Lakewood man reports threat by armed thugs – search for suspects under way

The incident that drew hordes of local and county law enforcement specialists, including a SWAT team, to a Lakewood neighborhood today, now has police searching for witnesses as well as for suspects.

Tactical units responded to a house near Route 88 and Cherry Street, after a caller to Lakewood PD reported giving a ride to a man who appeared to be running for his life along the state highway.

According to police, the victim said that he opened his bedroom door to find himself confronted by three men, toting guns. He told investigators that he escaped by leaping from a second-story window. Officers from several specialized teams searched the house, but found no suspects.

Police spokesman, Sergeant Gregory Staffordsmith, did not elaborate on whether forced entry was involved, the type and caliber of firearms that the suspects carried,  whether any were fired, or whether the house sustained any interior or exterior damage. Police did not speculate possible motives.

Police said that the victim sustained no noticeable injuries, but was examined by townshiop emergency medical technicians.

Anyone with information that can help the investigation proceed should reacy Detective Michael Mooney, Jr., 732-363-0200, ext. 5341.

The series of events involved Lakewood PD's Patrol Division, Special Response Team, Detective Bureau, the department's negotiator, Detective Peter Aakjer, the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, and the Ocean County Sheriff's K-9, Crime Scene Investigaiton, and Special Response teams..