OCEAN COUNTY — A Toms River man was arrested after authorities say he shattered a window at the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office with a metal pot, causing an estimated $2,500 in damage.
In documents obtained by Jersey Shore Online from the Toms River Police Department, authorities responded to the building on Hooper Avenue around 3:18 p.m. February 11 after receiving reports of criminal mischief in progress. Officers were told a man wearing a blue jacket was seen holding a black object and damaging a front window near the building’s entrance.
According to investigators, officers arriving at the scene encountered Benjamin Kandee walking north on Hooper Avenue while carrying a black metal cooking pot. Police said Kandee refused commands to drop the item. An officer was able to approach him from behind and safely remove the pot before taking him into custody.
Surveillance images provided by the prosecutor’s office allegedly show Kandee striking the window. Authorities said a handwritten note believed to have been authored by Kandee was also recovered near the Ocean County Courthouse. Both the pot and the note were collected as evidence.
Exit 82 Scanner News was in the area at the time and was able to document the damage to the window.
Kandee was charged with criminal mischief in connection with the damage.
During processing, police learned he had an outstanding warrant issued by Toms River Municipal Court. He was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where he remained pending a court appearance.
No injuries were reported.
