DELANCO TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT

Your Police….Our Community

Bi-Weekly Crime Report

February 1, 2010 To February 28, 2010
This Report Reflects Only Those Calls Which Result In The Generation Of A Criminal Case
It Does Not Reflect The Myriad Types Of Other Calls Which Demand A Police Response.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, the “Bi-Weekly” Blotter was late in being gathered, edited and published.  As a result, this “Blotter” will encompass the entire month of February.
****COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION*** MISSING PERSON   This Department is seeking information with regard to the whereabouts of Louis Berger Jr. – Age 73. Mr. Berger was last seen on February 12th at his residence.  He told relatives that he was enroute to the Veterans Hospital in Philadelphia, PA.  Investigation revealed that he did not have an appointment with the hospital nor did he appear there as a “walk-in” patient.  A description and photo of the Missing Person is shown below.
02/01	The detective responded to the New Jersey State Police “Troop C,” at which time he was informed that a “Positive Identification” had been obtained for the individual who committed the burglary and theft from a motor vehicle on January 9th.  The identification was made as a result of the detective processing the crime scene and “lifting” fingerprints during that process.  Those prints were forwarded to the State Police and the analysis of those prints resulted in the identification.             On February 22, the detective was able to ascertain the location of the suspect, at which time he contacted the Burlington County Jail and requested to meet with the suspect, who was a “guest” at that institution.  The Burlington County Corrections Officer met with the suspect and apprised him of the detective’s desire to interview him.  The prisoner emphatically declined.              The detective charged the subject with “Burglary” and “Theft of Moveable Property.”
02/01	The detective met with a resident who came to Hdqtrs to report that her former boyfriend had been harassing her and wished to sign a criminal complaint against him.  The complainant reported that her “ex” had harassed her via “text messaging,” “voice mail” following her as she drove, and using language which caused her to be fearful of him.  The officer requested Central Communications contract a member of the “Domestic Violence Response Team” in order that she/he might assist the victim.  Central Communications was unable to locate a member of that team, who was available to respond.             The complainant completed an “Affidavit of Probable Cause” which was then read to Judge McInerney.  Judge McInerney found “Probable Cause” for issuance of a warrant for “Domestic Violence Harassment.”  Since the allegations of “Domestic Harassment” occurred on prior days, and were not emergent, the victim was directed to apply for a T.R.O at the Burlington County Superior Court – Family Division.             Several hours after the warrant was issued, an officer located the accused at his residence in Riverside.  In accordance with the directives, as mandated by the T.R.O., which the victim obtained at Superior Court, the officer took custody of several weapons owned by the accused, after which he transported the arrestee to Hdqtrs.             After processing, the accused was released R.O.R. pending an assigned court date.  After releasing the subject, the officer contacted the victim and informed her as to what had transpired, with regard to the serving the T.R.O. and criminal complaints on the accused.
	DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE TEAM SEEKS VOLUNTEERS The Delanco Twp., Edgewater Park Twp., Beverly City and Willingboro Twp. Police Departments are in NEED of volunteers for their "Creekside Domestic Violence Response Team."   Members of the "Creekside Domestic Violence Response Team" work in conjunction with the police to provide service to victims of domestic violence twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.  Members will assist victims in a variety of ways, ultimately providing support and information to help them make educated decisions on the options, which are available to them.    Next Domestic Violence Response Team Training:   Beginning : Tuesday, March 16, 2010 (for six weeks)   Time: Tuesday & Thursday – 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM (six weeks)   Location: Delran Municipal Building                   900 Chester Avenue                   Delran, NJ  08075 Estimated Training Time:  40 Hours   Requirements: 18 years of age or older, Resident of, or employed in Burlington  County area, Valid New Jersey Driver’s License, access to transportation, No Criminal Convictions, No prior history as a defendant in a domestic violence-related matter and available to be on-call a minimum of four times a month. Interested persons should contact: Sgt. DeSanto of Delanco Township Police Department:  856-461-0357 or Lt. DiFilippo of Edgewater Park Township Police Department:  609-877-4404 or Officer Davison of Beverly City Police Department:  609-387-0205 or Sgt. Norfo of Willingboro Township Police Department:  609-877-3001
02/02	While monitoring vehicle speeds on Creek Road, an officer observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed as it approached his stationary position in the “Jevic” parking area.  As it approached the officer’s position, the operator lost control of the vehicle, running off the roadway and striking a bush on the Jevic property.  After ensuring that the operator was not injured, the officer learned that the operator was sixteen (16) years old and not eligible to operate a motor vehicle.  The officer took the JV into custody and transported him to Hdqtrs for processing.             While the investigating officer went to Hdqtrs, the other duty officer remained at the scene until the JV’s parents arrived on scene.  The JV’s parents advised this officer that they had not given him permission to take the vehicle and were unaware that he had taken the vehicle.              The JV was charged with six (6) motor vehicle violations and released to his parents.
