Category: Berkeley

Berkeley, Mercer County, Ocean County, Toms River, Trenton

Three from Toms River and Trenton Charged with Strict Liability Drug Induced Death

November 30, 2023

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on November 14, 2023, Michael Wormann, 38 of Toms River, Ryan Thompson, 35, of Trenton, and Tina Martinez, 61, also of Trenton, were charged with Strict Liability Drug Induced Death, in connection with the death of a 55-year-old male in Berkeley Township on September 29, 2023.

On September 29, 2023, Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to a residence on Torrey Pines Drive for a report of an unresponsive male.  Upon arrival, Officers discovered the body of the victim – already deceased from an apparent drug overdose.

A continuing investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, and Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, revealed that Wormann, Thompson, and Martinez, were involved in the distribution of Fentanyl to the victim on September 28, 2023.

On September 30, 2023, Wormann was initially charged with Distribution of Fentanyl, Possession of Less than One-Half Ounce of Fentanyl with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of Fentanyl.  He was taken into custody without incident at his residence by Berkeley Township Police Officers, and released on a summons pending a future appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.

On October 17, 2023, Martinez was initially charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl.  She was taken into custody without incident at her residence in Trenton, transported to New Jersey State Police Headquarters in Trenton, and released on a summons pending a future appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.

On October 20, 2023, Thompson was likewise charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl.  He was taken into custody without incident at his residence in Trenton, and subsequently transported to the Ocean County Jail where he was lodged pending a detention hearing.

Further investigation and toxicology analysis recently received by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the presence of fentanyl in the victim’s system.  Based upon the toxicology analysis, the Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office opined that the fentanyl found in the victim’s system was the cause of his death.  As a consequence, Wormann, Thompson and Martinez were all charged with Strict Liability Induced Death on November 14, 2023.  

On November 14, 2023, Thompson was served with the additional charge as noted above by way of warrant at the Ocean County Jail, where he remains detained pending trial.

On November 15, 2023, Wormann surrendered himself on the additional charge at Berkeley Township Police Headquarters. He was processed, transported to the Ocean County Jail, and subsequently released as a consequence of New Jersey Bail Reform.

On November 30, 2023, Martinez was taken into custody without incident on the new charge at her residence in Trenton by Detectives from the Berkeley Township Police Department and Trenton City Police Department.  She was transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she presently remains lodged pending a detention hearing.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Strike Force, Berkeley Township Police Department, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Trenton City Police Department, New Jersey State Police, and Ocean County Medical Examiner’s Office, for their combined and collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.

The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

R.P.C.  3.6(b)(6).

Berkeley, Lacey, Ocean County

Plane Crash Starts 831+ Acre Wildfire In Ocean County

September 4, 2023 UPDATE:

WILDFIRE UPDATE: Airpark Wildfire – Miller Airpark – Lacey Twp, Ocean County

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has made substantial progress in containing a wildfire burning in the area of the Robert J. Miller Airpark in Lacey Twp.

The wildfire has grown to 831 acres and is 70% contained.

ROAD CLOSURES:
⚠️ Dover Rd is closed from Lacey Rd to Pinewald Keswick Rd
⚠️ Mule Rd is closed from Lacey Rd to Pinewald Keswick Rd

STRUCTURES THREATENED
⚠️ 25 structures threatened

Structure protection is being provided by local volunteer fire companies. We thank them for their assistance.

September 3, 2023

LACEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Sometime around 11:30 p.m. September 2, 2023 the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office received a report of smoke in the area of the Miller Air Park, Ocean County Airport (MJX), in Lacey Township near the border with Berkeley Township. The New Jersey Forrest Fire Service responded and found a small plane down in the woods on fire near the Miller Air Park and found a victim. The fire spread to the wood creating wildfire conditions in the area. Numerous surrounding fire departments responded with a task force for structural protection in the area. The Federal Aviation Administration and the New Jersey State Police RIC had officers responded. There were no survivors on the aircraft.

This is still an active scene further details to follow as information becomes available.

