Report of Suspicious Activity Leads to Galloway Man Charged with Drug & Weapon Offenses

On Friday, December 29, 2017, at approximately 12:05 p.m., Galloway Township Police Department officers responded to the 200 block of E. White Horse Pike (Route 30) for a report of a suspicious individual possibly in possession of a firearm. 

Upon patrol checking the area, they located Thomas J. Turner Jr., 42 of Galloway, who was wearing a black tactical vest and carrying a backpack.  

While officers were speaking with Turner, they discovered that he was carrying an assault firearm (a .45 caliber Encom MP-45 assault pistol) along with a 30-round extended magazine loaded with 17 bullets. Mr. Turner was also found to be in possession of 15 grams of methamphetamine (a quantity consistent with distribution), drug paraphernalia and other suspicious items.

Galloway Police Blotter December 17 - 23, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 894 calls for service during December 17, 2017 through December 23, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 3 Burglaries, 0 Vehicle Burglaries, 26 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 124 Tickets issued, 4 Driving While Intoxicated, 26 Arrests, 14 Domestic Violence, 7 Fire Calls, 13 EMS Calls and 2 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:   

900 Block of W. White Horse Pike

S. New York Rd.        

700 Block of W. White Horse Pike  

Galloway Police Blotter December 10-16, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 938 calls for service during December 10, 2017 through December 16, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 1 Burglaries, 1 Vehicle Burglaries, 40 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 115 Tickets issued, 1 Driving While Intoxicated, 28 Arrests, 12 Domestic Violence, 16 Fire Calls, 16 EMS Calls and 1 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:           

200 Block of Wrangleboro Road.

Vehicle Burglaries:          

200 Block of W. White Horse Pike.

Two Pedestrians Struck on Aloe Street in Galloway; Unidentified Female Deceased

On December 18, 2017 at 5:46 p.m., Galloway Township Police responded to pedestrian motor-vehicle accident on Aloe Street.

According to Police, a 2008 Chevrolet Impala, being operated by Lynn M. Stadtmueller, 33 of Egg Harbor City, was traveling eastbound on Aloe Street, in the area of New Orleans Avenue.  Elizabeth Thompson, 27 of Egg Harbor City, and another white female were walking in the area of Aloe St. and New Orleans Avenue.  

For an unknown reason, the unidentified female fell in the roadway.  Stradtmueller’s vehicle struck both Thompson and the unidentified female in the roadway.  Stradtmueller was wearing her seatbelt at the time of the accident.   Thompson was transported to Atlantic Regional Medical Center, City Division, for serious but non-life threatening injuries.  

How Three Grinches in Galloway Tried to Steal Christmas Away from Children

Portorreal          Facenda-Almanzar       Kenneth Gray

On Thursday, December 14, 2017, at 10:47am, three suspects entered the Galloway Township Municipal Building lobby and stole a large amount of children’s toys from the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation donation bin. According to the foundation’s website the objectives of Toys for Tots are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

Galloway Police Blotter December 3 - 9, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 938 calls for service during December 3, 2017 through December 9, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 2 Burglaries, 1 Vehicle Burglaries, 31 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 155 Tickets issued, 3 Driving While Intoxicated, 33 Arrests, 9 Domestic Violence, 9 Fire Calls, 20 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:             

800 Block of E. Fisher Creek Road.

100 Block of Mattix Run.                                                                                               

Vehicle Burglaries:        

100 Block of S. New York Road.

Galloway Police Blotter November 26 - December 2, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 979 calls for service during November 26, 2017 through December 2, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 2 Burglaries, 3 Vehicle Burglaries, 23 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 87 Tickets issued, 0 Driving While Intoxicated, 21 Arrests, 15 Domestic Violence, 4 Fire Calls, 21 EMS Calls and 1 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:  

Schooner Landing Rd.

Mattix Run                                                                                              

Vehicle Burglaries:  

600 Block of S. New York Rd.

500 Block of S. Philadelphia Ave.    

300 Block of Arbutus Ave. (Multiple) 

Galloway Police Locate Missing Person

On Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 4:22 p.m., the Galloway Township Police Department responded to the 100 block of Oxford Court in reference to the report of a missing person.  While police were responding to the scene, they received more information indicating that an 85 year old male suffering from dementia walked away from his residence.  The male was wearing pajamas and was missing for approximately 45 minutes.

