Long Branch police praised for investigation into local gang

Last year, Long Branch police launched an investigation into the 93-Headbusters Bloods street gang, known for shootings in the city:

June 11, 2024, 2:56 p.m. EDT | Updated June 11, 2024, 3:08 p.m. EDT

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Law enforcement work often takes place behind the scenes, and most officers receive very little public recognition, let alone praise, for the risks they take.

The 200 Club of Monmouth County wants to change that and honored the men and women of the local police, fire and emergency services last Friday.

Here are some stories about local law enforcement over the past year:

Long Branch Police Officers:
Det. Sgt. Richard O’Brien
Sergeant Kevin Romano
Det. David Stein
Det. Joseph Pannullo
Det. Conor Mullan (Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Team)

The Long Branch Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit proactively initiated an investigation into the 93-Headbusters Bloods Street Gang, known for extensive violent activity and shootings in Long Branch over the past 15 years.

The focus of the surveillance was the home of a gang leader on Rockwell Avenue, a meeting place for criminal planning and recruitment, including of minors.

Aided by surveillance technology and FBI informants, the unit executed search warrants, arrested four gang members, and seized firearms, drugs, and a vehicle. Efforts intensified when a known gang leader was released from prison, culminating in additional arrests and probation violation charges. These actions significantly disrupted gang activity and underscored the dedication and effectiveness of the investigative unit, whose work deserves recognition.

Long Branch Police Officers:

Christian DeFazio
Matthew Sanchez
Victor Vargas Cruz
Brandon Winston
Devon Slavin

On September 30, 2023, alert staff contacted Long Branch Police after a patron at the Nip-N-Tuck Bar threatened to “set the place on fire” and presented his New Jersey gun license.

Officer Sanchez responded quickly and collected the suspect’s details and information on his vehicle, which he shared with his team. Officer Christian DeFazio observed the suspect’s vehicle returning to the bar, conducted a traffic stop and discovered a rifle with a loaded cartridge inside.

The suspect was safely apprehended with the assistance of Officers Victor Vargas Cruz, Brandon Winston and Devon Slavin.

“Thanks to their coordinated efforts, particularly the proactive actions of Officer DeFazio, a potentially dangerous situation was defused without incident,” the 200 Club said.

But not only police officers were honored by the 200 Club:

Long Branch Firefighters:
Lieutenant Timothy Green
Firefighter Mark Garced
Firefighter Nick Saffioti
Firefighter Kenneth Banach, Jr.
Firefighter Christopher Fazio

On May 28, 2023 at 3:54 a.m., the department was called to a serious car accident at the corner of Cottage Place and 2nd Avenue. At the scene, a vehicle was seen overturned, several people were ejected from the vehicle, and another car had struck a telephone pole.

Two children required CPR, one with a broken femur, another with head trauma and about four others with various injuries, amidst a chaotic scene of over 30 bystanders. Lt. Griffin took command, stabilized the scene and called for additional rescue personnel. Firefighters Garced, Saffioti, Banach and Fazio immediately performed CPR and tended to the other victims.
“Their quick and professional actions significantly mitigated the potential severity of the incident. Their efforts are a testament to their skill and dedication to the fire service,” the 200 Club said.

Firefighter David Phillips from Long Branch

On the evening of February 27, 2023, Long Branch firefighter David Phillips saved the life of a six-day-old infant. At around 10:40 p.m., Phillips and his team were alerted to a family outside their fire station desperately seeking help for their newborn daughter who was not breathing.

Phillips, the fire department’s CPR instructor, quickly administered life-saving blows to the infant’s back and he soon began breathing again.

Both the baby and his mother, who was recovering from a recent cesarean section, were taken to Monmouth Medical Center and stabilized with no lasting health issues. On March 10, the grateful family returned to thank Phillips and highlight the emotional impact of his heroic actions. Phillips credited his training for making such a critical difference. Read this story and see his photo: Long Branch firefighter saves life of 6-day-old infant not breathing

Last year, Long Branch police launched an investigation into the 93-Headbusters Bloods street gang, known for shootings in the city:

Related Posts

A pastor sexually abused foster daughters, California cops say. Now there are fears of further victims

Police reports | July 2, 2024

State police investigators are investigating a robbery at a pizza delivery driver in Seaford