Midjersey.news photo

Lacey Township Police report:

Multiple agencies are involved managing an active forest fire in Lacey Township. Currently, Dover Road is closed from Lacey Road to Pinewald Keswick Road. Mule Road is closed from Lacey Road to Pinewald Keswick Road. There will be a noticeable presence of fire personnel in the area. Please avoid these areas.

Anticipate additional road closures throughout the day due to heavy smoke conditions in these areas.

There are no evacuations required at this point.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service Reports

WILDFIRE ALERT: Airpark Wildfire – Miller Air Park – Lacey Twp, Ocean County

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service is responding to a wildfire burning in the area of the Miller Air Park in Lacey Twp.

ROAD CLOSURES:
⚠️ Dover Rd is closed from Lacey Rd to Pinewald Keswick Rd
⚠️ Mule Rd is closed from Pinewald Keswick Rd

Please avoid the area at this time.

FlightRadar24 shows a plane in the area of time of the reported smoke condition fall off radar in the area of the wildfire. (Note in UTC Time to Eastern Time is 10:17 p.m.)

Berkeley, Ocean County

Fatal Berkeley Township Fire Ruled Accidental

July 21, 2023

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that on July 20, 2023, at approximately 1:50 p.m., the Berkeley Township Police Department and Berkeley Township Fire Departments were dispatched to a structure fire at 1 Miles Pond Road in Berkeley Township.  During fire suppression efforts, the deceased body of a 77 year-old female victim was discovered in the dining room of the structure.    

A thorough and extensive investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Berkeley Township Bureau of Fire Prevention, determined that the fire originated in the kitchen of the structure – more specifically in the dishwasher – and that a failure of energized electrical equipment cannot be eliminated as the cause of the fire. The cause of the fire has been ruled accidental.    

“We have been unable to locate any next of kin for the victim that perished in this fire.  Anyone in possession of information concerning this victim who resided at 1 Miles Pond Rd., including any family members, please contact Detective John Doran of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office at 732-929-2027, extension 3524,” Prosecutor Billhimer stated.    

Prosecutor Billhimer acknowledges the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Berkeley Township Bureau of Fire Prevention, for their combined and cooperative efforts in connection with this fire suppression and investigation.

Barnegat Light, Berkeley, Ocean County

Coast Guard rescues two from aground vessel off the coast of Ocean County, N.J.

April 4, 2023

Berkeley Township, NJ (Ocean)–The Coast Guard rescued two mariners Monday night after their vessel ran aground off the coast of Ocean County, New Jersey. 

Coast Guard watchstanders received an initial alert over channel 16 via VHF-FM radio and attempted to make callouts but were unsuccessful. As units prepared to respond, the Coast Guard received a report from the New Jersey State Police that a 38-foot vessel ran aground on the north jetty of Barnegat Inlet. 

Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light launched a 45-foot response boat medium and a 27-foot utility boat.

Once on scene, the crew of the 27-foot utility boat brought the two mariners aboard and transported them back to Station Barnegat Light where EMS awaited. Station Barnegat Light confirmed that the operator of the vessel made the previous call over VHF-FM channel 16.

The mariners were in stable condition and were released.

Seaside Park Fire responded shoreside with a shallow watercraft to confirm the vessel ran aground on a sand bed and that there were no signs of pollution. The vessel was removed Tuesday morning by a commercial provider and taken to a local marina for repair.

“With better weather approaching we anticipate more vessels to be out so we’re encouraging all mariners to be properly prepared,” said Operations Specialist Timothy Weitzel, operations unit watchstander at Sector Delaware Bay. “Inspecting gear, checking the weather before your trip, and planning accordingly are key components to ensuring you and your passengers all have a safe and fun voyage. Giving a friend or family member a float plan that includes your itinerary, vessel description, contact information, and who is traveling with you is another tool to ensure you’re accounted for. Making a safety plan in case of emergencies won’t take long, and knowing what steps to take could be the difference between life and death.”