Numerous resources were called to the scene to assist with the search including members of The Galloway Township Fire Department, Galloway Township EMS, K-9 Units, and neighboring police agencies.  

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish assisted the responding agencies by allowing their parking area to be utilized as a command post.  As the search commenced, the 85 year old male was located by Officer Jeremy Feliciano approximately one mile from his home.

Galloway Police Blotter November 19 - 25, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 855 calls for service during November 19, 2017 through November 25, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 1 Burglaries, 0 Vehicle Burglaries, 25 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 106 Tickets issued, 1 Driving While Intoxicated, 25 Arrests, 15 Domestic Violence, 11 Fire Calls, 17 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglary:   

White Pond Ct.

Galloway Police Blotter November 12 - 18, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 781 calls for service during November 12, 2017 through November 18, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 1 Burglaries, 0 Vehicle Burglaries, 27 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 79 Tickets issued, 0 Driving While Intoxicated, 26 Arrests, 8 Domestic Violence, 3 Fire Calls, 22 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:     

100 Block of Crestview Ave.

Galloway Police Blotter November 5 - 11, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 845 calls for service during November 5, 2017 through November 11, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 1 Burglaries, 1 Vehicle Burglaries, 20 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 84 Tickets issued, 3 Driving While Intoxicated, 37 Arrests, 18 Domestic Violence, 6 Fire Calls, 26 EMS Calls and 2 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:                

700 Block of E. Cornell Ave.

Vehicle Burglary:          

100 Block of S. Genoa Ave.  

Former Galloway Recreation Employee Pleads Guilty to Theft

MAYS LANDING – A former employee in the Galloway Township Recreation Department has pleaded guilty to a charge of third degree Theft, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.

Jennifer Diluzio pled guilty to an accusation of third degree Theft before Judge John R. Rauh on Thursday morning. Diluzio received probation, payment of restitution $6,957 and Forfeiture of Public Employment as a condition of the plea agreement.

DiLuzio was an employee for the Galloway Township Recreation Department and from March 2017 to June 2017, one of her duties was to process applications and collect fees for residents that were sending their children to the 2017 Township Summer Camp. During that time, DiLuzio stole nearly $7000 of those camper fees rather than deposit them into the proper fund as required by her duties.

Two Arrested After Galloway K-9 Sniffs Out Drugs During Car Stop

On Saturday, November 18, 2017 at approximately 11:21PM, K-9 Officer Lopez of The Galloway Township Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 1995 Dodge Ram 1500, in the area of the 200 block of East White Horse Pike.  

During the investigation of the motor vehicle violations, both occupants of the vehicle, Thomas VonKessel, 31 of Clementon NJ, and Alissa Kolodi, 24 of Levittown, PA began to exhibit numerous indicators that they were involved in criminal activity.

As a result, K-9 Officer Lopez deployed his K-9 partner Colt to conduct a narcotic sniff of the vehicle.  K-9 Colt provided a positive indication for the presence of the odor of narcotics, and as a result a roadside search of the vehicle was conducted.  

Galloway Gas Attendant Attacked With Bat; Suspect Wanted

On Monday November 13, 2017 at 8:57 p.m., officers from the Galloway Township Police Department responded to the Delta Gas Station (734 W. White Horse Pike) in reference to the report of an armed robbery.  

Upon arrival, police located the gas attendant, Mirza Baig, 58 of Galloway, who advised that while inside of the gas station booth, he was approached by a male brandishing a baseball bat.  The suspect proceeded to strike Baig with the bat several times before rummaging Baig’s pockets and stealing an undisclosed amount of cash.

