Crackdown Brings 22 Arrests In Brick

BRICK, NJ — More than 20 people have been arrested in a crackdown on criminal activity in the Maple Leaf Condominium complex since Monday, Brick Township police announced Friday.

The department's Street Crimes Unit "has been actively seeking out criminal activity originating in or in some way related to the Maple Leaf Condominium Complex in the Herbertsville section of the township," Brick Sgt. Jim Kelly said.

Of the 22 arrests since Monday, 20 happened inside the complex or were a direct result of an investigation that originated in the complex, Kelly said. Arrests have included charges for firearms, drugs, disorderly conduct, alcohol-related offenses, obstruction, resisting arrest and motor vehicle violations.

The police department's K-9 Unit was a key part of the investigations, with Sgt. Paul Catalina and K-9 Duke, Patrolman Scott Smith and K-9 Echo, and Patrolman Keith Prendeville and K-9 Max all assisting, Kelly said. The New Jersey State Police Gang Intelligence Unit and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force also have been working with the Street Crimes Unit in the investigations and enforcement.

The following are the arrestees and their charges.

MONDAY

1. Male subject, identity undisclosed: Possession of crack and heroin and possession of paraphernalia. Released on a summons.
2. Christopher Wells, 35, of Brick: Possession of crack with intent to distribute, possession of crack, possession of paraphernalia, obstruction of justice and motor vehicle violations. Lodged in Ocean County Jail.

TUESDAY

1. Nicolas Dominguez, 19, of Brick: Possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and underage possession of alcohol. Released on summons.
2. Robert Bransky III, 19, of Brick: Possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and underage possession of alcohol. Released on a summons.
3. Hunter Deveau, 19, of Brick: Possession of marijuana, possession of MDMA (ecstasy), possession of paraphernalia and underage possession of alcohol. Released on a summons. Released on a summons.
4. Isahaia McDowell, 21, of Middletown: Offering alcohol to an underage person. Released on a summons.
5. Male subject, identity undisclosed: Possession of crack, possession of paraphernalia and loitering to obtain a controlled dangerous substance. Lodged in Ocean County Jail.
6. Raymere Myers, 24, of Brick: On an investigation resulting from a motor vehicle stop, Myers was found to be in possession of 9mm handgun and marijuana. He was charged on a warrant and lodged into Ocean County Jail.
7. Kareem Johnson, 22, of Asbury Park: Possession of marijuana. Released on a summons.
8. Armani Vasquez, 20, of Toms River: Possession of marijuana. Released on a summons.
9. Tamire Sutton, 21, of Lakewood: Possession of marijuana and motor vehicle offenses. Released on a summons.
10. Joseph Collins Jr., 43, of Bridgeton: Possession of marijuana and loitering to obtain a controlled dangerous substance. Released on a summons.

WEDNESDAY

1. Jessica Carney, 32, of Brick: Possession of crack and Xanax, and possession of paraphernalia. Released on a summons.
2. Brandi Hawk, 32, of Brick: Distribution of crack and possession of marijuana.
3. Demetrius Baynard, 28, of Brick: Possession of MDMA (ecstasy) with intent to distribute, distribution of crack, distribution of marijuana, possession of marijuana, obstruction of justice and possession of paraphernalia. Released on a summons.
4. Tamika Tims, 36, of Lakewood: Possession of crack with intent to distribute, possession of crack, possession of paraphernalia, DUI, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, operating under the influence with a minor passenger, refusal to submit to chemical test and other motor vehicle offenses. Lodged in Ocean County Jail.
5. Kareem Thomas, 38, of Brick: Possession of drug paraphernalia, disorderly conduct, obstruction of justice and resisting arrest. Released on a summons.

THURSDAY

1. Marquis Wiggins, 30, of Lakewood: Possession of heroin and possession of paraphernalia. Lodged in Ocean County Jail.
2. Nasir Simmons, 20, of Brick: Possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia. Released on a summons.
3. Female subject, identity undisclosed: Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana, possession of Suboxone and possession of paraphernalia. Released on a summons.
4. Two juveniles also were arrested on Thursday for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia. They were charged with juvenile delinquency and released to a guardian.

Chief James Riccio thanked the Brick Police Street Crimes Unit, Brick K-9 Unit and Patrol Division for their hard work and State Police and the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance.

"We intend to continue for as long as it takes, our proactive efforts to seek out and arrest those individuals who engage in criminal activity or otherwise disrupt the quality of life of the good people who reside in the complex," Kelly said. "We further intend to identify the property owners and whenever possible we will be holding them responsible for the actions of their tenants."

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