Recent News
Jury Returns Conviction for 2019 Fatal Shooting
March 22, 2023
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a jury returned a conviction in the 2019 fatal shooting of a 21-year-old from Lindenwold four years ago while she was sitting in her car in the Millbrook Park section of Willingboro Township.
A Superior Court jury deliberated yesterday and today for approximately three hours before returning guilty verdicts against Marvin A. Coleman Jr., 24, on charges of Felony Murder (First Degree), Murder (First Degree), Robbery (First Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree) and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree).
The Hon. Gerard H. Breland, J.S.C., scheduled sentencing for June 9.
The investigation began after police were called to the first block of Medley Lane just before 8:30 a.m. on March 7, 2019, for a report of a female in a parked car with an apparent gunshot wound. Arriving officers found Maribely Lopez in the driver’s seat of her Ford Focus with the engine still running. The investigation determined the shooting occurred at approximately 11 p.m. the night before.
The investigation further revealed that Coleman had made arrangements on March 6 through the marketplace app OfferUp to purchase a used cell phone from Lopez. They agreed that Lopez would meet Coleman in front of a house on Medley Lane, which is a short walk through a field from the defendant’s residence on Marlboro Lane.
But instead of buying the phone, Coleman executed Lopez by firing a shot through the partially opened driver’s side window. The phone that was advertised for sale was discovered by investigators inside of the car.
An autopsy performed by Burlington County Medical Examiner Dr. Ian Hood revealed that Lopez died from a single gunshot to the head.
Coleman was prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Bob Van Gilst, supervisor of the BPCO Major Crimes Unit, and Assistant Prosecutor Rachel Conte. The investigation was conducted by the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office and the Willingboro Township Police Department. The lead investigators were BCPO Detective Sergeant Tony Luyber, BCPO Detective Sergeant Tim Horne, former BCPO Detective Jennifer Appelmann and Willingboro Detective Sergeant Jason Galiazzi.
Join the Willingboro Police Department
March 6, 2023
The 2023 entry-level Law Enforcement Examination (LEE) was announced on March 1, 2023. Applications will only be accepted through the Online Application System. Applications must be completed and submitted by 4:00 p.m. on the closing date March 31, 2023. Please see the links below for more information.
Online Application System
Online Application Information
Willingboro Township Police Department Direct Link
Willingboro Officer CIT Veteran Response Team Training
January 19, 2023
The Willingboro Township Police Department is excited to announce that on January 18th 2023, Officer J. Moore completed CIT NJ (Crisis Intervention Team) Veterans Response Team (VRT) Training.
This was the inaugural training class for officers in New Jersey. New Jersey is the third state in the country to have VRT Training. Oftentimes veterans will only talk to another veteran during a crisis situation. The (VRT) Training teaches military veteran first responders, who are also CIT trained, how to effectively and peacefully resolve incidents involving a veteran in crisis.
Officers learn to leverage their law enforcement training and their shared military experiences with the veteran in crisis, to deescalate the event and prevent violence. Emphasis is placed on connecting veterans with locally available resources designed to improve the health and wellbeing of the veteran.
We recognize that our community has a vast population of veterans and we will continue to train our officers to better serve all of our citizens. Special thanks to The Burlington County CIT Coordinators DSgt. Christopher Ent (Burlington Township Police Department) and Rachel Morgan (Burlington County Department of Human Services).
Emergency Services #9-1-1
Veterans Crisis Hotline #9-8-8 then press 1
Retirement Announcement
January 10, 2023
After 20 years of distinguished service devoted to protecting and serving the residents and visitors of Willingboro Township, Captain Adam Donofrio has retired.
Capt. Donofrio graduated from the Burlington County Police Academy in 2003. He served as a Sheriff’s Officer in the Burlington County Sheriff’s Department until October 18, 2004 when he was hired as a Police Officer for the Willingboro Police Department. He earned two lifesaving awards while serving as a patrol officer and motorcycle officer. In January of 2008 he was assigned to the Street Crimes Unit, where he conducted proactive narcotics investigations, worked in an undercover capacity, and participated in a wiretap investigation. He successfully completed the NJ Department of Criminal Justice’s Top Gun Narcotics Investigators training, the NJDCJ’s Undercover Narcotics Investigator Training (UNIT), and the New Jersey State Police/Federal Bureau of Investigation Undercover Certification program. Capt. Donofrio, along with other members of the street crimes unit, earned a PROCOPS award for their success in the unit.
