TOMS RIVER: Yesterday OCSN shared images of a blue line painted down the center of Hooper Avenue (CR 549). While Sheriff Mastronardy wanted to do this to honor law enforcement, this wasn’t his doing as it’s against DOT Regulations. Towns have painted green lines, and other colors sporadically between yellow passing lines; but it wasn’t a mainstream thing.

Blue line painted on Hooper: 03/30/2021

Now that State DOT’s have explained only yellow or white paint can be on the pavement, it’s making people upset. Blue paint on roadways is associated with handicapped parking; potentially confusing motorists not familiar with the practice. The TRPD was able to track down the mystery artist, and charge David Giordano with criminal mischief- among other things. Much of his charges stem from him stealing a bucket truck earlier, and parking it illegally in Mo Hill’s parking space. Do read on below for the formal TRPD Press Release.

Blue line painted over with black paint

TRPD: On Monday, March 22, 2021, police were called to Freedom Towing & Recovery on Route 9, for a report of a vehicle theft. Surveillance video shows David Giordano, 43 of Toms River, entering the truck and driving it through the locked gate of the property. The bucket truck was found parked illegally at Toms River Town Hall in the Mayor’s parking space later that morning. The boom of the truck was extended blocking trucks from passing by. The vehicle belonged to Mr. Giordiano, however it had been impounded and was in the lot for 313 days due to unpaid invoices owed for the impound and storage of the vehicle. Mr. Giordiano was arrested on March 30, 2021, and charged with Theft of Movable Property, Theft of Services, Burglary, and Criminal Mischief. He is currently lodged in Ocean County Jail.

Green paint in SSH for St. Patrick’s Day Parade

On March 30, 2021, the Toms River Police Department was contacted in reference to criminal mischief on Hooper Ave. The investigation revealed that Mr. Giordiano was responsible for painting a four inch wide blue line between the double yellow lines on Hooper Ave. and was issued a summons for Criminal Mischief. While we appreciate the overwhelming support for law enforcement, we can not condone the defacing of any property. Due to Mr. Giordano’s extensive history with the Toms River Police Department and justice system, it was necessary to take this course of action.