Berkeley Police Log: Vehicle Burglaries, DWIs, More

Editor's Note: One or more names in this report have been redacted in light of additional documentation provided regarding this case.

The Berkeley Township Police Department posted the following information. All incidents are merely accusations, and those accused are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. Here is their unedited police log.

POLICE BLOTTER

Feb 1st –Feb 18th, 2019

Arrest (Contempt) – On February 1st, 2019 Patrolman Michael Drybola and Patrolman Mainor Puerto arrested Michael D. McLaughlin, age 45 of Lakewood Avenue, for violating the terms of a court mandated order. Michael was processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail.

Arrest (Warrant) – On February 2nd, 2019 Patrolman Michael Sasso arrested Raymond A. Stathum, age 28 of Ravenwood Drive, on the strength of an active Failure to Appear Warrant out of this jurisdiction. Michael was processed at Police H.Q. and released on his own recognizance upon posting bail.

Criminal Mischief – On February 3rd, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to the 600 block of Jamaica Boulevard to investigate a reported criminal mischief. Upon arrival Officers reported that there was significant damage to the rear sliding door and a rock was located on the floor inside of the residence. Officers on scene conducted a canvass of the area utilizing a thermal imaging camera which yielded negative results. The preliminary investigation lead officers to believe that this incident was not an attempted burglary. Residents of Berkeley Township are reminded to remain vigilant, especially during the night hours, and report all suspicious activity to the Berkeley Township Police at 732-341-1132.

Arrest (Warrant) – On February 3rd, 2019 Detective Shawn Bowens arrested Patricia Osbourne, age 56 of Frederick Drive, on the strength of an active Failure to Appear Warrant out of South Toms River Borough, amounting to $475.00 dollars. Patricia was processed at Police H.Q. and released on her own recognizance by the originating authority.

Arrest (Contempt) – On February 3rd, 2019 Patrolman William Shoemaker and Sergeant Damon Papa arrested Charles B. McDonald, age 64 of Harlequin Glade, for violating the terms of a court mandated order on two separate occasions. Charles was processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail.

Arrest (DWI) – On February 4th, 2019 Patrolman Jacob Camaraza and Patrolman DJ Williams responded to the 300 block of Western Boulevard to investigate a reported motor vehicle crash. Upon their arrival, the Officers reported that the actor vehicle had driven through a stop sign and onto a property where is crashed into several parked motor vehicles and damaged other fixed objects. While gathering statements from the parties involved, Patrolman Camaraza reported that the driver at fault had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath as he spoke to him. Patrolman Camaraza also reported that the driver displayed several other signs of impairment to include slurred speech, a flushed face, bloodshot/watery eyes, and admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages during the day. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were later requested and performed, which resulted in the arrest of Richard Castorino, age 31 of Fort Myers, Florida, for Driving While Intoxicated. Richard was processed at Police H.Q. and later released to the care of a family member. In addition to the DWI arrest, Richard was issued traffic summonses for Careless Driving, Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, Failure to Stop, and Operating a Motor Vehicle While on the Revoked List. His vehicle was also impounded as per John’s Law.

Arrest (DWI) – On February 5th, 2018 Patrolman Jonathan Mulvihill and Patrolman Alex Houle responded to the Bayville McDonalds (417 Rt 9) to investigate a report of an intoxicated driver in the parking lot. Upon their arrival, they located silver Nissan Pathfinder, bearing a New Jersey registration, partially parked in the throughway of the lot. The Officers reported that they had exited their vehicles to further investigate and discovered a male driver sleeping with the vehicle idling. A closer inspection of the interior revealed an open bottle of Vodka. The Officers then reported that they were able to wake up the subject and conduct a roadside interview with him regarding his actions. During the roadside interview, Patrolman Mulvihill reported that the driver displayed signs of impairment to include; bloodshot /watery eyes, droopy eyelids, and poor balance upon exiting his vehicle. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were later requested and performed, which resulted in the arrest of Cristiano Caetano, age 52 of Anglesea Avenue, for Driving While Intoxicated. Cristiano was processed at Police H.Q. and later released to the care of a family member. In addition to the DWI arrest, Cristiano was issued a traffic summons for Careless Driving. His vehicle was also impounded as per John’s Law.

Arrest (Warrant) – On February 5th, 2019 Patrolman Edward Hendrickson arrested James R. Pasqualetto, age 21 of Manchester Township, on the strength of an active No Bail Warrant out of this jurisdiction for Contempt. James was processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail.

Motor Vehicle Burglary- On February 7th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to the 1000 block of Bayview Avenue to investigate a reported motor vehicle burglary. In this incident, an unlocked vehicle was entered and approximately $40.00 dollars in cash was stolen.

Officers on scene conducted a canvass of the area for witnesses, suspects, and further evidence with negative results. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Berkeley Township Police at 732-341-1132 x611. TIPS can be anonymous. We would also like to encourage all residents to double check their vehicles to make sure they are locked prior to going to bed at night. This simple action may help prevent you from becoming a victim!

Motor Vehicle Burglary- On February 7th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to the 200 block of Cypress Avenue to investigate a reported motor vehicle burglary. In this incident, three unlocked vehicles were entered in the driveway of a residence and approximately $355.00 dollars in cash, an Apple watch, and a $25.00 dollar Kohl’s gift card were stolen. Officers on scene conducted a canvass of the area for witnesses, suspects, and further evidence with negative results.

Motor Vehicle Burglary- On February 7th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to the 200 block of Cypress Avenue to investigate an additional reported motor vehicle burglary. In this incident, an unlocked vehicle was entered in the driveway of a residence and an unspecified amount of loose change was stolen. Officers on scene conducted a canvass of the area for witnesses, suspects, and further evidence with negative results.

