Plumsted Township Police Department

10/30/2026

10/26/2026

CHARGES AGAINST SADDLE BROOK MAN DISMISSED

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on October 23, 2026, the charges of Attempted Murder and Aggravated Arson against Justin Martin, 36, of Saddle Brook, in connection with an incident that occurred in Plumsted Township on October 15, 2026, have been dismissed in the interests of justice.

On October 15, 2026, at approximately 1:36 p.m., the Plumsted Township Police Department and Emergency Medical Services Unit responded to a wooded area near Hawkin Road and Success Road in response to a 911 call regarding a female burn victim. First responders discovered the victim, later identified as Villano, to be in distress and suffering from burns; Villano was transported to Temple University Burn Center in Philadelphia where she was treated and released days later.

During the initial investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and New Jersey Conservation Police, Villano claimed that while she, Martin and another individual were in the wooded area, her boyfriend tried to burn and kill her. On October 16, 2026, Martin was charged with Attempted Murder and Aggravated Arson. On that date at approximately 12:15 a.m., Detectives located Martin in Asbury Park; he was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Ocean County Jail. On October 19, 2026, Martin was released from the Ocean County Jail.

Further investigation has revealed that Villano provided false information to law enforcement about how she sustained her injuries and who caused those injuries. On October 23, 2026, Villano was charged with two counts of Falsey Incriminating Another and taken into custody at Eatontown Police Headquarters. She was transported to the Ocean County Jail where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

As a consequence of the continuing investigation and the charges being filed against Villano, the charges against Martin have been administratively dismissed in the interests of justice.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, New Jersey Conservation Police, Plumsted Township Police Department, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Asbury Park Police Department, Eatontown Police Department, Keansburg Police Department, and Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.

10/13/2026

PLUMSTED TOWNSHIP MAN CHARGED WITH
AGGRAVATED ARSON AND BURGLARY

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that that on October 11, 2026, Matthew Waldman, 21, of Plumsted Township, was charged with Aggravated Arson, Arson, two counts of Burglary, and Aggravated Assault on a Firefighter, all in connection with a structure fire that occurred on October 10, 2026, in Plumsted Township.

On October 10, 2026, at approximately 4:30 p.m., the Plumsted Township Fire and Police Departments were dispatched to an abandoned residence on Maple Avenue for a report of a structure fire. Upon their arrival, first responders discovered fire throughout a detached garage at the rear of the property. During fire suppression efforts, a firefighter suffered injuries to her hand; she was transported to Capital Health at Deborah in Browns Mills where she was treated and subsequently released.

An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Plumsted Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Waldman was illegally staying in the residence near the detached garage, and was responsible for starting the fire. Waldman was taken into custody without incident at Plumsted Township Police Headquarters and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Plumsted Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).

09/25/2026

Social media is constantly changing, and many of the apps children and teens use today may be unfamiliar to parents. While these platforms can be fun and engaging, they can also expose young users to cyberbullying, inappropriate content, online predators, scams, and privacy risks.
Take a few minutes to review the apps in this graphic and start a conversation with your child. Knowing what they're using, who they're talking to, and how they stay safe online is one of the best ways to help protect them.

09/19/2026

TOMS RIVER MAN WANTED
AND CHARGED WITH MURDER

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on September 18, 2026, Douglas Cobb, 51, of Toms River, was charged with Murder, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and being a Certain Person Not to Possess a Weapon, all in connection with the death of Bruce Gress, 42, of Toms River, on September 18, 2026, in Toms River.

On September 18, 2026, at approximately 7:20 a.m., Officers from the Toms River Township Police Department responded to the Wawa convenience store located at the corner of Route 37 and Garfield Avenue for a report of a victim having sustained a gunshot wound. Responding Officers discovered a male, later identified as Bruce Gress, with a gunshot wound to the head. Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene; Mr. Gress was subsequently transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he was pronounced deceased.

A thorough and extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, has identified Cobb as the individual responsible for shooting and killing Mr. Gress.

