Drunken Driver Goes Airborne, Crashes Into 2 Cars: Berkeley Police Blotter

BERKELEY, NJ — A drunken driver drove up a lawn, went airborne and crashed into two cars, a local business was broken into and ransacked and more throughout the month of August, according to police.

Berkeley police released their monthly blotter for August, outlining the various incidents responded to.

Here is the August blotter, courtesy of Berkeley police and unedited by Patch.

DWI/MVC w/Injuries – On August 2,2025, Patrolman Jared Peters, Patrolman David Summerton, Patrolman Jakob Miller, Patrolman Josh Foca and Sgt. Sean Varady all responded to the area of 23 Moorage Ave. for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival it was discovered that a motor vehicle had driven up the lawn, went airborne and crashed into two parked vehicles in the driveway of the residence. All vehicles involved suffered major damage. The driver of the vehicle, Daniel Burke, 29, of Beachwood, displayed signs of impairment and was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated. Due to injuries sustained by the crash, Burke was transported to CMC for evaluation. Burke was released from CMC and processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated and 4th Degree Contempt. His vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Burke was released pending a future court date.

Warrant/Arrest – On August 5, 2025, Patrolman Brian Flanegan and Patrolman Justin Heffernan responded to Waretown Police Department for Devin Ayers, 26, of Waretown, who was in custody for warrants out of Berkeley Township totaling $1000.00. Ayers was remanded to the Ocean County Jail without incident.

Burglary – On August 8, 2025, Patrolman James Mauncele, Patrolman Nick Bondulich, Patrolman Ricky Zieser, Patrolman Jared Selby and Sgt. Taylor Butler responded to the area of 791 Rt.9 for report of a burglary. Upon arrival it was discovered that a back window into the business was broken, and the inside of the business was ransacked. Two cash registers were damaged, and money was stolen. Video footage was obtained. Detective Derek Mayer and Detective Shane Leighton arrived on scene to investigate. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact Berkeley Township Police Detective Derek Mayer (732)341-1132 ext. 2111 or Detective Shane Leighton (732)341-1132 ext. 2122. This incident is under active investigation.

DUI/Possession/Warrants/Arrest – On August 16,2025, Patrolman Ryan Wahl, Patrolman Steven Scaturro, Patrolman Josh Foca and Sgt. Sean Varady responded to 220 Rt.9/Wawa for a report of a male slumped behind the wheel at the gas pumps. Upon arrival the male, who was identified as Kenneth Heiser, 44, of Forked River, was found to be impaired. Patrolmen observed drug paraphernalia and CDS in plain view. Upon further investigation it was learned that Heiser had warrants out of Manchester and Lakehurst. Heiser was transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Possession of CDS, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Heiser’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with Johns Law. Heiser was remanded to OCJ without incident.

MVA/DWI/Arrest – On August 18, 2025, Patrolman Ed Hendrickson and Patrolman William Shoemaker responded to the area of Jamaica Blvd. for a report of a two-car motor vehicle crash. No injuries were reported. Upon arrival it was learned that a silver 2010 Chevy Malibu (vehicle 1) made an improper U-turn and crashed into a white 2014 Chrysler 200 (vehicle 2) Vehicle 2 had damage to the rear driver’s side door and tire, vehicle 1 had damage to the front bumper. Upon further investigation, the driver of vehicle 1 was identified as John Reeves. Reeves was found to be under the influence of alcoholic beverages. Reeves was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Careless driving, Failure to Exhibit Documents, Reckless Driving, Improper U-turn, Open Containers of Alcohol in Vehicle and Uninsured Vehicle. Reeves vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Reeves was released pending a future court date.

Fire – On August 24, 2025, Patrolman Mikki Baranyay, Patrolman Justin Heffernan and Sgt. Jerry Bacon responded to the area of Jamaica Blvd. for a report of a fire. Upon arrival Patrolmen found a fire in the bathroom garbage can. Manitou Fire arrived on scene to assist. Minimal damage was observed on the flooring. Sgt. Jerry Bacon, Berkeley Fire Chief, Fire Official and Detective Michael Riccardelli responded to further investigate. The fire was found to be caused by a cigarette that was improperly extinguished.

DWI/Arrest – On August 30, 2025, Patrolman Anthony Tuminaro conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2014 gray Honda Accord for aggressive driving near the area of Central Ave. Upon arrival, the driver of the vehicle, who was identified as John Fox, 71, of Berkley Heights, was driving under the influence. Fox was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Careless Driving and Reckless Driving. Fox’s vehicle was impounded in accordance with John’s Law. Fox was released pending a future court date.