Police vs. Fire Basketball Game Announced

Tickets are now on sale!  Adults $5, students and seniors are $3. Kids under 5 are free.  Tickets are available at the front window if the police station. The proceeds of this game will benefit the Riverside Police Explorer and Riverside Fire Company Outreach programs.  Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase.

Three Officers Sworn in Tonight

Nicholas Wallace, Travis Perinho, Kevin Joo

At tonight's Township meeting, three officers were sworn in as full time patrolman.  All three officers have been working in Riverside, part time, as Class II Special Law Enforcement Officers since 2014.  Patrolman Kevin Joo, Patrolman Travis Perinho, and Patrolman Nicholas Wallace completed their full time certification training last week.  They were hired to fill vacancies created by the retirement of several officers over the last two years.

PSE&G Warns Customers About Scams

If anyone is at your door soliciting, ask to see their Township Permit.  If they are unable to produce one or if you believe it is not legitimate, contact Riverside Police at 461-3434 so they can be investigated.

Riverside Police Explorer Assists in Solving Burglary

On 12/4/15 the Riverside Police Explorers were assisting with the Christmas in Riverside parade.  One alert Explorer
witnessed a disturbance and became aware of a theft.   The Explorer then notified Chief William Eliason who was attending the event.

Tara Conchado, 36 of Sicklerville

Chief Eliason apprehended and detained a female suspect in the area.  Further investigation revealed that the suspect knocked on the door of a house on E. Hancock St. and asked to use the bathroom.  There was a language barrier and without permission the female just walked in and located the bathroom.   She remained in the bathroom for 10 to 15 minutes and left with jewelry and other items.

All items were recovered by police.  The suspect was found to have several warrants and was charged with Burglary, Theft, and Hindering, after it was determined she had also lied to police about her identity.  She was lodged in Burlington County Jail in default of $5,000 bail.

The Riverside Police Explorer Post is an organization affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America.  The Explorers learn and experience different aspects of law enforcement under the supervision and guidance of members of the Riverside Police Department.  Although they have now law enforcement authority, they often augment the Police Department by assisting with community related functions.   The Explorers program is open to youths between the ages of 15 and 21, many of whom have a desire to pursue a career in law enforcement.  The activities of the Explorers include, but are not limited to, training, ride-alongs, and community service.  If you know a young person interested in joining please contact, Ptl. Anthony Cicali acicali@riversidepolicenj.org for more information.

Riverside Police Participating in Impaired Driving Crackdown

Riverside Police will be cracking down on drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs as part of the annual end of year “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” statewide campaign.  Beginning December 11, 2015 and continuing through January 1, 2016, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

The national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” effort endeavors to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving through a combination of high-visibility enforcement and public education. This is a critical law enforcement program that can save lives during a time of the year when impaired driving traditionally increases by nearly 10 percent.  People that choose to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or using drugs pose a grave danger to all roadway users and this initiative is designed to bring attention to this important issue.

Last year, 27% of all motor vehicle fatalities in New Jersey were alcohol-related. Nationally, more than 10,000 people die each year in drunk driving crashes. The societal cost associated with these crashes is estimated to be $37 billion annually.

The Riverside Police Department offers the following advice for a safe holiday season:

• Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home.
• Spend the night where the activity or party is held.
• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life. 
• Always buckle-up, every ride.  It’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

·       If you are intoxicated and traveling on foot, the safest way to get home is to take a cab or have a sober friend or family member drive or escort you to your doorstep.

·       Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.

Citizen Tip Leads to Drug Distribution Arrests

Clarence R. Burton Jr.
22 of Browns Mills

Today at approximately 1:27 p.m., Riverside Police were dispatched to Lee Street for a report of two subjects in a vehicle possibly using drugs.  Officers located the vehicle and while speaking with a male in the driver's seat, Clarence R. Burton Jr. 22 years old of Browns Mills, an odor of marijuana was detected.

  

The driver and his passenger, Uluwehi Boone 19 of Riverside, were removed from the vehicle and the vehicle was searched.  Police recovered marijuana packaged for distribution and empty baggies. Police then attempted to take Mr. Burton Jr. into custody and he resisted arrest.   Ms. Boone was screaming at police while the arrest transpired and physically attempted to prevent police from arresting Mr. Burton Jr.

One officer utilized O.C. spray and placed it on the ground next to him so he could continue handcuffing Mr. Burton Jr.   Ms. Boone ran up and kicked the can of O.C. spray out of the officers reach.  Mr. Burton was taken into custody as was Ms. Boone.  A digital scale was also recovered from the vehicle.

