Crime & Safety

Citizen Tips Lead to Arrest of Toms River Robbery Suspect

Local man facing charges in several other towns as well

Toms River police are crediting citizen tips as well as social media for the arrest, within four days, of a man whose picture was released to the press.

The man, now identified as Todd Timmerman, 44, of Dorchester Drive, is suspected of taking a Keurig coffee maker from the box and stealing it from the township's Kohl's store in January. When approached by security, police said, he dropped the item and fled.

Timmerman was arrested Sunday after a store surveillance photo was released by police.

"We greatly appreciate the cooperation that exists between the police department, media, and citizens," said police spokesman Ralph Stocco. "As a direct result of that cooperation, Mr. Timmerman was charged with shoplifting as well as eluding capture."

Stocco also said Timmerman had multiple active warrants for his arrest from Brick, South Toms River, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department.

After his arrest, Timmerman was transported to Ocean County Jail and is being held in lieu of bail for a total amount of $5,264.

Toms River Detective Roger Hull was the investigating officer who charged Timmerman. He was assisted in the investigation by Officer Michael Macdonald. The arrest is the second in recent memory to be made following citizen involvement. On Jan. 27, township police arrested a burglary suspect after releasing his photo to the media and on social media.

"We have only been using our own social media for three weeks but have had tremendous success so far," said Chief Mitch Little.


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