Berkeley Heights Police Blotter

On Friday, March 4, 2011 at 3:52 pm, Sgt. Robert Deitch arrested Timothy F. Sweeney, 24, of Dunellen.  Sweeney, the operator of a 2000 Nissan, was stopped for motor vehicle violations.  Officers observed a metal grinder in plain view and subsequent search revealed marijuana in the motor vehicle.  Sweeney was brought to police headquarters, processed and charged with possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and several motor vehicle violations. He was given a date to appear in Berkeley Heights Municipal Court and released.

On Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 12:00 am, Ptl. Ron DeSimoni arrested Leroy Smiley III, 39, of Newark.  Smiley was the operator of a 1998 Kia which was reported to police headquarters as an erratic driver.  Ptl. DeSimoni stopped Smiley on Plainfield Ave. at which time it was determined that he was intoxicated.  Smiley was brought to police headquarters, processed and charged with driving while intoxicated and careless driving.  He was then released the following morning into the custody of a friend.

On Tuesday, March 8, 2011 Detective Michael Delia investigated a report of a theft at Governor Livingston High School.  The investigation revealed that an Apple I phone valued at $700.00 was taken from a locker room sometime during the afternoon of March 7th.  The matter is currently under investigation.

On Tuesday, March 8, 2011 at 2:12 pm, Sgt. Brad Countryman investigated a reported theft at a Snyder Avenue doctor’s office.  The victim reported that a wooden sign valued at approximately $700.00 was taken sometime over the weekend from in front of his place of business.  The matter has been referred to the Investigations Division.

On Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at 12:00 am, Ptl. William Fettes arrested Kenneth E. Branch, 49, of Poughkeepsie, NY, and Annette D. Banner, 37 of Brooklyn, NY.  Banner was the operator of a 2006 Chevy Pickup truck that was stopped on Diamond Hill Road for an illegal turn.  During the stop, Ptl. Fettes detected an odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.  A subsequent search of the interior of the vehicle revealed a loaded .380 caliber handgun and a small amount of marijuana.  Both individuals were brought to police headquarters, processed and charged with unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of under 50 grams of marijuana.  Banner was released with a court date to appear in Union County Superior Court.  Bail was set at $15,000.00 on Branch and he was released with a court date to appear in Union County Superior Court after posting bail.

On Wednesday, March 9. 2011 at 9:41 pm, Ptl. Ed Gaffney arrested John D. Miller, 18, of Berkeley Heights.  Miller was found to be in possession of marijuana after Ptl. Gaffney responded to a report of vehicles which were parked on Garfield Street.  As Miller exited his vehicle, Ptl. Gaffney observed him drop two small clear bags and cigar wrappers on the ground.  A subsequent search of the motor vehicle revealed a small amount to marijuana.  Miller was brought to police headquarters, processed and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of CDS in a motor vehicle.  He was then released and given a court date to appear in Berkeley Heights Municipal Court.