Uluwehi Boone
19 of Riverside

Clarence R. Burton Jr. was charged with Distribution in a School Zone, Distribution 500 Feet of a Park, Resisting Arrest, Obstruction, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  He was lodged in Burlington County Jail in default of $30,000 bail.

Uluwehi Boone was charged with Distribution in a School Zone, Distribution 500 Feet of a Park, Resisting Arrest, Aggravated Assault on Police, and Obstruction.  She was lodged in Burlington County Jail in Default of $25,000 bail.

Drunk Driver Faces Additional Charges After Vehicle Reported Stolen

On 11/7/15 at approximately 11:45 p.m. Riverside Police conducted a motor vehicle stop on Fairview Street and arrested the operator for drunk driving.  Francis M. Hayes Jr, 21 of Delran, was taken into custody, processed for the offense and released on his own recognizance.  The vehicle was impounded for 12 hours in compliance with “John’s Law.”

The following morning a resident came to the police station to report his work vehicle had been stolen overnight.  The stolen motor vehicle was the one that Mr. Hayes Jr. had been operating when he was arrested for the drunk driving offense. 

On 11/9/15 Mr. Hayes made an appearance at the Riverside Municipal Court where he was taken into custody for Theft of a Motor Vehicle.  He was lodged in Burlington County Jail in default of $5,000 bail.  

Four Juveniles Arrested After Pellet Gun Attack

Four 17 year olds, all of Burlington City, were taken into custody today after shooting a pedestrian with a pellet gun and taking his phone.  Police were dispatched at @ 11:46 a.m. for a victim that had his phone stolen by suspects wearing masks and brandishing a gun.

Police located and stopped the vehicle and took the four suspects into custody.  Three are being lodged in Burlington County Juvenile Detention Center and one was released to a parent.  They face charges including;  robbery, conspiracy, various weapon offenses including possession of handcuffs, aggravated assault and drug charges.

Man Charged with Arson After Arrest for Weapons Offense

Brandon Johnson 20 of Riverside

On 10/22/15 at approximately 11:30 p.m. Riverside Police were dispatched to the wooded area along Harrison Street for a fire.  Upon arriving officers were able to suppress the fire and the Riverside Fire Department responded to fully extinguish it. 

Sgt. Ron Brock located a suspect, Brandon Johnson 20 of Riverside,
two blocks away and took him into custody when he was found to be in possession of a folding knife and four daggers.  Further police investigation resulted in the additional charge of Arson being filed against Mr. Johnson.  He was lodged in Burlington County Jail in default of $20,000 bail.

The Riverside Police Station is Haunted!

The Riverside Police Station is haunted!  Well, at least for a few hours on October 30th.  The Riverside Police Officers Association is gearing up for a haunted walk-through of the police station during Trunk or Treat on Community Day. 

Our officers will be transforming the interior and exterior of the police station into a spooktacular exhibit for kids to enjoy during Trunk or Treat. 

Stick around after Trunk or Treat for a free outdoor movie.  The police association will be showing "Hotel Transylvania" on a big screen just outside of the station.  We will be providing popcorn and water to the kids to enjoy with the movie.  So bring a blanket and chair and join us for Community Day from 5:30 to 8:30 on West Scott Street!

Community Day is presented courtesy of Riverside Township and the Riverside Business Association.

Riverside Police Record Eighth Narcan Save of 2015

On 9/23/15 Riverside Police were dispatched to the area of Polk and Madison Streets for a male laying on the sidewalk with an unknown problem.  Upon arrival the subject was unconscious and
not breathing.  Officers acted quickly and administered first aid including the use of Narcan(Naloxone) which is used to reverse the effects of opioids.  The male regained consciousness and was transported to the hospital for further evaluation.  Yesterday's Narcan deployment resulted in the eighth save this year by the Riverside Police Department. 

In addition to Riverside officers carrying Narcan to combat this nationwide epidemic, Lt. Lou Fisher of the Riverside Police Department, has implemented and new program entitled T.I.P. (Treatment Incentive Program).  This program is designed to target individuals of addiction that are at high risk of overdose and committing theft related crimes to support their addiction.  He works with those individuals to seek out long term in-patient treatment as an alternative to incarceration.  The T.I.P. program is an abstinence based program that supports sober living.  If you or your loved one has succumbed to addiction, and have thought about or committed theft related crimes to support your addiction, please contact Lt. Lou Fisher at lfisher@riversidepolicenj.org

Riverside Light Rail Stop Closed During Papal Visit

Travel Alert: The Riverside stop for the Light Rail will be closed for the Papal visit from 7:00 p.m on 9/25/15 until 6:00 a.m. 9/28/15. Please see New Jersey Transits website for details and travel alternatives:

http://www.njtransit.com/var/var_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=PapalTo&utm_source=papal&utm_medium=papal&utm_campaign=papalvisit

Riverside Police Seeking Part-Time Officers

The Riverside Township Police Department is now accepting applications for the position of part-time Police Officer.  Applicants must be New Jersey PTC certified as a Police Officer or Class II Special Law Enforcement Officer.  Interested candidates must submit a letter of interest, a resume, and an application which can be found at:  Employment Application

Completed applications can be mailed to PO Box 188 Riverside, NJ 08075 or delivered personally to 1 W. Scott St. Riverside, NJ 08075.

