News Release
For Immediate Release
Date: December 2, 2016
Contact: Lt. William D. Walsh
VOORHEES — Law enforcement officials from the Voorhees Police Department 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 9, 2016 and continuing through January 1, 2017, local and state law enforcement officials will conduct saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints focusing on 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. During the last five years New Jersey has experienced approximately 41,000 alcohol involved crashes resulting in more than 800 fatalities. 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.
Last year, 29% 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.
Law enforcement agencies participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over 2016 Year End Holiday Crackdown offer the following advice for holiday season:
# # #
Voorhees Township Police Department’s K9 Bo will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Bo is handled by Officer N. Gruber, 15 year veteran, 8 as a K9 handler. K9 Bo was born in Germany and was also imported to the United States by Tarheel K9. K9 Bo is trained in patrol and narcotics detection. All of the Voorhees Police K9 Units live by the tenets; “K9 leads the way!” & “Always trust your dog.”
Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. is a 501c (3) charity located in East Taunton, MA whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. The non-profit was established in 2009 to assist law enforcement agencies with this potentially lifesaving body armor for their four-legged K9 officers. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provided over 2,100 protective vests, in 50 states, through private and corporate donations, at a cost of over 1.9 million dollars. All vests are custom made in the USA by Armor Express in Central Lake, MI.
The program is open to dogs actively employed in the U.S. with law enforcement or related agencies who are certified and at least 20 months of age. New K9 graduates, as well as K9s with expired vests, are eligible to participate.
The donation to provide one protective vest for a law enforcement K9 is $1,050.00. Each vest has a value between $1,795 – $2,234 and a five-year warranty, and an average weight of 4-5 lbs. There is an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States. For more information or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts tax-deductible donations of any denomination at www.vik9s.org or mailed to P.O. Box 9 East Taunton, MA 02718.
VOORHEES TWP. NJ 11/27/16; at approximately 12:27pm, Voorhees Police Officer Mark Paranto initiated a motor vehicle stop on northbound Route 73 and Kresson Road on a gold Honda Civic for an equipment violation. The driver of the vehicle failed to stop, proceeded onto the shoulder of Route 73 and increased speed. Subsequent police investigation revealed the driver, identified as James C. Fitzpatrick Jr. (46) from the 100 block of Lafayette Road in Beverly, NJ, proceeded through the red traffic signal at the intersection of Route 73 and Evesham Road in Evesham Township and while attempting to merge back into traffic near Evesham Road, he collided with other vehicles. The suspect’s vehicle overturned and the suspect fled from the scene on foot. When Officer Paranto arrived at the scene, he observed the suspect fleeing and was able to apprehend him after a foot chase. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Voorhees Police Department. The suspect provided false information to police, was found to be driving on a suspended license and to have numerous warrants for eluding law enforcement from multiple jurisdictions during high speed pursuits over the past three weeks. Mr. Fitzpatrick was charged by the Voorhees Police Department with eluding, resisting by flight, obstruction, providing false information and numerous traffic violations. He was remanded to Camden County Correctional Facility in lieu of $50,000 bail.
There were minor injuries to passengers as a result of the crash reported at the scene. Two individuals were transported to the hospital for evaluation and later released.
For more information about this topic, please contact Captain April Herrington.
###
Contact: Captain April Herrington
Telephone: (856) 882-1115
Email: aherrington@vtpd.com
VOORHEES TWP. NJ 11/23/16: at 11:46 pm, Voorhees Police were dispatched to the 100 block of Van Buren Road for an apartment building fire. Arriving Officers arrived and assisted with evacuating numerous residents from all three floors of the residential complex. As police secured a perimeter, the fire was suppressed by the Voorhees Fire District along with mutual aid from surrounding jurisdictions. As a result, numerous surrounding apartments received smoke and water damage.
Initial reports indicate that a total of (9) families have been displaced until Township Engineers can determine the structural integrity of the building and utilities restored. The Red Cross and building management are working to provide placement for (3) families at a nearby hotel. The Red Cross confirmed the remaining families were able to find temporary shelter with nearby relatives. The cause and origin of the fire is still under investigation. There were no reported injuries to residents nor emergency personnel. If you would like to donate to assist these families, please contact the Red Cross at 1-800-507-6058.
###
For more information about this fire, please contact Captain Carmen Del Palazzo.
Contact: Captain Carmen Del Palazzo PIO
Telephone: 856-882-1134
Email: cdelpalazzo@vtpd.com
VOORHEES TWP. NJ 10/26/16, the Voorhees Police Department announces the arrest of Keir Howard (27) from the unit block of Maynard Drive, Sicklerville NJ. Officers were detailed to the 1200 block of Maple Avenue for a burglary in-progress. Camden County Central Communications advised that an alert neighbor called 911 while observing Mr. Howard attempting to gain entry through a rear window of a residential home. Officers were able to locate Mr. Howard fleeing from the scene. Mr. Howard was charged with Burglary and Possession of a hypodermic syringe. This matter is pending in Superior Court, Camden, New Jersey.
Residents are reminded to be vigilant and report ALL suspicious activity.
###
For more information about this arrest, please contact Captain Carmen Del Palazzo.
Contact: Captain Carmen Del Palazzo PIO
Telephone: 856-882-1134
Email: cdelpalazzo@vtpd.com
