Couple Caught Trespassing on Abandoned Vonage Property While Doing a Reddit Challenge

Reddit Post

Around 2:19 AM on December 4, 2024, Patrolman Robert Lambe with the Holmdel Township Police Department was checking on an unoccupied vehicle in the parking lot of the abandoned Vonage property at 23 Main Street. Shortly afterwards, he advised dispatch that he was going to be making contact with a subject walking near the rear of the building. He made contact with a male, and he was identified as 21-year-old Aaron Olmeda. Aaron told Patrolman Lambe that he had heard about the Vonage property based on a Reddit post about abandoned buildings, and that he was there to explore. Patrolman Lambe told Aaron that they had multiple issues with people trespassing on the property and vandalizing the inside of the building.

While he initially indicated that he was alone, Patrolman Michael Sasso arrived on scene shortly afterwards and located a female who had been with Aaron.Patrolman Sasso walked over near the entrance of the building and made contact with the female, who was identified as 22-year-old Alexis Prager. Alexis told Patrolman Sasso that she had attempted to gain entry to the building, but she was unable to get inside because the door was locked. Around this time, Patrolman Lambe placed Aaron in handcuffs because he had lied to him about not being with anyone else. Alexis was walked over towards Patrolman Lambe and Aaron while Patrolman Lambe went to confer with Sergeant Sigismondi.

After conferring with the officers, it was determined that both subjects would be charged with trespassing under 2C:18-3B(2). They noted the information of both subjects because they were unable to present the officers with identification, and then Patrolman Lambe transported both of them back to Aaron’s car. Both subjects were advised that they were going to receive summonses to appear in court.

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