Berkeley Police Log: DWIs, Theft, And More

BERKELEY, N.J. — Berkeley police released their activity report for March 12 to April 9. All incidents are merely accusations, and those accused are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. Here is their unedited log:

Police Blotter
March 12th –April 9TH 2019
Arrest (Shoplifting) – On March 12th, 2019 Patrolman Ryan Drivanos and Patrolman James Mauncele arrested Brittany Rodriquez, age 30 of Toms River Township, for shoplifting approximately $39.00 dollars’ worth of merchandise from the Bayville Rite Aid. Brittany was processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail.
Arrest (DWI) – On March 13th, 2019 Patrolman Scott Rudolph and Patrolman Taylor Butler responded to the 100 block of Chelsea Avenue to investigate a reported motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, Officers reported that a utility pole had been struck and requested additional units to respond for traffic control while they proceeded with the crash investigation. During a roadside interview, Patrolman Rudolph reported that the vehicle was occupied by a male driver who displayed signs of impairment. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were later requested and performed, which resulted in the arrest of Michael C. Sweezy, age 32 of Sherman Avenue, for Driving While Intoxicated. Michael was processed at Police H.Q. and later released to the care of a family member. His vehicle was also impounded as per John’s Law.
Arrest (Warrant) – On March 13th, 2019 Patrolman Shane Leighton and Patrolman Christopher Elliot arrested Frank Reiss, age 58 of Caribbean Street, on the strength of an active No Bail Warrant out of this jurisdiction, for Obstructing a Criminal Investigation. Frank was processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail.
Arrest (Warrant) – On March 14th, 2019 Patrolman Tyler Shan arrested Armand Dematteo, age 33 of Hasbrouck Heights Borough, on the strength of an active Warrant out of Patterson City, amounting to $750.00. Armand was processed at Police H.Q. and released on his own recognizance by the originating authority.
Arrest (Warrant) – On March 16th, 2019 Patrolman Ryan Wahl and Patrolman Thomas Eichen arrested Michael J. Kovacs, age 33 of Brick Township, on the strength of an active Failure to Appear Warrant out of Seaside Heights Borough, amounting to $475.00 dollars. Michael was processed at Police H.Q. and turned over to the originating authority.
Arrest (Defiant Trespasser) – On March 16th, 2019 Patrolman Shane Leighton and Patrolman Michael Sasso responded to an abandoned residence on Hickory Lane to investigate a report of suspicious activity. Upon arrival, the Officers located a male subject, identified as Brendan Wason, age 30 of Riverside Drive, inside of the property. After confirming that Brendan was unauthorized to be on the premises, he was issued a summons for Defiant Trespasser in lieu of his arrest and escorted off of the property.
Arrest (DWI) – On March 16th, 2019 Patrolman Nicholas Lugo conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2006 Mercedes ML3, black in color, bearing a NJ registration. The stop occurred on Rt 37 near the intersection of Fischer Boulevard. During a roadside interview, Patrolman Lugo reported that the vehicle was occupied by a male driver who displayed signs of impairment. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were later requested and performed, which resulted in the arrest of Robert A. Sieb, age 37 of Brick Township, for Driving While Intoxicated. Robert was processed at Police H.Q. and later released to the care of a family member. In addition to the DWI arrest, Robert was issued traffic summonses for Failure to Exhibit an Insurance Card and Failure to Activate Headlamps during the Night Hours. His vehicle was impounded as per John’s Law.
Arrest (Defiant Trespasser) – On March 17th, 2019 Patrolman William Shoemaker and Patrolman Christopher Walters responded to an abandoned residence on Hickory Lane to investigate a report of suspicious activity. Upon arrival, the Officers located a male subject, identified as Brendan Wason, age 30 of Riverside Drive, inside of the property. After confirming that Brendan was unauthorized to be on the premises, he was placed under arrest for Defiant Trespasser. Brendan was processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail in default of bail.
