Stafford Township, NJ - On March 7, 2026 at approximately 3:15 PM, Stafford Township Police responded to Walmart in response to Ryan J. Wernick (29 years old of Manahawkin, NJ) who had previously been given a trespass warning and was reported to be on the property.  In the process of Wernick being placed under arrest for trespassing he became combative and did not comply with the responding officers. Wernick was ultimately taken into custody and charged with Defiant Trespass 2C:18-3B, Obstruction 2C:29-1A, Resisting Arrest 2C-29-2A(1), and Disorderly Conduct 2C:33-2A(1).  Officer Jacob Forlenza was the arresting officer.

After being processed at the Stafford Township Police Department, Wernick was transported to the Ocean County Jail where he was lodged.  A court appearance is to be scheduled with the Ocean County Superior Court.

As a reminder, the Stafford Township Police Department does not release arrest photos of defendants. All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.