On Sunday March 1, 2020, Police Officer Stephen Cilento was on patrol on South Cooks Bridge Road and conducting a check of Merion Lane in response to several residential burglaries which have occurred in senior communities in the township.

While checking the area, he observed a white van parked at the gate to the community, blocking the roadway as several other vehicles were waiting behind the van to enter off of South Cooks Bridge Road. The officer then observed a male passenger from the van get out and physically attempt to lift the gate which is meant to keep unauthorized vehicles from entering the Westlake Golf and Country Club community. The officer then made contact with the van and its occupants and had the vehicle move out of the road so the residents waiting in their vehicles could enter.

As the officer investigated the incident, the subjects in the van claimed that they were going to an address to pick up furniture. As he attempted to identify the subjects, the male he observed attempting to lift the gate appeared that he was going to attempt to leave the scene and refused to identify himself. It was also discovered that the male driver was driving with a suspended driver’s license and the van belonged to a rental company but they could not produce any rental agreement. After multiple attempts to get the male passenger’s information, he was placed under arrest by the officer. When he was finally identified, it was determined that he did not want to provide his information to the officer due to an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Evesham Township.

The driver of the van was issued a summons for driving with a suspended license and the vehicle was impounded and towed from the scene.

The male passenger was identified as Robert Reeves, age 31 of Philadelphia, PA. He was charged with hindering apprehension on a complaint summons and was later released on his recognizance on the outstanding warrant. He was processed and released pending a court appearance.

The agency is still activity investigating multiple burglaries which have occurred in the senior communities in the township. Anyone with any information on incidents is asked to contact Det. Robert Reiff at police headquarters or through the department’s Stopit app. Anyone observing any suspicious activity is asked to contact headquarters at 732-928-1111 so officers can respond to investigate.

  • The media and the public are reminded that any persons arrested or charged with any offenses or crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.

Captain Steven Laskiewicz
Investigations Division Commander
Jackson Police Department
March 2, 2020