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Arrests in Wall Township: DWI and trespassing incidents
Arrests rise in Wall Township after DWI and trespassing incidents
Wall Township, NJ
Recent police activity in Wall Township has resulted in multiple arrests over several days. Numerous cases involving driving while intoxicated (DWI) were reported following investigations and motor vehicle stops.
On Monday, patrolman Kyle Pelech arrested John Stgermain, 69, of Brick, for DWI at approximately 5:26 PM after an accident investigation on State Highway 34. Stgermain was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law.
On Tuesday, patrolman Alexandra Clayton apprehended William Cecere, 74, of Spring Lake, for trespassing during a suspicious person investigation at Target on State Highway 35. Cecere was processed and released on a summons.
Also on Tuesday, patrolman Orin McKay arrested Alexsander Bavykin, 41, of Ocean Township, for DWI at around 5:12 PM on State Highway 35. Bavykin was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law.
On Thursday, patrolman Kevin Orender arrested Frank Barone, 21, of Toms River, for DWI at 12:22 AM after a motor vehicle stop on State Highway 35. Barone was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law.
Additionally, at 2:52 AM, patrolman Joseph Phillips arrested Tiffany Rongo, 26, of Manalapan, for DWI following an investigation at the Manasquan Circle. Rongo was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law.
Later on Thursday, patrolman Trent Powers arrested Jessica Romano, 40, of Gillette, for obstruction and disorderly conduct on Water Street. Romano was processed and released on a summons.
Patrolman Joshua Wheeler arrested Claudia Volk, 46, of Point Pleasant, for DWI at approximately 11:52 PM on State Highway 34. Volk was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law.
On Friday, patrolman Tyler Martin arrested Justin Confessore, 39, of Tinton Falls, for DWI at 1:52 AM after a motor vehicle stop on State Highway 18. Confessore was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law.
That same day, patrolman Clint Forgach arrested Sara Emery, 48, of Asbury Park, for a Wall Township traffic warrant after responding to the Ocean Township police headquarters. Emery was transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.
On Saturday, patrolman Alexandra Clayton arrested Zachary Scott, 36, of Wall, for shoplifting at Target on State Highway 35. Scott was processed and released on a summons.
On Sunday, patrolman John Kelly arrested Luis Ramirez Vargas, 25, of Jackson, for DWI at 1:48 AM after a motor vehicle stop on Interstate 195. Vargas was processed and released in accordance with John’s Law.
Police arrest six over the weekend, multiple drug offenses reported
Police arrest six over the weekend, multiple drug offenses reported
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ – In a series of arrests over the weekend, local police apprehended six individuals on various charges, including drug offenses.
On Monday, Patrolman Jerry Baker arrested Meccalah Anthony, 28, of Highlands, for a traffic warrant out of Jackson Township following a stop on State Highway 18. She was processed and released on her own recognizance.
On Thursday, Patrolman Powers took David Rozar, 61, of Howell, into custody for possession of crack cocaine and related drug paraphernalia during a motor vehicle stop on State Highway 18. Rozar was processed and released via summons.
Patrolman Kyle Pelech arrested Sean Breuche, 26, of Manasquan, early Friday morning for driving while intoxicated after stopping him on State Highway 70 around 12:10 AM. Breuche was processed and released under John’s Law.
Additionally, Patrolman Jerry Baker arrested Shawn Frederick, 36, of Camden, on a warrant from Neptune City following an investigation on State Highway 70. Frederick was processed and released on his own recognizance.
On Saturday, Patrolman James Yannazzone arrested Bret Strumberger, 45, of Sayreville, due to a traffic warrant out of Keansburg following a motor vehicle stop on State Highway 33/34. Strumberger was processed and released after posting bail.
Patrolman Johan Moreno detained Regina Pagano, 34, of Old Bridge, for multiple charges including DWI and possession of cocaine after an accident investigation on State Highway 34. She was processed on a summons and released following the protocol.
On Sunday, Patrolman Joseph Phillips arrested Sam Plummer, 44, of Freehold, for possession of ecstasy and drug paraphernalia after a stop on Interstate 195. Plummer was processed and released on a summons. Additionally, Patrolman Baker arrested Amie Jost, 46, of Ocean Township, for multiple charges including eluding and obstruction following an investigation near Marconi Road. Jost was processed and transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Police dog sniffs out drugs, leading to arrests
Police dog sniffs out drugs, leading to arrests
WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ – A traffic stop conducted on Tuesday at Highway 34 near the Garden State Parkway led to a drug bust with the assistance of K9 Axle, a 6-year-old German Shepherd trained in narcotics detection. The alert from K9 Axle directed the officers to uncover methamphetamine and fentanyl inside the vehicle.
The suspects, Edward Flowers, 47, and Johannes Fort, 36, both from New York, were arrested. They are charged with distribution and possession of methamphetamine, possession of fentanyl, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Following the arrest, both individuals were taken to Monmouth County Jail and are awaiting a future court appearance. Their charges emphasize the consequences of drug distribution and possession as enforced by New Jersey law.
