Blizzard, Fights, Hit-and-Runs Reported in Washington Twp., NJ

It was one of those weekends in Washington Township, Gloucester County, where police barely had time to catch their breath.

Between a blizzard, seven hit-and-run crashes, bar fights, a brawl at a hockey rink, a $2,500 shoplifting spree, and even a stolen rotisserie chicken, officers handled nearly 300 calls in just a couple of days.

Here are some of the more significant incidents.

Shoplifting Arrest – Bottino’s ShopRite

A man stole five protein bars and a rotisserie chicken. He was located outside in possession of the stolen items.

Domestic Violence Arrest

A woman reported that her boyfriend from Camden had punched her vehicle and fled. An officer later located the suspect near Greentree Rd. and Avonbrook Dr. He was arrested without incident on active warrants. An investigation revealed a prior assault on 2/15 causing visible facial injuries.

Shoplifting – Ulta

Two women shoplifted approximately $2,500 in merchandise and fled the store.

Fight – Ott’s Tavern

An officer observed a fight in the Ott’s parking lot. A Berlin man and a Pine Hill man were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

DWI / MVC Arrest

A caller reported a vehicle struck a pole and fled near Egg Harbor and Hurffville-Grenloch Roads. An officer located the vehicle with heavy front-end damage and conducted a stop on Route 42 near Whitman Dr. The driver, a 25-year-old man from Blackwood, was arrested for DWI.

Criminal Mischief

A resident reported a man wearing a ski mask removed her Ring doorbell camera. Vehicle windows were also found smashed.

Domestic Violence Assault Arrest

A woman reported that she was assaulted by her child’s father. The accused fled and was later located by officers in a Wawa parking lot and arrested without incident.

Disturbances / Fights

Applebee’s (woman upset after being cut off at bar)
McDonald’s lobby disturbance
Hollydell Ice Arena (adult fight in stands)
Washington Township High School (parallel parking dispute between drivers)

Health Department Notifications

Multiple calls regarding sick or deceased geese throughout town.

Suspicious Activity

At 2:43 AM Sunday, officers located two juveniles dressed in all black with ski masks walking on Route 42. They provided false names and no guardian information to police. They were later determined to be a 13-year-old from Lansdowne, PA, and a 14-year-old from Yeadon, PA. Both juveniles were released to guardians later that day.

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Chris Coleman, a South Jersey native, is the brand manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 FM and afternoon on-air personality on WPUR Cat Country 107.3 in Atlantic City, NJ. He joined the station in February 1998 and covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey for Townsquare Media. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com