Berkeley Heights Police

10/15/2026

10/06/2026

BERKELEY HEIGHTS POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE

Two Charged Following Connell Park Vehicle Burglary Investigation

On September 14, 2026, the Berkeley Heights Police Department responded to Connell Park for reports of thefts from motor vehicles. During the incidents, property was stolen from vehicles and a window of one vehicle was smashed.

Following an investigation by the Berkeley Heights Police Department Detective Bureau, detectives arrested Devon Reid and Tyniek Howell last night in connection with the incidents.

Devon Reid was charged with two counts of Conspiracy to Commit Motor Vehicle Burglary, Theft by Unlawful Taking, Credit Card Theft, Criminal Mischief, and Trafficking in Personal Identifying Information.

Tyniek Howell was charged with Receiving Stolen Property, two counts of Conspiracy to Commit Motor Vehicle Burglary, and Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Unlawful Taking.

Both defendants were lodged in the Essex County Jail pending a detention hearing.

The arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by the Berkeley Heights Police Department Detective Bureau.

All charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

10/03/2026

**ROAD OPEN**

ROAD CLOSURE / POWER OUTAGE

A tree has fallen on Diamond Hill Road between I-78 and McMane Avenue, damaging several utility poles.

Approximately 1,000 customers are currently without power. JCP&L is on scene and actively working to make repairs and restore service.

Diamond Hill Road is closed in this area until further notice. Please avoid the area and use an alternate route.

We will provide updates as they become available.

09/30/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BHPD ANNOUNCES CHARGES IN TWO SEPARATE FRAUD INCIDENTS

The Berkeley Heights Police Department has announced charges stemming from two separate and unrelated fraud incidents investigated by the Detective Bureau.

ATM Fraud

In the first incident, a victim reported being approached while using the Bank of America ATM in Berkeley Heights by an individual posing as a bank employee. The individual offered assistance, took the victim’s debit card, and returned a different card. The victim later discovered unauthorized activity on her account.

Following an investigation, detectives identified and charged Jason Ibanez with theft, credit card theft, theft by deception, identity theft, and fraudulent use of a credit card.

Credit Card Fraud

In a separate and unrelated incident, a Berkeley Heights resident reported multiple fraudulent charges on her credit card.

Following an investigation, detectives identified and charged Mina Farag with fraudulent use of a credit card, credit card theft, theft, and receiving stolen property obtained by credit card fraud.

Captain Brian Nigro stated: “These cases are a good reminder that fraud can happen in many different ways. I commend our detectives for their work in identifying those responsible, and I encourage residents to remain vigilant and regularly review their accounts for any suspicious activity.”

The Berkeley Heights Police Department reminds residents to never allow an unknown person to handle their debit or credit card while using an ATM and to regularly monitor bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.

All charges are accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

09/26/2026

BURGLARY INVESTIGATION – DIMAIO’S RESTAURANT

This morning, the Berkeley Heights Police Department responded to DiMaio’s Restaurant for a reported burglary that occurred during the overnight hours.

Berkeley Heights detectives are actively investigating the incident. The scene was processed by the Union County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Unit.

Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area or has information that could assist with the investigation is asked to contact Sergeant Anthony Triguero at 908-464-1111 or [email protected].

The investigation remains ongoing.

09/11/2026

PUBLIC STATEMENT
MARY KAY MCMILLIN TRAFFIC & PEDESTRIAN SAFETY
Berkeley Heights Police Department

This week, members of the Berkeley Heights Police Department met with School District officials, Township Administration, and Board of Education members to discuss ongoing traffic and pedestrian safety concerns around Mary Kay McMillin (MKM) Early Childhood Center. The meeting was productive, and we appreciate everyone working together toward solutions.

The Township’s planned Mountain Avenue roadway improvements are scheduled for Monday, September 14, from approximately 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. These improvements will add a third lane on Mountain Avenue in front of MKM, so traffic not turning left into the MKM parking lot can safely pass cars waiting in line to turn. The Township will also introduce ordinances that do the following:

* Adding a “No Left Turn” sign at the MKM driveway exit, prohibiting drivers from turning left onto Mountain Ave there, at all times.

* Reducing the speed limit in the MKM school zone (Mountain Avenue) from 40 to 25 mph during drop-off and pick-up.

* Add signage in front of MKM indicating the new traffic pattern described above, with additional striping.

Berkeley Heights Police Officers will continue to be present during school drop-off and pick-up through Monday to assist with traffic and pedestrian safety. To improve traffic flow, we encourage drivers waiting to turn right or left into the MKM entrance during drop-off and pick-up to practice alternate-vehicle etiquette so traffic turning left does not back up into the Plainfield Ave and Mountain Ave intersection. This means: one car turning right enters the driveway, then one car turning left enters, and so on. Cars turning right should give way to those turning left to avoid backups.

Once the improvements are completed, we will monitor traffic conditions to determine their effectiveness. An officer will also remain positioned in the school parking lot during dismissal to assist with traffic flow and safety as we evaluate the impact of the changes.

We appreciate the patience and cooperation of our school families and residents.

09/09/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mountain Avenue Incident – Arrest Following Threat Toward Officers

On September 8, 2026, officers from the Berkeley Heights Police Department responded to a residence on Mountain Avenue for a reported dispute between neighbors.

While officers were attempting to make contact with one of the involved parties, the individual, later identified as David Connolly, refused to open the door. During officers’ attempts to speak with him, Connolly made a threatening statement toward the officers, indicating that “somebody is going to get shot.”

Due to the threat directed toward officers and the circumstances surrounding the incident, officers secured the area and requested assistance from the Union County SWAT Team.

Connolly was subsequently taken into custody without incident and charged with Terroristic Threats. He was lodged in the Essex County Jail pending a detention hearing.

No officers, residents, or other individuals were injured during the incident.

Berkeley Heights Police Chief Frank Mea stated:

“I commend the members of the Berkeley Heights Police Department for their professionalism, restraint, and sound judgment in handling this incident. I also want to thank the Union County SWAT Team for their immediate response and assistance. When someone threatens violence against our officers, we take it seriously. The coordinated response resulted in a potentially dangerous situation being resolved safely and without injury.”

The charges against the defendant are accusations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.