Ptl. Travis Perinho Named 2019 Officer of the Year

On Wednesday 2/14/2020,  Ptl. Travis Perinho was presented with the Riverside Police Department's Officer of the Year Award.  In 2019 Ptl. Perinho led the Riverside Police Department in arrests, motor vehicle summonses, and in DWI arrests.  Ptl. Perinho also attended a rigorous training program and became our first certified Drug Recognition Expert.  The complex and technical training not only determines if a subject is impaired, but determines the drug category causing the impairment, or if it is a medical condition.  "Approximately 1/10 of 1% of all certified law enforcement officers worldwide have this specialized training."

Ptl. Perinho is also a Firearms Instructor, Glock Armorer, Field Training Officer, and a member of the Honor Guard.

Ptl. Perinho has displayed a commitment to community service, especially the youth of the community, by participating in Read Across America, the Haunted Police Station, Family Movie and Game Nights, just to name a few events.

Other Officer recipients on Wednesday were:

Sgt. Ron Brock:  Exceptional Duty

Sgt. Brandon Conard:  Exceptional Duty; Outstanding Narcotics Investigation

Ptl. Anthony Congemi:  Exceptional Duty; Exceptional Duty

Ptl. Brendon Griffin:  Exceptional Duty; Exceptional Duty

Ptl. Kevin Joo:  Exceptional Duty; Chief's Citation

Ptl. Scott Snow:  Chief's Citation

Ptl. Shane Pettit:  Exceptional Duty Award; Chief's Citation; Chief's Citation

SLEO II Robert Settimio:  Chief's Citation

SLEO II Nicholas Strough:  Community Service Award

Lt. Louis Fisher, Sgt. Brandon Conard, Ptl. Anthony Congemi, Ptl. Brendon Griffin, and Ptl. Shane Pettit will also be receiving awards from the 200 Club of Burlington County for their work in 2019.

Congratulations to all of the Officers!  Thank you for your dedicated service to the Riverside Police Department and the residents of Riverside!

 

 

Riverside Police Place Two Automated License Plate Readers Into Service

The Riverside Police Department recently equipped two patrol vehicles with automated license plate readers (ALPRs).   The system consists of three cameras on the roof of the patrol vehicles that interface with the officers patrol car computer.

The system automatically takes high speed photographs of license plates and  checks them against a database.  Officers will receive alerts if the system detects such things as expired registrations, suspensions, stolen vehicles, wanted / missing persons, vehicles involved in investigations, etc.

The ALPR provides limited information while scanning  the license plate, and  officers can only gain further information from the database for a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

Motor Vehicle Stop Leads to Arrest

Kaleasha N. Miles, 29

On September 17, 2019 at approximately 1809 hours Riverside Police observed a vehicle being operated in a reckless manner by crossing double yellow lines into the oncoming lane of travel to pass vehicles. This occurred in the area of Scott Street and South Fairview Street in Riverside Township.

 

Riverside Police stopped the vehicle in the parking lot of Walgreens on Rt. 130.  The driver of the vehicle, Kaleasha Miles, 29 of Hainesport, immediately exited her vehicle and approached the door driver’s side door of the officer conducting the motor vehicle stop and began yelling at him.  Ms. Miles was ordered to step away from the officer’s door several times, she refused to do so, thereby preventing the officer from exiting his vehicle.  Ms. Miles continued to yell at the officer while she was attempting to video record him.  Once the officer was able to open his door, he advised Ms. Miles she was under arrest.  Ms. Miles refused to submit to the arrest and grabbed onto the push bumper of the officer’s patrol vehicle.  Ms. Miles continued to yell at police and resisted officer control even after being handcuffed.  Ms. Miles physically struggled with police as they were attempting to secure and seatbelt her in the rear of the patrol vehicle.  One officer was kicked during the arrest process. After several minutes of struggling with officers Ms. Miles was able to be secured in the rear of the patrol vehicle.

Ms. Miles was charged with Disorderly Conduct, Obstructing Administration of Law, Resisting Arrest, Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer, Reckless Driving, Improper Passing, Failure to Keep Right.  Ms. Miles was released on a Summons pending Court.

AG Grewal Issues First-In-The-Nation Statewide Directive to Enforce New Jersey’s “Extreme Risk” Gun Safety Law

In accordance with AG Directive 2019-2, we are sharing a link to the Attorney General's news release and full documentation for the new Directive for Extreme Risk Protection Orders.  The new Directive, "Will make it easier for officers to keep firearms away from individuals who present a significant risk of harming themselves or others."

Fugitive in Aggravated Assault Apprehended in Florida

Mario Dintinio Jr. 12/15/65

On June 28^th, Riverside Police were dispatched to a residence in Riverside for an Aggravated Assault. Upon arrival, police found a female victim bleeding profusely from her head. The victim stated after allowing an acquaintance into her residence, he became angry and struck her on the head numerous times with a liquor bottle. The suspect then poured the contents of the liquor bottle over her head, began sparking a lighter in close proximity to her torso, and motioned as if he was going to ignite the lighter to set the victim on fire. She stated the suspect fled prior to police arrival.  She identified the suspect as Mario Dintino Jr., DOB 12/15/1965, LKA 11 Edgewater Drive Hainesport NJ 08036.

