Crime & Safety

Lakehurst Police 'Surprise' Alleged Marijuana Smokers

Police made arrests in back yard of a Pine Street residence

Two Ocean County men face drug charges after Lakehurst police "surprised" them by showing up in a back yard while they allegedly smoked marijuana Friday night.

The two men were found by police allegedly passing around a marijuana cigarette in the back yard of a Pine Street home that they were visiting "without the home owners' knowledge," said Sgt. Ronald Heinzman in a statement. Police originally were dispatched to the area of Pine and Center Streets at about 8:30 p.m. to investigate possible drug sales and use. 

As the two men, Dezmond N. Christensendabney, 18, of Manchester, and Antonio Thomas Jr., 18, of Toms River, allegedly were smoking the marijuana, "Officer Matthew Kline walked through a break in the fence from a dark wooded lot behind the home," Heinzman said.

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"Both men, who were visibly surprised to see two uniformed police officers, were taken into custody and transported to the Lakehurst Police Department where they were processed and released on summonses pending a municipal court date," Heinzman said.

Three juvenile females were also present at the back yard table where the men were allegedly found smoking but did not take part, according to the sergeant. 

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Christensendabney was charged with being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance and Thomas was issued the same charge in addition to a marijuana possession charge, Heinzman said. 


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