A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from U.S. Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light, in Ocean County, New Jersey, is shown here passing through Barnegat Inlet and into the Atlantic Ocean, Aug. 8, 2021. U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class David Weydert

USCG File Photo

Berkeley, Lakehurst, Marlboro, Monmouth County, Ocean County, State of NJ, Toms River

Ex-NJ State Police Sergeant Sentenced to Five Years in Prison After Using NJSP Identification While Suspended to Get Out of Traffic Stops

March 30, 2023

FREEHOLD — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced that a former member of the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) has been sentenced to prison time without the possibility of parole, after a jury found him guilty of misusing an NJSP identification card, which he should not have had in his possession, in order to get out of a series of police traffic stops in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Ex-NJSP Sgt. Marc Dennis, 51, of Waretown, was sentenced on charges of official misconduct and a pattern of official misconduct. State Superior Court Judge Lourdes Lucas, presiding in Monmouth County, ordered Dennis to serve five years in state prison, during which he will be ineligible for parole.

When Dennis was suspended by the State Police in September 2016, he was ordered to surrender his NJSP identifications and was relieved of his law enforcement powers. But an investigation by the state Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) and the NJSP Office of Professional Standards revealed that he improperly retained a State Police identification he had been issued, and was presenting it to officers who pulled him over on at least nine occasions, all while he was suspended from duty.

“This defendant used a State Police ID he improperly retained after a suspension to benefit himself by violating the public’s trust,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “I am deeply grateful for the commitment, sacrifice and upstanding character that the vast majority of our state’s law enforcement officers exhibit on and off the job. We will not tolerate abusive behavior by one bad actor reflecting poorly on the numerous officers abiding by the law, upholding it and making New Jersey safer.”

“This ousted sergeant improperly and deceitfully posed as an active-duty member of the State Police to law enforcement during traffic stops to get favorable treatment,” said OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher. “The court’s decision in this case was a just outcome and illustrates that no one is above the law.”

Dennis’ initial suspension and charges dated to September 2016, stemming from his job performance. He was accused of failing to follow State Police procedures while claiming otherwise in official records and certifications.

When he was suspended, Dennis was told to hand over his NJSP identifications. OPIA investigators found he surrendered most of them, but not all: he held onto a NJSP ID that he had obtained after reporting in January 2016 that he had lost his wallet. The investigation found that the defendant was making use of that ID, in spite of his suspension and pending criminal case, by presenting it to police officers who pulled him over in Marlboro, Toms River, Berkeley Township, Lakehurst and elsewhere. The defendant was stopped nine times from the date of his suspension, September 19, 2016, through April 2018, and during those stops he had shown that ID and presented himself as an active member of the NJSP.

Following his trial, on May 10, 2022, a jury convicted Dennis of one count each of second-degree official misconduct, second-degree pattern of official misconduct, and third-degree theft by unlawful taking in connection with his misuse of his ID to avoid motor vehicle citations.

After hearing extensive arguments from both sides at the Monmouth County Courthouse in Freehold on March 15, 2023, Judge Lucas sentenced the defendant on both the official misconduct and pattern of official misconduct counts, with the sentences to run concurrently, and merged the theft count. The court also ordered that the defendant forfeit his pension and job, and banned him from public employment for life.

The sentencing was handled by Deputy Attorney General Sherrod Smith and OPIA Deputy Director Anthony Picione, under the supervision of OPIA Executive Director Thomas Eicher.

Defense attorneys

Eric Todd Kanefsky, Gregory Mullens and Gianna Bove, of Calcagni & Kanefsky, Newark.

Berkeley, Ocean County

Police Say Fire Investigation Indicates Accidental Fire In Berkeley Township, NJ

December 9, 2022

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Police say that yesterday December 8. 2022 at 9:30 p.m., Berkeley Township Police Officers were dispatched to Southamton Rd in the Silver Ridge Section of Berkeley Township for a reported structure fire. Patrolman Richard Zieser was the first officer on scene and notified dispatch that the house and several vehicles were fully engulfed.

Patrolman Zieser and Patrolman Tasso immediately made sure that all occupants of the residence as well as surrounding residences were evacuated to safety.

