Crime & Safety

Tip Leads to Drug Bust in Toms River; Suspect Tried to Grab Cop's Gun

A Seaside Heights man is behind bars, facing charges of drug distribution and trying to grab a Toms River police officer's gun while he was being placed under arrest.

A tip from residents about a male distributing drugs led police to the Rodeway Inn on Route 37 East at about 10 p.m. on May 5, said police spokesman Ralph Stocco. Officers with the department's Special Enforcement Team set up surveillance and saw the suspect, Ronald Worthy, also known as "Wise," get into a vehicle and drive away, after which they conducted a traffic stop following a traffic violation.

Upon further investigation, a quantity of heroin and crack cocaine was located on Worthy, Stocco said.

As officers were arresting him, however, Stocco said Worthy grabbed and attempted to gain control of an officer’s holstered weapon, but was ultimately placed under arrest after what Stocco called a "violent struggle."

Worthy, 46, of Fremont Avenue in Seaside Heights, was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute, possession of heroin, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, resisting arrest, aggravated assault on a police officer, attempt to physically disarm a law enforcement officer, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. 

Bail was set at $150,000 cash.

The driver of the vehicle, Kenneth Bragg, 49, of Snow Chief Court in Howell, was placed under arrest for driving under the influence. His vehicle was impounded and he was later released on a summons, Stocco said.


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