BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Berkeley Township Police Department has issued the following statements regarding crimes reported in the community during March. The police department provided these incidents via a press release and we are provided as-is to ensure accuracy.
Fire – On March 1, 2022, Patrolman Justin Heffernan, Officer Michael Solomone, Sgt. Jerry Bacon, Sgt. Taylor Butler and Lt. Damon Papa responded to the area of Santa Fe Ct. for a report of a structure fire. Upon arrival, smoke could be seen coming from the rear of the residence. The homeowner advised Patrol that all residents were out of the home. Patrolman Heffernan proceeded to evacuate the 2 neighboring homes. Flames were seen breaking through the roof area of the engulfed home. Stations 17, 18, 20 and Toms River Fire Department #2 arrived on scene to extinguish the fire. OC Fire Marshall Dennis Allen, Fred Mitchell and Detective Jonathan Mulvihill arrived on scene to investigate. The home was deemed uninhabitable. This incident is currently under investigation.
DWI (Arrest) – On March 3, 2022, Patrolman Brian Flanegan conducted a motor vehicle stop near the area of Anchorage Blvd. A gray 2015 GMC Terrain was observed having a headlight out. Upon conducting the motor vehicle stop it was determined that the driver of the vehicle, Aaron Petty 39, of Beachwood, was driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Petty was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Driving, Reckless Driving, Maintenance of Lamps and Failure to Exhibit a Driver’s License. Petty’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Petty was released pending a future court date.
Motor Vehicle Accident – On March 3, 2022, Patrolman Michael Drybola responded to a motor vehicle accident involving an overturned vehicle near the area of Jamaica Blvd. Upon arrival it was determined that a Nissan Sentra ran a stop sign and struck a grey Jeep on the driver’s side. This caused the Jeep to overturn onto the roof. First Aid arrived on scene. Both drivers sustained minor injuries and refused any further treatment. The road was shut down for several hours for debris clean up. The driver of the Nissan, Lisa Cardaci, 31 of Toms River was issued a summons for Failure to Stop or Yield.
Motor Vehicle Accident – On March 8, 2022, Patrolman Ryan Drivanos responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash with downed utility lines near the area of 54 Rt. 9. Upon arrival it was determined that the driver of the vehicle was driving northbound when a utility pole started to fall due to high wind conditions. The pole fell and became wedged between the drivers wheel well. No injuries were reported. Verizon arrived on scene to remove the pole. Rt. 9 was shut down between Mizzen and Gladney Ave. A detour was set up to assist with the overflow of traffic and a Nixle alert was issued. During the overnight several utility poles were knocked down due to the high wind and rain.
Motor Vehicle Accident – On March 20, 2022, Patrolman Robert Zilavetz responded to a single vehicle motor vehicle accident near the area of Serpentine Dr. The driver of the vehicle failed to negotiate the rightward curve onto Serpentine and drove off the roadway into a road sign and then directly into a tree. The roads were wet from rain earlier in the evening. The driver did not suffer any injuries. The vehicle was towed from the scene due to significant front end damage. No summonses were issued.
Fire – On March 22, 2022, Patrolman Ryan Drivanos, Sgt. Taylor Butler, Patrolman Alex Houle, Patrolman Michael Bulwinski and Patrolman Justin Heffernan all responded to reports of a smoke condition near the area of Louis Ave. Upon arrival it was determined that a mobile home had become fully engulfed and spread to a wooded area behind the home. The Bayville Fire Department, NJ Forest Fire Service, Ocean County Fire Marshall, Berkeley Township Fire Official, the Ocean County Prosecutors office and the Sheriff’s Department CSI and Detective William Somers all arrived on scene. Upon further investigation it was learned that the residents had a large fire pit burning uncontrolled, causing it to spread. Forest Fire Services issued several summonses and fines to the homeowner.
Motor Vehicle Accident – On March 24, 2022, Patrolman Richard Zieser responded to a report of single vehicle accident with an overturned vehicle near the area of Central Parkway. Upon arrival the vehicle was in the roadway overturned on the driver’s side. The driver of the vehicle was on the side of the road, uninjured. First Aid arrived on scene and the driver refused treatment. Upon further investigation it was determined that the driver of the vehicle was texting while driving. The vehicle was towed from the scene due to extensive damage. The driver of the vehicle, Thomas Materiale, 29 of Pennsylvania, was issued a summons for Use of a Wireless Telephone in a Moving Vehicle.
Motor Vehicle Entry – On March 27, 2022, Patrolman Sean Varady responded to a report of a burglary to a motor vehicle near the area of Cedar Ave. Upon arrival it was learned that the motor vehicle entry happened the previous night. Money and a rear license plate were stolen from the vehicle. Video footage of the incident was obtained. It was observed that two males exited the SUV and illegally entered the vehicle. This incident is currently under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call Detective Michael Riccardelli at 732-341-1132 ext.2136. All callers may remain anonymous.
