19-YEAR-OLD AND 20-YEAR-OLD LACEY TOWNSHIP MEN CHARGED WITH ARSON AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
"Alexander Gerber & Connor Dougherty Have Both Been Charged With Arson & Four Counts Of Criminal Mischief."
Thursday, November 30, 2023, 9:00 A.M. ET. By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
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LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ.- Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer reported that on Wednesday, November 28, 2023, Alexander Gerber, 19, and Connor Dougherty, 20, both of Lacey Township, New Jersey, were Taken into Custody and Charged with Arson and Four Counts of Criminal Mischief in connection with a Week-Long String of Damage at a Local Park, Basketball Courts, and a Business.
According to The Prosecutor's Office, on November 21, 2023, while on Patrol, Members of The Lacey Township Police Department discovered a Fire in The Women's Restroom in Gille Park. The Fire was Quickly Extinguished and an initial investigation determined that the Fire was Intentionally Set.
On November 26, 2023, Members of The Lacey Township Police Department responded to Gille Park after receiving a report of Damage. Upon arrival, Police Officers discovered Graffiti, including Swastikas, Spray Painted in various locations throughout the Park. Officers further found Damage to The Women's Restroom Door. in The Park.
On November 28, 2023, Members of The Lacey Township Police Department once again found Graffiti, including Swastikas located on a Clothing Bin at The Mill Pond Basketball Courts, as well as on The Rear Wall of The Shoprite Building on North Main Street.
A Swift-Moving Investigation by The Lacey Township Police Department was able to identify a Chevrolet Pickup Truck as being involved with one of the Incidents. On November 28, 2023, shortly before 3:30 p.m. Police Officers conducted a Traffic Stop on a Pickup Truck matching the description on Deerhead Lake Drive. During the stop, Mr.Gerber was Taken into Custody and transported to Police Headquaters.
Further investigation, determined that Mr. Gerber and Mr. Dougherty acted together in setting the Fire and Damaging the Women's Restroom at Gille Park, and Spray Painting the Graffiti on all Three Locations. Mr. Dougherty surrendered at The Lacey Township Police Headquarters later in the evening on November 28, 2023.
Accordingly, both Gerber and Dougherty were Processed on The Charges and Remanded to The Ocean County Jail pending Future Court Proceedings.
"The Rules Of The Court Require Us To Include A Statement, That States: The Charges Outlined In This Publication Are Merely Accusations And The Defendant And Or Defendants Are Presumed Innocent Unless And Until Proven Guilty Beyond Reasonable Doubt."
FILED UNDER: NOVEMBER 30.2023: LAW, OCEAN: