Cash Stolen From Cars, Drunken Driver Hits Tree: Berkeley Police Blotter

BERKELEY, NJ — Cash and credit cards were stolen from cars, a drunken driver hit a tree and more during the month of August, according to the Berkeley Township monthly police blotter.

The blotter outlines various incidents police responded to each month.

Here is August's blotter, courtesy of the Berkeley Township Police Department and unedited by Patch.

Fire – On August 2, 2024, Patrolman James Tillett responded to Maracaibo Place for a report of an oven fire. Upon arrival, smoke and flames were visible. Manitou Park and Pinewald Fire Departments arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. No injuries were reported. The fire caused damage to the stove and cabinets. The Ocean County Fire Marshall and Detective Derek Mayer arrived on scene to continue with the investigation. Upon further investigation, the cause was determined to be from the storage of paper products in the drawer below the stove.

MVA – On August 2,2024, officers responded to the area of Spanish Wells St. for a report of a single vehicle crash into a residence. No injuries were reported. Upon arrival, it was discovered that the driver of the vehicle attempted to do a u- turn to park her vehicle when she lost control and ran off the road striking a gas meter. The vehicle then came to rest partially in the garage area of a neighboring residence. The residence sustained extensive damage to the garage area of the home. NJNG and the Berkeley Township Construction Official arrived on scene to investigate the crash. After further investigation, the driver of the vehicle, identified as Debra King, 35, of Seaside Heights was issued a summons for Careless Driving.

DWI – On August 10,2024, Patrolman Harold Hester responded to the area of Station Rd. for a report of an aggressive driver. Several reports of a gray Dodge Durango driving all over the road were called into dispatch. The vehicle eventually turned into the Sinclair gas station. Upon arrival, the vehicle was found parked in the middle of the gas station parking lot. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Jose Torres-Ramirez, 38, of Lanoka Harbor. Torres-Ramirez had a strong odor of alcohol emanating from his breath. Torres-Ramirez was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving and Open Alcoholic Beverage in a Vehicle. Torres-Ramirez’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Torres-Ramirez was released pending a future court date.

MV Entries – On August 14,2024, Patrolman Zilavetz and Patrolman Jacob Miller responded to the area of Jamaica Blvd. for a report of several motor vehicle entries. Upon arrival, it was discovered that cash and credit cards were stolen from the vehicle. Another vehicle in the driveway was also entered with money stolen from that vehicle as well. Detective Michael Riccardelli and Detective Joseph Santoro arrived on scene to continue with the investigation. This incident is currently under investigation. Anyone with information can contact the Berkeley Township Police Depart at 732-341-1132 ext.2120. All information can remain anonymous.

Warrant Arrest/Missing/Endangered Person – On August 22,2024, Units from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to the area of 351 Atlantic City Blvd. for a report of a missing/endangered person who was believed to be in the drainage basin. Bayville Fire, Berkeley EMS, the Ocean County Sheriffs Drone Unit and Berkeley Township Public Works Department all arrived on scene to assist. After a lengthy search, the missing male was located. The male was taken into custody on the strength of multiple warrants out of Berkeley Township and was later remanded to OCJ without incident.

DWI – On August 24,2024, Sgt. Taylor Butler, Sgt. Sean Varady, Patrolman Robert Murawski, Patrolman Michael Taylor and Patrolman Shawn Lightbody all responded to the area of Pinewald-Keswick Rd. for a report of a single vehicle crash. Upon arrival, the vehicle was found off the road and into a tree. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Felix Thauriaux, 41, of Beachwood. First Aid arrived on scene to assist. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Thauriaux was driving under the influence. Thauriaux was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving and Open Alcoholic Beverages in Vehicle. Thauriaux’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Thauriaux was later released pending a future court date.

Possession of CDS – On August 31, 2024, Patrolman Shawn Lightbody and Patrolman Michael Taylor responded to the area of 431 Rt.9/Shoprite for a report of a suspicious vehicle in the Shoprite parking lot. Upon arrival, two sleeping subjects were observed inside the vehicle. After waking the subjects, the female driver was asked to exit the vehicle. Patrol immediately observed CDS and drug paraphernalia scattered across the floor and seat on the driver side of the vehicle. The driver was identified as Alicia Smith, 60, of Ocean Gate and the passenger was identified as Lloyd Merriman, 35, of Ocean Gate. Smith and Merriman were arrested and transported to police headquarters where they were processed and charged. Smith was charged with 2 counts of Possession of CDS (suspected heroin) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Merriman was charged with Possession of CDS (suspected heroin.) Smith and Merriman were released pending a future court date.