People Impersonating the Sheriff’s Office Extort Money
On Nov. 3, Officer Michael Enriquez met with the complainant who reported that his coworker received a fraudulent phone call from an individual claiming to be a deputy from Mercer County Sheriff’s Office. The individual claimed the victim missed jury duty and needed to pay to avoid getting arrested. The investigation revealed the caller instructed the victim to send money, and the victim ultimately sent a total of $6,380 to multiple accounts. The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they do not contact individuals by phone for jury duty matters. The incident remains under investigation.
Thousands of Dollars in Payments Missing From Account
Officer Collin Brigham met with the victim, on Nov. 5, who reported missing funds from her business bank account. After reviewing her bank statements from 2024, she identified approximately $27,023.25 credit card payments missing and $12,554.41 check payments missing. From 2025, the victim found an additional $38,778.97 credit card payments and $4,132.14 check payments missing. The incident remains under investigation.
Car Broken into on Blackwell Ave.
On Nov. 7, Officer Blake Demeter responded to Blackwell Ave for a reported vehicle burglary. The victim reported that her rear driver side window had been shattered and her wallet was stolen from inside her vehicle. The wallet contained personal belongings including a $200 gift card and approximately $55 in cash. The victim stated the credit cards were canceled, and she was advised to monitor her credit for any fraudulent transaction. No surveillance cameras were in the area. The incident remains under investigation.
Cash Stolen from Golf Club
On Nov. 2, Officer Ryan Finnegan responded to Hopewell Valley Golf Club for a report of a burglary. Mercer County Park Ranger reported that while conducting a building check, one of the doors was found to have signs of forced entry. Further investigation revealed that cash had been stolen from the safe. The approximate amount taken was $1,900.25. The incident remains under investigation.
Shoplifting at Super Buy Rite
On Nov.7, Officer Blake Demeter responded to Super Buy Rite for reported shoplifting. Upon arrival Officer Demeter was advised of a shoplifting incident involving a black male who stole two bottles of Johnnie Walker and fled the scene in a tan Chevrolet Silverado bearing a NJ registration. The store security confirmed the suspect dropped a bottle when pursued and left the scene. Surveillance and photographs were provided to the officer, along with vehicle registration information. The incident remains under investigation.
Reckless Driving Leads to DUI
Officer Michael Enriquez responded to the area of Hopewell Princeton Rd for reported reckless driver on Nov. 7. The vehicle was observed swaying within the lane and crossing the double yellow line. A motor vehicle stop was conducted, and officer Enriquez made contact with the driver. Due to signs of intoxication, field sobriety tests were administered, and the driver was arrested for DUI. He was transported to HTPD for processing and later released. The driver was charged with DUI and Reckless Driving. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
Driver Charged with DUI After Hitting Sign
On Nov. 7, Officer George Peterson, along with Officer Voorhees, responded to the area of Rt 31 for possible drunk driver. The vehicle was later located after striking a pedestrian sign and driving erratically. The driver showed signs of intoxication upon contact. She was placed under arrest for DUI and transported to HTPD for processing. She was later released after being charged with DUI, Reckless Driving and Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
Molding Stolen From Construction Site
On Oct. 28 Officer Collin Brigham responded to HTPD for a theft report. The complainant, a construction manager, reported that between October 25-26, 2025, approximately $350 worth of shoe molding was stolen from. The theft was discovered on the morning of October 27. The reported stolen material was stored in a garage, and there was no surveillance cameras were in the area. The incident remains under investigation.
PSE&G Impersonators Steal Money
On Oct. 29, Officer Anthony Pizzola responded to Hopewell Amwell Rd for a fraud report. Victim reported she received a phone call from someone claiming to be a PSE&G representative, who told her she had an overdue balance, and her power would be shut off if she didn’t pay immediately. Following their directions, victim withdrew $500 in cash and sent it through a Walgreens using a barcode the scammer provided. The incident remains under investigation.
Tire Slashed on Lewis Brook Road
Officer Tylor Blake responded to Lewis Brook Road for a report of damaged property on Oct. 30. Victim reported he had parked his car on the street overnight and found the driver side front tire fully deflated the next morning. A mechanic later informed him the tire had a 1-inch vertical cut consistent with being slashed. Further investigative steps have been taken in the case. The incident remains under investigation.
