Berkeley Police Blotter: House Crash, 2 DWI Arrests, Fire And More

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley Township police released details from several incidents reported between March 1 and March 31, including two DWI arrests, a crash into a home, a house fire and the theft of a trailer.

On March 7, Patrolman Michael Zilavetz responded to Westbrook Drive for a report of a motor vehicle crash into a house. Police reported that a silver 2004 Toyota Corolla stopped at a stop sign before accelerating into the residence. No injuries were reported, and no one inside the home was hurt. New Jersey Natural Gas, Aqua Water, the Berkeley Township building inspector and the fire department also responded. The residence was deemed uninhabitable. Police reported that further investigation found the driver's floor mat had pinned the gas pedal onto the floor.

On March 19, Patrolman Michael Taylor observed a red Dodge Ram passing a school bus while it was unloading students near Veeder Lane, according to the blotter. After a motor vehicle stop, police reported that the driver showed signs of impairment. The driver, identified by police as Craig Donnellan, 60, of Bayville, was arrested and taken to police headquarters. He was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, Passing a School Bus, Failure to Maintain Lane and Unregistered Vehicle. Police reported that the vehicle was impounded in accordance with John's Law. Donnellan was released pending a future court date.

Police also reported a fire on March 23 on Monaco Court. Patrolman Ryan Wahl and Patrolman Kyle Slocum responded and observed heavy smoke conditions on arrival. All residents were out of the home with their dogs, and no injuries were reported. Pinewald Fire Department and Berkeley Township Fire Official Ken Anderson responded to assist. According to police, the homeowner believed she had turned the stove off but must have left the flame burning. While washing dishes, she placed a dog mat by the stove to dry and it caught fire. Police reported visible damage to the cabinets, walls and ceiling area.

On March 26, Patrolman Michael Gallicchio responded to Bangert Boulevard for a report of a stolen trailer. Police reported that the lock had been cut on an 18-foot flatbed trailer valued at $3,500. Detective DJ Williams responded to investigate, and video footage was obtained. Police said the incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Berkeley Township Police Department at (732) 341-1132 Ext. 2124. Police reported that information may remain anonymous.

A second DWI arrest followed a March 31 two-car crash with injuries on Jamaica Boulevard. Patrolman Evan Burton, Sgt. Shawn Bowens, Sgt. Christopher Walters, Patrolman Justin Heffernan and Patrolman Luke Dellaperute responded, and Manitou Park Fire Department was at the scene because a utility pole had been struck with downed wires. Police reported that one vehicle failed to obey a red traffic signal, causing the crash. First aid crews took both drivers to CMC for treatment. The Ocean County Sheriff's Department and the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office also responded. Police identified the driver of vehicle 1 as Sharin Montroy, 58, of Berkeley Township, and reported that she refused standardized field sobriety testing. Police reported that a blood warrant was applied for and granted. Montroy was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Driving, Reckless Driving, Failure to Observe Traffic Light, and Disregard of Marked Lane. She was released pending a future court date.