Two Brooklyn Men Charged with Possession of a Cleaver and Fireworks in Toms River

Two Brooklyn men were charged with unlawful possession of a cleaver and possession of fireworks that were allegedly in their van which was stopped in Toms River, police said.  

William O’Connor, 26,  4910 Tilden Ave. and Dennard Robinson, 32, 923 E 101 St., were arrested in an incident that is still under investigation, police said.

It all started on Thursday evening when Toms River Officer Nicholas Franco was responding to a fraud call at 8 p.m. at BJ Wholesale, Route 37, "reporting that two males were (allegedly) attempting to buy gift cards with pre-loaded sponsored gift cards," police said. 

BJ’s reported that "they were made aware these individuals were possibly involved with the purchasing of cards from Voorhees $1,100, Maple Shade $900 and Manahawkin $600," says a prepared statement from Toms River police. "Once the suspects were questioned about their activities, they fled until being stopped by the Toms River officers.

"Franco was alerted to a vehicle description from loss prevention officers and communications personnel and stopped the 2007 grey Chevy van with New York plates after locating it near Route 37 and Hospital Drive," police said.

As a result of an investigation, the two suspects in the van were arrested and are being held in Ocean County jail on $2,500 bail, no 10%, police said.

Twenty Six BJ’s gift cards were allegedly located in O’Connor’s back pocket after he was arrested, police said.

Detective Mark Bajada is continuing the investigation. Anyone with information can call 349-0150 ext. 1241.