Hazlet Police Blotter: Oct. 23 - Nov. 8

During Hurricane Sandy, Hazlet Police risked their own lives working patrol in cars at risk of being struck by falling tree limbs. During the storm, they worked double shifts monitoring long gas lines at stations like Quick Chek, Racestar and Exxon, blocked traffic from downed trees and power lines in the road, helped people out of flooded homes, controlled intersections, and chased out of town generator salesmen without permits from selling in in retail center parking lots. 

And if that wasn't enough, here's what else that kept them busy. The following information was released by Hazlet Police on Nov. 12. An arrest does not indicate a conviction. 

Tuesday, Oct. 30: Workers at the Exxon Station on Holmdel Road and Route 35 returned to work during Hurricane Sandy at 10:42 a.m and discovered someone during the night had smashed out the front door, taken $100 in starting money cash, and $50 in scratch off lottery tickets, water bottles and Monster Energy drinks. Video cameras were not operational due to power outage. 

Tuesday, Oct. 30: Daniel Wiseburn, 52, of Twelth Street in the West Keansburg section is accused of chasing a roommate through an apartment with a knife, and stabbing at a closed door. Police were called to the scene at 7:30 p.m. Wiseburn was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, unlawful possession of the knife and a hunting bow and arrow found in the bedroom, and possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose. He was taken to the county jail and is being held on $10,000 bail. 

Wednesday, Oct. 31: A resident living in the Mieleville Mobile Home Park off Palmer Avenue reported being awakened when someone attempted to break into the trailer by kicking in the front door, but was unsuccessful. It was reported to police at 1:18 a.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 31: The owner of Auto Solutions on 247 Route 36 near Laurel Avenue reported someone broke into the dealership office and stole a 2005 Chrysler 300 from the lot. It was returned, undetected, to the lot on the next day.

Thursday, Nov. 1: The Hazlet Train Station Deli was burglarized by someone who smashed through the front door. Taken was $800 in assorted cigarettes. Video surveillance was disabled due to the power outage. The burglary was noted at 2:52 a.m.

Friday, Nov. 2: Police charged Michael Rechten, 26, of Hazel Place for driving under the influence, unlawful possession of a large knife in the car and resisting arrest. He was stopped on Lynn Boulevard. His car was impounded and he was released pending a court date. 

Sunday, Nov. 4: The Citgo gas station on Highway 36 was burglarized by someone who broke a window to gain entry. $100 was taken from the cash register. The theft was reported at 9:26 a.m.

Sunday, Nov. 4: Two Middletown residents were arrested for stealing items from the hotel room of two employees of a tree-cutting service from Lebanon, Va. who had left their door ajar. Police responded to the Best Western on Route 35 at 11:26 p.m. Richard M. Quinn, 28 and Alexis Bruno, 23, both of Middlewood Road in Middletown. They were accused of taking personal property valued at $619 along with a loaded .22 caliber handgun. When officers arrived, they found the gun in Bruno's belt. Quinn and Bruno were charged with burglary, conspiracy and theft. Bruno was additionally charged with unlawful possession of a handgun. (Charges may be pending on the Virginia men for having the handgun in their possession, said Hazlet Det. Charles McBride.) Both were taken to county jail and held on $20,000 bail, set by Judge Pugliese, which they both posted. 

Thursday, Nov. 8: A homeowner on Cornell returned back to her house after a brief outing and discovered her house had been burglarized. She reported it to police at 3:16 p.m. Someone smashed a rear window to gain entry. Taken was $1,000 worth of jewelry from the master bedroom, and $100 in cash.

During this period, three unlocked cars were burglarized in various places in the township, and loose change was taken