BERKELEY: Police Blotter Jan-Feb 2023

Arrest (DWI) – On January 7, 2023, Patrolman Christopher Elliott responded to the area of 507 Atlantic City Blvd. for a report of a motor vehicle crash without injuries. Upon arrival NJSP were on scene and stated they received a call about an aggressive driver in a silver Honda Civic. The car in question was involved in the motor vehicle crash. The driver of the Honda, Amy Zatelli 50, of Bayville, had struck another vehicle in the rear. Upon further investigation it was determined that Zatelli was driving while intoxicated. Zatelli was arrested and transported to police headquarters where she was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated. Zatelli’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Zatelli was released pending a future court date.

Arrest (DWI) – On January 7, 2023, Patrolman Tyler Shan responded to the area of Santiago Dr. for a report of a hit and run. Upon arrival it was discovered that a parked vehicle was side swiped by a black sedan with a missing front wheel. The driver of the vehicle returned to the scene to exchange insurance information. The driver of the vehicle, John Mora 58, of Bayville, stated that he lost a wheel on his vehicle which made him lose control and hit the parked car. Upon further investigation it was determined that Mora was driving under the influence. Mora was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving under the Influence, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident, and Failure to Report a Motor Vehicle Crash. Mora’s car was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Mora was released pending a future court date.

Arrest (Shoplifting) – On January 14, 2023, Patrolman Derek Mayer responded to 333 Rt.9/Berkeley Liquor Outlet for a report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival Berkeley Liquor employees stated that a male shoplifter went next door to The Family Dollar Store. The male, identified as Ryan Lee 37, of Lanoka Harbor, was located leaving the Family Dollar. Upon further investigation it was determined that Lee had stolen from both stores. Lee was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with 2 counts of Shoplifting. Lee was released pending a future court date.

Arrest (DWI) – On January 18, 2023, Patrolman Jacob Camarazza responded to the area of Veterans Blvd. for a report of a driver slumped over the wheel of his vehicle. Upon arrival Patrol was able to wake with the driver who was identified as Henry MacMullin 53, of Forked River. Upon further investigation it was determined that MacMullin was under the influence of alcoholic beverages. MacMullin was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Driving and Obstructing Passage of Other Vehicles. MacMullin’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. MacMullin was released pending a future court date.

Arrest (MV Burglary) – On January 19, 2023, Patrolman James Mauncele and Sgt. Michael Tanis responded to a report of an attempted motor vehicle entry near the area of Jamaica Dr. Upon arrival video footage was obtained and the actor was identified as Kristopher Fudali 44, of Jackson. Upon further investigation Fudali was found to have property from 2 different motor vehicles on his possession. Fudali was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with two counts of Burglary, two counts of Theft, Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purposes, and Possession of Burglary Tools. Fudali was remanded to OCJ.

Fraud – On January 19, 2023, Patrolman Don Rowley responded to the area of Grenada St. for a report of Fraud. Upon arrival the victim explained that she was setting up her new computer when a security alert popped up and locked her computer. The alert had a message with a phone number which the victim called. The subject on the phone advised the victim that her credit card had been hacked and in order to fix the computer she would need to purchase $8000 in gift cards. The victim did so and later realized she was scammed. Berkeley Township Police remind the community that gift cards are gifts, not for payment. Gift cards are not for transferring money or for paying bills. If you’ve been scammed, please contact the FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP or online at: ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Arrest (DWI) – On January 25, 2023, Patrolman Shane Leighton, Patrolman Robert Murawski and Patrolman Brian Flanegan responded to the area of Harbor Inn Rd. for a one car motor vehicle crash without injuries. Upon arrival it was determined that a white 2013 Nissan had run into a telephone pole. Upon further investigation it was determined that the driver of the vehicle, Judith Defeo 57, of Beachwood, was driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Defeo was arrested and transported to police headquarters where she was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Driving, and Disregard of Marked Lanes. Defeo’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Defeo was released pending a future court date.

Arrest (DWI) (Warrant) – On January 30, 2023, Patrolman Jacob Camaraza conducted a motor vehicle stop on a gray 2011 GMC Terrain traveling at a high rate of speed near the area of Dover Rd. Upon further investigation it was discovered that the driver of the vehicle, Daniel Bumbera 50, of Whiting, was driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages. The passenger, Jeanne Flynn of Whiting, had a warrant out of Beachwood. Bumbera and Flynn were arrested and transported to police headquarters where they were processed and charged. Bumbera was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Speeding and Maintenance of Lamps. Flynn was charged with the Warrant Arrest. Bumbera’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Bumbera was released pending a future court date. Flynn was turned over to Beachwood Police without incident.