The victim sustained numerous severe lacerations to her head from the assault and was transported to Cooper Hospital, and discharged within a few days

Riverside Township Police issued an arrest warrant for Mario Dintino Jr. The New Jersey State Police made several unsuccessful attempts to locate the suspect at his last known address in Hainesport NJ.

During the investigation Riverside Township Detectives learned that the Dintino Jr. may have fled New Jersey. It was discovered that he had relatives in the Cape Coral area of Florida. Riverside Detectives contacted the jurisdiction where the suspect was believed to have been hiding. Cape Coral Police were given a possible address and description of his vehicle. Riverside Police Detectives were contacted by Cape Coral Police and advised that a vehicle matching the suspect vehicle description was located.

Riverside Township Police, with the assistance of the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, then worked toward filing for the full extradition of Dintino Jr. On Thursday July 11^th , the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office approved the extradition of Dintino Jr. from Florida.  Upon receiving full extradition authorization, Riverside Police Detectives contacted Cape Coral Police and requested they serve him with his active arrest warrant.

At 0700 on July 12^th, Riverside Police Detectives were contacted by Cape Coral Police and advised that Mario Dintino Jr. was in custody. He was transported to their corrections facility to be held pending extradition proceedings.

The Riverside Township Police Department would like to thank the Burlington County Prosecutors Office for their assistance with the extradition process, as well as Cape Coral Police for their assistance taking Mr. Mario Dintino Jr. into custody.

Mr. Mario Dintino Jr. was charged with the following:

2C:12-1B (12) Aggravated Assault

2C:39-5D Possession of an Unlawful Weapon

2C:39-4D Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose

2C:12-3 Terroristic Threats

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Riverside Police Welcome our Newest Member

Ptl. Jasmine Vaccaro graduated from the Gloucester County Police Academy's 54th Basic Course for Police Officers today .  Ptl. Vaccaro began the intensive training process on March 4th.  Ptl. Vaccaro was the recipient of the Academic Excellence Award for the hightest grade point average of the class.  She will continue her training in Riverside Police Department's Field Training Officer program.  We welcome Ptl. Vaccaro and wish her a long, successful, and safe career.

Riverside Township Police 2018 Annual Report

In an effort to increase agency transparency and accountability to the public, the Riverside Township Police have released the 2018 Annual Report.   We hope this report provides the public with valuable insight into the issues we face and the services our agency provides.  We continue to strive to provide the highest quality police service to our community with professionalism, respect, and integrity.  

Click on the link below for the full report.  

2018 Annual Report 

Riverside Police Explorers Promoting Bike Helmet Safety

On Wednesday 5/22/19, after school is dismissed, members of the Riverside Police Department and the Riverside Police Explorers will be rewarding kids who wear their helmets while riding their bikes! Students who are observed obeying the bike helmet law will be rewarded with a "ticket" for a free slice of pizza and a "Boost!" from Arnieri's Pizza! 

Each year, the Riverside Police Explorers create a public service announcement (PSA), in the form of a video, focused on promoting safety within the community.  This year, the Riverside Police Explorers chose to focus on promoting Bike Helmet Safety!  The theme of the PSA was “Protect Your Egg” and it will be shown throughout the state.  

Please watch and share the video link below! Also, spread the word about the safety giveaway this Wednesday!!

https://vimeo.com/336633105/bf2affb17d

 

Temporary Road Closures on Saturday May 18th

Riverside Turner's 5K Run for K9 Nikko is tomorrow morning.  There will be temporary road closures tomorrow beginning at 9 a.m., as runners and walkers complete the run/walk course.  The course will begin and end at the Riverside Police Station.  Please see the attached map for the course route and anticipate that streets will be temporarily inaccessible.  We apologize for the inconvenience and will be opening the roads as they clear from participants.

There is still time to participate.  Registration can be done online or at the event prior to the race.  Race details can be found at:  https://runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Riverside/Riverside5KforK9

Even if you do not plan to run or walk, stop out and cheer on the runners, listen to a live band, grab some food from the food trucks or visit the beer garden until 3p.  Hope to see you there!

Cautionary Assembly Presented as Prom Approaches

Today a pre-prom assembly was conducted at Riverside High School.  Speakers cautioned teens about the dangers of drinking and drugged driving, as well as addiction.  Thank you to all of the presenters and Jeff Hankins, of Hankins Automotive, for placing a car on the lawn of the school as a visual reminder to make good choices.   The RHS prom will be held tomorrow  night at The Madison in Riverside.  We wish all of the students a great and safe time as they celebrate their upcoming graduation!

(L-R)  Joe Conlin, Marc Romano of Prevention Plus, SRO Cicali,Gail Smith Prevntion Plus; Lt. Fisher, Eric Gremminger of Enlightened Solutions

Incident Update

The Riverside Township Police Department, with the support of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Township Committee, would like to provide an update regarding the incident of March 25, 2019 at the Riverside Township Public School.