02/05	An officer was dispatched to a residence on Franklin Street to investigate a report of a theft.  Upon arrival, the officer met with the caller who advised him that sometime between 5:30 AM and 6:45 PM, while he was at work, unknown person(s) had entered upon the property and removed his bicycle from its location beneath the stairs.  The bicycle was described as a twenty-six (26) inch “mountain bicycle;” green in color with black markings.  The owner was unable to provide the officer with a serial number for the bicycle.
02/06	An officer was dispatched to a residence where the caller wished to have her intoxicated son removed from the residence.  Upon arrival, the officer met with the caller who informed him that her thirty-year- old son was drunk and wished for him to be removed.  She also reported that he had threatened her with bodily harm.  Upon inquiry, she stated that she did not wish to sign a criminal complaint against her son, nor did she wish to seek a T.R.O.              The officer, along with a Beverly City officer, entered the room containing the suspect and advised him that he had to leave the premises.  The suspect then directed several vulgarities at and about the investigating officer, refusing to leave the home.  The officer once again informed the suspect that he was leaving, at which time the suspect gathered his coat and exited the home.  Once outside, the officer advised him not to return to the residence for the rest of that evening.  Upon hearing this, the suspect once again shouted vulgarities at the officer, which were able to be heard by those neighbors shoveling snow.  At this time, the officer informed the subject that he was under arrest for “Disorderly Conduct.”  As the officer attempted to take the subject into custody, the subject resisted his arrest, resulting in the officer having to place the subject against the patrol vehicle, in order to handcuff him.  The subject was transported to Hdqtrs where he was charged with “Disorderly Conduct” and “Resisting Arrest.”
02/09	A resident came to Hdqtrs to turn in a “Sirius” satellite radio which he found on January 29th, in the center console of his vehicle.  He stated that after finding the radio, he checked with a number of friends, whom he believed may have been in his vehicle and who may have left it there.  None of these acquaintances claimed ownership of the radio.             After taking possession of the radio, the officer transferred it to the detective, in order that it could be logged into evidence, in accordance with procedure.             On February 12th, the detective contacted “Sirius Satellite Radio Corp.” in an attempt to identify the radio’s subscriber.  The detective was advised that the name of the subscriber was unable to be provided to him, but that “Sirius Corporate Security” would contact the subscriber to confirm if the radio was stolen.  If this information was confirmed, the subscriber would be provided with the police department’s contact information. On February 17th, the owner of the radio contacted the detective and confirmed that the radio was hers, but was unaware of how it turned up in this township.  By way of questioning, the detective was able to learn that the “victim’s” parents lived in Delanco.  When he inquired as to the last name of her parents, he learned that the individual who had turned the radio in was the “victim’s” father.  She stated that she had no idea as to how the radio got into her father’s vehicle.  The victim requested that the radio be released to her father.
02/09	A resident of Delran came to Hdqtrs to surrender himself on a warrant issued by this Court.  Bail was set at $250.00.  After posting the bail and submitting to the arrest process, the subject was released pending an assigned court date.
02/10	An officer was contacted by an officer of the Ewing Township Police Department and advised that his department had an individual in custody on a warrant issued by this Court.  Bail had been set at $124.00 (No 10%).  Due to the severe weather conditions and a “State of Emergency” declared by the county, authorization was granted to R.O.R. the subject with an assigned date to appear in this Court.
02/10	Officers were dispatched to an apartment building in reference to a “Neighbor Dispute.”  Upon arrival, the officers met with the caller who reported that he and a neighbor were arguing about the caller’s missing hat.  The caller, who appeared to be intoxicated, alleged that during the course of this confrontation with his neighbor, the neighbor pushed him.  He stated that as he attempted to walk down the steps, he then fell.             The accused neighbor stated that the caller pulled open the latched storm door and attempted to barge into his apartment.  He stated that the caller damaged his door.  This individual also appeared to be intoxicated.             Each party was advised of his options, as to filing complaints, with a caveat that each had to be sober when applying for a criminal complaint.
