CAMPUS POLICE BLOTTER
Reports made to RVCC Security and/or Branchburg Police
in November and December 2007
Motor Vehicle Accidents
A white Toyota van, driven north on RVCC Drive by Miguel A, Yanez, 44, of New Brunswick, failed to stop for a red light and hit a blue 2002 Dodge wagon driven by Andrew G. Smith, 39, of East Hanover, at 7:07 a.m. on October 31, police said. The collision damaged the wagon’s bumper on the passenger side. According to Branchburg Police, Yanez stated, “I just did not see him.” The wagon was towed. Mr. Yanez was issued a summons for going through a red light.
Kenneth W. Puleo, 19, of Stewartsville, driving a Silver 2000 Toyota Corolla, pulled out of a parking spot and backed into a gray 2003 Honda driven by Mark S, Musial, 20, of Hillsborough, on Oct. 31, at 10:43 a.m., in Lot #1. According to Branchburg Police Officer Ghanim, Puleo backed out of his parking spot and struck the rear of Musial’s Honda. Both cars were moved from point of impact before police arrived. No injuries reported. No summons issued.
Deer Hits Car
On A gray 2005 Ford Mustang, driven by Ritchie, J, Bennett, 18, of Flemington, was traveling north on RVCC Drive on Nov. 1 at 6:20 p.m. when it was struck by a deer crossing the road eastbound, police said. According to Branchburg Police, The deer had fled the scene when Officer Robert Stober arrived, however deer fur was evident on the hood and in the grill. The car was driven from the scene. No summons was issued to Bennett or to the deer.
Harassment
A 20-year-old female RVCC student from Bridgewater filed a harassment complaint with Branchburg Police Department against her former boyfriend, Dominick Linker, 20, also of Bridgewater, on Dec. 04. According to Branchburg Police, Linker threatened that he would stalk her for the rest of her life and that he would slash her tires while she attended class. A temporary restraining order was granted against him and served later that night. A warrant for his arrest has now been issued. Linker is white, about 5’ 8” tall with short dark hair, police said. He drives a silver Eclipse.
Domestic Violence
RVCC Security Sgt. Thomas Mundy reported possible domestic violence to Branchburg Police on Nov. 5. after a female student contacted Director of Academic Services Lori Petrozzello and stated she had been a victim of domestic violence, police said. The responding officer advised the victim of her rights and she was escorted to a Women’s Crisis Center by a friend.
Firefighter Prank
North Branch volunteer fireman, Giovanni Balsano, Jr. 18, of Branchburg entered a computer science class in West on Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. and ordered the class to evacuate, saying there was the smell of smoke in the room below. The professor reported the incident to RVCC Security, which led to the fireman’s arrest. See full story.
False Fire Alarm
On Nov. 02, at 4:10 p.m., Branchburg Police responded to a fire call at Somerset Hall, on the second floor, near room S-122. According to police, firefighters from North Branch Volunteer Fire Department and Readington Fire Company, checked the area near the doors leading to the courtyard area where the alarm had been activated. Both companies confirmed it to be a false alarm.
No Laughing Matter
Gabriie Luc Gonzales, 18, of Flemington was arrested on Nov. 30, at the RVCC Theater for releasing pepper spray that injured four members of the audience at a comedy show, police said. Branchburg Rescue treated the individuals at the theater. See full story.
Stolen Briefcase
Assistant Professor Brian Thomas reported his briefcase missing on Nov. 30, at 2:41 p.m. According to Branchburg Police, Thomas let students place their bags in his office during the recent school evacuation. When he returned to school the next day, left his office unlocked so students could retrieve their belongings, police said. Later he noticed his bag was missing, but was not sure if a student had picked it up by mistake, according to the police report. The briefcase and its contents were valued at $734. According to RVCC Security, the items later turned up in Plainfield.
Anyone with any information regarding the above incidents, please contact RVCC Security at 908-526-1200 ext.8370 or Detective Camunas at 526-3830.