Berkeley

Structure Fire Investigated in Berkeley Township Senior Community

Fire truck enroute to call.

Structure Fire Investigated in Berkeley Township

**Berkeley Twp., NJ** – On Friday at approximately 1:29 PM, Berkeley Township Police Department officers responded to a structure fire at 310 St Vincent Ct. in the Holiday City section.

The situation prompted the response of several emergency groups. Alongside the police, the Manitou Park Volunteer Fire Department, Pinewald Pioneer Volunteer Fire Department, Bayville Volunteer Fire Department, and Holiday City First Aid were dispatched to the scene.

The fire was extinguished, though it caused substantial damage to the building. Investigators from the Berkeley Township Police Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office have not found any suspicious factors in the incident.

No injuries were reported for the homeowner, but a family member received medical treatment for smoke inhalation. Residents are advised to avoid the area while the investigation is ongoing.

Berkeley Man Arrested on Drug Trafficking Charges

Berkeley Man Arrested on Narcotics Charges

**BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ** – Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force and Berkeley Township Police Department have concluded a month-long investigation into illegal narcotics distribution. William Manser, 44, of Berkeley Township, was identified as a suspect using a local residence for illicit drug activities.

The investigation led to surveillance being set up on the identified location on Thursday. Manser was spotted exiting the residence, and when law enforcement attempted to detain him, he fled on a motorized scooter. Authorities quickly arrested him without incident and found him possessing heroin, cocaine, and oxycodone.

Further investigation by the Ocean County Regional SWAT Team resulted in a search warrant being executed at the residence. Detectives seized more controlled dangerous substances and paraphernalia related to narcotics distribution.

Manser now faces multiple charges, including possession and intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and oxycodone within 500 feet of a public housing project. He has been detained at Ocean County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer praised the collaboration of all law enforcement agencies involved in the case.

Pedestrian Injured in Berkeley Township Vehicle Collision

Berkeley Township Police Department vehicle - file photo

Pedestrian Injured in Berkeley Township Vehicle Collision

**Berkeley Township, NJ** – Berkeley Township Police responded to an incident involving a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Saturday at around 10:53 a.m. The incident occurred near 430 Atlantic City Blvd.

Upon arriving, police officers found a blue Mazda and a male pedestrian on the ground. The initial investigation indicated the Mazda was moving southbound when the pedestrian, crossing from the east without using a crosswalk, stepped in front of the car.

The impact propelled the pedestrian into the air and dragged him along the pavement. The vehicle’s windshield was shattered, but it remained otherwise undamaged.

While the Mazda’s occupants were unharmed, the pedestrian sustained multiple injuries, including a severe facial laceration, a compound arm fracture, a broken leg, and road burns. He was airlifted to Jersey Shore Medical Center for evaluation. Officer Slocum is investigating the crash further.