Service theft linked to contractor scam
On September 4, an out-of-state resident reported to Officer Leo Friedman at the Pennington Police Department that about a year ago she was the victim of theft of services. The victim said she owned a company and was working with another contractor who took deposits from several clients to have kitchen cabinets built and installed. The contractor never completed the work and has yet to refund any money. Officer Friedman is working on this case with several other law enforcement agencies as it involves other jurisdictions.
Juvenile targeted in social media scam
On September 6, Officer Angelo Marone responded to a Cannon Drive residence for a harassment complaint. The complaint was that a juvenile was the victim of a social media scam where his picture was cropped and he was told if he didn’t send a certain amount of cash to a specific location the altered photo of the victim would be published online for everyone to see. This incident is still under investigation.
Allegations of child assault in North Main Street home under investigation
On September 8, Officer Friedman received a tip regarding potential child abuse in a North Main Street residence. However, as of the date of this report, insufficient evidence is available to substantiate the allegation. This incident remains under investigation.
Deceased victim’s name used to open Verizon account
On September 13, Officer Friedman responded to police headquarters for a report of fraud regarding a Verizon account that was opened in the name of a deceased victim. The account had an outstanding balance of $2,056 and Verizon was demanding payment. The victim’s daughter was able to produce documents supporting the death of her mother. This investigation is still open.
Former spouse causes disturbance at Burd Street residence
On October 1, a Burd Street resident called the Pennington Police Department to report that his wife, with whom he was no longer living, was at the house. The victim reported that he asked her to leave and she became upset and argumentative. The accused eventually left without incident. The matter was handled by Officer Caruso.
Swatting incident in Pennington
On October 3, On the above date and time, Officer D’Ascoli was dispatched to a call for the report of a male who had shot his wife and had his children tied up. The male also stated that if law enforcement showed up, he would shoot them and take his own life. After a large response from law enforcement, fire officials, and the first aid squad it was determined to be a swatting incident. This is currently still under investigation. To read more: https://mercerme.com/swatting-incident-in-pennington/
Suspicious person sparks Cambridge School lockdown
On October 5, Officers Caruso and Friedman were dispatched to a wooded area behind 21 North Route 31 for the report of an older man yelling at people. Once officers arrived, the nearby Cambridge School was placed in lockdown while the incident was investigated. Officers determined that the male subject was on his way through town and that someone had said something to him that he didn’t like. The subject was transported to a convenience store and all lockdowns were lifted.
Suspicious vehicle reported on South Main Street
On October 27, Officer Caruso was alerted by a passerby to a suspicious vehicle parked in the roadway on South Main Street just south of Vannoy Avenue. P.O. Caruso and SFC. Burroughs determined that the incident took place in Hopewell Township. Both officers held the scene until Hopewell arrived.
Bikes vandalized at Tollgate Grammar overnight
On October 28, Officer Friedman was dispatched to a Burd Street residence to take a report of theft and criminal mischief. The called report to Officer Friedman that her sons had left their peddle bikes at Tollgate Grammar School overnight. She returned the next day to find that both bikes had been vandalized. Officer Friedman is still currently investigating this incident.
DUI hits parked car on Voorhees Avenue
On October 31, SFC Thomas and P.O. D’Ascoli responded to the area of Voorhees Avenue for the report of a motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, the officers determined that a motor vehicle had struck a parked car. Upon further investigation and testing it was determined that the driver of the vehicle was operating under the influence. This investigation is still ongoing.
