Courtesy of Berkeley Township Police Dept

Police Blotter April 1st. –April 30th. 2023

Fire – On April 3, 2023, Patrolman Alex Houle responded to a report of a brush fire near the area of Louis Ave. Upon arrival Bayville Fire Department Station 17 and NJ Forest Fire Services were on scene. Detective William Somers also arrived on scene to assist. A small section of wooded area on the south side of the roadway was actively burning. No homes or residents were in the area. The fire was extinguished and no injuries were reported. The fire investigation will be handled by the NJ Forest Fire Services.

Arrest (Warrant) – On April 8, 2023, Patrolman Shane Leighton and Officer Michael Gallicchio responded to Lacey Police Department for Gerard Heany 46, of Berkeley Township. Heany had warrants for his arrest out of Berkeley Township for Failure to Appear for $1000. Heany was processed and transported to police headquarters where he was charged with the warrant arrest. Heany was remanded to OCJ.

Arrest (Warrant) – On April 11, 2023, Patrolman Drew Fanara and Patrolman Evan Burton responded to the area of Eastern Soccer Field for a report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival it was discovered that the vehicle was unregistered, uninsured and had fictitious plates. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Aidan Balasia 20, of Bayville, was found to have a warrant for his arrest out of Lakehurst for $1500. Balasia was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Unregistered Vehicle, Fictitious Plates and Driving without Insurance. Balasia was remanded to OCJ.

Car Fire – On April 16, 2023, Officer Collin Robertazzi and Patrolman Ed Hendrickson responded to Double Trouble Rd. for a report of a vehicle fire. Upon arrival a 2013 white Dodge minivan was observed to be fully engulfed in flames. Patrolman Drew Fanara, Sgt. Michael Ptaszenski and Detective William Somers arrived on scene along with Station 20, NJ State Forest Fire and Berkeley Township Fire Official Fred Mitchell. The owner of the vehicle was unharmed and was evaluated by First Aid but refused medical attention. Upon further investigation it was determined that no suspicious activity had occurred and the fire was sparked by a mechanical defect. The remnants of the vehicle were towed from the scene.

Arrest (Theft) – On April 19, 2023, Patrol responded to the area of Wycombe Ct. for an ongoing investigation involving stolen property. Upon arrival Joseph Miceli 65, of Berkeley Township was arrested and charged with 4 counts of Theft by Unlawful Taking. Miceli had stolen numerous outdoor lawn ornaments and solar lights off of several of his neighbor’s properties. Miceli was released pending a future court date.

Fire – On April 24, 2023, Patrolman William Shoemaker, Patrolman Kyle Slocum and Sgt. Clark Baranyay responded to the area of Prince Charles Dr/Holiday Heights Clubhouse for a report of a smoke condition. Upon arrival black smoke was seen billowing from the clubhouse. The clubhouse was evacuated and no injuries were reported. Manitou Park and Pinewald Fire Department arrived on scene to extinguish the fire. Detective William Somers, Detective Michael Riccardelli, Berkeley Township Fire Official Fred Mitchell and the OC Fire Marshall arrived on scene and assisted with the investigation. Upon further investigation it was discovered that a ballast from a lighting fixture overheated in the restroom causing the light fixture to fall creating the fire. The building was deemed safe for occupancy.

Arrest (Theft) – On April 27, 2023, Patrolman Michael Drybola responded to the area of Trent Dr. for a report of stolen property. Upon arrival it was determined that outside decorations were stolen from 2 residences. Upon further investigation it was determined that the stolen property was found to be in the yard of Joseph Miceli 65, of Berkeley Township. Miceli had been previously arrested for similar thefts. Miceli was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking. Miceli was released pending a future court date.

Arrest (DWI) – On April 28, 2023, Patrolman Robert Murawski responded to a 2 car motor vehicle crash without injuries near the area of 1080 Rt.9. Patrolman Brian Flanegan and Officer Michael Gallicchio arrived on scene to assist. Upon further investigation it was determined that Vehicle 1 had disregarded the stop sign and struck vehicle 2. The driver of vehicle 1 driven by Karen Ruscio 57, of Bayville, was found to be driving while intoxicated. Ruscio was arrested and transported to police headquarters where she was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving and Careless Driving. Ruscio’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Ruscio was released pending a future court date.