Commercial Burglary – On March 18th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to the Aqua Water Company Yard to investigate a reported commercial burglary. During this incident, unknown actor(s) forced entry into 2 cargo containers and stole approximately $3500.00 dollars’ worth of equipment. A canvass of the area for suspects, witnesses and further evidence yielded negative results. This incident remains under investigation and we are asking anyone with information to contact the Berkeley Township Police at 732-341-1132 x611. TIPS can be anonymous.
Arrest (Warrant) – On March 18th, 2019 Patrolman Michael Tanis and Sergeant Michael Ptaszenski arrested Jacob D. Cohen, age 38 of Linwood City, on the strength of an active Failure to Appear Warrant out of Toms River Township amounting to $750.00 dollars. Jacob was processed at Police H.Q. and turned over to the originating authority.
Arrest (DWI) – On March 21st, 2019 Patrolman Richard Zieser conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder, white in color, bearing a NJ Registration. The stop occurred in the parking lot of 299 Rt 9 (Richard’s Sub World). During a roadside interview, Officers on scene reported that the vehicle was occupied by a male driver who displayed signs of impairment. The Officers also noted that upon further investigation, an open container of Vodka was discovered inside of the vehicle in plain view. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were later requested and performed, which resulted in the arrest of Chrisiano Caetano, age 52 of Anglesea Avenue, for Driving While Intoxicated. Christiano was processed at Police H.Q. and later released to the care of a family member. In addition to the DWI arrest, James was issued a traffic summons for having an open container in his vehicle. His vehicle was impounded as per John’s Law.
Arrest (Warrant) – On March 22nd, 2019 Patrolman Michael Drybola and Patrolman Christopher Elliot arrested Tyler D. Mees, age 25 of Grand Central Parkway, on the strength of an active No Bail Warrant out of Springfield Township for Violating the Terms of a Court Mandated Order. Tyler was processed at Police H.Q. and turned over to the originating authority.
Arrest (Warrant) – On March 23rd, 2019 Patrolman Robert Murawski arrested James Fullam, age 35 of Ocean Gate Borough, on the strength of an active Failure to Appear Warrant out of this jurisdiction, amounting to $500.00 dollars. James was processed at Police H.Q. and released on his own recognizance with a new court date issued.
Arrest (DWI) – On March 24th, 2019 Patrolman Sean Varady conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2003 Jaguar X-T, gold in color, bearing a NJ Registration. The stop occurred on Ocean Gate Drive near the intersection of Louis Avenue. During a roadside interview, Officers on scene reported that the vehicle was occupied by a male driver who displayed signs of impairment. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were later requested and performed, which resulted in the arrest of James Fullam, age 35 of Ocean Gate Borough, for Driving While Intoxicated. James was processed at Police H.Q. and later released to the care of a family member. In addition to the DWI arrest, James was issued a traffic summonses for Careless Driving and Failure to Exhibit Documents. His vehicle was impounded as per John’s Law.
Arrest (Warrant) – On March 24th, 2019 Patrolman Jacob Camaraza and Patrolman Justin Heffernan arrested Steven K. Kazantzoglou, age 44 of Ventnor City, on the strength of an active Warrant out of Atlantic County Sheriff’s Department for Child Neglect/Non Payment of Child Support. Steven was processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail in default of bail.
Arrest (Warrant) – On March 24th, 2019 Patrolman Justin Heffernan and Patrolman Jacob Camaraza arrested Talia L. Consentino, age 36 of Jamaica Boulevard, on the strength of an active Failure to Appear Warrant out of Mays Landing , amounting to $176.00 dollars. Talia was processed at Police H.Q. and released on her own recognizance by the originating authority.
Arrest (Warrant) – On March 25th, 2019 Patrolman Ryan Drivanos and Patrolman Jacob Camaraza arrested Wright L. Mosley Jr, age 22 of Toms River Township, on the strength of active Failure to Appear Warrants out of this jurisdiction and Little Silver Township, amounting to $1239.00 dollars. Wright was processed at Police H.Q. and released on his own recognizance after being assigned new court dates by both agencies.

