Arresting News: Contempt, Non-Support

The following arrests on contempt of court charges were reported by the Middletown police.

• Daniel Hayes, 32, of Johnson Avenue in Matawan, was arrested on April 19 by Patrolman Charles Higgins on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court and on a non-support warrant issued by the Monmouth County Superior Court.

He was held pending a court date.

• Jesse Ballard, 24, of Birchwood Lane in Middletown, was arrested on April 20 by Patrolman Jason Andrews on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $258.00 bail.

• Kevin Finnegan, 54, of Walter Street in Keansburg, was arrested on April 19 by Patrolman Jason Andrews on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

He was held on $1,000 bail.

• Robert Difortuna, 35, of Normandy Court in Middletown, was arrested on April 20 by Patrolman John Soltysik on a contempt of court warrant issued by the West Long Branch Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $500 bail.

Stacy Milanes, 27, of South Hope Chapel Road in Jackson, was arrested on April 20 by Patrolman Ricardo Cruz on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Middletown Municipal Court.

She was released after posting $250 bail.

• Jose Padro, 18, of 7th Avenue in Long Branch, was arrested on April 22 by Patrolman Joshua Midose on a contempt of court warrant issued by the Eatontown Municipal Court.

He was released after posting $200 bail.

Rewind: FH Chief Breckenridge’s Police Unity Tour Ride

Fair Haven Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge and daughter Witney at the Police Unity Tour 2013 Photo/courtesy of Chief Breckenridge
Fair Haven Police Chief Darryl Breckenridge and daughter Witney at the Police Unity Tour 2013
Photo/courtesy of Chief Breckenridge

It’s the time of year for police officers to “ride for those who died” in the Police Unity Tour.

And at Monday night’s Fair Haven Borough Council meeting, Mayor Ben Lucarelli took a moment to recognize that Chief Darryl Breckenridge would be embarking, once again, on the tour set to depart for Washington D.C. on May 9 and arrive on May 12.

“Good luck Chief,” the mayor said at the meeting. “And thank you for all you do.”

So, the Retro Pic of the Day offers a glimpse back to 2013 and the chief’s ride, his daughter Witney by his side then.

The chief said she would not be joining him this year, but he’s set for the roughly 350-mile ride on his bicycle.

In addition to creating awareness, the ride raises funds for the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and Museum.

The event, which started in 1997 with 18 riders was designed to bring “public awareness of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty and (to) honor their sacrifices,” according to the Unity Tour’s website. It garnered $18,000 then.

The Unity Tour, as of last year, had raised $16 million. About 20,000 officers who died in the line of duty are memorialized at the Washington memorial.

Good luck to the chief and all other area police officers riding in this year’s tour!

Author Offers Writer’s Insight to Fair Haven Students, Parents

The following is an edited press release from the Fair Haven School District:

“Nothing in the creative process comes out absolutely beautiful the first time around,” children’s books author Lester Laminack recently told a group of Fair Haven parents. “If you focus on what your child did well – rather than what went wrong — then he or she will be encouraged to add more good things to the piece.”

Continue reading Author Offers Writer’s Insight to Fair Haven Students, Parents

Police Report: Marijuana Possession, DWIs & More

The following arrests were made between April 17 and 27 and reported by the Middletown police. An arrest does not constitute a conviction.

• Richard Torres, 24, of Brook Forest Drive in South Toms River, was arrested on April 19 by Patrolman Richard Belmonte and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana.

He was released pending a court date.

• Ronald Ahlholm, 51, of Second Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, was arrested on April 21 by Patrolman Scott Davis and charged with driving while intoxicated (DWI).

He was released pending a court date.

Continue reading Police Report: Marijuana Possession, DWIs & More

RFH Athletes, Scholars Honored

RFH seniors Nick Hawke and Andrew Maris were among the Future Business Leaders of America members honored for their achievements in this year's Regional Competition.  Photo/courtesy of RFH
RFH seniors Nick Hawke and Andrew Maris were among the Future Business Leaders of America members honored for their achievements in this year’s Regional Competition.
Photo/courtesy of RFH

The following is an edited press release from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School:

Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School (RFH) students were recently recognized by the Board of Education for their academic and athletic achievements.

“It is becoming increasingly commonplace for us to begin our meetings here in the auditorium to accommodate all of the students who are accomplishing amazing things,” RFH Superintendent Peter Righi told the assembled students, parents, coaches, and club advisors at the April 14 Board of Education meeting. “The certificates awarded tonight are not just another piece of paper – they have a much deeper meaning as the ‘end game’ result of a lot of hard work.”

Students honored were:

Continue reading RFH Athletes, Scholars Honored

Police Rescue Cat, Search for Owner

Cat rescued from highway median by Middletown police Photo/Middletown Police Facebook page screenshot
Cat rescued from highway median by Middletown police
Photo/Middletown Police Facebook page screenshot

A statement released by Middletown police on Saturday:

On the afternoon of Saturday April 25, a motorist reported observing that a cat had been straddling the concrete median divider in the middle of State Highway 36 for some period of time, and appeared to be clinging on for its life.

Officer Nicholas Fenezia responded to the area and located a very frightened gray tiger striped cat perched on top of the concrete barrier with cars speeding past in both directions.

Continue reading Police Rescue Cat, Search for Owner

Rewind: Ode to Fair Haven Police

A look back at Fair Haven police Photo/Fair Haven Police Department
A look back at Fair Haven police
Photo/Fair Haven Police Department

In keeping with our Retro Pic of the Day homage to first responders, today we honor Fair Haven Police for their service to the community.