Wall Township Police Chief Sean O’Halloran commended the officers involved, stating, “I want to commend our dedicated officers and K9 unit for their outstanding work in this drug arrest.” He also acknowledged the crucial role of K9 Axel in the operation.
A photograph shows Ptl. Clint Forgach, Ptl. Joseph Antunez, and K9 Axel, highlighting the teamwork behind the arrest
Father Sentenced to 45 Years for Child Abuse of Daughter
Man Sentenced to 45 Years for Child Abuse
**Freehold, NJ** – A Marlboro Township resident has been sentenced to 45 years in state prison. The sentencing follows the conviction for the sexual and physical abuse of his daughter over a period spanning more than six years.
Andrey V. Penkin, aged 51, will be required to serve at least 37 years of his sentence before becoming eligible for parole. This information was disclosed by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
The announcement took place on Friday, underscoring the severity of the crimes committed by Penkin. The prosecutor emphasized the gravity of the offenses and the extensive duration over which the abuse occurred.
Details regarding the exact timeline or other specifics surrounding the case have not been provided. However, the prosecution expressed intentions to ensure justice was served.
Wall Township Police Blotter: Here’s What’s Happening
Wall Township Police Conduct Arrests Over the Week
**Wall Township, NJ** – Wall Township Police made several arrests throughout the week, addressing various offenses including warrants, shoplifting, and drug-related charges.
On Monday, Jonathan Jones, 39, of Tinton Falls, was arrested by Patrolman Mark Daugherty on a Wall Township warrant at the Tinton Falls Police Department. Jones was subsequently transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution.
On Tuesday, Angela Sollitto, 35, of Belleville, was apprehended by Patrolman Fred Sprengel during a shoplifting investigation on State Highway 35. Sollitto was processed and released on a summons.
Wednesday saw the arrest of Edward Byham, 34, of Oakhurst, by Patrolman James Yannazzone for distributing marijuana, possession of marijuana exceeding six ounces, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia during a motor vehicle stop on State Highway 138. Byham was processed and released on a summons.
On Thursday, Joseph Reed, 51, of Philadelphia, was arrested by Patrolman Tyler Martin for possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia after a motor vehicle stop on State Highway 18. Additionally, Patrolman Yannazzone arrested David Rep
Four Arrested in Wall Township for Drug and Weapons Offenses
Four Arrested in Wall Township for Drug and Weapons Offenses
**WALL TOWNSHIP, NJ** – Four individuals face charges of drug and weapons offenses following a car stop in Wall Township. On Sunday night at 9 p.m., Patrolman James Yannazzone stopped a vehicle on Highway 33 & 34 near the Howell Township border for a moving violation.
The driver, Erin Bozeth, 45, of Brick Township, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, cocaine, crack cocaine, brass knuckles for unlawful purposes, drug paraphernalia, and implements to defeat a drug test. Erin Murphy, 36, of Atlantic City, faced similar charges, including possession of prescription drugs, along with warrants totaling $4,000 from Lakewood and Middletown.
Robert Trella Jr., 50, of Lanoka Harbor, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine, alongside a New Jersey State Parole warrant. Ryan Killeen, 27, of Wall Township, was also charged with drug possessions and paraphernalia.
Killeen, Trella, and Murphy were taken to Monmouth County Jail in Freehold after processing. Bozeth was released on a
Former Jackson Resident Living in Florida Indicted for 2022 Fatal Collision in Howell
Former Resident Indicted for 2022 Fatal Collision in Howell
**FREEHOLD, NJ –** A former Ocean County resident has been charged in relation to a fatal 2022 multi-vehicle accident in Howell, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago’s announcement on Wednesday.
Drew Peterson, 34, who previously lived in Jackson Township and now resides in Jensen Beach, Florida, faces one count of second-degree vehicular manslaughter. Following a thorough evaluation by a forensic toxicologist, the indictment was issued on Wednesday, October 30. Peterson was processed on Monday, November 18 after returning to New Jersey.
The incident occurred on Friday, March 11, 2022, at around 12:05 a.m. Peterson was operating a 2004 Ford F150 pickup westbound on Route 33, west of the Colts Neck Road intersection, when it crossed the centerline and sideswiped a 2004 Kia Rio. Continuing in the wrong direction, the pickup then struck head-on with a 2010 Dodge Challenger driven by Robert C. Johnson, 50, of Neptune Township. The collision caused the truck to overturn, ejecting Peterson.
Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene following the
Suspect Detained in Vandalism Case in Ocean
Suspect Detained in Vandalism Case on West Park Avenue
**Ocean, NJ** – Officers from the Township of Ocean Police Department responded to a vandalism report on West Park Avenue on Saturday. An unknown suspect had allegedly spray painted anti-Semitic messages on the paver wall of a residence and then fled the scene.
Officer Kevin Donohoe arrived at the location, observed the vandalism, and was provided with video evidence by the caller. The officers used the video to identify the suspect’s license plate, leading them to Joseph Antebi.
When officers went to Antebi’s residence, they observed him leaving in his vehicle. Officer Donohoe attempted a traffic stop, but Antebi did not comply, resulting in a brief pursuit that was terminated for public safety reasons.
