Pedestrian Struck, Car Crashes Into Wall: Berkeley Police Blotter

BERKELEY, NJ — A car crashed into a retaining wall, a pedestrian was struck by a car and more happened during March, according to the Berkeley Township Police Department.

Police recently released their monthly police blotter for the month of March, outlining noteworthy incidents that occurred during the month.

Here is the full blotter from the police department, unedited by Patch.

Fire – On March 1, 2024, Patrolman Michael Drybola responded to the area of Pelican Island for a report of a pole fire. Upon arrival a fully engulfed brush and electrical pole fire was located on the north shoulder of Rt.37. Due to strong winds, the fire quickly spread to the Pelican Island Condominiums located on Sunset Drive. Seaside Heights Police, Seaside Heights Fire Department and Toms River Fire Department arrived on scene to assist. The building was evacuated and all residents were safe. The fire was extinguished. Sgt. Shawn Bowens, Sgt. Christopher Walters, Detective D.J. Williams, the Ocean County Fire Marshall and Berkeley Township Fire Official all arrived on scene to investigate. The investigation revealed that a transformer on the pole had sparked and caused the brush fire to start. Damage to the building consisted of exterior damage to the outside pool area as well as interior sheetrock damage. No injuries were reported. Residents were able to return to their residences.

DWI (Arrest)- On March 9, 2024, Patrolman David Summerton responded to the area of Redbank Ave. for a report of a vehicle driving at a high rate of speed and crashing into a curb. Upon arrival, patrol units spoke with the driver of the vehicle identified as Raymond Boertmann, 28, of Ocean Gate. Boertmann’s vehicle had two flat tires. Upon further investigation it was learned that Boertmann was driving while intoxicated. Boertmann had multiple warrants out of Egg Harbor Township totaling $1500.00. Boertmann was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Refusal to Submit to Breath Test, Failure to Report an Accident, Driving on a Suspended License, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Failure to Maintain Lane, Failure to Produce Valid Insurance Card and Failure to Produce Valid Registration. Boertmann’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with Johns Law. Boertmann was released to the custody of The Egg Harbor Township Police Department.

Fire – On March 12, 2024, Patrolman Robert Zilivetz responded to the area of Park Ave. for a report of an active structure fire. Sgt. Clark Baranyay, Sgt. Patrick Colletti, Patrolman Ed Hendrickson, Patrolman Patrick Davis, Patrolman Michael Zilivetz, Patrolman Collin Robertazzi, Patrolman Michael Gallicchio and Patrolman Evan Sicknick all arrived on scene to assist. Upon arrival, patrol units attempted to clear the house but were unable to make entry. The Bayville, Manitou Park, Pinewald Pioneer, Forked River, and Lanoka Harbor Fire Departments arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. The home was vacant and was in the process of being remodeled. The Ocean County Fire Marshall, Berkeley Township Fire Official, NJNG, JCP&L, Detective Michael Riccardelli and Detective Derek Mayer arrived on scene to investigate. The Berkeley Township Construction Official deemed the house uninhabitable. This incident is currently under investigation.

Assault by Auto/DWI (Arrest) Pedestrian Struck – On March 15, 2024, Patrolman Shawn Lightbody responded to the area of Veeder Lane for a report of a pedestrian struck. Sgt. Taylor Butler, Sgt. Sean Varady, Patrolman Robert Murawski and Patrolman Christopher Dedeyn arrived on scene to assist. Upon arrival it was learned that the victim’s mother was walking her across the street from an event at H&M Potter School when a gold 2003 Oldsmobile Alero struck the victim. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Community Medical Center. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Cindy Schools, 53, of Bayville. Upon further investigation, CDS paraphernalia was found in Schools vehicle. Schools was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, 1 count of Assault by Auto, 3 counts of Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Reckless Driving, Uninsured Vehicle, Failure to Yield to Pedestrian at Crosswalk and Seatbelt Use Required. Schools’ vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Schools was remanded to the Ocean County Jail.

DWI (Arrest) On March 17, 2024, Patrolman Patrick Davis and Patrolman Michael Zilivetz responded to the area of Central Parkway for a disabled vehicle. Upon arrival, a white Toyota Sienna was located on the side of the road. Upon further investigation it was learned that the driver of the vehicle, Michael Vanpelt, 53, of Forked River, was intoxicated. Vanpelt was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving and Refusal to Submit Breath Samples. Vanpelt’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. VanPelt was released pending a future court date.

MVA – On March 21, 2024, Patrolman Richard Zieser responded to the area of Buckley Ln. for a report of a multi-car motor vehicle accident with injuries. Upon arrival, all vehicles involved were disabled and obstructing the south bound lane of Rt.9. A five car “chain reaction” crash occurred where the first car hit the one in front of it. The first vehicle was transporting a large amount of paint which spilled onto Rt.9. Berkeley EMS and the Bayville Fire Department arrived on scene to assist. The Berkeley Township Hazmat Team also responded to the scene for cleanup. N.J. D.O.T. arrived on scene to assist with traffic. There were no life-threatening injuries, and all injured parties were transported to Community Medical Center.

DWI (Arrest) – On March 24, 2024, Patrolman Evan Sicknick, Sgt. Sean Varady, Patrolman Collin Robertazzi and Patrolman Thomas Micklos responded to the area of Bay Blvd. for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival it was learned that the driver, Ana Castillo, 25, of Bayville had run a stop sign and crashed into the retaining wall located in front of Ryan’s Funeral Home. Berkeley EMTs arrived on scene to assist. The crash caused significant damage to the vehicle and retaining wall. Castillo suffered minor injuries and was treated by EMTs. Upon further investigation it was learned that Castillo was driving while intoxicated. Castillo was arrested and transported to police headquarters where she was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Driving, Reckless Driving, and Refusal to Submit. Castillo’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Castillo was released pending a future court date.

Warrant (Arrest) – On March 27, 2024, Patrolman Brian Flanagan responded to Manchester Township Police Department for a female who had outstanding warrant out of Berkeley. Lisa Cooley, 41, of Jackson had a $1000 warrant for Failure to Appear. Cooley was transported to the Ocean County Jail without incident.

Warrant (Arrest) – On March 30, 2024, Patrolman Robert Murawski, Patrolman Steven Scaturro and Sgt. Sean Varady conducted a motor vehicle stop on a green 1998 Ford F-150 near the area of Sylvan Lake Blvd. Upon arrival it was learned that the driver John Murphy, 47, of Bayville had an outstanding warrant out of Berkeley Township for Failure to Comply with Sentencing. Murphy was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged. Murphy was remanded to the Ocean County Jail.