Berkeley Police Log: Drug Bust, DWIs, Animal Neglect

BERKELEY, NJ — Berkeley police released their activity report for Oct. 15 to Nov. 3. All incidents are merely accusations, and those accused are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. Here is their unedited log:

Police Blotter October 15th through November 3rd 2019

Arrest (Warrant) - On October 15, 2019, Patrolman Alexander Houle, Patrolman Taylor Butler and Patrolman Jonathan Mulvihill responded to a suspicious vehicle call in the area of Second Ave. The caller stated a body was hanging out of the trunk. Upon arrival, it was determined that Rachel Cole 31, of Seaside Heights, was a sleep in her trunk. Cole had a warrant out of Berkeley Township for Failure to Appear for $350.00. Cole was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters where she was processed and released pending new court date.

Arrest (DWI) – On October 16, 2019, Patrolman James Mauncele, Patrolman Brian Bargas, Sgt. Robert Flanegan, Patrolman Sean Varady, Patrolman Daniel Williams and Patrolman Michael Zilavetz all responded to a motor vehicle crash near Chelsea Ave and Mill Creek. The driver, Carl Williams 30, of Ocean Gate, was injured and received medical treatment for his injuries. At this time, it was determined that Williams was under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Williams was transported to CMC for his injuries. Williams was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Failure to Maintain Lane, Suspended Driver’s License and Reckless Driving. Williams’s vehicle was impounded per John’s Law.

Arrest (Warrant) – On October 17, 2019, Patrolman Derek Mayer and Patrolman Michael Sasso conducted a motor vehicle stop on Ravenwood Dr. A vehicle occupant, Wright Mosley 46, of Beachwood, informed Patrolman Mayer that he had a warrant out for his arrest. Mosley had a warrant for driving while suspended out of Tuckerton for $600.00. Mosley was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters. Mosley was issued a summons for Obstructed View. He was able to post bail and was released without incident.

Arrest (Possession of CDS) - On October 19, 2019, Patrolman Jacob Camaraza conducted a motor vehicle stop in the parking lot of 370 Rt.9/Advanced Auto Parts for Tinted Windows and Failure to Signal. The driver, Alan Hill, informed Patrolman Camaraza that he did not have a driver’s license. The passenger, who was also the owner of the vehicle, Christopher Moynihan, stated he had just had a medical episode and Hill was driving him to get his medication.

Another passenger in the back seat, Karen Garcia, stated a different version of what had happened. Patrolman Michael Sasso arrived at the scene to assist. Upon further investigation, it was revealed that drug paraphernalia, syringes and various CDS were found in the vehicle. Hill, Moynihan and Garcia were all placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing.

While being processed, it was discovered that Garcia gave a fictitious name. After obtaining Maryann Garcia’s correct name, it was learned that she had a warrant out originating from Ocean County Sheriff’s Department. Garcia was charged with Possession of Paraphernalia and Hindering Apprehension and Warrant arrest. Hill and Moynihan were both charged with Possession of Paraphernalia, Possession of Hypodermic Needle, and Possession of CDS. After processing was completed, Hill, Moynihan and Garcia were remanded to OCJ in accordance with Bail Reform.

Arrest (DWI) – On October 21, 2019, Patrolman Sean Varady, Patrolman Ryan Drivanos, Patrolman Daniel Williams, Sgt. Robert Flanegan and Sgt. Timothy Pizzella responded to a motor vehicle accident on Rt.9. The driver, Collin Meehan 21, of Forked River, crashed head on into a utility pole. Upon speaking to Meehan, a strong smell of alcoholic beverage was detected. An open bottle of alcohol was found spilled on the passenger seat of Meehan’s vehicle. Berkeley First Aid responded to the scene to assist with medical attention for Meehan. Meehan refused to go to the hospital for further medical attention. Meehan was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Open Container, Reckless Driving and Failure to Maintain Lane. Meehan was released to a friend who signed the potential liability waiver.

Arrest (Warrant) – On October 21, 2019, Patrolman William Shoemaker and Patrolman Tyler Shan responded to a Bonaire Dr. residence in attempt to serve a warrant. Tyler Noeding 31, of Berkeley Township, had 3 active warrants out for his arrest. Noeding had a warrant for Failure to Pay Child Support, Probation Violation and Failure to Appear. Noeding was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and remanded to OCJ.

Arrest (Animal Neglect) – On October 25, 2019, Sgt. John Houghkirk arrested and processed Luke Peters 49, of Bayville and Alison Peters 42, of Bayville for an October 11, 2019 complaint of numerous dogs in their Moorage Ave. residence and concerns of neglect.

Lt. James Smith, Detective Michael Riccardelli, Patrolman Shane Leighton, Sgt. John Houghkirk and Patrolman Michael Sasso responded to the residence on October 11 where they found 24 dogs living in deplorable conditions. Berkeley Township Animal Control responded to the scene and requested Peters to voluntarily surrender their dogs due to the unsafe living conditions. The dogs were safely transported to Southern Ocean County Shelter where they received medical care. Luke Peters and Alison Peters were charged with 24 counts of Animal Neglect. They were processed and released pending court date.

Grease Fire – On October 30, 2019, Patrolman Michael Bulwinski, Patrolman Johnathan Mulvhill and Sgt. Jerry Bacon responded to a fire call on Lena Ct. Upon arrival, there was no active fire however the home was full of smoke. Berkeley Township Fire Department Station 17 arrived on scene and vented the residence. Due to the amount of smoke damage the investigation was turned over to the fire inspector and the Ocean County Fire Marshall.

Arrest (Warrant) – On October 31, 2019, Patrolman Rick Zieser responded to the lobby of the Berkeley Township Police Department for report of a man wanting to turn himself in for outstanding warrants.
Anthony Bell 37, of Berkeley Township, had two outstanding traffic warrants out of Jackson for $500 for Driving While Suspended and $1000 out of Middletown for Driving While Suspended. Bell was processed and released after posting bail.

Unlawful Entry/Criminal Mischief - On November 1, 2019, Patrolman Derek Mayer responded to a Serpentine Dr. residence for report of criminal mischief. The vacant home had two dehumidifiers stolen from it and vulgar slurs were spray painted inside the residence. Detective Michael O’Connor was called to assist with the investigation. If you have any information about this incident please call our tip line (732)341-1132 Ext.611. All tips will remain anonymous.

Structure Fire – On November 3, 2019, Patrolman Warren Black and Patrolman Tyler Shan responded to a Northern Blvd. residence for report of an active structure fire. Upon arrival, the patrolmen saw a detached shed, chicken coup and stockade fence fully engulfed in flames. As a precaution Patrolmen evacuated the occupants of the home and a neighboring home. Detective William Somers, the Berkeley Township Fire Official and the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office all responded to the scene. The preliminary investigation revealed that the fire was ignited when a heat lamp fell and touched the dry hay on the ground in the chicken coup. Minor damage also occurred to the neighboring house.

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