The above photo is a look back at the officers in the department not long ago.

Patrolman Robert J. Henne, included in this photo, passed away on March 23. He was loved by his community and colleagues and is sorely missed by both. RIP, Patrolman Henne.

And thanks to the Fair Haven police for protecting and serving the residents of Fair Haven and beyond!

Have you thanked an officer today?

R-FH Area Weekend: Kites, Beach Sweeps, Flavour Fest & More

The National Weather Service is telling us that the weekend weather forecast calls for brighter skies and higher temps.

So, what better time to take advantage of the events planned for the area this weekend. And there’s lots to do …

Friday

• Everyone’s hangin’ loose in memory of Silvio Fabbri in the back room of Umberto’s in Fair Haven on Fridays, starting at 7 p.m.

It’s a great way to remember Silvio, the iconic Fair Haven pizza maker and friend to all, and hang with friends and neighbors in the community.

“Hanga loose,” reminisce and enjoy!

• Coastal Decor in Fair Haven is hosting at 7:30 p.m. a Green Beachy Living event billed as a “fun night of shopping and nutrition” at it’s River Road store.

Click here for more information.

• Noel Coward’s Present Laughter is playing at the Navesink Library Theater tonight and tomorrow night, April 24, 25, with an 8:15 p.m. curtain.

A matinee is set for Sunday, April  26 at 2 p.m.

For more information, click here.

Saturday

• It should be a great day to fly a kite, and just in time for Sea Bright’s Come Fly With Us Kite Festival at Sea Bright Public Beach.

People of all ages are invited to gather at the beach at 11 a.m. and, well, go fly a kite!

There will be prizes and giveaways.

• Don’t forget that Saturday is Clean Ocean Action Beach Sweeps Day.

In the immediate area, the twice annual beach clean-up is being held at Sea Bright Public Beach, the beach in back of Borough Hall and Gaiter’s Restaurant in the northern section of Sea Bright from 9 to 12:30 p.m..

Here’s a list of other locations close by:

• Monmouth Beach Bathing Pavilion, 29 Ocean Avenue, Monmouth Beach;

• Leonardo Public Beach South, 1 Concord Avenue and the beach, north side of Leonardo State Marine Launch ramp, Leonardo section of Middletown;

• Ideal Beach at Ocean and Bayside, Middletown;

• Bayshore Waterfront Park, 719 Port Monmouth Rd., Port Monmouth section of Middletown;

For more locations and information, click here.

• Rumson’s First Presbyterian Church is hosting a healthy earth, body and mind slate of events showcasing healthy cooking, gardening, exercise and aromatherapy starting at 1 p.m. at the church on River Road.

• Monmouth Players’ Present Laughter at 8:15 p.m. (See the above entry.)

Sunday

• The annual Red Bank International Flavour Festival comes to the borough’s White Street parking lot from noon to 7 p.m.

The festival features the usual tastes and toasts of area food and craft booths and music by several area bands.

Proceeds for the event are donated to Monmouth Day Care Center, Red Bank RiverCenter and Parker Family Health Clinic.

• Matinee of Monmouth Players’ Present Laughter. (See Friday’s entry above).

Police: Machete-Wielding Area Man Arrested, $200K Bail

An area man, who was found by police fleeing a home with a machete in hand on Thursday, is being held in jail on $200,000 bail and facing multiple charges, including burglary, weapons possession and terroristic threats.

Brian O’Herron, 29, of Seabreeze Avenue in Middletown, was arrested by Middletown police after officers Adam Colfer, Brian McGrogan and Kent Thornton responded to a burglary in progress at a Seabreeze Avenue residence, the release said.

Upon arrival, the officers were informed that O’Herron had run from the residence carrying a machete. After a search of the area, O’Herron was found by police and an investigation ensued, police said.

As a result of the investigation, O’Herron was charged with: burglary, violation of a court order, criminal restraint, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, unlawful possession of a weapon, terroristic threats, harassment and resisting arrest, police said.

O’Herron was held on $200,000 bail, set by Judge Escandon.

Police: Alleged Marijuana Dealer Busted

An area teen is facing drug dealing and possession charges.

On April 23, Robert Fiore, 18, of Walling Street in the Belford section of Middletown, was arrested by Middletown police and charged with: possession of more than 50 grams of marijuana, possession with over 50 grams of marijuana with the intent to distribute and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to a release from Middletown police.

Police said that they were called to investigate an “occupied suspicious vehicle, a tan Mazda Protege, parked in the street with no license plates,” according to the release.

Upon approaching the vehicle, the officers reported that they found Fiore holding a bag of marijuana. Fiore was placed under arrest and police searched the vehicle.

As a result of the search, police said they found “a large bag containing more marijuana as well as drug paraphernalia.” In addition, the release said, they found Fiore to be in possession of $2,100 in cash.

The $2,100 was seized and the car was seized for forfeiture.

Fiore was released on his own recognizance.

Officers Michael Heaton and Richard Belmonte made the arrest.

 

Going Retro with Rumson Cops

Rumson police at the 2015 borough Veterans Day ceremony Photo/Elaine Van Develde
Rumson police at the 2015 borough Veterans Day ceremony
Photo/Elaine Van Develde

With all the talk about emergency responders and Monday’s Rumson fire, it seemed logical to take a moment to focus on Rumson police.

In this Retro Pic of the Day, Rumson officers and Chief Scott Paterson were poised to remember the borough’s residents who served in wars at the 2015 Veterans Day ceremony at Victory Park this past fall.

They are charged with protecting and serving; and, that’s just what they do.

Kudos to our community police officers! Have you thanked your local cop lately?

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