Ocean County Sheriff’s Department vehicle. (Photo: Daniel Nee)
Residents of Ocean County will likely notice an increased police presence county-wide, as law enforcement agencies take precautions following a deadly shooting in Jersey City this week that claimed the life of a police officer and three shoppers at a Kosher grocery store.
The county sheriff’s office and county prosecutor’s office released a joint statement announcing the uptick in police activity Thursday.
“While there is no specific or credible threat in Ocean County at this time, residents are reminded to report any and all suspicious activity to law enforcement,” the statement said.
The statement announced that the two agencies have “increased the presence of law enforcement throughout Ocean County to ensure the safety of all of our residents” following the Jersey City shooting, which is being investigated as a hate crime.
Officials were mum on the details of the increased presence, saying divulging such information would be detrimental to the operation.
The Jersey City shooting, linked to two perpetrators, earlier this week claimed the life of Jersey City Police Detective Joseph Seals and three civilians – Leah Minda Ferencz, Moshe Hirsch Deutsch and Douglas Miguel Rodriguez Barzola – inside the store. Reportedly, the suspects, David Anderson, 47, and Francine Graham, 50, left a manifesto behind detailing their anti-Semitism and hatred of law enforcement. Both were shot and killed by police.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity should call 911 immediately, the statement said. If you suspect you are a victim of, or are a witness to a bias crime, authorities urge you call your local police department or the 24 hour Bias Crime Hotline of the Office of the New Jersey Attorney General can be reached at 1-800-277-BIAS (2427) or NJBIAS@NJDCJ.ORG.
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