Crime & Safety
Victim Faces Drug Charges After Home Invasion Robbery
Toms River man hit in head with gun; search reveals $2,000 worth of cash and marijuana in his room
A Toms River man is facing drug charges after a home invasion robbery attempt where he was hit in the head with a gun, police said.
Deven Skyers, 18, was charged with possession of marijuana and taken to the Ocean County Jail, after the incident at the home on Cadillac Drive, Toms River Police Chief Michael Mastronardy said.
Mastronardy said police were called to the home just after 11:30 p.m. on Thursday. Skyers, who lives there with family members, told police he heard his dog barking and then was hit in the head with a handgun by one of at least three males, Mastronardy said.
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A 56-year-old male who lives in the house ran downstairs when he heard glass breaking and was punched in the face by one of the male intruders, who all were dressed in dark clothing, before they ran out of the house. They got away without any proceeds, Mastronardy said.
Mastronardy said the investigation showed the suspect broke the sliding glass door on the bi-level home and entered Skyers' bedroom, which is downstairs in the home. It also turned up a loaded magazine from a Glock handgun that apparently was the weapon used to hit Skyers in the head.
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Officers Richard Buhowski, Michael McDonald and Sergeant Raymond Maloney investigated, along with the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department. Detective John Bajcic obtained a search warrant for the residence and recovered $2,000 in cash and drugs from Skyers' room, Mastronardy said.
Skyers was taken to Community Medical Center, Toms River, by the Toms River First Aid Squad for treatment, and after he was released from the hospital, was then arrested and charged with possession of marijuana, Mastronardy said. He has since posted the $20,000 bond; there was no 10 percent option.
The 56-year-old male refused medical attention.
Capt. Bruce Burgess reports this is the third home invasion robbery in the township in the last month. They do not appear to be related but all three are drug-related, Mastronardy said.
Anyone with information is requested to call Detective John Bajic at 732-349-0150 ext. 1278.