Theft of Movable Property – On March 26th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to the 200 block of Lakewood Avenue to investigate a reported Theft. During this incident, unknown actor(s) removed a custom built BMX style bicycle from the rear trunk rack of the victim’s vehicle. The victim described the stolen bicycle as a black "Fiend" frame with chrome handlebars, chrome front rim with red spokes, black rear rim with black spokes and a purple hub. The victim also stated that the bike cost approximately $2000.00 to build. Officers conducted a canvass of the area for witnesses, suspects, and further evidence with negative results. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Berkeley Township Police at 732-341-1132 x611. TIPS can be anonymous!
Arrest (Disorderly Conduct/Throwing Bodily Fluids at a Law Enforcement Officer) – On March 26th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to the Bayville ShopRite (431 Rt 9) to investigate a reported disturbance. Upon arrival, Patrolman Jonathan Mulvihill and Patrolman Steven Kappock made contact with Raymond J. Guzzetta, age 55 of New York, who appeared highly intoxicated and was refusing to leave the premises. The Officers reported that Raymond was yelling obscenities and stumbling about the store for no apparent reason. His actions were alarming in nature and he was drawing the attention of a crowd of customers. After failing to comply with the Officers demand to vacate the building, he was placed under arrest for Disorderly Conduct. While attempting to complete the arrest, Raymond became resistive and spat at both Patrolmen. He was eventually taken into custody and transported to Police H.Q. for processing. Raymond was subsequently charged with Disorderly Conduct and Throwing Bodily Fluids at a Law Enforcement Officer.
Arrest (Criminal Mischief/Theft of Movable Property) – On March 27th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to the Berkeley Auto Body (80 Rt 9) to investigate a report of lost property. Upon arrival, Patrolman Michael Tanis discovered that the reporting party had been given a ride to the previously described location by an unknown male and female whom he had met at the Berkeley Township Municipal Court. The reporting party further advised that upon being dropped off at the location, he had forgotten his leather briefcase in the vehicle and it contained several sensitive documents. During the course of investigation, Patrolman Tanis located all parties involved and returned the lost property back to reporting party. When doing so, it was discovered that the lock on the leather briefcase had been damaged and several items including a checkbook and title to a motor vehicle had been stolen. The stolen items were eventually found to be in constructive possession of the male driver (Kevin Breaux Jr, age 37 of Newark City) and female passenger (Dawn M. Stevens, age 38 of Keansburg Borough) which resulted in their arrest. Kevin was processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail. Dawn was also processed at Police H.Q. and released on her own recognizance with a future court date set.
Arrest (Warrant) – On March 28th, 2019 Patrolman Robert Murawski arrested Janine Stefanelli, age 36 of Edinburgh Drive, on the strength of an active Failure to Appear Warrant out of this jurisdiction, amounting to $1000.00 dollars. Janine was processed at Police H.Q. and released on her own recognizance with a future court date set.
Arrest (Warrant) – On March 30th, 2019 Patrolman Jacob Camaraza arrested Janine Stefanelli, age 36 of Edinburgh Drive, on the strength of an active Failure to Appear Warrant out of Toms River Township, amounting to $539.00 dollars. Janine was processed at Police H.Q. and turned over to the originating authority.
Arrest (Possession of CDS) – On March 30th, 2019 Patrolman Derek Mayer and Patrolman Michael Sasso responded to a residence on the 100 block of Barbuda Street to investigate a reported disturbance. During the course of their investigation, they discovered that Deidre A. Pietrowski, age 47 of Barbuda Street, was in possession of a small quantity of Xanax pills without a prescription and placed her under arrest for the same. Deidre was processed at Police H.Q. and released on her own recognizance on a Summons with a future court date set.