The Manitou Park Fire Department, Bayville Fire Department, Pinewald Pioneer Fire Department and the Toms River Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the blaze.

Berkeley Township EMS and South Toms River EMS assisted on scene and transported the homeowners to Community Medical Center for smoke inhalation.

The Fire was investigated by Ocean County Fire Marshall’s Office as well as Berkeley Township Detectives.

Preliminary investigation indicated the fire to have been accidental. The fire appeared to have started in the garage of the residence before spreading to the rest of the house and to the vehicles located in the driveway.

Berkeley, Ocean County

Search Resumes For Missing 59-Year-Old Female On Island Beach State Park At Area 22

June 14, 2022

UPDATE: Sources tell MidJersey.News that a body was found in the water just off the beach at Island Beach State Park just after 12:00 p.m. today and a recovery operation was underway. Check back for updates.

A NJDEP Spokesperson did verify that a body was found at 11:05 a.m.

Updated with the latest information:

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–A spokesperson from the NJ Department of Environmental Protection stated that a multi-agency search for a 59-year-old woman reported missing late yesterday after entering the ocean at Island Beach State Park resumed this morning. Coordinated by New Jersey State Park Police, agencies participating in the search efforts are the U.S. Coast Guard, New Jersey State Police Aviation Unit, Berkely Township Police, the Ocean Beach Fire Department, the Seaside Park Fire Department, the Seaside Heights Fire Department, the Lavallette Fire Department and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office. New Jersey State Park Police were made aware of a missing person in the A22 area of the park around 8:20 p.m. Monday. A man reported that his wife had entered the water south of A22 and had not returned. A search was immediately launched on land and on the water. The search was suspended at midnight and resumed at 8 a.m. today.

Earlier MidJersey.News story here:

Search For Missing Person On Island Beach State Park

Photos by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response

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Berkeley, Ocean County

Search For Missing Person On Island Beach State Park

Update:

Search Resumes For Missing 59-Year-Old Female On Island Beach State Park At Area 22

June 14, 2022

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 8:45 p.m. last night June 13, 2022, Seaside Heights and Seaside Park Fire Departments were requested to respond to Island Beach State Park for a search for a missing person. Rescue crews started their search in Area 22 and NJ State Police and U.S. Coast Guard Helicopters were requested for assistance.

Ocean County Stations 45 – Seaside Park Fire Department, 44 – Seaside Heights Fire Department, 69 – Lavallette Fire Department, 27 – Ocean Beach Fire Department and 53 – Island Heights Fire Department all responded.

MidJersey.News has reached out to the NJ Park Police for details and when public information becomes available the story will be updated.

Photos by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response

Don’t forget to subscribe to our e-mail list (subscribe on the right bar of the website), Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Send photos into MidJersey.News by using the contact form and we will send you the email address to send them. The photos must be your original work and not taken by someone else or to be used without permission from the artist. Gas is +/- $5.00 a gallon and we can’t get to as many things as we would like to so all the help we can get is appreciated. This is a volunteer news site run by journalists as a public service to cover areas of NJ where traditional news agencies ignored.

Support us by buying us coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/midjerseynews

Berkeley, Lakewood, Ocean County

Egg Harbor Man Sentenced To NJ State Prison For Aggravated Arson

June 3, 2022

Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced on June 3, 2022, that Jamal Preston, 27, of Egg Harbor Township, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., to seven years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) as a result of a previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Arson – by purposely or knowingly placing another in danger of death or bodily injury – in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(1). This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2, meaning that Preston will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. Judge Ryan also sentenced Preston to seven years NJSP in connection with a previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Arson – with purpose to destroy the building or structure of another – in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(2), these charges arose out of an incident that occurred in Lakewood Township on August 22, 2020. Finally Judge Ryan sentenced Preston to eighteen months NJSP in connection to a previously entered guilty plea to an unrelated charge of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, in connection with an incident that occurred two days earlier in Berkeley Township on August 20, 2020. The sentences will run concurrently. Preston pled guilty to all charges before Judge Ryan on January 13, 2022.