In January of 2014, Capt. Donofrio was assigned as a detective to the Criminal Investigations Division where he closed cases leading to convictions for a wide range of crimes, including first degree violent crimes that led to prison sentences of up to 25 years. Later that year, Capt. Donofrio was promoted to the rank of sergeant and assigned to the patrol division. While assigned as patrol sergeant he was part of the team that implemented body worn cameras in the department. He also joined the accreditation team and helped the department achieve its first and second re-accreditations. During his time as a patrol sergeant, Capt. Donofrio was also selected to serve on the Employee Assistance Program team. The EAP program is designed to help officers that are in distress. While serving on the EAP team, Capt. Donofrio helped expand the program and secure access to more services for officers in need of assistance. While serving as a sergeant, Capt. Donofrio continued his education. In March of 2016, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from the Thomas Edison State University with a 4.0 GPA.
In June of 2019, Capt. Donofrio was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, and in this role Capt. Donofrio helped create and supervised the Community Engagement Officer program, obtained over $300,000.00 of grants and equipment, coordinated police services at several large pre-planned events (such as the Jazz Festival and the Juneteenth Festival), and managed several large IT projects (to include implementing a new scheduling system, a new system for managing extra duty assignments, and a citizen’s online reporting system.) In 2021, Capt. Donofrio became the department’s first New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police - Accredited Command Executive.
In December of 2021, Capt. Donofrio was promoted to Captain and assigned to command of the Patrol Division.
Congratulations on a successful career and we wish you the best in your retirement.
Willingboro Police Department Announces 2023 Citizen's Police Academy
January 7, 2023
The Willingboro Police Department has announced the 2023 Citizen's Police Academy. It is open to all residents 21 years old or older. The purpose of the academy is to foster a better relationship, through education and training, between the citizens of Willingboro and their police department. The Citizen's Police Academy will run every Saturday from April 1 to April 29 from 9AM to 12PM at the Willingboro Police Department.
Application Deadline: March 17, 2023
Life in Prison for 2019 Willingboro Murder
January 6, 2023
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced today that Devon Woods was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for fatally shooting a 26-year-old three years ago inside a parked car on Baldwin Lane in the Buckingham Park section of Willingboro Township.
The sentence was handed down in Superior Court in Mount Holly by the Hon. Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C., to Devon Woods, 28, who was convicted in October of Felony Murder (First Degree) Murder (First Degree), Robbery (First Degree), Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (Second Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree) and Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons (Second Degree).
Woods was arrested along with Sam Gore of Willingboro and charged with killing Deasia Ayres of Willingboro in the early morning hours of September 18, 2019. The investigation revealed that Woods fired a handgun into her neck and head as she sat in her Dodge Durango. The motive was robbery.
“I commend everyone who was involved in the investigation and prosecution of this defendant,” Prosecutor Bradshaw said. “This case strongly demonstrates our determination to work closely with our law enforcement partners to combat gun violence and maintain safe neighborhoods for Burlington County residents.”
Gore, 28, faces similar charges to those lodged against Woods. They have been held in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly since being arrested a week after the shooting.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Bob Van Gilst, supervisor of the BCPO Major Crimes Unit, and Assistant Prosecutor Rachel Conte.
The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and the Willingboro Township Police Department, with assistance from the Burlington County Sheriff's Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office and the Trenton Police Department. The lead investigators were BCPO Detective Sgt. Tony Luyber and WTPD Detective Sgt. Jason Galiazzi.
Retired K-9 Ricky Passes After Cancer Battle
December 23, 2022
The Willingboro Police Department is sad to announce that retired K-9 Ricky passed away after battling cancer.
K-9 Ricky was born in Slovakia in November 2012. He was imported to the United States by Vohne Liche Kennels in Indiana in 2014. It was at that time he was selected and trained by then Officer John Michener, to be a dual purpose police dog (Patrol / Narcotics Detection). K-9 Ricky quickly made a name for himself with numerous arrests credited to his patrol and narcotics detection abilities, which included the largest narcotic find for a Willingboro K-9 in over 25 years.
K-9 Ricky was also a regular at community policing events which included, the DARE program, the Youth Police Academy, the Citizen’s Police Academy, National Night Out, elementary school reading programs, Willingboro Police K-9 Association fundraising events, and many more.
In 2017, Officer Michener was promoted to Sergeant and asked to take a position in the Street Crimes Unit. K-9 Ricky was then primarily used for narcotics detection and as an ambassador for the police department at community events. In 2019, K-9 Ricky was retired from active service and enjoyed his retirement years with Sgt. Michener and his family.
K-9 Ricky will be greatly missed by the citizens of Willingboro Township, the Willingboro Police Department, and the Michener Family.
Willingboro Police Captain Graduates from FBI National Academy
December 9, 2022
On December 8, 2022, Director of Public Safety, Captain Ian S. Bucs graduated as a member of the 284th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Captain Bucs is the 7th officer in the department history to complete this prestigious program. Nationally, less than one person of officers have the opportunity to attend the program.
Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. On average, these officers have 21 years of law enforcement experience and return to their agencies to serve in executive-level positions.
