On Wednesday, April 27, just after 1:00 P.M., Patrol Officers responded to the area of 18th Ave. in response to a burglary. Prior to police arrival, two suspects fled in a black vehicle. Officers responding to the area discovered the suspect vehicle in the area of the River Rock Restaurant on Rt. 70. Two suspects who matched the description of the burglars were nearby and fled in different directions on foot as Patrol Officers approached the vehicle.

One of the suspects, identified as Jermaine Mayer Jr, (20 years old from Allentown, PA) was eventually caught by Ptl. Christopher Newlund and placed under arrest. The second suspect, Marquis Pettise, (20 years old from Allentown, PA) had returned to the vehicle while responding Officers were arriving. Pettise removed a handgun he had left inside the vehicle and tossed it on the side of the Liquor store. Pettise was later found on the Brielle Bridge and arrested by Ptl. Matthew Knehr. The discarded handgun was recovered and a high capacity magazine was located at the scene.

Det. Michael Bennett and Det. Ryan Talty, who are leading the investigation, filed charges on warrants for both suspects for Armed Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Possession of a handgun, Possession of a handgun for an unlawful purpose, Possession of high capacity magazine, Possession of hollow point ammunition, and Obstruction. Mayer and Pettise were lodged in Ocean County Jail.

The investigation is continuing and it is believed that this incident was targeted for the victim in particular and not a random act.