Antebi was later located in Eatontown and taken into custody after a brief struggle. He was charged with Bias Intimidation, Eluding, Obstruction, Resisting Arrest, Criminal Mischief, and several motor vehicle violations. Antebi was processed and is at the Monmouth County Correctional Institution, awaiting his initial court appearance.
New Jersey Youth Soccer Coach Admits to Sexual Offenses
Youth Soccer Coach Admits to Sexual Offenses
**Freehold, NJ** – A local youth soccer coach confessed to numerous sexual offenses against former student-athletes, according to Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago, who made the announcement on Monday.
Ryan Gunsauls, 33, from Union Beach, pleaded guilty last week before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Christie Bevacqua. His charges included first-degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child by Manufacturing Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), second-degree Attempted Endangering by creating CSAM, and second- and third-degree Endangering through Sexual Conduct.
The investigation began earlier this year, led by MCPO Detective Joseph Mason, involving the MCPO Special Victims Bureau and Union Beach Police Department. A juvenile reported Gunsauls solicited and shared explicit materials via a social media app. Eight more victims, aged 11 to 17, were identified, resulting in Gunsauls’ arrest in May and subsequent detention as the case proceeds, as ordered by a Superior Court Judge.
Assistant Prosecutor Keri-Leigh Schaefer is handling the case. Gunsauls’ lawyer is Michael J. Pappa, Esq., based in Hazlet. His
Englishtown Police Chief Charged with Criminal Offenses
Englishtown Police Chief Charged with Criminal Offenses
**FREEHOLD, NJ** – The Englishtown Chief of Police faces criminal charges following an investigation announced by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago on Tuesday.
Chief Peter S. Cooke, aged 58, has been charged with third-degree Computer Theft and third-degree Conspiracy to Commit Shoplifting. The investigation, led by the MCPO Professional Responsibility Unit, uncovered that between February 2019 and August 2023, Cooke misused a law-enforcement database to access personal information about two individuals without a lawful purpose.
Additionally, it was revealed that Cooke, while on administrative leave, assisted a co-conspirator in committing multiple shoplifting incidents at a local grocery store during August and September. The charges against Cooke were served earlier this month, with proceedings set to occur in Monmouth County Superior Court.
MCPO Assistant Prosecutor Melanie Falco, Director of the Professional Responsibility Unit, is prosecuting the case. Debbie Simon, based in West Orange, represents Cooke. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, with all rights afforded by the U.S. Constitution and State law.
Wall Township Man Charged with Armed Bank Robbery
Wall Township Man Charged with Armed Robbery
**Freehold, NJ** – A Wall Township resident was apprehended and charged in connection with an armed robbery, as announced by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago on Thursday.
Jeffrey L. Kniffin, age 50, faces charges including first-degree armed robbery, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and possession of hollow point bullets, a fourth-degree offense.
On Wednesday, officers responded to a robbery at a Bank of America on State Highway 35. The suspect, masked and armed, reportedly stole over $5,000 and fled.
An off-duty officer observed a suspect matching Kniffin’s description on a bicycle near the bank. He followed the individual to Kniffin’s M Street residence, where Kniffin was arrested.
Kniffin remains in custody at Monmouth County Correctional Institution. The case is managed by Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano, and Kniffin’s attorney details have not been released.
Manalapan Man Charged in Fatal Holmdel Collision
Manalapan Man Charged in Fatal Holmdel Collision
**FREEHOLD, NJ** – A 28-year-old man from Manalapan, John Baradekji, has been charged in relation to a fatal collision in Holmdel. Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago announced the charges on Thursday.
Baradekji faces one count of third-degree Operating a Motor Vehicle with a Suspended License while involved in a fatal crash. The incident occurred on Monday, August 12, at approximately 7:34 a.m., when a crash involving a motor vehicle and bicycle was reported near Bethany Road and Galway Drive.
The bicycle rider, 65-year-old Timothy Neher from Holmdel, was found at the scene and later transported to Bayshore Medical Center. He succumbed to his injuries at 8:41 a.m. An investigation conducted by local authorities determined that the bicyclist was struck by a 2008 Kia driven by Baradekji.
Baradekji is represented by attorney Joshua D. Altman, based in New Brunswick, Middlesex County. Under U.S. law, Baradekji is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of
Matawan Woman Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident
Matawan Woman Charged in Fatal Hit-and-Run Incident
**FREEHOLD, NJ** – A Matawan resident, Sonia Gomez, 64, has been charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident that resulted in the death of a pedestrian in Aberdeen, as announced by Monmouth County Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 4, at approximately 7:24 p.m., when Aberdeen Police responded to reports of a pedestrian being struck at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and 2nd Street. Upon arrival, officers found a 58-year-old woman, Judith Fox-Hernandez, injured on the road.
Fox-Hernandez was transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center but unfortunately succumbed to her injuries on Sunday, September 29. Investigations revealed that she was struck by a 2015 Honda Pilot driven by Gomez, who allegedly did not stop or report the accident.
Monmouth County Assistant Prosecutor Michael Luciano is handling the case. Gomez is represented by Harold C. Baker, Esq., of Fair Haven. All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