The 284th session consisted of 237 law enforcement officers from 49 states and the District of Columbia. The class included members of law enforcement agencies from 25 countries, 5 military organizations, and 5 federal civilian organizations.
"I was honored to represent the Willingboro Township Police Department here at the National Academy. Willingboro has a long history of sending officers here and I am truly blessed and humbled to be a part of it. I would like to thank our Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Town Council, and Township Manager for allowing me this once in a lifetime opportunity. I'd also like to thank my family for always supporting me. Without them, this would not have been possible", Bucs said of his experience.
Captain Bucs started his law enforcement career in May 1999 with the City of Wildwood Police Department. In October 1999, he was hired by the Willingboro Police Department as a part time SLEO II police officer. In September 2001, he was hired full time and attended the Burlington County Police Academy. Bucs worked his way up through the ranks to his current position. He has been assigned or been part of every specialty unit the police department has to offer, and attended some of the top leadership schools to include the United States Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer's Academy, New Jersey State Association of Chief's of Police Command and Leadership Academy, and now the FBI National Academy.
Congratulations Captain Bucs and way to represent Willingboro!!!
Five arrested; Drugs and Guns Seized
December 3, 2022
On November 30, 2022 The Willingboro Township Police Department Street Crimes Unit and SWAT Team executed a search warrant at the Beverly Court Motel. The search warrant was executed after a month long investigation into the sale of illegal narcotics at this location.
As a result of the execution of the search warrant, detectives recovered a significant quantity of crack-cocaine, three handguns, and two illegal extended magazines.
The below listed individuals were arrested, charged and lodged in the Burlington County Jail.
1. Jamar Hightower of Parrish Lane, Willingboro, NJ.
Charges:
-Possession of CDS
-Distribution of CDS
-Possession of CDS Paraphernalia
-Unlawful Possession of a Handgun
-Possession of a Handgun during the course of a CDS Offense
-Possession of an Extended Magazine
2. Jashawn St. Louis of Pageant Lane, Willingboro, NJ.
Charges:
-Possession of CDS
-Distribution of CDS
-Possession of CDS Paraphernalia
-Unlawful Possession of a Handgun
-Possession of a Handgun during the course of a CDS Offense
-Possession of an Extended Magazine
3. Tysharne Burke of Bayberry Lane, Willingboro, NJ
Charges:
-Possession of CDS
-Distribution of CDS
-Possession of CDS Paraphernalia
-Unlawful Possession of a Handgun
-Possession of a Handgun during the course of a CDS Offense
-Possession of an Extended Magazine
-Certain Persons not to Possess Weapons
4. Antoine Foster of Beverly Court Motel, Willingboro, NJ
Charges:
-Possession of CDS
-Distribution of CDS
-Possession of CDS Paraphernalia
-Unlawful Possession of a Handgun
-Possession of a Handgun during the course of a CDS Offense
-Possession of an Extended Magazine
5. Joshua Smith of Hargrove Lane, Willingboro, NJ
Charges:
-Possession of CDS
-Distribution of CDS
-Possession of CDS Paraphernalia
-Unlawful Possession of a Handgun
-Possession of a Handgun during the course of a CDS Offense
-Possession of an Extended Magazine
-Certain Persons not to Possess Weapons
*All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in the court of law*
As always, we would like to remind the public to remain vigilant and, if they observe suspicious activity, to report it by calling 609-877-3001 (or 9-1-1 if there is an emergency).
Streetlight Out?
November 30, 2022
Across the world, streetlights illuminate highways, intersections, street corners, and all sorts of public spaces. Streetlights provide lighting to increase visibility, promote road safety for drivers and pedestrians, and to discourage theft or violence.
If you see a street light out in your area, please report it at :
Community Meet Up Spot
November 30, 2022
Did you know the Willingboro Township Police Department has a safe exchange zone? We have designated two parking spots (painted in green) located in the police parking lot as the safe exchange zone. If residents are buying or selling items we encourage you to use the safety exchange zone, as it is a well lit area that is recording and open 24 hours a day to help improve your safety during these transactions.
Additional safety precautions:
• Our police station is open 24 hours a day, but we want to encourage you to complete transactions during daytime hours.
• Never meet in a secluded area.
• Never invite strangers to your home, or go to a stranger’s house.
• Remember, If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.
• Bring along a family or friend when completing the transaction.
Interested in Joining Neighborhood Watch?
November 16, 2022
Are you interested in joining neighborhood watch? Meetings are held monthly on the third Thursday of every month at the Reva Foster Senior Center located at the Kennedy Center at 429 JFK Way at 7:00 PM.
For more information visit:
https://www.willingboropolice.com/neighborhood-watch
Renaming of Levitt Parkway
November 1, 2022
County Route 630 through Willingboro Township has a new name honoring our nation’s heroes and new street signs that reflect the change.
