Fed-Ex employee attacked and robbed by Bronx scooter bandits

LAKEWOOD, NJ – Lakewood lost a significant figure this week with the death of Rabbi Israel Schenkolewski, a key figure in Ocean County politics. Schenkolewski, who died at age 80 after a long illness, was not only a beloved spiritual leader but also a political strategist who helped shape Lakewood’s growing influence in local elections.

He played a key role in introducing bloc voting in Lakewood, a tactic that gave the city great influence in both county and state elections.

At the end of the 1990s, under his influence, the Vaad, a coalition of rabbis, was founded, which to this day ensures high voter turnout and makes Lakewood a political stronghold.

Schenkolewski’s leadership was not limited to elections. He also served as chairman of the Lakewood Zoning Board and a longtime member of the Ocean County Board of Elections.

In addition, he served as a chaplain for the Lakewood Police Department for many years and advised law enforcement agencies.

Although his reputation was tarnished in the 1990s by allegations that he had exchanged donations for political support for a nuclear power plant, the courts dismissed the charges against him twice and were thus able to clear his name.

Rabbi Schenkolewski’s legacy in Lakewood politics and community leadership is undeniable. His influence will be felt long after his death as the city continues to navigate its complex political landscape.

MANCHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — A South Toms River man is in serious trouble after a police chase that began with a possible kidnapping at a Wawa. It all went wrong around 3 p.m. on Sept. 3 when Manchester police received a call reporting a woman was being dragged into a car at a Wawa on Route 70.

Officer Brian Volk wasted no time in tracking down the vehicle, a black 2005 Chevy Tahoe, and stopping it on County Road 530. At the wheel was 67-year-old Thomas Stevens, but when asked for identification or an explanation, Stevens decided to quickly turn things into chaos.

Instead of cooperating, Stevens sped away, leading to a full-blown chase that stretched from Manchester to Berkeley to South Toms River. Even when Officer Volk and backup from Officer Jason Wiener attempted to stop the car again, Stevens still wasn’t ready to give up.

The chase eventually ended in Berkeley Township’s Manitou Park, but Stevens was still resisting arrest. Police say he refused to cooperate, so they had no choice but to arrest him.

And the whole alleged kidnapping? It turns out that the woman in the car was Stevens’ wife and she wasn’t forced into the vehicle after all.

Stevens ended up being charged with obstruction of justice, escape, resisting arrest and hindering his own arrest. He must now appear in court, although he was released on a subpoena. Something tells us this is going to be an awkward dinner conversation.

The NYPD is asking the public for help in identifying two suspects involved in a package theft that occurred in the Bronx on Thursday, August 29, 2024. According to reports, a 57-year-old FedEx employee was delivering a package near 100 Einstein Loop at around 2:40 p.m. when an unknown person approached him from behind and startled him.

The FedEx employee fell to the ground and the suspect snatched a small package from the employee’s hand that belonged to a 30-year-old recipient.

The suspect then fled east on Einstein Loop on a motorcycle driven by another person.

No injuries were reported, but police are seeking any information about the suspects or the incident to assist with the investigation. If you know anything, the NYPD asks you to come forward.