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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Troopers Seize 57 Pounds of Marijuana During I-78 Accident Investigation


Bethlehem Township, N.J. – If you’re going to drive around with $114,000 worth of marijuana in a vehicle, you probably don’t want to crash the car and a have a box of the stuff fly out of the window ending up in the grass with troopers and other first responders walking around. But that’s what happened yesterday when State Troopers arrested a New York woman for marijuana possession after responding to a serious crash on Interstate 78 in Hunterdon County.

At 12:56 p.m., Perryville Station troopers responded to milepost 8.2 westbound, and located a 2002 white Mercury Mountaineer in the center grass median. The preliminary accident investigation determined that the driver, Paulette Murray, 48, of Brooklyn, N.Y., failed to control the SUV, ran off the roadway into the center grass median, and struck the guiderail.
Murray suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to St. Luke’s hospital in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The front seat passenger, Pauline Douglas-Dawkins, 50, of Cambria Heights, N.Y., was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
During the accident investigation, troopers observed Douglas-Dawkins attempting to cover a damaged cardboard box with a blanket. In the cardboard box, troopers discovered a large package of marijuana with fabric softener used to mask the smell of the drugs.
Douglas-Dawkins was arrested and the vehicle was towed to Perryville Station for further investigation. Troopers executed a search warrant on the vehicle and found additional packages of marijuana. In total, 57 pounds of marijuana was seized with an approximate street value of $114,000.
Douglas-Dawkins was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was lodged in the Hunterdon County Jail in default of $100,000 full cash bail.
Murray, who remains hospitalized, will be served with criminal complaints on a later date.
Charges are mere accusations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Antonio Vargas Sentenced to 29 Years in Prison for 2011 Fatal Crash in Somers Point


MAYS LANDING – A Somers Point man was sentenced to 29 years in prison for his involvement in a 2011 fatal crash that left his passenger dead and a bystander seriously injured, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced.
On June 18, a jury found Antonio Vargas, 24, guilty of all counts against him, including the vehicular homicide and aggravated manslaughter of Kevin Botta, 33, of Somers Point.

On Jan. 6, 2011, Vargas was intoxicated and traveling at a high rate of speed on Shore Road in Somers Point, when he crashed his vehicle into a telephone pole and then fire hydrant, resulting in the death of Botta – his passenger. Another victim, Joseph Higbee, 26, of Northfield, a bystander at the crash scene, was seriously injured by the fire hydrant, which struck him after becoming dislodged from impact with Vargas’ vehicle. The vehicle finally came to a stop after crashing into the entranceway of Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar. Vargas and Higbee were both taken to the hospital. Botta was pronounced dead at the scene.
An investigation later revealed that prior to the crash that Vargas – who by the age of 21 had received six suspensions of driver’s license – had been drinking at the bar before departing in his new “10-second” Honda Civic for Wawa with Botta as his passenger. On the return ride to the bar, it was estimated that Vargas was traveling at a rate of between 65 – over 100 miles per hour when the accident occurred.
On June 3, 2013, the State, represented by Acting First Assistant Prosecutor Diane Ruberton, began a two-week-long trial against Vargas. Defense attorney Lou Barbone maintained that Vargas had not been the driver of the vehicle at the time of the crash. However, the State presented physical evidence, video surveillance and 28 witnesses – including crash experts– testifying that Vargas was in fact driving at the time of the crash.
After less than four hours of deliberation, the jury convicted Vargas of all eight counts: aggravated manslaughter, vehicular homicide, aggravated assault, three counts of assault by auto, causing death while driving suspended and causing serious bodily injury while driving suspended.
Today during sentencing, Superior Court Judge Max A. Baker, stated that in the four years the defendant had been driving prior to the crash, he had been directly or indirectly ordered not to drive on 24 occasions.
“The defendant’s driving record convinces the court that there is a high likelihood the defendant will reoffend,” stated Judge Baker. “Innocent drivers and pedestrians should be saved from people who have the attitude of the defendant.”
Judge Baker sentenced Vargas to a total of 29 years in New Jersey State Prison, of which he must serve 22 years and one month before becoming eligible for parole.
Additionally, Vargas was sentenced to thousands of dollars in fines and a lifetime suspension of his driver’s license for numerous Title 39 (motor vehicle violations) including: DWI, driving while suspended, reckless driving, operating a vehicle under the influence, failure to wear a seatbelt, failure to maintain lane and unlicensed driver.
Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.

Galloway Township Police Blotter July 21 – July 27


BURGLARIES:
July 21 at White Horse Pike
July 25 at Leeds Point Road
July 25 at Jimmie Leeds Road
July 25 at Ravenswood Drive
       
DV 16                    DWI’s 2
CFS 877                ARRESTS 40
FIRE 20                 TICKETS 100
EMS 87                  MVA’s 22

ARRESTS:

William Edwards Sr., 51, of Camden was arrested by Ofc. Kevin Jorgensen for simple assault on July 21.

