Berkeley Police Report: Jan. 9-21

Berkeley police released their report for Jan. 9 to 21. All incidents are merely accusations, and those accused are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. Here is their unedited log:

Arrest (Warrant) – On January 9th, 2018 Patrolman Michael Tanis arrested John Lepeshko, age 30 of Forked River, on the strength of an active No Bail Warrant out of the Ocean County Sheriff’s Department for Failure to Comply with Drug Court. In addition to the previously mentioned Warrant, John also had an active Warrant out of Eagleswood Township for Failure to Appear, amounting to $750.00 dollars. John was processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail.

Arrest (Possession of Marijuana/ Possession of Drug Paraphernalia) – On January 9th, 2019 Patrolman Michael Tanis conducted a motor vehicle stop on a vehicle that he observed to be traveling at a high rate of speed in the area of Mule Road near the intersection of Davenport Road. While speaking with the driver, Patrolman Tanis detected a strong odor of raw marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Further investigation resulted in the discovery of a small quantity of marijuana and drug paraphernalia which resulted in the arrest of Philip G. Pagano, age 62 of Jamaica Boulevard. Philip was processed at Police H.Q. and released on a Summons with a future court date set. In addition to the previously mentioned Summons, Philip was issued 2 Motor Vehicle Summonses for Speeding and Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle.

Motor Vehicle Burglary – On January 11th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to the 100 block of Pulaski Boulevard to investigate a reported motor vehicle burglary. In this incident, an unlocked motor vehicle was entered and approximately $15.00 dollars in loose change, several nonspecific pieces of costume jewelry. and a merchant gift card 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 January 12th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to Whispering Pines Park, located on Selkirk Avenue, to investigate a report of multiple motor vehicle burglaries. While investigating the scene, it was discovered that unknown actor(s) entered 2 vehicles, by force that were parked and locked in the parking lot of the area. Officers on scene reported that the unknown actor(s) had smashed one window in each vehicle and stole two purses containing credit cards, identification cards, checkbooks, smart phones, and cash amounting to $230.00 dollars. A canvass of the area for witnesses, suspects, and further evidence yielded negative results. This burglary is believed to be part of the Felony Lang Gang, an organized crew of thieves who strike all over the country at parks and parking lots throughout the area, often times breaking windows to access the vehicle.

Arrest (Warrant) – On January 12th, 2019 Patrolman Jacob Camaraza arrested Christopher Mahoney, age 29 of Topsail Court, on the strength of an active Failure to Appear Warrant out of Ocean Township, amounting to $229.00 dollars. Christopher was processed at Police H.Q. and released on his own recognizance by the originating authority.

Arrest (Shoplifting) – On January 12th, 2019 Patrolman DJ Williams arrested Alexis Azaceta-Riggs, age 31 of Frederick Drive, for shoplifting approximately $22.00 dollars worth of beauty supply products from the Bayville Shoprite. Alexis was issued a summons in lieu of her arrest and released on scene with a future court date set.

Arrest (Warrant) – On January 13th, 2019 Patrolman Warren Black arrested Stewart W. Finley, age 45 of Grand Central Parkway, on the strength of a No Bail Warrant out of Brick Township. Stewart was processed at Police H.Q. and turned over to the originating authority.

Motor Vehicle Burglary – On January 14th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to the area of Bakoua Court to investigate a reported motor vehicle burglary. In this incident, an unlocked motor vehicle was entered and a purse containing multiple credit cards, a NJ driver’s license issued to the victim, a white IPhone 6, and approximately $60.00 dollars in cash was stolen. Officers on scene conducted a canvass of the area for witnesses, suspects, and further evidence which yielded negative results.

Arrest (Warrant) – On January 14th, 2019 Patrolman Michael Tanis and Patrolman Robert Murawski responded to the Holiday Heights Section of Berkeley Township to check on 2 suspicious persons wandering the area of Narberth Way. While checking the area, the Officers located a male and a female subject walking the perimeter of a residence in a suspicious manner. Both subjects were identified (Darron Garabo, age 30 of Toms River Township/ Alyce Alderman, age 30 of Brick Township) and found to have active warrants resulting in their arrest. A search incident to arrest also revealed the subjects to be in possession of crack cocaine, suspect heroin, hypodermic syringes, and a glass crack pipe to which they were charge accordingly. Both subjects were processed at Police H.Q. and remanded to the Ocean County Jail.

Motor Vehicle Burglary – On January 15th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to the 200 block of Pine Drive to investigate a reported motor vehicle burglary. In this incident, a locked motor vehicle was entered by force and a Louis Vuitton purse containing a Louis Vuitton wallet filled with credit cards, a Florida Driver’s License, and an undisclosed amount of 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.

Criminal Mischief – On January 16th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to a residence, located on Fieldcrest Court, to investigate a reported criminal mischief to a motor vehicle. In this incident, unknown actor(s) entered the driveway of the residence and slashed the front passenger’s side tire of a 2012 Dodge Ram Pickup Truck. A canvass of the area for witnesses, suspects, and further evidence yielded negative results. The preliminary investigation determined that the criminal mischief was isolated to this sole location and the victim was advised to contact this agency if he had any further details to reveal regarding this case.

Burglary/Criminal Mischief – On January 18th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to a residence on the 100 block of Butler Boulevard to investigate a reported burglary to a residence with signs of forced entry. Upon their arrival, Officers reported that a window pane from a rear sliding door was shattered and the sliding door was unsecure. According to the homeowner, the house was currently vacant and there did not appear to be anything missing from the interior. Officers on scene conducted a canvass of the surrounding area for suspects, witnesses, and further evidence which yielded positive results. Evidence was collected at the scene and is in the process of being evaluated. This incident remains under investigation by the Detective Bureau. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Berkeley Township Police at 732-341-1132 x611. TIPS can be anonymous.

Fire Call – On January 19th, 2019 the Berkeley Township Police responded to the 300 block of Clifton Avenue to investigate a reported chimney fire. Upon arrival, Officers reported that a large amount of thick billowing smoke was coming from the chimney of a residence. Officers confirmed that the Fire Department was enroute and began to evacuate the area as a precaution. A swift response from the Bayville Fire Company led to the fire being extinguished with minimal smoke damage and no sustained injuries.

Arrest (DWI) – On January 21st, 2019 Patrolman Jacob Camaraza observed a 2006 Honda Pilot, black in color, driving in an erratic manner while attempting to drive southbound on Rt 9. Patrolman Camaraza noted that he began to follow behind the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop after observing several traffic violations. During a roadside interview, Patrolman Camaraza reported that the driver displayed several signs of impairment to include, slow fumbling hand movements and a slurred speech. Standardized Field Sobriety Tests were requested and eventually completed which resulted in the arrest of Ricardo Vargas-Mendoza, age 30 of Forked River, for DWI. Ricardo was processed at Police H.Q. and later released to the care of a family member. In addition to the DWI arrest, Ricardo was issued Traffic Summonses for Reckless Driving, Failure to Maintain Lane, Careless Driving, and Unlicensed Driver. His vehicle was also impounded as per John’s Law.

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