BERKELEY – Berkeley Police responded to several incidents within the last few weeks, some a bit unusual, including helping to extract a man stuck in mud, and assisting a plane that had run off the runway, among various warrant and DWI arrests.
On Sept. 21, Berkeley Officers responded to Bayview Ave. for a report of a man stuck in the mud. According to police, the man was crabbing and fell into the marsh, sinking about 3 feet unable to get out. Members of the Berkeley Township Fire Department responded to the scene to assist. The man was examined by first aid and did not sustain any injuries in the incident.
On Sept. 29, police responded to Robert J. Miller Airpark for a fixed wing single-engine aircraft that went off the runway. Police reported that, when the pilot began to prepare for take-off, he got too close to the edge of the pavement causing his tire to enter the soft sand cause the plane to tip onto its wing. Minimal damage occurred to the aircraft and no injuries were reported, police said.
On Oct. 3, police responded to Chain Blvd. for reports of an active burglary where the burglar was still inside the residence. Upon arrival, police found the victim in the backyard restraining the burglar. Police arrested 33-year old Thomas Sloan of Berkeley Township for Burglary, Simple Assault, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Criminal Mischief and Criminal Trespass. Sloan was transported to headquarters where he was processed and remanded to the Ocean County Jail.
On Sept. 27, Ptl. Leighton was conducting a routine patrol when he observed a vehicle come to a complete stop on First Street. Police discovered that the driver, 34-year old Latoya Holman of South Toms River, had four outstanding warrants out of Aberdeen, Lakewood, Howell, and Brick. Holman was arrested for Failure to Appear Warrants out of Aberdeen $1,500, Lakewood $750, Howell $500 and Brick $500. She was transported to police headquarters where she was processed and served summons for Suspended License and Failure to Stop or Yield.
[adrotate banner="278"]Berkeley Police also made five DWI arrests in the last month:
- Sept. 28: Police responded to the area of Ocean Gate Dr. and Rt. 9 for reports of a person passed out behind the wheel of a running car. Police charged 30-year old Russell Hawk of Bayville with Driving While Intoxicated. Hawk was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and turned over to Lacey Police for an outstanding warrant. Hawks vehicle was impounded per John’s Law.
- Oct. 5: Officer Fanara conducted a motor vehicle stop in the parking lot of the Quick Check on Rt. 9 and Central Parkway where 34-year old Lester Koc of Toms River was arrested and charged for Driving While Intoxicated. Koc was released on summonses and was transported home and released to a family member. His vehicle was impounded per John’s Law.
- Oct. 11: Police responded to the area of North Sunset Dr. for reports of a motor vehicle crash. An investigation discovered that the driver, 28-year old Mackenzie Killeen of Lavallette, was driving while intoxicated. Killeen was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Driving. He was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released on summonses. Killeen’s vehicle was impounded per John’s Law.
- Oct. 13: Police responded to Port Royal Drive for reports of a hit and run. An investigation revealed that the driver, 67-year old Robert Guerci of Berkeley Township, was operating the vehicle while under the influence. Guerci was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and later released. Guerci was additionally charged with Leaving Scene of Accident and Careless Driving. Guerci’s vehicle was impounded as per John’s Law.
- Oct. 14: Officer Falcone conducted a motor vehicle stop on Catalina Ave. for Failure to Maintain Lane when 68-year old Anthony Rosso of Secaucus was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, Reckless Driving and Careless Driving. Rosso was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and released pending court date. Rosso’s vehicle was impounded per John’s Law.