Galloway Police Blotter October 29 - November 4, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 747 calls for service during October 29, 2017 through November 4, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 3 Burglaries, 1 Vehicle Burglaries, 32 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 76 Tickets issued, 1 Driving While Intoxicated, 26 Arrests, 11 Domestic Violence, 7 Fire Calls, 14 EMS Calls and 1 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:                

300 Block of E. Waveland Ave.

700 Block of Whalers Cove Pl.

130 Block of Main St.                                                                                               

Vehicle Burglaries:       

100 Block of Driftwood Ct.

Galloway Woman Charged with DWI, Assault by Auto; Other Driver Injured

On November 5, 2017 at 5:17 p.m., Galloway Township Police responded to a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Pitney and Jimmie Leeds Road. 

According to Police, officers from The Galloway Township Police Department were investigating a minor motor vehicle accident in the parking lot of Shoprite, when they heard several loud bangs coming from the intersection of Pitney Road and E. Jim Leeds Road. 

Upon their response to the intersection of Pitney Road and East Jim Leeds Road, they discovered a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicles.

Galloway Man & Woman Face Drug and Weapon Charges After Search Warrant on Home

MAYS LANDING – A Galloway man and woman are charged with multiple drug and weapons charges after the execution of a search warrant at their Galloway residence, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner announced.

On Thursday, October 26, 2017, members of the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Unit along with members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Atlantic City RA, New Jersey State Police and Galloway Township Police Department, with assistance from Atlantic County SWAT, executed a court authorized search warrant at the residence of Louis Hilton, 50, and Julie Naia, 49.

Galloway Police Blotter October 22 - 28, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 738 calls for service during October 22, 2017 through October 28, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 0 Burglaries, 2 Vehicle Burglaries, 30 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 72 Tickets issued, 4 Driving While Intoxicated, 19 Arrests, 7 Domestic Violence, 8 Fire Calls, 19 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:   

None

Vehicle Burglaries:        

Two locations on Mattix Run

Galloway Police Blotter October 15 - 21, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 813 calls for service during October 15, 2017 through October 21, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 4 Burglaries, 5 Vehicle Burglaries, 30 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 92 Tickets issued, 6 Driving While Intoxicated, 32 Arrests, 17 Domestic Violence, 6 Fire Calls, 18 EMS Calls and 2 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:   

300 Block of E. White Horse Pike

Service Ln.

500 Block of Robin Ln.

100 Block of Pheasant Meadow Dr.

Vehicle Burglaries:  

Greenwich Dr

Flint Pond Pl.      

Fair Haven Hill Ct. (multiple) 

White Pond Ct.

Sussex Pl. (multiple)

Amazon Interested in Galloway Township; Township Officials Continue to Pursue

On September 12, 2017, Galloway Township Mayor Don Purdy stated the Township was actively pursing a business development deal with Amazon through a headhunting broker for approximately a year. 

"I decided to announce that the Township was already working with a real estate broker whose client happened to be Amazon because Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson announced that the County was interested in going after Amazon" Purdy stated. "Galloway has the perfect site with rail access and immediate access to the airport and enough acreage to accommodate what Amazon is looking for. The Township wanted to be part of the package with Atlantic County"

Mayor Purdy recently come under fire by the opposing political party for not being transparent about the secret conversations with Amazon, even further stating "the Township never had private talks with Amazon about bringing a headquarters to Galloway Township" said Gorman, Crawford, Abdrabouh and Santo in news release titled "Democrats call out Purdy Team for Misleading Galloway on Amazon Headquarters." 

EHT Man Arrested After Search Warrant Leads to Drug Bust

 On Friday, October 27, 2017, in response to a citizen complaint of drug activity, the Absecon Police Department Detective Bureau and Patrol Division executed a search warrant at an apartment in the Clayton Mill Run Apartment Complex on S. New Road across from Holy Spirit High School. 

A search of the apartment yielded approximately 3 kilograms (106 ounces) of suspected heroin, 3 ounces of suspected cocaine and numerous items of drug paraphernalia associated with the manufacturing, packaging and distribution of controlled dangerous substances. 

Pedestrians Struck While Pushing Disabled Vehicle From Roadway; One Injured, One Deceased

On October 27, 2017 at 4:33 a.m., Galloway Township Police responded to a motor vehicle accident involving two pedestrians on Pomona Road and Vera King Ferris Drive. 

According to Police, a Honda Civic driven by Steve Carides, Jr. struck two pedestrians and a disabled vehicle while traveling south on Pomona Road.  

