Welcome to the MercerMe Police Blotter, a regular update submitted by the Hopewell Township Police Department to keep our community informed. This report covers incidents and noteworthy events that occurred from March 3 to March 17. Stay connected and engaged with the latest local law enforcement news and public safety information.
Police arrest shoplifter caught on camera at Pennington ShopRite
On March 3, Officer James Stanton responded to the Pennington ShopRite for a reported shoplifting. Loss prevention provided surveillance footage of the female suspect who was seen taking items from the store and leaving without payment. The total loss was reported as $700.44. A follow-up investigation by Officer Stanton resulted in the identification of the suspect. The individual was subsequently charged with shoplifting. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
Burglars swipe thousands in tools from Hopewell Borough home while owners slept
On March 4, Officer Arthur Juba responded to a Second Street address in Hopewell Borough for a reported burglary. The victim reported that their garage was broken into during the previous overnight hours. The victim stated that they heard voices outside of the residence overnight and when they woke up in the morning and went into the garage, they found tools missing. The total amount lost was reported as $6,200. The investigation is ongoing.
Porch package thief caught by Police
On March 5, Officer Michael Crincoli responded to Birchwood of Hopewell located on Denow Road in Hopewell Township for a reported theft. The victim reported that her package was stolen from the vestibule of the complex by an unknown party. Follow-up investigation and review of surveillance showed footage of the incident. The suspect was identified and seen entering the vestibule and taking the package. The individual was subsequently arrested on March 10. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
Stolen trailer found and returned to owner
On March 7, Officer Jonathan Pauciullo responded to a field located on the corner of Scotch Rd and Washington Crossing Pennington Road for a report of a stolen trailer in that location. Dispatch advised that the trailer’s GPS put it in that location. Officer Pauciullo arrived and confirmed that the trailer was stolen. The owner was contacted and the trailer was returned. The investigation is ongoing.
Victim provides SSN and sends money in scam
On March 7, Officer Robert Halmi met with the victim of fraud and identity theft in the Hopewell Township Police Department (HTPD) lobby. The victim reported that they received an email questionnaire requesting the victim’s social security number. The victim provided their full SS number and was scammed into sending $200 to an unknown party. The investigation is ongoing.
Local fraud victim discovers delinquent bill damaged credit
On March 9, Officer Juba responded to a Brinley Drive address for a reported fraud. Upon arrival, the victim reported that she received an email alert from Credit Karma stating that her credit score was negatively impacted due to a bill being forwarded to collections. Upon further investigation, it was found that the victim’s identity was used to open an energy account which had gone into delinquency. The investigation is ongoing.
Single-car crash from DUI leads to arrest
On March 10, Officer DeMeter responded to a single-car motor vehicle crash on Harbourton Rocktown Road. Upon arrival, the driver of the vehicle was found to be exhibiting signs of intoxication. Field sobriety tests were conducted on the scene. The driver was then placed under arrest and transported to HTPD for processing. The individual was charged with DUI and a number of motor vehicle attractions. He was later released and the matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
Packages reported stolen
On March 11, Officer Finnegan met with the victim of theft in the HTPD lobby. The victim reported that a number of packages were stolen from her front steps. The theft took place on March 8. The total amount of stolen items was reported as $341.80 and consisted of items from different stores. The incident is under investigation.
Fraudulent check vetted by bank, reported to Police
On March 12, Officer Zagacki met with the victim of fraud and theft in the HTPD lobby. The victim reported that he was contacted by Bank of America asking if he had written a check for $7,002.33. The victim replied they did not. The bank advised that they received a check in his name and provided further details including the check number. It was found that the check number matched a check that the victim sent out recently but the amount was not accurate. The victim’s account was frozen from further activity and the incident is being investigated.
Hot truck stopped, driver arrested for receiving stolen property
On March 13, Officer Ryan Finnegan conducted a motor vehicle stop on North Route 31 near Route 612 on a Freightliner truck. Upon further investigation on scene, the Freightliner was found to be entered stolen in NCIC. Rodriguez was arrested on scene and transported to HTPD for processing. He was charged with receiving stolen property and a number of motor vehicle violations. The individual was later released from custody with a mandatory court date. The Freightliner was seized and returned. The matter will be heard in Superior Court.
Diverty Road packages stolen mid-day
On March 14, Officer Stanton responded to a Diverty Road address for a reported theft. The victim reported that an Amazon package arrived at their residence at 12:06pm on March 14, but was stolen from outside their front door. The package’s value was reported as $44.26 in value. The investigation is ongoing.
Identity fraudster racks up $1,247.48 tab in Hopewell Borough resident’s name
On March 14, Officer Christopher Vaccarino responded to a Taylor Terrace address in Hopewell Borough for a reported identity theft. The victim reported that they received a notice in the mail from a collection agency. Upon further investigation by the victim, they discovered that they were the victim of identity theft. The victim’s identity was used by an unknown party to open an AT&T account and there was an outstanding balance of $1,247.48 in the victim’s name. The investigation is ongoing.
Counterfeit bill used at Subway on Tree Farm
On March 15, Officer Robert Halmi responded to the Subway located on Tree Farm Road. Store management reported that a counterfeit $100 bill was used on the same date for payment. The employee reportedly did not confirm the validity of the bill prior to purchase. The subject was served cookies and a drink and received $92.00 in change after passing the $100 bill. The incident is under investigation.
Fictitious documents lead to arrest
On March 15, Officer George Peterson conducted a motor vehicle stop on Pennington Harbourton Road. Upon further investigation, the driver was found to be exhibiting false documentation and fictitious insurance information. The driver was arrested on scene and transported to HTPD for processing. He was later released from custody with a court date. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
Driver arrested for DUI on Route 31
On March 17, Officer Halmi conducted a motor vehicle stop on North Route 31 and Titus Mill Road. The driver was found to be exhibiting signs of intoxication. Field sobriety tests were conducted on scene. At the conclusion of testing, the individual was placed under arrest and transported to HTPD for processing. He was later released with a court date. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
To contact the Hopewell Township Police Department, please visit their website.
