Knifepoint Robbery, Car Fire: Monthly Berkeley Police Blotter

BERKELEY, NJ — Car fires, knifepoint robberies and DWI arrests. These are some of the calls Berkeley police responded to in the month of September, according to a recently released police blotter.

The blotter documents calls from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30. Here it is in its entirety below.

Fire – On September 1, 2022, Patrolman Christopher DeDeyn and Patrolman Chris Shick responded to Plaza 1 parking lot for a report of a vehicle fire. Upon arrival 2 vehicles were fully engulfed. First Aid and Manitou Fire responded to the scene to extinguish the fire. Detective Shawn Bowens and the Ocean County Fire Marshall Dennis Allen responded to investigate the scene. Upon further investigation it was learned that vehicle 1 had broken down and vehicle 2 was attempting to jump start vehicle 1 when the fire started. No injuries were reported. This incident is currently under investigation.

Bicyclist Struck- On September 10, 2022, Patrolman Michael Drybola responded to the area of Mule and Charlottesville Rd for a report of a bicyclist struck. Patrolman Shane Leighton arrived on scene to assist. Upon further investigation it was learned that the driver of a 2013 GMC SUV was not able to see the bicyclist cross the roadway due to sun glare. The bicyclist was severely injured and transported to Jersey Shore Medical Center where he was later reported to be in stable condition. The driver of the vehicle was issued a summons for Careless Driving.

Robbery – On September 14, 2022, Patrolman Mikki Gable, responded to the area of 356 Rt.9 for a report of a robbery. Upon arrival it was learned that Michael Centofanti 36, of Bayville, had pulled a knife on the victim and stole his BMX bicycle. Centofanti then fled the scene. Sgt. Michael Connell, Sgt. Patrick Coletti, Sgt. Michael O’Connor, Patrolman DJ Williams, Patrolman Josh Packen and Detective Michael Tier arrived on scene to assist with the investigation. Centofanti was located with the stolen bike and arrested. Centofanti had an active warrant out of Atlantic County Sheriffs Department. Centofanti was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with the Warrant arrest. Centofanti was remanded to OCJ. This incident remains under investigation.

Arrest (DWI) – On September 16, 2022, Patrolman Shawn Lightbody and Patrolman Robert Murawski responded to the area of Frederick Dr. for a report of a vehicle alarm going off. Upon arrival a white Nissan was seen with visible front end damage, cracked windshield and deployed airbags. Sgt. Robert Flanegan arrived on scene to assist. It appeared that the white Nissan was in an accident and the driver had fled the scene. Upon further investigation the driver of the vehicle was found. Lorenzo Garcia 37, of Bayville, was found to be driving while intoxicated. Garcia suffered a cut on his face but refused medical treatment. Garcia was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Suspended Registration, Reckless Driving and Careless Driving. Garcia’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Garcia was released pending a future court date.

MV Entries – On September 18, 2022, Patrolman Kyle Huhn and Patrolman Evan Burton responded to the area of Fort De France Ave. for a report of several motor vehicle entries. Upon arrival the residents were able to provide video surveillance of two males dressed in dark clothing with coverings over their face. Officer Anthony Ceglie and Sgt. Michael O’Connor arrived on scene to assist. While on scene a neighbor mentioned that she just saw the two males near Guadeloupe Dr. attempting to enter other vehicles. Patrol encountered the two males as they fled on foot between houses. Patrol continued the search for the males but it was unsuccessful. Berkeley Township Police remind everyone to be diligent and always secure your residence and lock your car doors.

Arrest (DWI) – On September 27, 2022, Sgt. Taylor Butler, Patrolman Michael Bulwinski, Patrolman Jacob Camaraza and Patrolman Alex Houle responded to the area of Mallard Dr. for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, tire tracks were observed on the grass leading up to a wooded deck in front of the residence. The wooded deck had been struck and damaged. The driver of the vehicle had fled the scene. Patrolman found pieces of the vehicle on scene with the vin number attached. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Jamie Rawlins 39, of Forked River. Upon further investigation, Rawlins was found to be driving under the influence. Rawlins was transported to police headquarters where she was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Driving and Leaving the Scene of an Accident. Rawlins vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Rawlins was released pending a future court date.

Arrest (Trespassing) - On September 30, 2022, Patrolman Derek Mayer and Patrolman Nick Bondulich responded to Chain Blvd. for a report of Trespassing. Upon arrival, Donald Helfrich 51, of Bayville was found inside a residence which had been previously boarded up that morning. Helfrich was ordered out of the residence in the morning as it was being boarded up by Berkeley Township Public Works. Helfrich returned and removed the plywood and entered the residence. He was found by Patrol in the bedroom. Upon further investigation, Helfrich was found to have a small pocket knife on his persons. It was also learned that Helfrich had outstanding warrants for his arrest out of Berkeley Township totaling $7503.00. Helfrich was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged for the outstanding Warrants, Criminal Trespass and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. Helfrich was remanded to OCJ.