Galloway Police Blotter February 10 - 16, 2013

CFS 961 MVAs   21

EMT 24      Tickets  21

FIRE 14 DWIs 3  

DV       14       Arrests 20

Burglaries:   Buildings – 2/10 S. Frankfurt Ave.

                     Vehicles – 2/12 Driftwood Ct.          

02/12 Thomas A. Osterman, 45, of Somers Point was arrested by Ofc. Daniel Choe for hindering apprehension. 

02/14 Justin E. Hanna, 23, of Sewell was arrested by K-9 Ofc. Scott Winneberger for driving while intoxicated.  

02/14 Zachary G. Westpy, 23, of Moranville was arrested by Ofc. William Kline for driving while intoxicated. 

02/16 Jesse Freeman, 43, of Pleasantville was arrested by Ofc. John Mooney for driving while intoxicated.

02/16 Frank Soto, 43, of Egg Harbor City was arrested by Ofc. Daniel Choe for hindering apprehension and possession of a hypodermic needle.  

02/16 Jose Aponte, 37, of Egg Harbor Twp. was arrested by Ofc. Patrick Neal for hindering apprehension.  

2/16 Asif Khan, 20, of Galloway was arrested by K-9 Sgt. Mark D’Esposito for possession of marijuana under 50 grams.  

2/16 Travis C. Wilson, 20, of Port Republic was arrested by Ofc. Jacqueline Crocker for 2 counts of possession of CDS and distribution of CDS.  

Galloway Township Republican League Presents 2013 Republican of the Year Award to Herb and Patricia Davis

Photo Provided by Keith Hartman

Galloway Township Republican League has announced on their GOP Facebook Page, the 2013 recipient of the Abe Lincoln Republican of the Year Award will be Herb and Patricia Davis. Herb and Patricia are parents to Keith Davis, Atlantic County Republican Chairman.

The GTRL has presented the Republican of the Year award for many years. Former recipients include former councilman Jim Cox, GTRL President Jennifer Heller and former Mayor Keith Hartman.

Mayor Don Purdy who is a long standing Republican in the community stated, "Herb is a great guy who has done a lot for the community and for the Veterans. This award is well deserved."

Herb and Patricia Davis will accept their award on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at the Smithville Inn, between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. according to the GOP Facebook Page.

Former Mayor Keith Hartman also gave praise to Herb and Patricia Davis by stating, "Herb is a nice man and dedicated to the Veteran's cause. They have both always participated in campaign events and are just an overall nice family."

Deputy Mayor Tony Coppola did not return comment on Herb Davis. Coppola has worked with Herb on the Veteran's Advisory Board and has spoken highly of him at multiple Council Meetings.

Hartman was also a former recipient of the Abe Lincoln Republican of the Year award in 2011. His award was presented to him by former Assemblyman Vincent Polistina. "It's always great to be recognized for your accomplishments." Hartman stated.

After a falling out, Hartman who is no longer a GTRL member stated, "I am one of many Republicans in Galloway who have denounced the local organization as a result of it leadership." Hartman who is now a registered Independent says his core beliefs are still consistent with Republican fiscal policies. "My principles have not changed. My leaving the party was based on not wanting to be associated with the local leadership." Hartman stated.

Galloway Township Republican League has faced controversy over the past couple years. The GTRL's current Municipal Leader is Terry Lucarelli. 

UPDATED BREAKING NEWS: Residents Evacuate on Gull Wing Court Due to Gas Leak

See updated @ Galloway.Patch.com

Residents on Gull Wing Court in Smithville have been evacuated due to a Gas line leak in the Cul-de-sac. Oceanville and Bayview Vol. Fire Companies have secured the scene. Galloway Township EMS is standing by.

A Fire Department Representative indicated the strong oder of gas has occurred for at least a half an hour. 

South Jersey Gas Company has arrived on scene at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Check back for updates as this story is developing.

Smithville Gas Attendant Sustained Serious Injury After Being Struck By Pick-Up Truck

On February 21, 2013, a 2005 Dodge Ram Pick Up driven by Linda Miller of Galloway Township struck Kyung Kim of Smithville. Kim is the gas attendant for USA Gas located at 281 S. New York Road (US Route 9) in Smithville . Kim was walking across the parking lot waiting on customers when he was struck by the pick up as it was leaving the parking area. 

Kim was thrown to the ground and sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries. He was treated on scene by the Galloway Township Ambulance Squad and Atlanticare Medics. Kim was then transported to ARMC City Campus by EMS.

USA Gas was closed for approximately ½ hour while police investigated the accident. The accident is being investigated by Ptl. Steve Garrison. Miller was issued a summons for careless driving.

UPDATED: Galloway Police Department Faces Racial Discrimination, Retaliation Lawsuit From Current Officer; Galloway Patch

Via Galloway.Patch.com

In February 2013, Galloway Township Police Officer Brian Tennant filed a lawsuit against Galloway Township, Galloway Township Police Department, Chief Patrick Moran, Captain Allan Kane and Corporal Jerry Houck according to Court documents released by the Township in a Press Release to all media outlets.

*Disclaimer* GallowayTwpNews.com has decided to release the lawsuit in full, however, we advise our audience that the lawsuit although a Public Document and can be accessed through an Open Public Records Request with the Township of Galloway or Superior Court, contains content including the details of racial slurs and reference thereof that could be disturbing. 


The lawsuit filed by Tennant in Superior Court contains multiple allegations of Racial Discrimination, Retaliation and Hostile Work Environment some of which date back to 2003. Tennant has been a  member of the Police Department since November 2000 according to the court documents. 

Tennant claims he was subjected to numerous disciplines including an internal investigation on workman's compensation benefits the Township claimed he mistakenly received. Tennant was later cleared of the workman's comp investigation. Tennant was also removed from the Township's SWAT Team of which the Township indicated was due to budget cuts according to the court documents.

*Updated* "It was extremely disturbing to read the details of the suit being brought against the Police Department and members of their Administration." Councilman Jim McElwee said in a statement issued today. "While I prefer not to comment until after the complete story can be told by both plaintiff and defendants in a Court of Law, I remain a strong supporter of the Galloway Township Police Dept. and Chief Moran. It is my hope that people in Galloway will not try this case in the various Media outlets with uninformed anonymous comments that degrade both parties in this case. Let the Court decide the outcome and please don't rush to judgement against either party." 

Galloway Township issued the following prepared Statement and Press Release:

Galloway Township to Fight Lawsuit

On February 12, 2013 Galloway Township was served with a lawsuit filed in Atlantic County Superior Court,  alleging discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation, differential treatment, and violation of the Conscientious Employee Act. The suit names the Chief of Police Patrick Moran, Captain Alan Kane, Corporal Gerald Houck and the Township as defendants against the plaintiff Officer Brian Tennant filed by his Attorney Richard Stoloff.

The lawsuit notes incidents dating back to 2003 and then alleges that several “retaliatory actions” occurred, which the Township disputes.  

Chief Patrick Moran is presently out on sick leave due to shoulder surgery, but gave the following statement:  “As it pertains to my actions and the actions of my administration, this lawsuit is full of half truths, misleading information, and inaccuracies. Unfortunately, I am prohibited by law to discuss personnel related issues/details but I am prepared to defend against any and all allegations regarding our actions and any accusations levied upon the Township during my administration. I will also be pushing the Township to counter with a frivolous lawsuit action against Tennant and his Attorney and to push for the recovery of attorney’s fees for this entire matter.”

“This litigation is garbage” stated Township Manager Arch Liston.  “We are presently putting our defense team together and look forward to our day in court.”

Tennent Litigation by GallowayTwpNews