James Q. Terron, 22, of Pleasantville was arrested by Sgt. Mark D’Esposito for receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana on July 21.

Utika L. Canfield, 23, of Pleasantville was arrested by Sgt. Mark D’Esposito for receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, obstructing law, and resisting arrest on July 21.

Hannibal Ahmad A. Little,18, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Przemyslaw Ryba for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana on July 21.

Dashad D. Walden, 22, of Northfield was arrested by by Ofc. Przemyslaw Ryba for hindering apprehension on July 22.

Keith Goodman, 30, of Estell Manor and Keith Kinsey, 24, of New York City were arrested by Ofc. Daniel Choe for receiving stolen property, possession of handgun, fugitives from New York State, and hindering apprehension on July 22.

Asia S. Williams, 31, of Bushkill PA. was arrested by Ofc. Scott Winneberger for hindering apprehension on July 22.

Michael T. Carney, 21, of Chesilhurst and Jessica N. Taylor of Pleasantville were both arrested by Ofc. Scott Winneberger for theft on July 23.

Kenneth L. Brown Jr., 33, of Pleasantville was arrested by Ofc. Przemyslaw Ryba for possession of CDS, possession of a handgun, distributing CDS and possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana on July 23.

Jessica N. Taylor, 21, of Pleasantville was arrested by Ofc. Scott Winneberger for theft on July 23.

Gregory E. Kinash, 42, of Galloway was arrested by Det. Ryan Goehringer for theft, criminal trespassing, and receiving stolen property on July 24.

Laura C. Dwornik, 25, of Medford was arrested by Ofc. Kevin Costa for DWI on July 24.

Marlon A. Lloyd, 28, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Rita Abatemarco for criminal trespassing on July 24.

Loren E. Green, 47, of Atlantic City was arrested by Ofc. Ray Casanova for aggravated assault and disorderly conduct on July 26.

Sean C. Devinney, 20, of Galloway was arrested by by Ofc. Przemyslaw Ryba for possession of a hypodermic needle and drug paraphernalia on July 26.

Joseph P. Milliken Jr., 18, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Kevin Welsh for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana on July 27.

Ashley E. Salvadore, 19, of Egg Harbor Township was arrested by Det. Ryan Goehringer for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana on July 27.

David Schwerha, 24 of Gallowaywas arrested by Ofc. Christian Magazzu for assault and possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana on July 27.

Guy J. Wesley, 53 of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Scott Winneberger for DWI on July 27.

Dawn L. Wallace, 44 of Blackwood was arrested by Ofc. Carolyn Buckley for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia on July 27.

Kyle Broody, 26, of Brigantine was arrested for possession of CDS and possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana on July 27.

JUVENILES
A 16 year old Galloway boy was charged on July 23 by Ofc. Kevin Costa with hindering apprehension, taking a vehicle without permission and violation of curfew.

Per Galloway Township Police Department, persons listed here as arrestees are considered innocent until or unless otherwise adjudicated otherwise in court. 

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Democratic Council Candidate Cliff Sudler says Galloway Police Department is Understaffed and Overworked

Crime is rising in Galloway Township because there are not enough police officers on the streets to do the job effectively. Galloway has asked for and received concessions from the police to help save money.  Officers willingly gave up monetary benefits to avoid layoffs that would cut services to the Township.


Nonetheless, the Republican-controlled administration did lay off police officers and didn’t fill retired officers’ positions in order to keep taxes down. Furthermore, even with the increased crime the police are still being asked, and are willing, to make concessions to step up patrols and other operations to protect and serve the citizens of Galloway.
A recent Press article discussing crime in Galloway states “from 2010 to 2012 the township has seen calls for police service increase 32 percent from 29,950 to 39,602.” Coupling these numbers with the fact that the police force has been reduced from 60 officers to 49 officers, it’s plain to see that the men and women of the Galloway Police Department are understaffed and overworked. 
Meanwhile, other Press articles reveal surrounding towns are hiring officers. Galloway has not been able to do the same because of the financial mismanagement of the current and past Republican- controlled administrations. The money that was, and is, being wasted on lawsuits could have been used to protect the community.  
Galloway needs to stop sacrificing the safety of its citizens in order to save money and look for other means such as bringing in more businesses and ratables to offset taxes. 
Cliff Sudler

Monday, July 29, 2013

Absecon Police Department and Municipal Alliance Announce "National Night Out"


The Absecon Police Department along with the Absecon Municipal Alliance announces their "National Night Out" event for Tuesday, August 6th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m, at the Pitney Road Soccer Field located at the cross of Crestview Avenue. Absecon residents are welcome to come and enjoy a night of community fun and friendship. 
This is the 30th Anniversary of National Night Out and events are held in communities nationwide. The idea is to bring members of the community together in an effort to fight crime through community awareness, crime/drug prevention, and foster a positive relationship with law enforcement. The Police Department will be joined by various other local organizations and businesses, such as the Absecon Fire Department, Emergency Services Providers, N.J. Forest Fire Service, and many more.