Police identified the pedestrians as Brandon Pilecki and Kenneth Chivalette. Pilecki and Chivalette were attempting to push a disabled vehicle out of the roadway when they were hit.  

Galloway Police Blotter October 8 - 14, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 867 calls for service during October 8, 2017 through October 14, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 2 Burglaries, 0 Vehicle Burglaries, 21 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 102 Tickets issued, 3 Driving While Intoxicated, 38 Arrests, 10 Domestic Violence, 6 Fire Calls, 16 EMS Calls and 0 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:   

500 Block of Jimmie Leeds Rd.

900 Block of White Horse Pike

Democrats Sudler & Montag Endorse Galloway Republican Candidates

Cliff Sudler                                  Bill Montag

Two former democratic candidates have announced their endorsement of the Republican Candidates for Galloway Council. Cliff Sudler and Bill Montag ran for office as Democrats in 2013 against Mayor Don Purdy, Frank Gargione, Robert Maldonaldo and Tim Meadows. Sudler and Montag who remain registered Democrats are currently supporting the Republican Party in their reelection efforts.

"With Mayor Don Purdy's leadership the tax rate is down, spending is under control and law enforcement personnel has increased" Sudler said. "I supported those initiatives when I ran and regardless of political party, the Mayor is getting the job done which is why I support him and the current council" Sudler said.

Galloway Police Blotter October 1 - 7, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 829 calls for service during October 1, 2017 through October 7, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 1 Burglaries, 1 Vehicle Burglaries, 35 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 88 Tickets issued, 3 Driving While Intoxicated, 27 Arrests, 11 Domestic Violence, 4 Fire Calls, 21 EMS Calls and 2 Juvenile calls.

Burglary:

300 Block of S. Pitney Rd.

Vehicle Burglary:

400 Block of S. Xanthus Ave.

EHT Man Arrested for Stealing Over $350,000 from Galloway Condo Association

Ira Binder

On October 5, 2017, Galloway Township Police arrested Ira Binder, 60 of Egg Harbor Township for stealing funds from a Condo Association in Galloway.

According to Police, an investigation revealed that Mr. Binder who was an office manager at The Club at Galloway Condominium Association, overpaid himself a total of approximately $352,620 between Janaury 2010 and February 2017. 

Galloway Township Detective Kerry Baerman made the arrest. Mr. Binder was charged with Theft and released on a Summons.

Galloway Police Blotter September 24 - 30, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 851 calls for service during September 24, 2017 through September 30, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 5 Burglaries, 1 Vehicle Burglaries, 29 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 67 Tickets issued, 1 Driving While Intoxicated, 31 Arrests, 13 Domestic Violence, 5 Fire Calls, 18 EMS Calls and 1 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:   

Apache Ct.

500 Block of Cologne Ave.

500 Block of E. Brook Ln.

500 Block of E. Jimmie Leeds Rd.

100 Block of Old New York Rd.                                                                                              

Vehicle Burglary: 

600 Block of St. Andrews Dr.

Galloway Township Helps Promote Annual “Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day”

Galloway --   Motorists in New Jersey and throughout the nation are asked to join a day-long effort on October 10, 2017, designed to increase awareness about safe driving behaviors and keep the State’s roadways fatality free for one-day. 

Known as Put the Brakes on Fatalities Day, the national initiative was designed to unite the country in moving toward zero fatalities for one full day by encouraging motorists to obey all traffic laws, including buckling up, every ride; driving the posted speed limit; avoiding distractions while driving; and always being safe and sober behind the wheel. Our goal is to experience a day when all roadway users are extra vigilant and there are no fatalities on our roadways. 

Photos of "Exotic Birds" and "Cat" at AJ's Cafe' Released By Township After Request

Galloway Township News has obtained through an Open Public Records Request to the Township Clerk, photographs taken by Galloway Police and Township Officials that forced the shut down of AJ's Cafe' on the Lake.

On Friday September 29, 2017 at 12:08 p.m., the Galloway Township Police Department responded to AJ’s Café on the Lake, for an unrelated incident when they observed numerous animals loose inside the restaurant, specifically the kitchen and food preparatory area. 