02/11	An officer was dispatched to the “7-11” convenience store to investigate a past-tense shoplifting.  Upon arrival, the officer met with the store owner who stated that while reviewing the store’s security recording, he observed two male JV’s remove merchandise from the shelves and conceal them in their pockets.  The JV’s are seen paying for a bottle of soda, but it also observed that they did not pay for the merchandise hidden on their person.  The store owner provided the officer with a copy of the security recording, which was entered into evidence in accordance with procedure.              On February 12th, the departmental “Juvenile Officer” was reviewing the aforementioned security recording, (at the behest of the investigating officer) during which time he recognized the JV’s involved in the theft as two brothers, with whom he had previous contact with.  The officer forwarded the information, with regard to these JV’s, to the investigating officer.             On February 13th, the initial investigating officer, after learning the identities of the JV’s, proceeded to their home and informed their mother of the events with regard to this shoplifting.  Since the boys were denying that they had shoplifted, the officer requested the parent transport the boys to Hdqtrs.             After arriving at Hdqtrs, the boys’ mother viewed the recording, at which time the boys confessed to having stolen a “Rice Crispy Treat” and a package of batteries.  The officer then contacted the store owner who reiterated his agreement to allow the officer to conduct a “Station House Adjustment” on the boys.  A “Station House Adjustment” calls for the JV to meet certain terms and conditions, as set forth by the officer and the victim.  These terms and conditions must be agreed to by both the juvenile and his/her parent.  This “Adjustment” precludes entering the JV into the formal “Juvenile Justice” system.  After agreeing to the terms and conditions as set by the officer, the JV’s were released to their mother.
02/13	An officer was dispatched to a residence on Spruce Street as a result of a “911 hang-up” call.  Upon arrival at the residence, the officer was advised by the caller that her ex-husband had arrived on location to visit with his children, during which time he became involved in a “shouting match” with a male neighbor who allegedly had shouted obscenities at her ex-husband.  She stated that her ex-husband left the scene enroute to the Light Rail Station.             The officer spoke with the neighbor, who stated the caller’s ex-husband had initiated the obscenities and that he just retaliated with his own obscenities.  After speaking with this individual, the officer proceeded to the train station to speak with the other involved individual.             Upon arrival at the train station, the officer met with the other involved participant of the call.  This individual acknowledged his participation in the obscene discourse between him and his ex-neighbor.  During this “Pedestrian Stop” the officer contacted “Central Communications” and inquired as to any warrants on this individual.  At this time it was revealed that a warrant had been issued for his arrest by the Hainesport Municipal Court.  Based upon this information, the officer took the subject into custody and transported him to Hdqtrs for processing.             Upon arrival at Hdqtrs, the officer contacted the NJ State Police who police Hainesport and advised the Trooper of the apprehension of this individual.  Permission was given to release the subject R.O.R.  After processing, the subject was transported to the Light Rail Station in Edgewater Park.
02/14	Officers were dispatched to an apartment on Burlington Avenue in response to a theft complaint.  Upon arrival, the officers met with the caller who reported that while she was asleep a male acquaintance came to her apartment and was apparently given entrance to her apartment by her five-year-old daughter.   She stated that she awakened at approximately 12:20 AM and was advised by her daughter of the male visitor who had left shortly after he arrived.  The victim stated that after spending the day with this individual, she knew that he was aware that she had a large amount of money in her purse as a result of a tax rebate.  She stated that she then searched her purse and learned that the money was missing.  She stated that she could only assume that this individual had taken her money.             After receiving a description of the suspect, the officers searched the area, including the Light Rail Station to no avail.  Since the suspect frequents Camden (he has no known address), PD’s along that line were advised of this incident, with the hope that he might be returned to this PD for questioning.  This request was fruitless. The victim was informed of her options, as regard to this case.
02/14	An officer met with a resident who came to Hdqtrs to report that he had been receiving harassing and threatening telephone calls.  The gentleman reported he had received a threatening call from an individual who identified himself as “Mario Gambino.”  He stated that this individual threatened physical harm to him if he did not desist in his attempts to break up his (the suspect’s) relationship with an unnamed female.  The caller allegedly warned the complainant not to patronize the nightclub that he frequents on Monday nights.  The victim stated that he contacted this nightclub and inquired if employees were familiar with the suspect but was informed that they had no knowledge of this individual.  The victim stated that this was the second telephone call that he had received from this unknown caller.  He stated that he had contacted his telephone company, in an attempt to ascertain the identity of the caller.  The victim was advised to report this incident to this PD by the telephone company.
