Crime Watch Meeting Attendees Question Police and City Representatives About Tropicana Incidents and Deloatch Case

Residents in attendance at the Second Ward Neighborhood Block Club and Crime Watch meeting on Monday questioned representatives from the Mayor's Office and New Brunswick Police Department about recent acts of violence in the city, and praised noise restrictions placed on a city restaurant.

Residents present applauded the noise restrictions placed on the Tropicana Bar and Grill on Georges Road, which has been the subject of noise complaints from local residents over several months.

One resident expressed satisfaction with city actions but said it was unfortunate residents had to push the city council to attain results.

Officials were asked for an update on the prosecution of a Tropicana bouncer who had been carrying an “exposed firearm illegally,” according to Detective Michael DiBonis, in given at a city council meeting on July 20.

Sgt. Scott Gould explained that the weapon was legally licensed to its holder, an employee of a security company. The violation however was its unauthorized use while working for the Tropicana.

Crime Watch members asked if an arrest had been made. Mike Beltranena representing the Mayor’s Office, said the regulations of the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) are the laws violated and that the ABC is handling the case.

Also regarding firearms, questions were asked regarding the investigation of the September police killing of Barry Deloatch and two other recent shootings. 

Detective Harry Hudson said, regarding the recent incidents, that “sometimes the victims do not want to cooperate with the police” due to the victim knowing the shooter. He added that the investigations are continuing.

“No one is turning a blind eye,” said Gould.

Gould said several guns had recently been found and confiscated while investigating complaints.

“We want guns off the streets for the safety of officers and the safety of the community.”

Regarding the Deloatch killing, club president Morris Kafka asked if there were any details on the progress of the investigation.

Detective Hudson responded, “It’s being handled by the prosecutor’s office. With members of the press here that is all I have to say.”

“Details of the investigation have not come out for a specific reason,” said Beltranena. He explained that assuming a suspect will be charged, evidence would eventually be presented to a grand jury and public statements could contaminate the legal process.

After the officials withdrew from the meeting, the Deloatch investigation continued as a point of discussion. Tormel Pittman of the Direct Action Coalition addressed the group.

“More than two months have gone by and we’re still trying to figure out if anyone is even going to be charged,” for the killing, Pittman said. He stated that the Coalition is a local grassroots organization formed in the wake of the Deloatch shooting.

Pittman went on to say that he believes that if police officers are found guilty and charged in the case the problem will not be resolved.

“We believe the only way justice will be served is to train police officers properly so we can have a better environment here in this city.”

When asked by Second Ward Block Club members what the Direct Action Coalition is doing, Pittman said the group of trying to get police director Anthony Caputo to address the public on the shooting.