Criminal Mischief – On February 1, 2023, Patrolman Robert Zilavetz responded to a report of vandalism near the area of Jamaica Blvd. Patrolman Anthony Ceglie, Patrolman Josh Packen and Patrolman Christopher Walters responded to the scene to assist. Upon arrival the homeowner explained that his home is currently unoccupied due to it being remodeled. Upon further investigation it was discovered that the home was entered sometime during the night through an open back entrance. The home sustained major damages from flooding and physical destruction. Detectives Michael Tier and Michael Riccardelli responded to the scene to further continue the investigation. Evidence and camera footage was obtained. This incident is currently under investigation. Anyone with information can contact the Berkeley Township Detective Bureau at (732)341-1132. All information can remain anonymous.

Shoplifting (Arrest) – On February 6, 2023, Patrolman Michael Bulwinski responded to 431 Rt.9/Shoprite for a report of Shoplifting. Upon arrival video footage was obtained. Upon further investigation it was determined that Carolyn Pfeufer 47, of Beachwood, had stolen approximately $166 worth of items by failing to scan the items at the register. Pfeufer was arrested and charged with Shoplifting. Pfeufer was released pending a future court date.

Warrant (Arrest) – On February 7, 2023, Patrolman Drew Fanara responded to the area of Guadalajara and Davenport Rd. for a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival it was determined that Jacquelyn Smith 31,of Bayville, had struck a parked car due to looking at her phone at the time of the crash. No injuries were reported. Upon further investigation it was learned that Smith had outstanding warrants out of Beachwood and Lacey Township for Failure to Appear. Smith was arrested and charged with the Warrant Arrests, Careless Driving, Use of Hands Free Wireless Telephone in Moving Vehicle and Drivers License Suspended. Smith was processed and posted bail.

MVA – On February 9, 2023, Patrolman Shane Leighton responded to the area of Le Lamentin Dr. for a report of a motor vehicle crash into a house. Manitou Fire, NJNG and JCP&L arrived on scene to assist. Upon arrival it was discovered that the driver was pulling into his garage when the accelerator on his 1986 silver Pontiac got stuck causing the vehicle to collide with the garage interior wall, The vehicle went through the kitchen striking the drivers wife while she was cooking. The drivers wife was transported to CMC with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver was also taken to CMC for leg pain. The Berkeley Township Building official arrived on scene and deemed the home inhabitable. No summonses where issued.

Fire – On February 11, 2023, Officer Gavin Whelan and Patrolman Josh Foca responded to the area of Caracas Ct. for a report of a house fire. Upon arrival the residents had already cleared the house. Manitou Park Fire Departments arrived on scene along with Sate Forest Fire Services. The fire was located in the attic and was extinguished. The Berkeley Township Fire Inspector, Building Inspector, Fire Marshall and Detective Michael Riccardelli arrived on scene to continue with the investigation. The home was deemed inhabitable. One resident was taken to CMC as a precaution for evaluation.

Warrant (Arrest) – On February 18, 2023, Patrolman Tyler Shan conducted a motor vehicle stop on a blue Ford Van near the area of 125 Rt.9. The driver of the vehicle Francisco Moruacruz 24, of Bayville, had an active Warrant out of Freehold Township for $1000. Moruacruz was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with the Warrant arrest. Moruacruz was released pending a future court date.

Shoplifting (Arrest) – On February 21, 2023, Patrolman Jacob Camaraza responded to 370 Rt.9/Dollar General for a report of a shoplifter. Upon arrival video footage was observed and a female was seen failing to scan items at the register. Upon further investigation Maria Resto 48, of Bayville, was arrested and charged with Shoplifting. Resto was transported to police headquarters where she was processed and released pending a future court date.

Suspicious Vehicle – On February 27, 2023, Patrolman Drew Fanara responded to Veterans Park for a report of a suspicious vehicle doing burnouts in the parking lot. Upon arrival, a white 2007 Nissan Pathfinder driven by Nicholas Fuducia 18, of Toms River, was located. Fuducia was issued a summons for Careless Driver and a Special Complaint Summons for Unlawful Person in a Public Facility after Times Permitted.