02/15
02/15	An officer was dispatched to the residence of the above-listed Missing Person’s residence to meet with his son, who wished to file a “Missing Person” report on his father.  Upon arrival, the officer met with the caller who informed him that his father had not been seen nor heard from since February 10th, in spite of numerous attempts to contact him via telephone.  The caller stated that a friend of his father, who resides in Philadelphia, had been contacted by a family member with regard to this matter.  This individual stated that he had not had any contact with the caller’s father either.  The reporter stated that his father had a scheduled appointment with a doctor at the V.A. Hospital in Philadelphia, PA on February 12th.  The caller also advised the officer that his father had planned to attend a birthday party for his great-grandson’s first birthday on February 14th, but failed to attend.             After taking the report, the officer entered the individual’s information into N.C.I.C., after which he contacted the V.A. Hospital.  Upon this inquiry, the officer learned that the “victim” was not scheduled for an appointment at that institution, nor did he present himself a “walk-in” patient.   March 3, 2010 In as much that this case is still under investigation, no further information will be released at this time.
02/16	A resident came to Hdqtrs to report his passport lost or stolen.  The victim stated that on January 15th, he traveled to the Philadelphia Airport to get information with regard to his passport.  He stated that after resolving his inquiry, he returned home.  Later that day he discovered his passport missing and contacted the office which he had visited earlier.  That office had no knowledge of the passport's location.  The victim has been unable to locate the passport since that date.
02/18	A resident came to Hdqtrs to report that she had become a victim of fraud.  She stated that on February 15th, while shopping in Riverside, she dropped her debit card onto the floor of the business, but neither she nor the clerk was able to find it at that time.  The clerk advised her that if she were able to locate it, she would contact her.  She stated that on February 17th, she received notification that multiple transactions had been made using her debit card. In that the victim’s card was lost in Riverside and none of the transactions occurred in this township, the officer had no other recourse but to direct her to Riverside PD, in order to file the report.  The officer did provide the victim with an “Identity Theft Guide.”
02/21	An officer was contacted by an officer of the East Windsor PD who advised him that they had an individual in custody for whom an “Arrest Warrant” had been issued by this Court.  Bail was set at $1000.00 (No 10%).  After learning that the subject was unable to make bail, the officer contacted the Court Administrator, who issued a “Commitment Paper” to the officer in order to incarcerate the prisoner.              The Delanco officer met with the East Windsor officer and took custody of the prisoner.  The prisoner was transported to the Burlington County Jail and incarcerated in default of bail.
02/21	An officer was dispatched to a residence  in the 1000 block of Burlington Avenue to investigate a reported theft.  Upon arrival, the officer met with the victim who advised him that in the two weeks prior to this date, unknown person(s) had entered upon his property and removed several pieces of equipment used in landscaping.  He stated that he initially observed a “pressure washer” missing from its location in his shed on February 10th, but thought he may have left it at his place of employment.  Upon entering the shed on February 21st, he realized that several other tools were missing since February 10th.  The victim, who neither heard nor saw any activity in the vicinity of his shed during this time period, was provided with a “Stolen Property Loss Form,” in order that he might compile a list of stolen property and their corresponding values and identification numbers.  This form is returned to this PD for inclusion in the case file.
02/23	An officer was contacted by an officer of the Riverside PD who advised him that he had an individual in custody for whom an “Arrest Warrant” had been issued by this Court.  Bail was set at $1000.00 (No 10%).  After learning that the subject was unable to make bail, the officer contacted the Court Administrator, who issued a “Commitment Paper” and faxed it to the Burlington County Jail in order to incarcerate the prisoner.  The Delanco officer took custody of the prisoner from Riverside PD and transported him to the Burlington County Jail in default of bail.
