Trespass suspect’s alibi didn’t wash, say Toms River police

He allegedly told Toms River police that he was interested in buying the North Dover house where they found him Thursday. But it didn't explain why Israel Feldbrand of Lakewood apparently opted to enter it through a window.

The 36-year-old was booked on a criminal trespass charge late Thursday afternoon after police, responding to a reported burglary in progress on Crystal Mile Court, surrounded the house and met Feldbrand as he left through the basement, authorities said.

The site is near the Toms River-Lakewood border, in the section of town that's become a flashpoint of rancor as real-estate agents enlisted by Lakewood interests swarm neighborhoods in search of willing sellers. Similar instances are ongoing in other neighboring towns.

Occurring two days after the Toms River Township Council enacted a five-year ban on cold solicitations, the incident prompted a rare response to a police matter from Toms River Mayor Thomas Kelaher.

"The arrest of Mr. Feldbrand is further proof of the type of conduct taking place in Toms River by unscrupulous individuals and realtors," Kelaher said in prepared remarks. "This type of behavior will not be tolerated and is added justification for the cease and desist ordinance."

Township Council President Brian Kubiel added, "This is the kind of behavior our residents have repeatedly complained about, which is the reason the cease and desist ordinance was enacted. Residents should remain vigilant about the safety and security of their residences and report any suspicious activity to the Police."

According to police, Feldbrand first claimed that he believed the house to belong to an associate, who allowed him to look at it for possible purchase.

He later claimed that his associate might work in real estate, and that the house might be in foreclosure, authorities said.

Feldbrand was released to await a municipal court date.