Driver arrested on outstanding warrant
On May 8, 2026, Officer Anthony Pizzola was conducting traffic enforcement stop near Scotch Road and American Boulevard when he observed a gold Mercury SUV traveling southbound. A registration check revealed the registered owner had a suspended driver’s license and an active warrant from Lawrence Township.
Pizzola conducted a motor vehicle stop and confirmed the driver was sole occupant. She was arrested on the outstanding warrant, transported to Hopewell Township Police headquarters for processing and later released on her own recognizance with a new Lawrence Township Municipal Court date. She was also issued a summons for driving while suspended. The matter will be heard in Hopewell Township Municipal Court.
Gate damaged by fire at Mount Rose Preserve
Officer George Peterson responded to the Mount Rose Preserve on May 8, 2026, for a report of damage to a gate. The caller advised that it appeared as though someone had set the gate on fire and then pulled down a section of it. Upon arrival on the scene, Officer Peterson observed two sections of a utility gate that had sustained significant fire damage and a section that had been pulled down. A wooden post was also damaged, and sections of copper wire were located on the ground. Sgt. Amabile also responded and assisted with photographing the scene. The incident remains under investigation.
DUI arrest follows speeding stop
On May 9, 2026, Officer George Peterson was conducting traffic enforcement detail on West Broad Street in Hopewell Borough when he observed a vehicle traveling 52 mph in a 25 mph zone.
After stopping the vehicle, Peterson identified the driver and detected signs of intoxication. Following field sobriety tests, he was arrested for suspected driving under the influence. A search resulted in suspected controlled dangerous substances being located on his person. He was charged with endangering the welfare of a child, possession of CDS, possession of CDS in a motor vehicle, driving under the influence, reckless driving, driving without a license, speeding and refusal to submit to chemical breath testing. The motor vehicle offenses will be heard in Hopewell Borough Municipal Court, while the criminal charges will be heard in Mercer County Superior Court.
Motorcycle license plate reported stolen
Officer Collin Brigham responded to a residence on Elm Ridge Road on May 11, 2026, for a report of a lost or stolen motorcycle license plate.
The victim reported the plate, along with its mounting hardware, was missing from his motorcycle. He told police he had ridden the motorcycle to Wegmans in Princeton earlier that day and normally stores it in a garage. The victim was unsure whether the plate had been removed at his residence or while parked at the store. The incident remains under investigation.
Hay blower fire sparks brush fires
On May 12, 2026, Officer Marissa McCallum and several other Hopewell Township officers responded to a vehicle fire on Route 1 North.
Sgt. Liotta arrived first and confirmed that a hay blower was on fire and that several nearby brush fires had also ignited. Hopewell Valley Emergency Services, Hopewell Fire Department and Pennington Fire Company responded to assist.
Individuals on scene reported they had been spreading hay over recently planted grass when the equipment caught fire. Fire Marshal Fosina determined the incident was not incendiary in nature.
Jury duty scam targets township resident
Officer Anthony Pizzola responded to a residence on Johnstone Drive on May 13, 2026, for a report of fraud.
The victim reported receiving a call from an individual claiming to be a sergeant with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department. The caller said the victim had missed federal jury duty and needed to post a bond to avoid arrest. The requested amount was reduced from $35,000 to $12,000 before the victim ultimately agreed to send $480 through a payment app.
After becoming suspicious, the victim contacted the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department and learned the named sergeant had retired months earlier. The victim was able to stop payment through his bank and suffered no financial loss. The matter remains under investigation.
Second jury duty scam reported
On May 15, 2026, Officer Jack Lane took a walk-in report of fraud at Hopewell Township Police headquarters.
The victim reported receiving a voicemail from a man claiming to be a sergeant with the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department. After returning the call, the victim was told he had missed federal jury duty and that a warrant had been issued for his arrest. The caller sent documents that appeared to be from the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and claimed a $35,000 bond was required.
Before sending any money, the victim contacted the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department directly and learned there was no warrant and that the incident was a scam attempt. The victim suffered no monetary loss. The incident remains under investigation.
Framed photograph reported stolen
Officer Marissa McCallum responded to a residence on Denow Road on May 16, 2026, for a report of theft.
The victim reported that a framed photograph of her stepson had been taken from a shelf outside her apartment door. She said she had seen the photograph the previous day and later discovered it missing after hearing a door slam in the hallway. The victim was unable to provide information about any suspects. No surveillance cameras were located nearby.
Stolen license plate linked to toll charges
On May 17, 2026, Officer Ryan Finnegan responded to a residence on Old Washington Crossing Road for a report of a stolen license plate.
The victim reported discovering three E-ZPass charges on May 4 that were associated with her vehicle despite not traveling through any toll plazas. She later realized her front license plate was missing.
Follow-up investigation conducted with assistance from Detective Collins determined the stolen plate had been affixed to a black BMW SUV that did not belong to the victim. The incident remains under investigation.
DUI charged after crash into utility pole
Sgt. Mark Panzano and Officer Jack Lane responded to the area of River Road and Fiddler’s Creek Road on May 21, 2026, for a reported single-vehicle crash.
Officers found a Ford Focus that had struck a retaining wall, guardrail, and utility pole, causing the pole to snap. The driver showed signs of intoxication.
After field sobriety testing, the driver was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, failure to maintain lane and operating a vehicle without liability insurance. The matter will be heard in Hopewell Township Municipal Court.
Officer extinguishes kitchen fire
On May 21, 2026, Officer Brandon Kuzma responded to a residence on West Broad Street in Hopewell Borough for a reported kitchen fire.
Upon arrival, Kuzma observed heavy smoke coming from the home. After confirming the homeowner was the sole occupant and safely evacuating her, he entered the kitchen and used a fire extinguisher from his patrol vehicle to begin extinguishing the flames.
Hopewell Fire Department, the Mercer County Fire Marshal and Hopewell Township Fire Marshal Terlac responded to assist. Investigators determined the fire originated at the kitchen stove and was not incendiary in nature.
Nearly $600 in merchandise stolen from Stop & Shop
Officer Toney Rushing and Officer Crincoli responded to Stop & Shop on May 22, 2026, for a report of shoplifting.
Loss prevention personnel reported that an unidentified man entered the store the previous afternoon and stole multiple packs of Red Bull and Monster energy drinks, along with boxes of toothpaste. Surveillance footage showed the suspect placing the items into a gray shopping cart and a blue reusable Walmart bag before leaving without paying. The stolen merchandise was valued at $596.09. The incident remains under investigation.