On August 22, 2020, Officers from the Lakewood Township Police Department responded to a report of a fire at a residence in Lakewood. An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, and New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s K-9 Unit, determined that the fire had been intentionally set utilizing an ignitable liquid and an open flame. Further investigation determined that Preston intentionally set the fire while the residence was occupied by three individuals. Preston fled the scene, but was arrested at a motel in Absecon by the United States Marshals Service on August 31, 2020. He has been lodged in the Ocean County Jail since the date of his apprehension.

On August 20, 2020, Preston was involved in an altercation with another individual in the Manitou Park section of Berkeley Township. When Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to the scene, Preston was found to be in possession of a knife. He was taken into custody, charged on a summons, and released pending a future court date.

Prosecutor Billhimer commends the diligent efforts of Senior Assistant Prosecutor Meghan O’Neill who is handled the case on behalf of the State, as well as the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit-Arson Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office High Tech Crime Unit, Lakewood Township Police Department, Lakewood Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, Ocean County Fire Marshal’s Office, New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s K-9 Unit, United States Marshals Service, Egg Harbor Township Police Department Detective Bureau, Berkeley Township Police Department, Berkeley Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and South Toms River Police Department, for their collaborative assistance in connection with this investigation leading to Preston’s apprehension, guilty pleas, and now his state prison sentence.

Egg Harbor Man Indicted For Attempted Murder And Aggravated Arson In Lakewood
Jamal Preston, 27, of Egg Harbor Township

Jamal Preston, 27, of Egg Harbor Township, was sentenced by the Honorable Guy P. Ryan, J.S.C., to seven years New Jersey State Prison (NJSP) as a result of a previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Arson – by purposely or knowingly placing another in danger of death or bodily injury – in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(1). This sentence will be subject to the terms of the No Early Release Act, N.J.S.A. 2C:43-7.2, meaning that Preston will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his prison sentence before he may be considered for parole eligibility. Judge Ryan also sentenced Preston to seven years NJSP in connection with a previously entered guilty plea to Aggravated Arson – with purpose to destroy the building or structure of another – in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1a(2), these charges arose out of an incident that occurred in Lakewood Township on August 22, 2020. Finally Judge Ryan sentenced Preston to eighteen months NJSP in connection to a previously entered guilty plea to an unrelated charge of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5d, in connection with an incident that occurred two days earlier in Berkeley Township on August 20, 2020. The sentences will run concurrently. Preston pled guilty to all charges before Judge Ryan on January 13, 2022.

Barnegat Light, Berkeley, Ocean County

Coast Guard rescues overdue boater near Barnegat Inlet, N.J.

March 8, 2022

BARNEGAT LIGHT, NJ (OCEAN)–The Coast Guard rescued an 80-year-old man from a 16-foot boat that ran aground near Barnegat Inlet, Monday. 

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay received a report from the son of the overdue boater stating that his father had not returned home at sunset. The son also informed watchstanders that his father departed without communication devices, having only a life jacket and whistle onboard his vessel. 

Coast Guard members from Station Barnegat Light and Air Station Atlantic City along with a New Jersey State police aviation unit responded to the report. New Jersey State Police located the man and the Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew hoisted him to safety, transporting him to Island Beach State Park where EMS was standing by.

“This case really emphasized the importance of letting someone know your whereabouts before you get underway,” said Cmdr. Brett Workman, Sector Delaware Bay Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator. “The family knew where he was departing from, where he planned to go, and when he was expected to return. Since his family knew his float plan, we knew where to look, and were ultimately able to locate and rescue him. In addition to letting someone know your float plan, it is always recommended that mariners have reliable means of communication when they are on the water.”

Recent training photograph from USCG Barnegat Light by BMC Paulino — USCG Facebook Page
Berkeley, Fishing, Ocean County, Outdoors

Commercial Fishing Vessel Runs Aground On Island Beach State Park Near A-23

October 9, 2021 — Updated

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–A 10:00 p.m. a witness noticed a fishing vessel run aground on Island Beach State Park in Area 23. The witness and 9-1-1 caller stated that it appeared the the vessel lost power and drifted onto shore. According to other sources there were three aboard and no injuries reported.