Fugitive of 14 Years Apprehended by Riverside "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" DWI Patrol

     On September 7, Riverside police working the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” grant apprehended a suspect that fled to Puerto Rico approximately 15 years ago after facing several charges in Camden County.  

     Angel Cosme, 34 of Riverside, was unable to provide police with any identification after being stopped for a minor motor vehicle violation.  He identified himself as Luis Rodriquez Rivera.  His mother was in the area at the time of the motor vehicle stop.  She refused to provide any information about her son’s identity. 

     Mr. Cosme was taken into custody and transported to the Riverside Police station where his true identity was discovered, along with two active 14 year old arrest warrants in NCIC.  Mr. Cosme had been living in Puerto Rico for most of the past 16 years and only recently returned because of an ill family member. 

     In addition to his outstanding warrants, Cosme now faces charges of providing False Written Statements, Hindering His Own Apprehension, and Driving While Suspended. Mr. Cosme was lodged in Burlington County Jail on $5,000 bail. 

Riverside Police K-9 Certified and Presented to Township Committee

The Riverside Police Department is pleased to announce our K-9, Nikko,  has completed his training certifications and was presented to the Township Committee last night before his first day on duty.  Ptl. Anthony Congemi worked with trainer Perry Parks of Absolute Control Dog Training since May to become certified.  Nikko has been certified in narcotics detection and as a patrol dog.  He is capable of tracking missing persons, finding articles, and criminal apprehension.  We would like to thank Mr. Parks for generously donating his time to train Ptl. Congemi and Nikko.  Mr. Parks is a retired police K-9 handler from Medford Township.  We would also like to thank Dean DeJosesph, of De Pro's Auto body in Riverside, for donating his time and materials to repaint the K-9 vehicle and Concord Pets of Mt. Laurel for their monthly donation of K-9 supplies!

Two Burglars Caught in the Act Solves Other Crimes

Early Wednesday morning at approximately 2:30 a.m. Riverside Police were dispatched to Johnny G’s steak shop on St. Mihiel Drive for a burglary in progress. Upon arrival, Patrol officers observed two subjects inside the building. When police entered the building, one subject, identified as Daniel Brock, 35, of Riverside was taken into custody without incident.  The second subject, Patrick Herrchaft, 44, of Riverside fled out the same window he had entered.

Herrchaft was apprehended after a brief foot chase onto American Legion Drive. He was then transported under arrest to Lourdes Medical Center in Willingboro and treated for injuries he had sustained during his attempt to flee from police and resist arrest. He was charged with burglary, possession of burglary tools, and resisting arrest. He was lodged in Burlington County Jail in default of $10,000 bail.

Riverside Detectives were already investigating Daniel Brock for several car burglaries and other theft complaints in the area and had him under surveillance. Through lengthy investigation it was determined that Brock was responsible for almost a dozen car burglaries and two home burglaries, one on Kossuth Street and another on Heulings Avenue, in June of this year.

Daniel Brock 35 Riverside, NJ

Brock would enter unlocked cars to obtain change and valuables that he could sell. In both home burglaries he had broken a small window in the rear of the properties.  He would then be able to unlock the doors and enter. Both victims reported that jewelry and cash was taken. A search of Brock's residence located a few items which may have been stolen (items pictured below).   Brock was charged with 3 counts of burglary, 2 counts of criminal trespass, theft, possession of burglary tools, and criminal mischief.  He was lodged in Burlington County Jail in default of $50,000 bail.

It is known that some items were sold in various markets in and around the City of Camden called "bodegas." Some unethical bodega owners purchase shoplifted and 2^nd hand items knowing they are stolen. The owners then resell them on their own shelves for increased profits. In some cases stolen items are shipped overseas to avoid being detected by law enforcement. Some bodega owners also purchase precious metal/jewelry at a much lower rate which is illegal in the state of New Jersey. It is also believed that a majority of bodegas are not licensed to trade in precious metal.  Most local municipalities in New Jersey have laws against such practices. Some municipalities also have laws that mandate stores that purchase precious and scrap metal to be set up on a monitoring program. The program is designed to help combat the illegal trade of precious and scrap metal.

