychiatric Emergency Screening Services (PESS) and the Hope Hub model, which provide local mental health support, can reduce the need for traditional hospitalizations, and enhance public safety through strong partnerships among health-care professionals, law enforcement, social-service providers, faith communities, and other community partners.

The LCC also recognized members of the LPD Community Resource Unit (CRU) — Sgt. Michael Conrad, Patrolman Jason Yahr, and Joseph Soriano — along with D/Sgt. Jeannette Shimonovich, Police Social Worker Caitlin Ciaccio-Soto, and Patrick Sample from the Traffic Safety Division.

Sgt. Conrad highlighted recent CRU programs, including Pizza in the Square, Cops and Bobbers, Showers in the Square, Chill with a Cop, and Back-to-School events.

The Coalition thanked the LPD CRU and all community partners for their continued commitment to safety, outreach, and collaboration.
Special thanks to Ocean Atlantic Coast for food from Bacoli Pizza Pasta & Grill, OTL Café for their contribution, and One Ocean County for the beautiful flowers from its Common Grounds community garden.

For the full article, visit https://www.lakewoodpolicenj.com/

08/19/2026

Wearing a helmet is one of the easiest ways to protect your brain while biking, riding an e-bike, or using an e-scooter. Make safety part of every ride.

08/18/2026

Patrol Investigation Leads to Narcotics Arrest

On August 15, 2026, at approximately 1:58 a.m., a Lakewood Police Officer patrolling the area of Ridge Avenue and Lanes Mill Road observed a disabled vehicle with a flat tire.

The officer made contact with the driver, identified as Ryan Laudisi, 42, of Brick and determined that he had an outstanding warrant from Ocean County. As the investigation continued, quantities of suspected crack co***ne and co***ne were recovered from inside the vehicle.

Laudisi was arrested and charged with two counts of Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. He was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail pending a future court appearance.

“This arrest demonstrates how proactive policing and attention to detail can turn an ordinary encounter into a meaningful enforcement action,” said Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer. “We remain committed to keeping illegal drugs off our streets and protecting our community.”

All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/18/2026

LPD Traffic Alert: New Central Ave closed between Gudz Rd & Miller Rd due to a motor vehicle accident with a downed utility pole and wires. Avoid the area.

08/17/2026

08/16/2026

ROAD RAGE INCIDENT LEADS TO AGGRAVATED ASSAULT ARREST

On August 14, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Lakewood Police Officers responded to the area of New Hampshire Avenue and Chestnut Street following a motor vehicle crash and reported assault.

The investigation determined that a road rage incident between two drivers escalated into a two-vehicle crash. Following the collision, one of the drivers allegedly confronted the other driver, slammed the victim’s face into the side of a vehicle, and then struck him, causing him to lose consciousness. The victim suffered a small laceration and was transported to an area hospital, where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

As a result of the investigation, Thomas Vance, 39, of Toms River, was taken into custody and charged with Aggravated Assault. The suspect was subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail pending further court proceedings.

“Road rage incidents can escalate very quickly and have serious consequences,” said Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer. “We ask motorists to remain calm, avoid engaging with aggressive drivers, and contact law enforcement if they feel threatened or unsafe. No disagreement on the roadway is worth someone getting hurt or ending up in jail.”

The incident remains under investigation by the Lakewood Police Department.

All persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/14/2026

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