On March 25, 2019, Riverside PD received information regarding an incident at the school.  The Department immediately took action to report the matter to the Burlington County Prosecutors Office and the New Jersey State Police, as called for under the NJ Attorney General’s directive governing such incidents.   Subsequent, an investigation was opened by the Riverside PD.  During the investigation, students were interviewed, and the Riverside PD even reached out to federal law enforcement agencies and requested assistance in handwriting comparison.  The investigation did not lead us to believe that the threat was credible. Even so, a plan was developed to provide additional security at the schools on May 1, 2019.

The Burlington County Times reached out to the Township regarding the incident and information was provided accordingly.  Comments attributed to Chief Eliason in the Burlington County Times articles, however, are not a full or adequate representation of the context in which the statements were made. In addition, and for obvious reasons, the full details of ongoing investigations cannot be shared with the public. The citizens of Riverside have, and will always, be informed of any credible threats, but this was not one of those instances.

Throughout this ongoing investigation, the decision was consciously made not to immediately publicize the information in an effort to avoid creating and perpetuating a baseless fear.  Contrary to what has been suggested, there was no attempt to evade or mislead the public. The Riverside Police Department places an extremely high value on community outreach. We fully respect the trust placed in us by members of the public, and fully embrace the responsibility of protecting our citizens.  We understand and support the value of transparency when it comes to police operations, but must always weigh that against the welfare of the public, especially where our children our concerned.   

The Riverside Police Department will continue to work closely with the school district under the Memorandum of Agreement that requires us to be informed of criminal and other behavior that occurs in the schools, and we will continue to thoroughly investigate all matters that are brought to our attention.  The safety of our residents has always been, and will always be, paramount to the officers and command staff of the Riverside Police Department.

Bias Incident

On 3/25/19 the Riverside Township Police received a report of "graffiti" written on a surface of a bathroom at the Riverside Township Middle School.

Upon investigation it was determined that this incident was considered to be a Bias Incident as it made reference to a certain race of individual and threats of violence were made. 

After an extensive investigation a JV suspect was identified and questioned.

Since that time it was brought to our attention that numerous parents have contacted the Riverside Township SRO Ptl. Anthony Cicali as well as local media outlets regarding this incident and are hearing "rumors" that there will be a "shooting" at the Riverside Middle School on May 1, 2019.

At this time we cannot corroborate these "rumors" and I would encourage anyone with any information regarding these "rumors" or "threats" to contact the Riverside Township Police via Central Communications at 856-461-3434.

The Riverside Township Police will maintain a higher visibility on Riverside Township Public school property on May 1, 2019.

Thank You,

William T. Eliason
Chief of Police
Riverside Township   

Burglary at Riverside’s Historic Watchcase

Building was Vandalized and Cellular Equipment Stolen

On April 1, 2019, Riverside Township Police were notified that the historical Riverside Watch Case building was illegally entered, vandalized and cellular equipment and materials were stolen.  Between the damage to equipment and the materials that were stolen, it was estimated that there was an approximate loss of over $12,000 and a disruption of cell phone service.

On April 2, 2019, while investigating this burglary, Riverside officers located a male suspect actively stealing equipment and materials from the building and when officers attempted to stop him, he ran from the scene.  John R. Wilhelm, 37 years, of Pennsauken, NJ, led police on a foot chase out of the building, across Pavilion Avenue and onto Polk St where he was eventually captured.   Wilhelm was charged with Burglary, Theft, Criminal Mischief, Criminal Trespass, Resisting Arrest by Flight and Obstruction.  

After Wilhelm’s arrest, evidence was gathered from the scene and a second suspect was developed.   As a result of the ensuing investigation, which included the execution of a search warrant, the Riverside Police identified, Musa T. Streater, 45 years, of Pennsauken, as an additional suspect.  On April 22, 2019, Musa was arrested for his involvement in the burglaries and thefts at the Riverside Watchcase.  He was charged with Burglary, Theft, Criminal Mischief, Possession of Burglary Tools, Criminal Trespass and Receiving Stolen Property.  

Both Wilhelm and Streater were lodged at the Burlington County Correctional Facility in Mt. Holly, NJ pending a detention hearing. 

Strengthening Trust Between Police and Immigrant Communities

Riverside Students Begin Filming Bicycle Safety PSA

Riverside High School students began filming today for their entry into the U Got Brains? Brain Injury Alliance competition.  This year students, lead by SRO Anthony Cicali,  are focusing on bicycle safety.  The students applied for and  secured a grant to have a film crew help them with their video.  Thank you to the Riverside High School students that volunteered to participate in the video project on their day off.  A special thanks to Riverside High School I.T. Director, Jonathan Gazaway for his assistance in the project.  We would also like to thank the film's star, seven year old Aiden of Riverside.  Aiden was very patient and professional during the filming, and it was a pleasure to work with him!