The Manalapan Police Department has reported the following incidents that recently occurred in the community:
On June 9 at 8:48 a.m., a Manalapan resident reported that an unknown individual, described as a white male, attempted to burglarize a vehicle that was parked in the driveway of a Beaver Creek Court residence. Once the suspect realized the vehicle was locked, he left the area in a black Audi. Patrolman Jeffrey Emslie handled the report, which is pending further investigation.
On June 9 at 1:42 p.m., a Manalapan resident reported that two unknown males entered the open garage of a Randall Drive residence and attempted to remove a go-cart. Upon
being confronted by the homeowner, the individuals fled the area in a black Mercedes and a black Land Rover. Patrolman Kevin Ruditsky handled the report, which is pending further investigation.
On June 9 at 2:07 p.m., a Manalapan resident reported the theft of a motor vehicle from the driveway of a Delaney Court residence. The vehicle, a 2021 Land Rover, is valued at
approximately $100,000. The key fob was left inside the vehicle. Patrolman Jeffrey Emslie handled the report, which is pending further investigation.
On June 12 at 11:47 a.m., a Manalapan resident reported that an unknown individual stole a vehicle that was parked in the driveway of a Greenfield Road residence. The key fob was
believed to have been left in the vehicle. Patrolman Joseph DeFilippis handled the report, which is pending further investigation.
On June 13 at 3:45 a.m., a Manalapan resident reported that two males walked up the driveway of a Debbie Court residence and attempted to open the doors of a vehicle, but were unable to do so because the vehicle was locked. The individuals left the area on foot. No items were reported stolen. Patrolman Aaron Abeles handled the report.
On June 14 at 8:20 p.m., a Manalapan resident reported that an unknown individual entered an unlocked vehicle in the driveway of a St. Andrews Place residence and removed items valued at approximately $150. Patrolman Everett McNulty handled the report,
which is pending further investigation.
A Freehold Borough man has been charged with reckless manslaughter as a
result of a shooting that took place on the night of June 19 in Freehold Borough, Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey announced on June 21.
Efrain Cruz Jr., 45, was charged with second degree manslaughter after handling a firearm, which subsequently discharged, striking an adult male. The incident occurred during a small gathering, according to a press release from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office.
At approximately 8:32 p.m. June 19, Freehold Borough Police Department officers
were dispatched to McDermott Street to investigate a report of a gunshot victim. Upon arrival, the victim was discovered with a single gunshot wound. He was taken to Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune, where he was later pronounced dead.
The investigation remained active and ongoing as of June 21.
Cruz is being held at the Monmouth County jail, Freehold Township, pending a
detention hearing before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Marc C. Lemieux.
Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact Monmouth County
Prosecutor’s Office Detective Brian Hammarstrom at 800-533-7443 or Freehold Borough Detective Samuel Hernandez at 732-462-1233.
