Berkeley Heights Police Blotter: Car Chase Leads to Arrest

This the latest police blotter from the Berkeley Heights police department.

Chase Ends in Arrest

On Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 11:34 pm, Sgt. William Ives arrested Frank Russo, 27, of Northampton PA.

Russo was the operator of a 2002 Honda motorcycle that Sgt Ives attempted to stop on Diamond Hill Road for a motor vehicle violation. When Sgt. Ives activated his emergency lights and siren, Russo refused to stop and initiated a pursuit.

The pursuit continued south onto Bonnie Burn Rd and west on to Rt. 22 when Sgt. Ives terminated the pursuit in North Plainfield. Greenbrook Police then advised Berkeley Heights headquarters that they had the suspected motorcycle stopped along Rt. 22 west after it had become disabled.

Sgt. Ives responded to the location and placed Russo under arrest at which time he was transported to police headquarters, processed and charged with eluding police, unclear license plates and reckless driving. Russo was then given a court date to appear in Union County Superior Court and released on his own recognizance.

Plainfield Man Faces DUI

On Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 10:49 pm, Ptl. Ron DeSimoni arrested Mark W. Whitner, 53, of Plainfield.

Whitner was the operator of a 1980 Mercedes that was stopped for erratic driving. A subsequent investigation by Ptl. DeSimoni revealed that Whitner was intoxicated at which time he was brought to police headquarters for processing. Whitner was charged with failure to maintain lane, use of cell phone while driving, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, careless driving and driving while intoxicated.

Whitner was then released into the custody of a friend with a court date to appear in Berkeley Heights Municipal Court.

Bike Rack Stolen From Vehicle

On Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 10:49 pm, Ptl. Donato Minicozzi investigated a reported theft at a Plainfield Avenue residence in the 100 block. The victim reported that his bicycle rack, valued at approximately $80.00, was stolen from the rear of his vehicle sometime within the past 24 hours. The matter has been referred to the Investigations Division.

The following individuals were arrested on outstanding warrants:

Sunday, July 24, 2011 Richard A. Pedicini - 39 yrs old from Elizabeth. $250 Warrant out of Morristown - Posted bail and released.

Monday, July 25, 2011 - Michael J. Mendez - 21 yrs. old - Linden

$279 Warrant out of Cranford. Posted bail and released.

Weds, July 27, 2011 - Michael D. McFarlane - 26 yrs. old Plainfield - $3,688 Total from the following jurisdictions: Bridgewater, Newark, Seaside Heights, Elizabeth, Rahway, and Mansfield Township. Released to Bridgewater PD.