Former Corrections Officer Indicted on Robbery in Brick, Theft in Toms River Pharmacies

A Brick resident and former state corrections officer who was shot by a township police officer last year is facing gun charges after he threatened the officer with a handgun during an attempted burglary, an indictment handed up by Ocean County grand jurors states.

Ralph Stoia III of Pacific Ocean Drive was indicted last week on multiple charges in connection with an April 17, 2010, incident at the at 989 Burnt Tavern Road.

Stoia entered the CVS that morning with the intention of committing a robbery, the indictment states. He was carrying a handgun and possessed hollow nose point bullets, authorities charge.

When confronted by police, Stoia threatened "immediate bodily injury" to Brick Officer Joshua Jenssen by pointing his handgun in the officer's direction, the indictment states. Stoia also tried to prevent his arrest by threatening Officer Scott Dierking and Sgt. Vincent Coburn, the indictment states.

According to a report in the Star-Ledger from the time, Jenssen shot Stoia twice after Stoia ignored commands to drop the gun and then pointed it at the officer.

Stoia was charged with third-degree resisting arrest, fourth-degree possession of hollow nose point bullets, fourth-degree aggravated assault, second-degree possession of a firearm for an unlawful purpose, second-degree burglary and first-degree robbery.

Stoia posted $200,000 bail on April 29, 2010.

However, Stoia will face additional charges in connection with an incident at the Silverton Pharmacy at 1824 Hooper Ave. in Toms River.

The Brick man was indicted last week after grand jurors found sufficient evidence to uphold charges alleging Stoia stole oxycodone and roxycode pills Feb. 11, 2010, from the pharmacy. 

He was charged with burglary and theft, both in the third degree, and initially release on his own recognizance.