The Burlington County Division of Roads and Bridges spent Monday morning replacing the 31 signs along the stretch of road previously known as Levitt Parkway with new Veterans Parkway signs. The name change was approved by the Burlington County Commissioners following discussions with Willingboro leaders and residents.
The town plans to celebrate the road’s new name on Veterans Day, November 11, with a 10 AM parade down the parkway to the Willingboro Municipal Complex. Residents are invited to come out and help honor our veterans!
Trenton Man Convicted of 2019 Willingboro Murder
October 21, 2022
Burlington County Prosecutor LaChia L. Bradshaw announced that a Trenton man was found guilty yesterday of fatally shooting a 26-year-old woman three years ago inside a parked car on Baldwin Lane in the Buckingham Park section of Willingboro Township.
Devon Woods, 28, of the first block of Vine Street, was convicted of Murder (First Degree), Robbery (First Degree), Conspiracy to Commit Robbery (Second Degree), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (Second Degree), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Second Degree) and Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons (Second Degree).
The Superior Court jury returned the verdict after deliberating for approximately 2½ hours inside the Burlington County Courts Facility in Mount Holly. The Hon. Christopher J. Garrenger, J.S.C., scheduled sentencing for January 6, 2023.
Woods was arrested along with Sam Gore of Willingboro and accused of killing Deasia Ayres of Willingboro in the early morning hours of September 18, 2019.
The investigation revealed that Woods fired a handgun into her neck and head as she sat inside her Dodge Durango. The motive was robbery.
Gore, 28, will be scheduled for trial on similar charges. Gore and Woods have been held in the Burlington County Jail in Mount Holly since being arrested a week after the shooting.
They are being prosecuted by Assistant Prosecutor Bob Van Gilst, supervisor of the BCPO Major Crimes Unit – Violent Crimes Section, and Assistant Prosecutor Rachel Conte.
The investigation was conducted by detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and the Willingboro Township Police Department Township Police Department, with assistance from the Burlington County Sheriff's Department, the Mercer County Sheriff's Office - Jack Kemler, Sheriff and the Trenton, New Jersey Police Department. The lead investigators are BCPO Sgt. Tony Luyber and WTPD Detective Sgt. Jason Galiazzi.
Burlington County Expungement Clinic
October 18, 2022
Are you having a rough time landing a job or achieving your goals because of a criminal history? We can help you get past that, and it's free. Come out to the Burlington County expungement clinic and job fair on October 28 and see if you qualify to have your record cleared. We have two locations, so join us at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 150 East Second Street, Burlington City or Friendship AME Church, 711 Lakehurst Road in Browns Mills from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. We'll feed you while you're there, also free of charge. For more information, visit https://burlcobar.org/dayofservice.php
The expungement clinic is sponsored by the Prosecutor’s Office, New Jersey Office of the Public Defender - Burlington County, Burlington County Bar Association, Burlington County Department of Human Services, Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey, Garden State Bar Association, City of Burlington Police Department, Tabernacle Baptist Church of Burlington NJ, Friendship A.M.E. Church, Trulieve, From the Block to the Boardroom, The Links, Incorporated - Rancocas Valley Chapter, and Altus, NJ, LLC.
CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATIONAL VIDEO
ALL In For The Cure!
October 14, 2022
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month we wanted to make things a little personable this year. Today, we stopped by Mrs. McCray’s house and celebrated her with two dozen beautiful pink roses! Mrs. McCray is a breast cancer SURVIVOR who has turned her story into a testimony! Her mission is to bring awareness and educate others about Breast Cancer with her business, Pink Gurl by NLB. Mrs. McCray, thank you for sharing your story with our officers today!
The Beloved Project trains Willingboro Officers
October 7, 2022
Willingboro Police Department officers had the opportunity to learn about The Beloved Project and the work they do in the Willingboro and Burlington County Community as a whole. We want to thank Ms. Claudine for stopping by our shift briefing this morning and providing officers with “Beloved Bags” (Toiletry Bags) that they will have on hand when assisting citizens in need. The Beloved Project is always looking for volunteers and partners, they can be reached at (609) 699-6139.
Willingboro Participating in Straight to Treatment Program
September 15, 2022
Willingboro Police Department is proud to announce that we will be participating in the Straight to Treatment program.
Straight to Treatment enables anyone facing addiction to walk into participating police departments and be connected with a drug treatment program. Insurance is not necessary to receive help, neither is residency in Burlington County. The Straight to Treatment program focuses on making sure that help is available at the critical moment someone has decided to seek assistance.
We are excited to be participating in this program and we will have recovery professionals at the police station EVERY Saturday from 10:00am-4:00pm beginning October 1st.
We are committed to helping individuals overcome their battle with addiction and live healthier lives. Please spread the word and do not hesitate to take advantage of this opportunity.
Contact the Willingboro Police Department for more information at 609-877-3000.