According to the Galloway Current, co-owner Jacob Cohen denied the allegations that "animals were loose or in the kitchen." Cohen further stated to the Galloway Current that the three pet birds "visited" and "were kept in cages" including the stray cat.

According to Township Officials numerous animals to include three (3) exotic birds and a cat were gathered and turned over to a friend for safe keeping and care-taking while the restaurant was closed up and posted by both Township Code Officials and the County Health Department. 

Galloway Police Chief Donna Higbee stated photographs and other evidence substantiate the charges.

Galloway Township News has obtained the photographs and a response from the Township that no mercantile license has ever been issued to AJ's for either 2015, 2016 or 2017. 

Photographs released by the Township appear to show at least two of the exotic birds enjoying a strawberry on a stack of restaurant plates and the stray cat hanging out in a box on a freezer next to canned foods in the pantry/kitchen area.  A litter box also appears in the pictures below a wash sink in the restaurant area.

According to Township documents, Jacob Cohen did submit an application for a mercantile license on May 25, 2017; however, that application is still pending as the Township Fire Official and Construction Official have not approved the license to be issued.

The restaurant was found to be operating without a Township approved mercantile license and was immediately shut down and the County Board of Health was contacted to respond. 

Staff and patrons were sent home and the restaurant owner has been charged accordingly by the Police Department. 

This location will be closed to the public until further notice as it has been deemed unsanitary and an unsafe structure for human occupancy. 

Additional pictures as released by the Township, which includes the stray cat loose in the restaurant, are included below.

Galloway Police Blotter September 17 - 23, 2017

Galloway Township Police responded to 847 calls for service during September 17, 2017 through September 23, 2017.

Additional statistics include: 3 Burglaries, 3 Vehicle Burglaries, 30 Motor Vehicle Accidents, 81 Tickets issued, 6 Driving While Intoxicated, 29 Arrests, 7 Domestic Violence, 3 Fire Calls, 19 EMS Calls and 3 Juvenile calls.

Burglaries:   

800 Block of Smith Bowen Rd.

500 Block of Highland Ave    X 2

100 Block of Sylvan Ave.

Vehicle Burglaries:     

Mohave Dr.

Club Place   X 3

100 Block of Club Pl.

AJ's Cafe' Shut Down; "Exotic" Birds and Cat Located in Kitchen Area

On Friday September 29, 2017 at 12:08 p.m., the Galloway Township Police Department responded to AJ’s Café on the Lake, for an unrelated incident when they observed numerous animals loose inside the restaurant, specifically the kitchen and food preparatory area. 

The restaurant was found to be operating without a Township approved mercantile license and was immediately shut down and the County Board of Health was contacted to respond. 

Numerous animals to include three (3) exotic birds and a cat were gathered and turned over to a friend for safe keeping and care-taking while the restaurant was closed up and posted by both Township Code Officials and the County Health Department. 

Suspect Caught in String of Burglaries in Galloway Township

On September 19, 2017, the Galloway Township Police Department took a report of a residential burglary on Sylvan Avenue.  Further investigation by Det. Bryan Casey resulted in the arrest of Daniel Cruse, 30, of Egg Harbor Township.  Cruse was charged with burglary and theft.

On September 21, 2017, a residential burglary in progress was reported on Highlands Avenue.  Galloway Township Police officers immediately responded to the area and a search was conducted with the assistance of an Egg Harbor Township Police K-9 Unit and a New Jersey State Police helicopter.  The suspect was not located at that time.  

An additional residential burglary was also reported on Highlands Avenue on the same date.

Absegami Student Arrested After Bringing Fake Gun To School; High School Forced to Shelter-in-Place

On Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 9:05 a.m., the Galloway Township Police Department responded to Absegami High School for the report of a student that brandished a handgun to another student. 

Staff immediately placed the school into a shelter in place and upon arrival, Officers were able to quickly apprehend the suspect, J.E. a 16 year-old male student without incident. 

The weapon in question was located in the student’s book bag and determined to be an imitation firearm. No injuries resulted from this incident and the shelter in place was lifted accordingly for school to resume.