The 2013 Absecon N.N.O. Event will include an Atlantic City Aquarium "Touch Tank", Police Displays, a helicopter demonstration, K-9 demonstrations, fire trucks, face painting, bouncies, a dunk tank, and a D.J. for entertainment. Food and refreshments will be provided until supplies are gone.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

UPDATED x3: Carnival is coming to Galloway Township starting with Family Night on Thursday

UPDATED x3: August 2, 2013: Carnival for Saturday will start at 4:00pm. Catch the rides early!

UPDATED x2: August 1, 2013: Due to Rain for tonight, the Carnival scheduled for Thursday Night (Family Night) has been cancelled. The carnival will resume on Friday and Saturday Night. via Galloway Patch.com

UPDATED: The Price for the wrist bands are: $20 for Thursday, Family Night and $30 for Friday and Saturday Night. 

The annual Carnival is headed back to Galloway Township. The Carnival will be held at the Municipal Complex, located at 300 E. Jimmie Leeds Road. The Carnival starts with Family Night on Thursday, August 1, 2013 at 6:00pm to 10pm. The Carnival will run until Saturday, August 3, 2013.  

Carnival proceeds benefit Galloway Township Community Care Programs, Galloway Community Events and the Galloway Township Police Explorers. 

Unlimited ride bracelets and discounted tickets will be offered. For more information, contact Galloway Community Services at (609) 652-8657.

Carnival 2013 by GallowayTwpNews

Christie Administration Kicks Off Route 35 Reconstruction “Listening Tour” In Seaside Heights


First In A Series Of Events Between Department of Transportation Commissioner, Route 35 Project Team and Local Communities

 (Seaside Heights) As the $265 million project rebuilding Route 35 gets underway, New Jersey Department of Transportation (DOT) Commissioner James Simpson today kicked off the Christie Administration’s “Listening Tour” to get direct feedback from residents, business owners and local officials.

Commissioner Simpson and DOT project team members gathered today at Seaside Heights Borough Hall and then walked along streets with Mayor Bill Akers, listening to concerns and ideas from business owners and residents along the way.
“Route 35 is the gateway to many Jersey Shore destinations along the Barnegat Peninsula, and the Christie Administration is committed to rebuilding this road as quickly as possible,” said Commissioner Simpson. “We are accelerating this project to accomplish a massive amount of work in a short timeframe, and during this process, we want to ensure that the lines of communication between the local communities and our administration remain open. This listening tour will help residents and local officials make sure their concerns are heard.”
The Listening Tour supplements a robust community outreach effort that includes a hotline telephone number, 732-230-7356, and email address, restore.nj35@dot.state.nj.us for residents to pose questions or provide suggestions as work progresses.
NJDOT has created a project-specific websitethat provides information on the proposed construction activity.  The site will be updated as work advances. 

A pre-construction public information center on July 9 in Lavallettewas very well attended by hundreds of residents and business owners from the eight Barnegat Peninsula municipalities where Route 35 will be reconstructed (Bay Head, Mantoloking, Brick, Toms River, Lavallette, Seaside Heights, Seaside Borough and Berkeley.

At a groundbreaking event in neighboring Seaside Park on July 2, Governor Chris Christie announced the startof the project to rebuild the roadway that sustained heavy damage during Superstorm Sandy.  At the event, Christie said the Route 35 reconstruction project sends a message that the Jersey Shore is coming back stronger than ever.

The Department has divided the project into three geographical sections and has awarded contracts to three contractors.  Work in all three sections will begin in August.  Construction in the northernmost section will be completed by the summer of 2014, with work in the other two sections completed by the summer of 2015.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Galloway Traffic Advisory: Tour de Shore to bike on Galloway Roads on Sunday


On Sunday July 28 over 1,600 bicyclists will gear up to ride the 26th Annual Irish Pub Tour de Shore, which is a 65-mile bike tour of scenic South Jersey beginning at The Irish Pub on 20th and Walnut in Philadelphia, to the Irish Pub in Atlantic City. 
Bicyclists will travel from Egg Harbor City via Duerer Street to Jimmie Leeds Road turning onto Pitney Road. Motorist are urged to use caution in these areas.

Friday, July 26, 2013

Absecon Man Arrested for the Illegal Sale of Synthetic Marijuana


ABSECON – An Absecon man was arrested for the illegal sale of synthetic marijuana, Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Jim McClain announced today.
Early this morning, members of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office Guns, Gangs & Narcotics Unit arrested Atul Patel, 60, at his residence located on the 700 block of New Road.

