Apparent heroin death in Lakewood under probe

Evidence suggesting a Toms River man's heroin overdose death in Lakewood Sunday triggers a search by police for the individual who called in the report, and for others familiar with the incident.

Police said that Michael J. Rappleyea, 43, was found prone and unresponsive in a patch of woods behind the Golfview Apartments on Joe Parker Road Sunday afternoon.

Officers had responded to a call at about 1:30 by someone who identified himself as a friend and offered only a first name.

An autopsy will be conducted to establish the cause, and manner, of Rappleyea's death.

Detective Nathaniel Reyes can be reached at 732-363-0200, ext. 5345.