Cobb has not yet been taken into custody and is considered a fugitive from justice. As such, a warrant for his arrest has been issued and his name has been entered in the National Crime Information Center database.

“Great teamwork has been exhibited by all of the respective law enforcement agencies and officers involved in this investigation,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated. “Our focus now is to locate Douglas Cobb and bring him into custody. Cobb is also known as Douglas Green and his nickname is ‘Bootknock.’ He was last seen driving a black 2016 Acura MDX, New Jersey Registration T93YJL. We ask anyone that knows Cobb to advise him to turn himself in peacefully. If anyone has credible information concerning the whereabouts of Cobb, please contact the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit at 732-929-2027, or the Toms River Township Police Department at 732-349-0150,” Prosecutor Billhimer concluded.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Toms River Township Police Department, Toms River Township Police Department Detective Bureau, South Toms River Police Department, Freehold Borough Police Department, Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, and United States Marshals Service, for their combined, collective, and continuing efforts in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).

09/12/2026

Today, we honor the incredible female officers who serve, protect, and inspire our communities every single day. A huge, heartfelt thank you to all the women in uniform for your bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to keeping us safe. 💙🖤

We thank Officer Zagacki for her outstanding effort and being an all-around great officer in the agency, who is proud to serve Plumsted.

08/10/2026

Plumsted Twp:

The department is looking to work with a real estate agent or company regarding our lock box program. Please contact the police department if you are interested in working together for our community.

08/04/2026

Plumsted Twp:

Tonight is the night! National Night Out will be hosted today on 8/4/2026. It will be located at 117 Evergreen Road (NEHS) from 5pm to 9pm.

If you plan on attending the event please utilize the parking lot in front of NEHS or nearby parking lots at the middle school, O.C. Library, or Municipal Building. Their will be no parking behind the high school.

Vendor set up time will occur from 3pm to 5pm. Come out and meet your first responders and enjoy this fun family event!

We hope to see everyone there!

08/01/2026

Plumsted Twp:

Yesterday was our 5th and final day of our junior police camp and we made every minute of it count. We started our morning off with a wheel barrel race.

Once completed we prepared for our family day demonstration and activities. Campers marched as one unit to the flag for our daily salute. Then we began our marching competition to see who our leader for the day would be. After this we returned to the field to setup and families began to arrive. Our campers did a great job marching and showing their families how hard they worked together to reach this moment. After this display, we tested their bearing. The rubber chicken bearing test ensued, and our campers and families got a great laugh out of it.

Ocean County Sheriff 911 arrived with their K-9, Drone, and Mounted Patrol units for demonstrations. Campers got to meet law enforcement animals, K9 Drogo, K9 Fiona and Patrol Horse Sangria! K9 Drogo showed off with a scent test, K9 Fiona was able to track a camper volunteer from the demonstration area all the way over to Primary school playground. Campers were also able to watch K9 Fiona have by sliding down a slide. In between the animal presentations was a high-tech demonstration of the drone capabilities. Campers were able to see how law enforcement collaborate together in search and rescue and other law enforcement objectives. Lastly, patrol horse Sangria was shown off. Campers got to learn a lot about all the resources available to Plumsted Police if needed to help serve the community.

Once the demonstrations were complete campers and families went inside and enjoyed a great lunch, and we took one last class photo for the families at camp. Then came the grand finale of the day and camp. New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit landed a helicopter at the Primary School for campers to see up close! Families and campers got to ask the officers about the helicopter and were able to even look inside of helicopter. Once the demonstration ended, campers left with families and the day was completed.

Our campers will be graduating on 8/4/26 at 6:30PM on stage during our National Night Out event. The event will run from 5pm to 9pm located at NEHS. Please come out a celebrate their hard work.

In addition to this update, the Plumsted Township Police Department would like to again extend its appreciation and gratitude for all our partner agencies and presenters New Jersey State Police Ocean County Prosecutor's Office Ocean County Sheriff 911 Plumsted Township Fire District #1 the Plumsted School District and last but not least the families of our campers for helping us create an informative, fun and successful junior police camp this year. We look forward to hosting this again next year.