Identify Theft After Accounts Created
On Oct 6. 2025, Officer Christopher Hayes met with the victim of identity theft in the HTPD lobby. The victim stated that he received an email from Lifelock notifying him that his credit score dropped approximately 120 points. He also discovered a Verizon account under his name that he did not recognize. The victim confirmed with Verizon that he did not open the account, which had an active outstanding balance due. This was sent to collections, and he received phone calls stating the same. The victim was in contact with Verizon to resolve the issue and was advised to continue to monitor his credit score, bank statements, etc going forward.
Counterfeit Currency used at Rosedale Mills
Officer Ryan Finnegan responded to Rosedale Mills on Oct. 8 for a report of counterfeit currency used in a purchase. Officer Finnegan made contact with management who stated that on October 7, 2025 a customer used a counterfeit $100 bill to purchase two large pumpkins, which totaled $25.57. The false bill was not confirmed until a day later and reported to police at that time. Further information was provided to the officer for this case.
Man Charged with DUI
On Oct. 11 HTPD officers responded to the area of Rt 31 in Pennington for a reported an erratic driver. The suspect reportedly fell getting into his car, as reported by the caller. A motor vehicle stop was conducted on the a maroon Chevrolet near Ingleside Ave. The driver was asked to step from the vehicle for field sobriety testing, which was conducted. After exiting the vehicle, wax folds were observed inside the vehicle – believed to be heroin. Lansperger was placed under arrest on scene and transported to the police department for processing. The man was charged with possession of CDS, DUI, and reckless driving. He was later released from custody. The matter will be heard in municipal court.
Arrest Made on Theft Charges
Detective Michael Makwinski made service of a warrant for a Hopewell man on Oct. 14. Service was made at his residence on North Route 31 in Hopewell. The warrant was drafted and issued for 4 counts of Theft, 3 counts of Criminal Trespass, 4 counts of Criminal Mischief, 2 counts of Burglary, and 1 count of Burglar Tools for cases which took place during 2024 and 2025. This arrest closes 4 cases which took place during this timeframe. The man was arrested and transported to the police department for processing. He was transferred to Mercer County Correctional Center. Investigation is ongoing with the case and the matter will be heard in Superior Court.
Copper Wire Stolen
On Oct. 15 Officer Michael Crincoli responded to Mercer County Correctional Center for a reported theft of copper wire. The victim, a third-party contractor, reported that copper wire which was left on property was stolen from the job site. The spool of copper wire was left on site and was reportedly stolen between Oct 8 and Oct 15. The total value of the wire was reported as approximately $200. The incident is under investigation.
Fraudulent Credit Card Charges
Officer Michael Crincoli met with the victim of credit fraud in the HTPD lobby on Oct.16. The victim reported that, when reviewing her credit card account, she found a number of fraudulent transactions. The transactions totaled $798.44 and took place between 9/12 and 10/13. The account was closed and the victim’s credit profile was flagged for fraudulent activity. The incident was documented, and the victim was advised to continue to monitor their banking statements and credit reports going forward.
DUI on Rt. 29
On Oct. 19 Officer Colin Brigham responded to Rt 29 for a report of a possible drunk driver. Upon arrival, he conducted a motor vehicle stop on the Jeep Wrangler in question. The driver was contacted at the stop by Officer Brigham. Due to signs of intoxication, he was asked to exit for field sobriety testing. He was ultimately arrested for DUI and transported to HTPD for processing. He was later released after being charged with DUI and Reckless Driving. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
License Plate Stolen
On Oct. 22, Officer Paul Alvaro met with the victim of theft in the HTPD lobby. The victim stated that their vehicle was parked at Capital Health-Hopewell Campus between Oct. 18 and 19. During that time, the front license plate was stolen off the vehicle. The license plate was entered into NCIC as stolen, and surveillance from the hospital is under review. The incident is under investigation.
Items Stolen from Stop&Shop
Officer Paul Alvaro responded to the Stop&Shop on Denow Road on Oct. 23 for a reported shoplifting. Loss prevention advised that on the same date, a male subject entered the store at approximately 0820 hours. The subject loaded a cart with bulky items and left the store. Immediately after, a female party loaded a cart with smaller items and left the store. Both parties left the store to the same vehicle and fled the scene. Surveillance video was supplied to the officer on scene. The investigation is ongoing.
DUI at Patriots Crossing
On Oct. 25 Officer Blake DeMeter made observation of a silver Toyota Prius in the parking lot of Patriots Crossing. A male exited the vehicle and showed signs of intoxication. Officer DeMeter had the driver perform field sobriety testing before placing him under arrest. he was transported to the police department for processing and was later released. He was charged with DUI, Reckless Driving, and Refusal to Submit to chemical testing. The matter will be heard in municipal court.
DUI at Pennington Circle
Officer Christopher Hayes responded to the Lukoil on the Pennington Circle for a report of a potential DUI driver on Oct. 25. Officer Hayes made contact with the driver who was initially reported as unresponsive and asleep in the vehicle on scene. The subject was arrested after field sobriety testing and transported to HTPD for processing. He was later released from custody. He was charged with Driving While Suspended, DUI, Reckless Driving. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
