Date: 06/24/20
Incident location(s): Camden County Regional Emergency Training Center (Gloucester Township)
Case Number: 2020-16097
Investigating Detective: Det. Tom Ritz #207
On Wednesday 04/15/2020 at approximately 1131 AM, the Gloucester Township Police Department (GTPD) responded to the Camden County Regional Emergency Training Center located on Woodbury Turnersville Road for a burglary and theft. It was discovered that on 04/14/20, a suspect unlawfully entered the Emergency Training Center buildings, stole various emergency training equipment, and spray painted the building with graffiti markings, causing significant criminal mischief damages. After committing these felonious acts, the suspect went across the street and purposely caused additional criminal mischief to a motor vehicle by using a sharp object to damage the tires.
Detectives from the GTPD Criminal Investigations Bureau – Criminal Investigations Unit (CIU) processed the crime scene and located significant evidence. Detectives discovered that the suspect stole the training facility flashlights, radios, and various emergency equipment, causing $35,000.00 in losses. The suspect also poured cleaning solution on electronic equipment and used spray paint to “tag” distinctive markings on the facility causing $3,000.00 in damages. Detectives conducted extensive research and analysis on the graffiti markings and evidence. As a result of the comprehensive criminal investigation, the suspect was identified as Shaafiy Simpson of Westampton NJ.
On 05/26/20, GTPD Detectives and Officers conducted pro-active operations. During this operation the stolen emergency training equipment was located and recovered at Simpson’s residence. Shaafiy Simpson was charged with Burglary (3rd degree), Theft (3rd degree), Criminal Mischief (3rd Degree), Criminal Mischief (Disorderly Persons Offense), and Violation of Executive Order 107 (Disorderly Persons Offense. Simpson was arrested on 06/08/20 and remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility pending a Central First Appearance in accordance with the New Jersey Criminal Reform Act.
Arrest: Shaafiy Simpson 26 YOA of Russo Drive Westhampton NJ
The Gloucester Township Police Department will continue to combat criminal activity with thorough investigations, new and innovative police strategies, local police partnerships, and most importantly the partnerships with our community. The teamwork and communication between GTPD and the Camden County College Public Safety Department continues to be a valuable partnership.
If you have any additional information please contact the Gloucester Township Police Department (Police@GTPolice.com) at 856-228-4500, the GTPD Anonymous Crime Tip Line at 856-842-5560, or Det. T. Ritz #207 at 856-374-5729 / TRitz@GTPolice.com. To send an anonymous tip via text message to Gloucester Township police, text the keyword TIP GLOTWPPD and your tip message to 888777. You may also click here to leave an anonymous tip: https://local.nixle.com/tip/alert/5170177. To make a report online please visit https://gtpolice.com/online-reporting/
DATE OF RELEASE: 6/24/2020
POLICE CASE #: 2020-16097
MEDIA RELEASE BY: Detective Sergeant Anthony Massi #222
