Crashes, Arrests In November: Berkeley Police Blotter

BERKELEY, NJ — DWI arrests and crashes were some of the incidents Berkeley police responded to last month, according to their latest blotter.

Below, you can find the November blotter from Berkeley police, unedited by Patch.

Motor Vehicle Accident – On November 3, 2023, Patrolman Derek Mayer and Sgt. Shawn Bowens responded to the area of Veeder Lane for a report of a single car motor vehicle crash with a down utility pole. Upon arrival it was learned that the pole had broken in half and wires were down in the roadway. Berkeley EMT’s arrived on scene to assist. The driver of the vehicle refused medical treatment. Traffic on Veeder was immediately closed to through traffic between Storm Jim Ct and Moorage Ave. The Ocean County Road Department and JCP&L arrived on scene to assist. The driver of the vehicle, a juvenile from Bayville, was issued a careless driving summons.

Warrant (Arrest) – On November 3, 2023, Patrolman Brian Flanegan, Patrolman Shawn Lightbody and Patrolman Joshua Foca responded to the area of First Ave. for a male with an active warrant for 3rd Degree Aggravated Assault. Upon arrival, Mark Koeser 33, of Berkeley Twp., was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with the warrant arrest. Koeser was transported to OCJ without incident.

Fire – On November 14, 2023, Patrolman Jacob Camaraza, Sgt. Jerry Bacon and Sgt. Robert Flanegan responded to the area of Iger Way for a report of a fire. Upon arrival heavy smoke conditions were observed. The resident had a small kitchen fire and was able to put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. Berkeley Station 17 Fire Department arrived on scene and vented the residence due to the smoke conditions. Berkeley Township Fire Official Fred Mitchell and Detective Joseph Santoro arrived on scene to investigate. Minor damage occurred to the flooring. No injuries were reported. The fire was deemed accidental.

Gas Main Break – On November 15, 2023, Patrolman Robert Zilavetz responded to the area of 21st Ave., in South Seaside Park for a report of a gas main break. Upon arrival Detective Lt. Scott Stoker learned that an excavator had struck and damaged an underground gas main while attempting to prepare a build site for utilities. Sgt. Michael Ptaszenski arrived on scene to assist. The leak was deemed significant which prompted an evacuation of surrounding structures. A perimeter was then set around the site and limited to essential personnel. Seaside Park Fire Department assisted in securing the perimeter. NJNG and JCP&L responded and shut down their utilities so they could inspect the damage. Residents were later cleared to return to their homes.

Motor Vehicle Accident – On November 18, 2023, Patrolman Sean Varady responded to the area of Davenport Rd. for a report of a 2 car motor vehicle crash with injuries. Upon arrival it was learned that a vehicle roll over had occurred. Berkeley EMT’s and Manitou Park Fire Department arrived on scene to assist. The driver of vehicle 1 was transported to Jersey Shore Hospital for her injuries. Upon further investigation it was determined that sun glare was the main cause of this accident. As of this time the crash investigation is pending.

DWI (Arrest) - On November 23, 2023, Patrolman Michael Zilavetz, Patrolman Ryan Wahl, and Patrolman Brian Bargas responded to the area of Bay Blvd. for a report of a vehicle partially submerged in the marsh. Upon arrival a white 2007 Ford F-350 was located in a ditch. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Ryan Johnson, 21, of Bayville. Upon further investigation it was determined that Johnson was Driving While Intoxicated. Johnson was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving. Johnson’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Johnson was released pending a future court date.

DWI (Arrest) - On November 25, 2023, Patrolman Drew Fanara responded to the area of Northern Blvd. for a report of a male slumped over the wheel of his vehicle. Upon arrival contact was not able to be made with the male due to the male not responding. Patrolman broke out the rear window of the vehicle and he male eventually became responsive. Upon further investigation the smell of alcohol was emanating from the male who was identified as Devin DeMarco, 28, of Beachwood. DeMarco was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated. DeMarco was transported to CMC for medical treatment. DeMarco’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law.

DWI (Arrest) – On November 27, 2023, Patrolman Justin Heffernan responded to the area of Veterans Blvd. for a report of an aggressive driver. Upon arrival a green Mercury Mountaineer was seen driving and unable to maintain its lane. The vehicle did not immediately stop for patrol units. Eventually the driver of the vehicle came to a stop. Upon further investigation it was determined that the driver Joseph Keyrouse, 68, of New York, was driving while intoxicated. Keyrouse was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he refused to submit to a breath sample. Keyrouse was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Refusal to Submit to a Breath Sample. Keyrouse’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Keyrouse was released pending a future court date.