Jackson Police Say Fugitive Responsible for Burglary Plague Taken into Custody

Trio accused of robbing dozens of homes across Ocean and Monmouth Counties used proceeds to buy and trade for drugs, according to police.

Jackson–Jackson Police have announced this morning that a township man who was wanted in connection with dozens of burglaries in Jackson Township and surrounding towns has been apprehended after a nearly a week long search.

Mr. Kurtz was taken into custody after turning himself in with his attorney at the Ocean County Jail.

Last Thursday, Jackson Police reached out to the community to try to find Kurtz who was to appear in court to face charges stemming from his February 23rd arrest.

“Thank you to everyone who assisted in spreading the word about the search for Travis Kurtz. He has been taken into custody,” said Lt. Steven Laskiewicz of the Jackson Township Police Department this morning on the department’s facebook page.    Laskiewicz said that the information put out to the internet on the Department’s facebook page, which was  syndicated by multiple news agencies, including the Ocean County Police Blotter,  may have helped in pressuring the fugitive to turn himself in.

On February 23, 2012 The Jackson Police Department made three arrests as part of its ongoing investigation in the recent residential burglary problem that has plagued Jackson and surrounding townships.  Through a collaborate effort between Jackson, Howell and other local Police Departments, a former Jackson resident, 33 year old Vincent Parnell, had been identified as the primary suspect in at least two recent burglaries in Jackson.

On Thursday February 23, 2012 the Jackson Police Department received information that Vincent Parnell was temporarily staying in the Regency Club Apartment Complex, 805 Brewers Bridge Road, Jackson) with a friend, 29 year old Tahlee Dzurella.  Mr. Dzurella resides in unit 18F and it was believed Mr. Parnell was preparing to leave the state.  When officers arrived and knocked on the door of the second floor apartment, one of the occupants ran out into the balcony, as if he was preparing to jump down, however viewed officers waiting below.  The occupant then ran back into the apartment.  Believing that evidence was being or about to be destroyed, Jackson Police Officers forced entry into the apartment.

Vincent Parnell was observed attempting to flush heroin, jewelry, coins, and other items down the bathroom toilet.  There were three occupants inside the apartment and all three were taken into custody.  A small amount of jewelry, coins, and other items believed to be proceeds from a recent house burglary was recovered.  The third person inside the apartment was identified as 33 year old Travis Kurtz of Jackson.

33 year old Travis Kurtz of Toms River Road in Jackson.  Mr. Kurtz was charged with possession of C.D.S. (Heroin) and possession of a hypodermic syringe.  Mr. Kurtz’s bail was set at $50,000.  Mr. Kurtz was lodged in the Ocean County Jail after he was unable to post the required bail.

Mr. Parnell and his accomplices are believed to be responsible for a significant number of residential burglaries in Jackson and surrounding towns that have occurred over the past few months.  The investigation revealed the suspects only kept the items they stole for a day or two before either selling the items or trading them for drugs.  The Jackson Police Department will be contacting the victims who are believed to be the most likely owners of the recovered property.  Additional charges are still pending against all the individuals involved.

Anyone with information regarding this matter should contact Detective Robert Reiff at 732-833-3018.

Posted by Ocean County News on Sep 25 2012. Filed under Headline News, Jackson, Police Blotter. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.