Berkeley Police Blotter: DWI, Shoplifting, Burglary Investigations in January

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley Township Police Department officers responded to several incidents during January 2026, according to the monthly police blotter.

Here is the January police blotter, courtesy of Berkeley police and unedited by Patch.

Shoplifting/Arrest – On January 6, 2026, Patrolman Robert Murawski responded to the area of 431 Rt.9/Shoprite for a report of shoplifting. Upon arrival the actor who was identified as Stephanie Woodford, 44, of Toms River, was highly intoxicated and requested to be seen by first aid. Video footage was obtained and upon further investigation it was determined that Woodford stole $244.00 worth of groceries. Woodford was transported to CMC for medical treatment and was arrested and charged with 4th Degree Shoplifting. Woodford was released pending a future court date.

MVC – On January 8, 2026, Patrolman Edward LaGreca responded to a single vehicle crash near the area of Dover Rd. Upon arrival it was learned that a 2019 white Nissan Maxima crashed and struck several trees. The driver was entrapped inside his vehicle. Berkeley Township EMT’s, Fire Department, OC Sheriff CSI and OCPO VHU all arrived on scene to assist with the investigation. The injured driver was going in and out of consciousness. A medivac airlifted the driver to JSUMC. No summonses were issued.

DWI/Arrest – On January 12, 2026, Patrolman Thomas Miklos responded to the area of Corinth Pl. for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival a black 2002 Ford Explorer crashed and was lying on the driver’s side in the roadway. A parked, gray 2022 Hyundai Santa Cruz also showed damage on the passenger side. The driver of the 2002 Ford was able to get out of his vehicle unharmed, and no one was in the parked Hyundai that was hit. Upon further investigation, the driver who was identified as Edward Vancott, 50, of Berkeley, was found to be under the influence. Vancott was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Driving and Reckless Driving. Vancott’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Vancott was released pending a future court date.

Warrant/Arrest – On January 14,2026, Patrolman Nick Bondulich and Patrolman Josh Packen reported to Atlantic County Jail for a Warrant for Failure to Appear out of Berkeley Township for $2000.00. Kimberly Kolesar, 50, of Burlington, was processed and transported to OCJ without incident.

Burglary – On January 24, 2026, Patrolman Nick Bondulich, Patrolman Michael Sasso, Sgt. Robert Flanegan and Sgt. Taylor Butler responded to the area of Barnegat Dr. for a report of property stolen. Upon arrival it was learned that the victim’s shed was ransacked and items were stolen. Detective Jake Camaraza arrived on scene to investigate. Upon further investigation evidence was found at the scene and video footage has been obtained. This incident is currently under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident may contact Detective Jake Camaraza at (732)341-1132 ext. 2120. All information may remain anonymous.

DWI/Arrest – On January 24, 2026, Patrolman Steven Scaturro and Sgt. Sean Varady conducted a motor vehicle stop near the area of Frederick Dr. for speeding/erratic driving. Upon arrival the driver of the vehicle, who was identified as Eugene Makulinski, 51, of Bayville, showed signs of impairment. Upon further investigation it was discovered that Makulinski was driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Makulinski was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Refusal to Consent to taking Breath Sample, Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, Failure to Inspect and Failure to Keep Right. Makulinski’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Makulinski was released pending a future court date.

Check Location – On January 31, 2026, Patrolman Nick Bondulich, Patrolman Michael Drybola, Patrolman Don Rowley, Patrolman Michael Sasso, Sgt. Taylor Butler and Sgt. Robert Flanegan responded to the area of Veeder Lane for a report of loud noise coming from a wooded area near Veeder Lane. Upon further investigation, officers found deer hunters in the wooded area. All hunters were following state hunting regulations. No summonses were issued.