02/25	Officers were dispatched to a residence, in reference to a “Domestic Dispute.”  Upon arrival the officers met with the female participant who stated that she resides with her daughter and the daughter’s boyfriend.  She stated that the boyfriend initiated an argument with regard her length of stay with the couple.  She stated that the argument escalated when the male began pushing her.  She stated that she then used her “stun gun” which emits an electrical charge, and which can incapacitate an aggressor when it is placed against the body.  At this time, the officer took possession of the weapon.             While speaking with the male, the officer was told that the argument ensued when his girlfriend’s mother “disrespected” him.  He denied pushing her and accused the female of escalating the argument when she “zapped” him with the stun gun.  This individual stated that he was not injured by this assault.  Both parties were advised of their “Rights,” as they pertain to the “New Jersey Domestic Violence Act.”  Neither party wished to avail themselves of these “Rights.”             While speaking with these individuals, the officer observed a small amount of “greenish-brown” vegetation lying on an end table in the living room.  This vegetation appeared to be marijuana, which the male took responsibility for, after being advised of his “Miranda Warnings.”  Both subjects were taken into custody and transported to Hdqtrs for processing. Upon arrival at Hdqtrs, while processing the subjects, the officer contacted Judge Andronici and informed him of circumstances of the case.  Judge Andronici found “Probable Cause” for issuance of a complaint against the female for “Possession of a Stun Gun,” with bail set at $2000.00 (10% Allowed).  The male was charged with “Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance,” with the subject to be released R.O.R.  After processing, the subjects were released in accordance with the Judge Andronici’s mandate.
05/25	An officer was dispatched to a residence on Holly Street to investigate a “Criminal Mischief” call.  Upon arrival, the officer met with the caller who told him that sometime between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, unknown person(s) had thrown eggs at her home, striking the front of the residence.  She stated that her teenage daughter had been having “problems” with several classmates but knew of no one specifically who might have carried out this act.  She further stated that her daughter was at home when this occurred, but neither heard nor saw anyone commit this act.
05/25	Officers were dispatched to the “7-11” convenience store in response to a past-tense “Shoplifting.”  Upon arrival they met with the store owner who advised them that while reviewing the store’s security recording, he observed a JV male, enter the store and take possession of a pack of batteries and leave the store without paying for them.  The “Duty Sergeant” recognized the JV, based upon prior contacts with the JV.  After reviewing the recording, the officer proceeded to the JV’s residence.  Upon arrival at the JV’s home, the JV answered the officer’s knock on the door, at which time the officer stated that he needed to speak with his parents.  The JV inquired as to why he wished to speak with his parents, to which the officer told him of what had been recorded on the store’s video recording.  At this time the JV denied that he had stolen the batteries.  When the officer stated that he was there to advise his mother of what had transpired at the “7-11” store and to allow his  mother the opportunity to view the recording, the JV stated “All right.  You got me.”  When the JV’s mother entered the room, the officer advised her of the reason for his presence, after which she transported her son to Hdqtrs for processing.  After reading the JV his “Miranda Rights,” in the presence of his mother, the JV admitted to shoplifting the batteries for his “X-Box.”  The JV was processed and released into the custody of his mother.
02/28	A resident came to Hdqtrs to report that she had been assaulted by her teenage son.  She stated that her son had “slapped” her in the face with an open hand.  She stated that due to physical infirmities, she is unable to physically deal with her son.  The officer inquired if she were in need of medical attention, which she declined.  The officer asked if she wished to sign a complaint against her son, which she also declined.  In an attempt to render some sort of assistance to the lady, the officer contacted the “Division of Youth and Family Services” (DYFS) and spoke with a case agent with regard to this situation.  After relating the situation to this representative, the case worker advised the officer that their office would not be responding to the victim’s residence until the following day (Monday, March 1st).  The officer forwarded this information to the victim and provided her with the telephone number with which to contact DYFS.             At approximately 2:00 PM, the officer was dispatched to the residence of the victim in response to a report that the JV was “acting in a violent manner” and breaking up furniture.  Upon arrival, the officer entered the residence through an open garage door, at which time he observed the JV breaking a piece of furniture.  Upon entering the living area, the officer ordered the JV to desist and advised him that he was under arrest.  After taking the JV into custody, the officer transported him to Hdqtrs for processing.  After learning that this JV had a history of violent outbursts, the Delanco Emergency Squad was summoned to the station, in order to transport the subject to the S.C.I.P. (Strategies for Crisis Intervention and Prevention) unit at “Lourdes Medical Center – Willingboro Division.”             The JV was subsequently charged with “Harassment” and “Criminal Mischief” under the “Juvenile Delinquency” laws.