BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ – From drunk driving crashes to a business burglary, Berkeley Township police officers stayed busy throughout August as they handled multiple arrests and investigations, according to the department’s latest blotter.
On August 2, officers responded to Moorage Avenue after a vehicle went airborne, slammed into two parked cars and caused major damage. The driver, Daniel Burke, 29, of Beachwood, showed signs of impairment and was arrested for DWI before being transported to a hospital for injuries. He was later charged with driving while intoxicated and contempt.
Three days later, on August 5, officers took custody of 26-year-old Devin Ayers of Waretown, who was being held at the Waretown Police Department on outstanding warrants totaling $1,000. Ayers was taken to the Ocean County Jail.
On August 8, police were called to Route 9 for a reported burglary. A business had its back window smashed, its interior ransacked and money stolen from damaged cash registers. Detectives are investigating and urged anyone with information to contact them.
On August 16, officers found a man slumped over behind the wheel at a Wawa gas pump on Route 9. The driver, Kenneth Heiser, 44, of Forked River, was determined to be under the influence and in possession of CDS and drug paraphernalia. He also had active warrants and was jailed after his arrest.
Two days later, on August 18, a two-car crash on Jamaica Boulevard led to the arrest of John Reeves, who police said was intoxicated at the time. Reeves was charged with DWI and several traffic offenses, including reckless driving and having open containers in his vehicle.
On August 24, patrol units and firefighters responded to Jamaica Boulevard for a small fire in a bathroom garbage can. Investigators determined a cigarette that had not been properly put out caused the blaze, which resulted in minimal damage.
The month closed on August 30 when officers stopped a gray Honda Accord on Central Avenue for aggressive driving. The driver, John Fox, 71, of Berkeley Heights, was arrested and charged with DWI, careless driving and reckless driving. He was later released pending court.
Key Points
- Berkeley Township police responded to several DWIs in August, including crashes and vehicle impoundments.
- A burglary on Route 9 remains under investigation after money was stolen and property damaged.
- A cigarette sparked a small fire on Jamaica Boulevard, causing only minor damage.
From drunk driving busts to a break-in on Route 9, Berkeley cops had their hands full in August.