Last night, watchstanders at the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay command center received notification via channel 16 from a 68-foot fishing vessel stating that the vessel had three people aboard and ran aground on the beach off #BarnegatLight. A 47-foot Motor Lifeboat boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light arrived on scene and confirmed that the mariners were not in immediate distress.The Sector Delaware Bay command center maintained communication with the vessel throughout the night.The boatcrew from Station Barnegat Light, Towboat US, and Shamrock Marine Towing and Salvage are currently on scene assisting the vessel.

As of right now, we know that a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Coast Guard Station Barnegat Light is on scene with the vessel. Towboat US and another local towing and salvage company are also currently assisting the vessel.  — USCG District 5 Public Affairs

The vessel is marked “Bear” and home port appears to be Barnegat Light, NJ according to the Boat Database and USCG Maritime Information Exchange, Port State Information Exchange. https://cgmix.uscg.mil/psix/psixsearch.aspx

Vessel Information:Vessel Particulars:
Vessel Name: BEAR
Primary Vessel Number: 674417 (Official Number (U.S.))
Hull Identification Number: N/A
Manufacturer Hull Number: N/A
IMO Number: N/A
Vessel Flag: UNITED STATES
Vessel Call Sign: WDD6926		Service: Commercial Fishing Vessel
Length: 68.00 ft
Breadth: 19.00 ft
Depth: 8.00 ft
Build Year: 1984
Alternate VINs:CG246444 (Coast Guard Number)
Service Information:Tonnage Information:
Service Status: Active
Out Of Service Date: N/A
Last Removed From Service By: N/A		Cargo Authority: N/A
Tonnage:72 – Simplified, Gross Ton57 – Simplified, Net Ton
Vessel Documents and Certifications
DocumentAgencyDate IssuedExpiration DateCERTIFICATE OF DOCUMENTATIONUSCGJanuary 15,2021February 28,2022Fishing Vessel DecalN/AMarch 10,2020March 10,2022
Berkeley, Ocean County, Seaside Park

Two Rescued From Sailboat That Ran Aground In South Seaside Park

September 25, 2021

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, SEASIDE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 6:45 p.m., Seaside Park along with Seaside Heights were dispatched to 14th Avenue Beach for a boater in distress, the vessel was located in South Seaside Park-Berkley Township off 5th Lane Midway Beach. First reports from PD were that the boat was 100 yards offshore doing circles with the 3-4 swell it was slowly pushed in. Seaside Park & Seaside Heights deployed their rescues swimmers into the ocean as there were two victims onboard the vessel. Batting the surf the water rescue team was quickly able to get them off the vessel and to safely. Two victims were removed and checked by Toms River EMS. It is unknown what caused the power failure at this time.

Just after 11:00 p.m. the Seaside Park Fire Department was dispatched back to the beach for a “boat fire” No boat fire was found but it was reported that the sailboat was out of the water and on the beach.

Photos, video and story by: Ryan Mack, Jersey Shore Fire Response

Berkeley, Ocean County

Tragic Loss At The Jersey Shore As Lightning Claims Lifeguard And Injures 7 Others

August 31, 2021

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP – SOUTH SEASIDE PARK, NJ (OCEAN)—Berkley Township Police have released the name of the lifeguard killed in a lighting strike yesterday as 19 year old Keith Pinto of Toms River, NJ. According to Pinto’s Facebook page he attended Ocean County Community College and was a graduate of Toms River High School North.

Yesterday August 30, 2021 at approximately 4:35 p.m. the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to the 21st Avenue Beach in the South Seaside Park section for a report of a lighting strike involving multiple people on the beach. Upon arrival, first aid and advanced life support was immediately rendered to the victims.

