Lakehurst Police Charge Pair with Drug Possession, Intent to Distribute

A three-month investigation by the led to drug charges for two borough residents who officers allege intended to distribute marijuana.

Borough police and members of the Ocean County Regional SWAT North team executed a search warrant at a Maple Street home at 5:15 a.m. Thursday morning, leading to the arrest of 18-year-old Kyle Wood and 19-year-old Ryan Sastall after police "seized a quantity of marijuana packaged for distribution," said Chief of Police Eric Higgins. 

Officer Matthew Kline charged the pair with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, Higgins said.

The Maple Street home where the arrests were made is under half a mile from Lakehurst Elementary School; school zones extend for 1,000 feet around the property. 

Wood and Rastall were processed at Lakehurst police headquarters and were taken to the Ocean County Jail in Toms River on $25,000 bail with no 10 percent option, which was set by Judge Damian Murray, Higgins said.

Mildred Wood, a tenant at the residence, was arrested on a traffic warrant out of Jackson but was released after posting bail and has a court date pending according to Higgins. 

Kline was assisted by Ocean County Sheriff's Department Officer Ted Wielichoski and his K-9 partner Titan, Lakehurst police Sgt. Ronald Heinzman, Sgt. Brian Baranyay and officers Jeffrey Emmons, Stephen Gallo and Raymond Vosseller.

Higgins said that residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities to the police department. Calls may remain anonymous, he said. The department can be reached by phone at 732-657-7812.