By:Melissa Edmond
The Township Committee made a proclamation recognizing Officers Christopher Engelhardt, Trevor Oldenburg, Joseph Bastardo and Frederick Wacker at the May 24 meeting for the apprehension of the two armed and dangerous suspects linked to the murder of John Grover in Manville on April 17.
"Something very easily could have gone wrong with someone getting hurt," said Mr. Gazaway. "I think my officers did a great job."
The officers apprehended Peter James Ciarletta, 28, of Warren Township and William Eugene "Rodent" Martin of North Plainfield.
Mayor Bob Wagner said the officers worked on the incident in an exemplary manner and reflected the highest standards of the police department. He extended the appreciation of the committee for a job well done.
The Hillsborough Township police dispatch received a report from Manville police that the suspects were traveling into Hillsborough.
Officer Christopher Engelhardt, was on a traffic stop when the vehicle involved in the shooting passed him. He was able to provide headquarters with the license plate number for the suspect vehicle.
Officers Trevor Oldenburg, Joseph Bastardo and Frederick Wacker who were joined by Officer Engelhardt responded to the area of Triangle Road and observed the suspects traveling in the area. Officer Oldenburg initiated a felony motor vehicle stop.
Mr. Martin exited the vehicle and ran from the scene when the vehicle stopped. Officer Wacker and Officer Engelhardt caught him after a brief chase.
Officer Oldenburg stood guard over Mr. Ciarletta, the driver. Officer Bastardo guarded the vehicle including a 22 handgun and switchblade-style knife he found.
"When you’re a young officer, you dream you’ll get involved in something like this," Chief Gazaway said. "When you’re older, you don’t."