Criminal Trespasser – On February 7th, 2019 Patrolman Derek Mayer and Patrolman Michael Sasso responded to 370 Rt 9 (Dollar General) to investigate a report of trespassing. Upon arrival, the Officers made contact with the store manager who identified the female suspect as being permanently banned from the store from a prior incident. The manager then allowed the Officers to view the security camera footage which confirmed that she had been in the store prior to their arrival. Based on the information received during this incident, Patrolman Mayer issued Allison T. Gifford, age 26 of Clifford B. Wright Street, a summons in Lieu of her arrest for Defiant Trespassing. Allison was issued a court date on scene and released without any further interactions.

Vehicle Fire – On February 8th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to the area of Riverbay Court to investigate a reported car fire. Upon arrival, Officers reported that a vehicle was fully engulfed in flames and it was spreading to an additional vehicle. Bayville Fire Company arrived and swiftly extinguished the fire without any reports of injury. The Berkeley Township Detective Bureau along with the Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office conducted an investigation of the incident and determined that the fire was ignited due to mechanical issues and otherwise not a criminal matter.

Arrest (Warrant) – On February 9th, 2019 Sergeant John Fosbre arrested Nicole M. Surko, age 33 of South Toms River Borough, on the strength of an active Failure to Appear Warrant out of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department for Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. Nicole was processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail.

Arrest (Warrant) – On February 9th, 2019 Patrolman Joshua Foca arrested Thomas M. Johnston, age 35 of Toms River Township, on the strength of an active ATS Warrant out of this jurisdiction for Failure to Comply with Sentence or Time Payment Order. Thomas was processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail.

Arrest (Warrant) – On February 9th, 2019 Patrolman Jacob Camaraza conducted a motor vehicle stop on Mule Road near the intersection of Rt 37. During the course of the stop, it was revealed that the Driver, Matthew Diaz, age 28 of Toms River Township, had multiple Warrants out of Ewing Township, Howell Township, Seaside Heights Borough, and Toms River Township. Matthew was subsequently placed under arrest for the Warrants and processed at Police Headquarters. He was later turned over to Toms River Township Police in default of bail.

Arrest (Warrant) – On February 10th, 2019 Patrolman Warren Black arrested Kyle D. O’Connor, age 21 of Pelican Drive, on the strength of an active Failure to Appear Warrant out of this jurisdiction, amounting to $350.00 dollars. The Warrant was issued after Kyle failed to appear before the court for multiple traffic summonses. Kyle was processed at Police H.Q. and released on his own recognizance after receiving a new court date.

Arrest (Warrant) – On February 11th, 2019 Patrolman Jonathan Mulvihill arrested Quinn Heald, age 29 of Brick Township, on the strength of an active Failure to Appear Warrant out of Brick Township, amounting to $978.00 dollars. Quinn was processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail in default of bail.
Arrest (Warrant) – On February 15th, 2019 Patrolman Edward LaGreca arrested Lorie M. Decker, age 34 of Barnegat Township, on the strength of 2 active Failure to Appear Warrants out of Lakewood Township and Brick Township, amounting to $1000.00 dollars. Lorie was processed at Police H.Q. and released on her own recognizance by the originating authorities.

Arrest (Warrant) – On February 17th, 2019 Patrolman Jacob Camaraza arrested Kyle D. O’Connor, age 21 of Pelican Drive, on the strength of an active Failure to Appear Warrant out of this jurisdiction, amounting to $500.00 dollars. Kyle was arrested for the same Warrant on February 10th however the Warrant was reissued after Kyle failed to appear before the court a second time for multiple traffic summonses. Kyle was processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail in default of bail.

Arrest (Warrant) – On February 17th, 2019 Patrolman Jacob Camaraza arrested Cian M. Griffiths, age 26 of Michael Avenue, on the strength of an active Failure to Appear Warrant out of Lacey Township, amounting to $500.00 dollars. Cian was processed at Police Headquarters and turned over to the originating authority.

Arrest (DWI) – On February 17th, 2019 Patrolman Sean Varady observed a 2002 Chevy Blazer, gray in color, driving in an erratic manner while attempting to drive northbound on Mule Road. Patrolman Varady noted that he began to follow behind the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop after observing several traffic violations. During a roadside interview, Patrolman Varady reported that the driver displayed several signs of impairment. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were requested and eventually completed which resulted in the arrest of Justin Benz, age 24 of Jackson Township, for DWI. Justin was processed at Police H.Q. and later released to the care of a family member. In addition to the DWI arrest, Justin was issued Traffic Summonses for Careless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, Throwing Objects from a Motor Vehicle, and Delaying Traffic. His vehicle was also impounded as per John’s Law.

Motor Vehicle Burglary- On February 18th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to the 300 block of Saint Thomas Drive to investigate a reported motor vehicle burglary. In this incident, an unlocked vehicle was entered in the driveway of a residence and an unspecified amount of loose change was stolen. Officers on scene conducted a canvass of the area for witnesses, suspects, and further evidence with negative results. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Berkeley Township Police at 732-341-1132 x611. TIPS can be anonymous. We would also like to encourage all residents to double check their vehicles to make sure they are locked prior to going to bed at night. This simple action may help prevent you from becoming a victim!

Arrest (Warrant) – On February 18th, 2019 Patrolman Michael Tanis and Patrolman Warren Black arrested Victoria Fiore, age 26 of Stanford Drive, on the strength of an active No Bail Warrant out of this jurisdiction, for Assault. Victoria was processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail.

(name removed)