FREEHOLD – The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office is working with multiple law enforcement agencies to actively investigate a possible bias-motivated incident that took place this weekend, Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced on Sunday.
On Saturday, January 28, 2023, the Asbury Park Police were advised of a possible bias incident that took place at the Trinity Episcopal Church, located on Asbury Avenue within the City sometime between 9 and 10:30 p.m. Friday night, January 27, during an anti-racism event. The Asbury Park Police Department immediately launched an investigation into the incident. As part of their investigation, Asbury Park Police notified the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office based upon the nature of the allegations.
At this time, there are no known or confirmed resultant injuries to any civilians.
The Asbury Park Police Department and the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office take any allegation of bias extremely seriously and, as a result, will be working in conjunction with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, under the direction of Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, and the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, to investigate this matter. Prosecutor Santiago wished to remind the public that any act of bias, perceived or otherwise, towards a race and or religious group, will not be tolerated in our local communities.
The investigation remains active and ongoing at this time. If anyone has any information on Friday night’s incident, they are urged to contact Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Detective Brian Hammarstrom at 800-533-7443 or Asbury Park Police Department Detective Anthony Troublefield at 732-774-1300. Detective Sergeant Brian Christensen and Detective Samer Abboud from the Attorney General’s Office, Division of Criminal Justice, are also assisting with the investigation. Anyone who feels the need to remain anonymous but has information about this or any crime can submit a tip to Monmouth County Crime Stoppers by calling their confidential telephone tip-line at 1-800-671-4400, by calling 800-671-4400 or by going to the website at www.monmouthcountycrimestoppers.com.
