Crime & Safety

UPDATE: 'Suspicious' Fire Guts Lakehurst Road House, Police Say

Police say they're investigating a "suspicious" fire that gutted a house at 499 Lakehurst Rd. early Saturday.

There were no injuries reported as a result of this incident, police said.

At 1:16 am The Toms River Police Department Dispatch Center received a call from a passing motorist that there was a home on fire.  Police spokesman Ralph Stocco said units responded to 499 Lakehurst Road to find flames shooting out from the front porch area of the home.

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As they approached the residence, they located an open side door. However, the fire was already out-of-control and the officers were driven back, police said.

Toms River Fire Companies #1 and #2 as well as East Dover Fire Company responded to battle the blaze.  At 2:12 am the fire was determined to be under control.

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A search of the home determined that it was vacant at the time of the fire.  Stocco said the investigation led police to believe that the fire is suspicious and that the residence has been vacant for quite some time.

Investigator Kevin Esposito of the Toms River Fire Prevention Bureau as well as the Toms River Police Department Criminal Investigation Bureau are continuing the investigation. The initial police response to the blaze was by Ptl. William Hutton and Ptl. Walter J. Herman of the Toms River Police Department Patrol Division. 


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