It was determined that a total of 8 victims, four of which were lifeguards, were reported to have been either struck or were injured from the residual lighting strike. One of the victims, a Berkeley Township lifeguard, Keith Pinto 19 of Toms River, succumbed to his injuries. The remaining victims were triaged and treated for their injuries at surrounding hospitals. The investigation into this tragic incident is ongoing.

Berkeley Township Mayor Carmen Amato issued the following statement regarding the fatal lightning strike in South Seaside Park today.

“This is a tragic and heartbreaking day for our town and the entire Jersey Shore.”

“This young person was out there every day protecting the lives of others. Our lifeguard teams, like so many along the shore, develop special connections with our community throughout the summer, which makes this loss even greater.”

“On behalf of myself and our entire community, I offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of this young man.”

Berkley Township’s ocean beaches will be closed for swimming but open for sunbathers Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday as beach staff and lifeguards will be off. Crisis Counselors will be available for beach staff employees.

Governor Phil Murphy released a statement this evening: “Our hearts are with the family and friends of the young lifeguard killed by today’s horrific lightning strike on the beach in Berkeley Township, and we pray for a full recovery for those injured. I’ve spoken to Mayor Carmen Amato and offered the full support and assistance of our administration during this difficult time.”

A GofundMe has been set up at this link:

Words cannot describe how so many of us are feeling right now. We lost a special guy tonight, one who was so close and meant so much to so many people. Keith passed away after being struck by lightning while he was working his lifeguarding shift. A complete tragedy that nobody would have ever expected to happen. It would be impossible to get it all into words how much our friend meant to us but we all know how amazing he was. Keith has left behind an overwhelming amount of amazing memories that will live in our hearts forever. All donations will go directly to Keith’s family for the proper goodbye that he deserves. Our hearts are broken by what happened and all our love and support goes out to the Pinto family and all others affected by this tragedy. We’re gonna miss you so much brother❤️#LLK

Yesterday’s MidJersey.news story: Lighting Strike Kills Lifeguard Injures 7 Others In Berkley Township

This is the second fatal lifeguard accident at the Jersey Shore this year only 10 days ago on August 20, 2021 a 16 year old lifeguard in Cape May died from injuries from a lifeboat accident.

Berkeley, Ocean County, Seaside Park

Lighting Strike Kills Lifeguard Injures 7 Others In Berkley Township

August 30, 2021

Update: Tragic Loss At The Jersey Shore As Lightning Claims Lifeguard And Injures 7 Others

BERKLEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Around 4:35 p.m. thunderstorm moving though the area approximately 4 miles to the north of Berkley Township in the Lavallette area generated a lighting bolt that hit the beach in the area of 21st Avenue. This area of Berkley Township is also known as South Seaside Park. The lighting bolt hit a Berkley Township lifeguard who was later pronounced dead and the bolt also injured at least seven more people. Rescue efforts were made and a helicopter was called, other victims of the lighting strike were transported to Community Medical Center, RWJ Barnabas Health in Toms River. The victims were transported by multiple EMS agencies operating at the scene.

Governor Phil Murphy released a statement this evening: “Our hearts are with the family and friends of the young lifeguard killed by today’s horrific lightning strike on the beach in Berkeley Township, and we pray for a full recovery for those injured. I’ve spoken to Mayor Carmen Amato and offered the full support and assistance of our administration during this difficult time.”

This is the second fatal lifeguard accident at the Jersey Shore this year only 10 days ago on August 20, 2021 a 16 year old lifeguard in Cape May died from injuries from a lifeboat accident.

The last lighting death in NJ was on June 9 when 70 year old golfer was killed at Burlington Country Club in Westampton, NJ. 2021 Lightning Fatalities by State

Berkeley, Ocean County

Non-Fatal Police Shooting Under Investigation In Berkley Township

BERKLEY TOWNSHIP, NJ (OCEAN)–Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer announced that the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit are currently investigating a non-fatal officer involved shooting that occurred in Berkeley Township on August 1, 2021 at approximately 11:30 a.m.  No further information may be released at this time pursuant to New Jersey Attorney General Directive No. 2006-5; a public statement will be released upon completion of the investigation, with the approval of the Attorney General.