Berkeley Township Police Department Weekly Police Blotter

Charlie Dwyer

Berkeley Township, NJ – The Berkeley Township Police Department has released its weekly police blotter incident report for February 2022.  Below are incidents reported by the Berkeley Township Police Department during that period.

Arrest (Warrant) – On February 2, 2022, Patrolman Devon Tasso arrested Dusk Cresenzo 26, of Bayville. Crescenzo had an outstanding warrant out of Seaside Park for Failure to Appear. Crescenzo was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and transported to the Ocean County Jail without incident.

Hazardous Material – On February 4, 2022, Patrolman Don Rowley responded to a report of a possible oil leak near the area of North Island Rd. A caller stated that there was oil on the roadway from the street to the lagoon. Upon arrival it was determined that a type of liquid had covered several streets in the area. A Hazmat Team was called and immediately responded to the scene. Sgt. Will Cullen and the Bayville Fire Company also responded. The affected roads were closed down due to safety reasons. It could not be determined what had caused the oil spill. Berkeley Township Public Works arrived on scene and sanded the roadways to help absorb the slick substance.

MVA – On February 4, 2022, Patrolman Michael Drybola and Lt. Ryan Roth responded to the area of Westbrook Dr. for a report of an out of control driver. A white Chevy Equinox drove over a curb, struck a mailbox and then hit a light pole. The vehicle then proceeded west and sideswiped a tree, struck a speed limit sign, hit another mailbox and went through the front window of a residence. The driver of the vehicle appeared to have suffered a medical episode. The driver was extricated from the vehicle and brought to Community Medical Center with minor injuries. The Berkeley Township Building Inspector arrived on scene and deemed the residence uninhabitable.


Arrest (Theft) – On February 7, 2022, Patrolman Edward LaGreca responded to a report of a theft at 220 Rt.9/Wawa. Upon arrival the manager advised that they observed an employee on video stealing money from the cash register. Devin Porsch 20, of Beachwood, admitted to taking $270 from the register. Porsch was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Theft. Porsch was released pending a future court date.


Arrest (DWI) – On February 12, 2022, Patrolman Robert Zilavetz, Patrolman Kyle Slocum, Patrolman Josh Packen and Sgt. Patrick Coletti responded to a motor vehicle crash near the area of Roosevelt Ave. The driver of the vehicle, Brandon Lee 34 of Bayville, hit a parked car and mailbox and then fled the scene. Lee then returned to the scene and told Patrolmen that he had fallen asleep behind the wheel. Upon further investigation it was determined that Lee was driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Lee was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Lee’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Lee was released pending a future court date.

Fire – On February 17, 2022, Patrolman Shane Leighton and Patrolman Robert Murawski responded to the area of Encinitas Dr. for a report of smoke in a resident’s garage. Upon arrival no flames were visible but heat was present. The homeowner explained she was having work done to her thermostat when it sparked and smoked. The Manitou Park Fire Department, The Berkeley Township Fire Marshall and Detective Michael Tier all responded to the scene. Upon further investigation it was determined that the drywall and insulation was scorched in the middle of the wall between the garage and living room. Fire officials deemed the location to be safe and no further action was taken.

Theft – On February 17, 2022, Patrolman Rick Zieser was dispatched to the area of 885 Barnegat Blvd. (Duke’s Ice Cream) for report of theft of a catalytic converter. The area was canvassed and potential evidence was found on scene. This incident is currently under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to call Berkeley Township Police Detective Jonathan Mulvihill at (732)341-1132 Ext.2122.

Arrest (Warrant) – On February 21, 2022, Officer Anthony Ceglie conducted a motor vehicle stop near the area of Rt.37 and Sunset Dr. for a headlight out. Patrolman Edward Hendrickson arrived on scene to assist. The driver of the vehicle was given a verbal warning to get the headlight repaired. The passenger of the vehicle, John Walter 40, of Seaside Heights, had several warrants out for his arrest. Walter had warrants out of Toms River and Brick. Walter was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and turned over to Toms River Police without incident.

Fire – On February 26, 2022, Patrolman Thomas Eichen, Patrolman Ryan Wahl and Patrolman Robert Kennedy responded to a report of a fire near the area of Rt9/ Serpentine Drive. Upon arrival the detached garage of a residential home was fully engulfed. The residents evacuated the home safely. Rt. 9 was temporarily shut down between Floral and Serpentine Dr. Station 17 arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. First Aid arrived on scene. No injuries were reported. The OC Fire Marshall, Berkeley Township Fire Official and Detective Lieutenant Peter La Rocca responded to the scene to investigate. Upon further investigation, it was determined that 2 space heaters where left on in the garage and started the blaze. The garage burned to the ground. Fire officials deemed the home habitable and no further action was taken.

MVA – On February 26, 2022, Patrolman Ryan Wahl, Patrolman Robert Kennedy, and Patrolman Josh Foca responded to a single car motor vehicle accident near the area of Central Parkway. Upon arrival it was determined that the driver had crashed into a pole. The driver of the vehicle was uninjured. Due to the crash, wires were hanging low into the roadway. JCP&L, Verizon and the Ocean County Road Department responded to the scene. The road was closed for several hours from Vine to Briar for pole repair. No summonses were issued

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