Arrest (Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe/Needle) – On March 31st, 2019 Patrolman Warren Black and Patrolman Rodney Flanegan responded to a residence on the 200 block of Magnolia Avenue to investigate a reported disturbance. During the course of their investigation, they discovered that Kayla A. Yaprem, age 20 of Magnolia Avenue, was in possession of two used Hypodermic Needles along with an empty wax fold containing suspect heroin. Kayla was subsequently placed under arrest, processed at Police H.Q. and released on her own recognizance on a Summons with a future court date set.

Arrest (Warrant) – On April 2nd, 2019 Patrolman Jacob Camaraza arrested Stephanie Murphy, age 27 of Westbrook Drive, on the strength of an active Child Neglect/Non Payment of Child Support Warrant out of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department, amounting to $1120.87 dollars. Stephanie was processed at Police H.Q. and released on her own recognizance upon paying the above listed cash purge in full.
Arrest (Warrant) – On April 4th, 2019 Patrolman Joshua Foca and Patrolman Nicholas Bondulich arrest Orian J. Speicher Jr, age 47 of Lacey Township, on the strength of an active No Bail Warrant out of Lacey Township for Violating the Terms of a Court Mandated Order. Orian was processed at Police H.Q. and turned over to the originating authority.
Arrest (DWI) – On April 7th, 2019 Patrolman Sean Varady conducted a traffic stop in the WOBM Pit on a 2005 Chevrolet Silverado, green in color, bearing a NJ registration. During a roadside interview, Patrolman Varady reported that the driver had an odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath and was under the legal age to consume. They also reported that he displayed signs of impairment which resulted in the arrest of Shane R. Bunnell, age 19 of Bay Boulevard, for DWI. Shane was processed at Police H.Q. and released to the care of a family member. His vehicle was impounded as per John’s Law.
Burglary/Theft of Dirt Bike – On April 7th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to a residence on 5th Avenue to investigate a reported burglary and theft of a dirt bike. During this incident, unknown actor(s) entered an unlocked shed located on the premises and stole a 2008 Suzuki RM-Z250K8, yellow in color, bearing a #128 racing decal on its rear fenders. According to the victim, the dirt-bike was last seen the night prior at approximately 7:00 pm. Officers on scene conducted a canvass of the area for witnesses, suspects, and further evidence which yielded negative results. Attached below is a photograph of the dirt-bike that was taken by the victim prior to it being stolen.
This incident remains under investigation and we are asking anyone with information to contact the Berkeley Township Police at (732) 341-1132 x611. Tips can be anonymous!
Arrest (Possession of Marijuana) - On April 7th, 2019 Patrolman Salvatore Falcone and Patrolman Taylor Butler conducted a traffic stop on a 2004 BMW 5 series, black in color, bearing a NJ Registration. The stop occurred on Rt 37 Westbound and Catalina Avenue in the Pelican Island section of Berkeley Township. While speaking with the driver, Officers detected the odor of raw marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A consent search was conducted shortly after revealing a small amount of suspect marijuana inside of the vehicle. The driver, Gabriela Baggio (age 20 of Tortola Street) was subsequently placed under arrest for possession of under 50 grams of marijuana. Gabriela was processed at Police H.Q. and released on her own recognizance with a Summons and a future court date.
Arrest (Warrant) – On April 8th, 2019 Patrolman Michael Poikans, Patrolman Taylor Butler, and Patrolman Alexander Houle responded to area of Pheasant Drive and Tern Court to investigate a reported Motor Vehicle Crash involving a damaged Utility Pole. While enroute, BTPD Communications advised the Officers that the male driver had exited the vehicle and fled the scene on foot. Upon arrival, Officers conducted a canvass of the area and located Kenneth E. Bojko, age 29 of Grand Central Parkway, hiding in a wooded area near the Sylvan Lake Development. Based on his actions on this day, Kenneth was issued traffic summonses for Careless Driving, Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Crash, Failure to Report a Motor Vehicle Crash and Driving While Suspended. Additionally, Kenneth was found to be wanted for several Failure to Appear Warrants out of multiple jurisdictions. He was subsequently placed under arrest, processed at Police HQ, and eventually turned over to the Stafford Township Police.

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