The arrest is the culmination of three-month-long narcotics investigation into the sale of synthetic marijuana in Egg Harbor City.
The investigation revealed that Patel was allegedly selling synthetic marijuana out of a convenience store he owns located on the 500 block of the White Horse Pike in Egg Harbor City.
At approximately 7:30 a.m., Patel was apprehended without incident. He has been charged with second-degree possession with intent to distribute over 1 oz. of synthetic marijuana and third-degree possession of over 1 oz. of synthetic marijuana.
Patel has been lodged at the Atlantic County Justice Facility in lieu of $30,000 bail.
***These charges are merely an accusation and not proof of guilt. In all criminal cases, a charged defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Anyone with information involving serious crimes is asked to call the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-909-7800 or go to the Prosecutor’s Office Web site at http://www.acpo.org/tips.html and provide information by filling out the form anonymously on the Submit a Tip page. People can also call Crime Stoppers at 609-652-1234 or 1-800-658-8477 (TIPS) or visit the Crime Stoppers Website at http://www.crimestoppersatlantic.com/. Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to the arrest and indictment of those who commit crimes in Atlantic County.

UPDATED: Missing Juvenile: Japanese National, Masahiro Hisamatsu, age 15 Last seen in NYC


UPDATED: Masahiro has been FOUND and is SAFE, according to NJ State Police. 

The Jersey City Police Department and the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit are seeking the public's assistance in locating a missing juvenile. 

Japanese National Masahiro Hisamatsu was last seen traveling with other students and staff from the Pastoral Care Program at Saint Peters College, on the "5" train in New York City from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, located on 85th Street.

The group exited the train at 59th Street at 4:30 p.m., when the group was boarding the "R" train, they realized Masahiro was not with the group.

Masahiro Hisamatsu, 15, 5'10, 165 pounds, black hair, brown eyes, was last seen wearing a navy blue LL Bean t-shirt, brown long pants, white sneakers and prescription glasses.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jersey City Police Department at (201)547-5434 or the New Jersey State Police Missing Persons Unit at (800)709-7090.

Galloway Township Police Blotter July 14 - 20, 2013



BURGLARIES 4        DV 10
CFS 769                     ARRESTS 29
FIRE 14                      DWI’s 5
EMS 89                      MVA’s 20 

Burglaries:
July 15 S. Bella Court
July 15 S. Ave A
July 15 S. Ave A
July 19 E. Mourning Dove Way

ARRESTS:

Jean E. Zachary, 53, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Pat Neal for DWI on July 14.

Marc A. Kaufman, 56 and Mary Kaufman, 55 both of Hillside were arrested by Ofc. Przemyslaw Ryba for assault and improper behavior on July 14.

Jamey Mendick, 23 and Kelly A. Connor, 22, both of Galloway were arrested by Ofc. Przemyslaw Ryba for assault and improper behavior on July 14.

Savanna Ingham, 22, of Gallowaywas arrested by Ofc. Christian Magazzu for falsely incriminating another on July 14.

Donald Gardner, 39, of Egg Harbor Twp. was arrested by Ofc. Jacqueline Crocker for hindering apprehension on July 15.

Michael A. Leone, 25, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Matt Worth for DWI on July 15.

Nimeshkum D. Patel, 38, of Galloway was arrested by Det. Ryan Goehringer for assault on July 15.

Jason R. Valentine, 44, of Hamilton Twp. was arrested by Sgt. Mark D’Esposito for hindering apprehension on July 16.

Thomas E. Ranieri, 54, of Brigantine was arrested by Ofc. Scott Winneberger for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and DWI on July 17.

Jerry T. Williams, 25, of Atlantic City was arrested by Ofc. Bob Bauer for receiving stolen property and hindering apprehension on July 18.

Tyrell Tolbert, 28, of Atlantic City was arrested by Ofc. Scott Winneberger for hindering apprehension on July 18.

Jeffery Martin, 23, of Atlantic City was arrested by Ofc. Scott Winneberger for hindering apprehension on July 18.

John Kelly III, 44, of Somers Point was arrested by Ofc. Przemyslaw Ryba for hindering apprehension on July 19.

Thomas Mandra Jr., 52, of Galloway was arrested by Ofc. Przemyslaw Ryba for DWI on July 20.

Joseph A. McCullen, 56, of Mullica Twp. was arrested by Ofc. Jacqueline Crocker for DWI and criminal mischief on July 20.

Dorian Dixon, 24, of Egg Harbor, was arrested by Det. Ryan Goehringer for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia on July 20.

Per Galloway Township Police Department, persons listed here as arrestees are considered innocent until or unless otherwise adjudicated otherwise in court. 
 
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