Berkeley Police Charge Whiting Man With Illegal Dumping

BERKELEY TOWNSHIP, NJ - Berkeley police recently arrested a Whiting man and charged him with illegal dumping on private property, Police Chief Karin T. DiMichele said.

Patrolman Brian Flanegan responded to the area of Grant Concourse on an illegal dumping report at 12:15 p.m. on Jan. 12. He found a large pile of construction debris dumped on private property. Further investigation revealed that an area resident got the license plate of the vehicle used in the dumping, the chief said.

Flanegan and Sergeant Joseph Robertazzi tracked the vehicle's owner to a Forked River address. They learned that the vehicle owner had lent his truck to a friend, identified as Christopher Montanez, 27, Westport Drive, Whiting. Manchester Police responded to the Westport Drive address and left a note for Mr. Montanez to contact the Berkeley Township Police Department, DiMichele said.

Montanez arrived at the Berkeley Township Police Department at 4:45 p.m., where he was charged with illegal dumping.

Montanez was processed and later released on a special complaint summons. He voluntarily cleaned up the area of the dumping, the chief said.

Residents are reminded to report suspicious activity by calling the Berkeley Township Police Department at 732-341-1132, ext. 611. TIPS can be anonymous. Those requesting immediate emergency response should call 911.

Photo: Patricia A. Miller