Recovered Items 1 of 2

Recovered Items 2 of 2
If recognized please contact Lt. Lou Fisher

Riverside Police Host Active Shooter Training

Yesterday, the Riverside Police Department partnered with the Delran Emergency Squad and conducted intensive active shooter training.  This training is just one of many areas we train in on a regular basis in a continuing effort to provide the highest quality of police service.  Many of our Riverside Police Explorers also participated to enhance the realistic nature of this training.  We would like to express our gratitude to the Riverside Board of Education, Faculty, Delran EMS, and the Riverside Police Explorers.  Video footage of this training can be viewed on our YouTube channel:  Riverside Police YouTube Channel

Three Riverside Men Assaulted During Robbery Attempt

On 7/6/15 at approximately 9:53 pm, the Riverside Township Police were dispatched to the area of Polk and Pavilion Avenue for the report of several subjects fighting.  Upon arrival, three adult male subjects reported that they had just been assaulted.  The men stated that they were walking home when they were punched, knocked to the ground and kicked by four adult male subjects.  The victims stated that during the assault, the subjects attempted to take personal belongings from them.  One of the subjects was reportedly knocked unconscious during the assault.  He was treated by Delran EMS. 

As a result of the police investigation that followed, two of the four subjects were identified as Jaiquan C. Merritt, 20 yrs, of Riverside and Deion M. Anderson, 18 yrs, of Beverly, NJ.  The identities of the two other subjects are being withheld at this time. 

Merritt was located and arrested shortly after the incident.  He was charged with Robbery by Force (2^nd degree) and Aggravated Assault (3^rd degree) and lodged at the Burlington County Correctional Facility on $50,000 bail. 

Anderson was taken into custody on July 8, 2015.  Anderson was also lodged in Burlington County Correctional Facility on $50,000 bail.  Two other suspects are still being sought by police.  Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Sgt. Ron Brock at 856-461-8577.  

Jaiquan Merritt, 20 yrs

Deion Anderson, 18yrs

Three Arrests Made in String of Car Burglaries

Riverside Police are issuing a warning to residents to lock vehicle doors and secure bicycles at all times after a string of recent car burglaries and thefts of bicycles. 

Riverside Police have responded to 5 car burglaries over the last 7 days with 4 being solved by arrests. The arrests were the result of alert residents, rapid police response, and thorough investigation by patrol officers.

On June 25^th at approximately 1:00 a.m., Michael McGlynn, 22, of Riverside was arrested by Ptl. Sean Nolan and Ptl. Brendon Griffin with the assistance of Ptl. Michael McCurdy of Delran Police.  McGlynn was charged with the burglary of a vehicle on the 400 Block of Heulings Avenue after an observant resident called Burlington County Central Dispatch and provided enough details for police to locate and identify him as the suspect.  McGlynn was also charged with credit card theft and lodged in  Burlington County Jail on $10,000 with 10%.

On June 28^th at approximately 11:30 p.m. police received a call of a male on a bicycle trying to break into cars.  Ptl. Anthony Congemi and SLEO II Travis Perinho located the suspect, Jose Ramos, 31, of Riverside.  He was arrested and charged with the burglary of a vehicle on the 100 Block of North Fairview Street. He also provided police with a false name and was armed with a knife.   In addition to the burglary he was charged with obstructing the administration of law and weapon offenses and lodged in Burlington County Jail on $10,000 full.

Just one hour later on June 29^th at 1:30 a.m. Police arrested a 17 year old male from Riverside and charged him with two vehicle burglaries on the 700 block of Arndt Avenue. Items taken from the vehicles included prescription medication, loose change, and other items. Once again, an alert resident observed the offense, called police, and followed him until SLEO II Travis Perinho arrived and took him into custody.  He was released to a parent pending court.

In all cases loose change was taken from the vehicles. Police still have unclaimed items including, 2 Leatherman tools, electronic cigarettes, lighters, keys, a small hand purse, cigarettes, a GPS and a Hershey Park ticket. Anyone missing these items should contact Lt. Fisher at 856-461-8820.

Residents are also being warned to secure bicycles at all times. Police have responded to three bike thefts in the last 5 days. Most of those thefts have occurred during the daytime hours. Please continue to contact police if you observe any suspicious behavior. 

As a reminder, you may register your bicycle with the Riverside Police Department free of charge every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., or by appointment. The registration numbers help police identify stolen bicycles and return them to their rightful owners.