Home » HTPD Police Blotter: impersonating an officer, aggravated assault, shoplifting

HTPD Police Blotter: impersonating an officer, aggravated assault, shoplifting

by Mary Galioto

The following is information provided by the Hopewell Township Police Department:

Falsification of Firearms Application and Impersonating a Police Officer:

On July 5, 2022, Detective Adam Liotta at the HPD received an application for a firearms permit. Through his investigation, Det. Liotta learned that the accused, a 24-year-old individual from Titusville, NJ, provided false information on the application. The individual was subsequently arrested and processed for providing false information on the application. They were then released from custody on their own recognizance with a case to be heard in Superior Court.

Only days later, on July 9, 2022, Officer Neil Hunt responded to a River Road address for a report of property damage involving the same accused as the July 5, 2022 falsification firearm application case. Due to information learned through the separate investigation, the accused was observed to verbally identify himself as a police officer and provide identification representing himself as a police officer. Further Investigation revealed that the individual  is not a law enforcement officer. The individual was subsequently arrested and charged with impersonating a police officer. The charge was placed on a summons and the case will be heard in Superior Court.

Aggravated Assault, Terroristic Threats, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon:

On July 23, 2022, Officer Neil Hunt was detailed to the Golden Nugget Flea Market on River Road for an assault with a weapon. The complainant stated that the accused, a 57-year-old individual from Pipersville, PA, approached him with a weapon and directed a threatening statement towards him. The accused was subsequently placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. They were released from custody on their own recognizance. The case will be heard in Superior Court.

DWI:

On July 12, 2022 at approximately 7:45pm, Officer Steven Ciosek was detailed to a motor vehicle complaint in the area of Pennington-Titusville Road and Scotch Road. Upon his arrival, he located the vehicle on the property of a Pennington-Titusville Road residence. The driver of the vehicle was identified as a 20 year old individual from Walden, New York. Through the investigation, Officer Ciosek determined that the individual was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. They were placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. They were charged with driving while under the influence and later released. The case will be heard in Municipal Court.

On July 13, 2022 at approximately 12pm, Officer George Peterson was detailed to a motor vehicle complaint on Washington Crossing-Pennington Road near Scotch Road. Upon his arrival, he located the silver colored Ford Sedan on Washington Crossing-Pennington Road. The driver of the vehicle was identified as an 80-year old individual from Washington Crossing, PA. Through the investigation, Officer Peterson determined that the individual was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. They were placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. They were charged with driving while under the influence and later released. The case will be heard in Municipal Court.

Theft: 

Officer Christopher Collins was detailed to a Pennington Road address for a theft complaint on July 12, 2022. The complainant reported that within the last week, unknown individuals stole their black colored Anderson trailer from their property. The trailer was valued at under $15,000.00 dollars. Investigation is ongoing.

Officer Arthur Juba was detailed to a Van Dyke Road address for a reported burglary/theft on July 17, 2022. The complainant reported that sometime on that date, an unknown individual(s) entered a shed on their property and removed two (2) motorcycles. The value of the items removed was approximately $13,000.00. Investigation is ongoing.

Fictitious Temporary License Plate:

Details:  On July 14, 2022 at approximately 8:20am, Officer George Peterson conducted a motor vehicle stop on a black colored Kia sedan on County Route 579 for a motor vehicle violation. The driver of the vehicle was identified as a 30-year-old individual from Trenton. Through the motor vehicle stop investigation, the individual was found to be operating the vehicle with a fictitious temporary registration. They were placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. They were also subsequently charged with possessing a fraudulent government document which was placed on a summons and he was later released. The case will be heard in Superior Court. 

Shoplifting:

Officer Neil Hunt was detailed to the Walgreens on South Route 31 for a shoplifting complaint. The complainant reported two unknown males and a female entered the store on July 12, 2022 and left without paying for merchandise. The value of the items taken was estimated at under $1,500.00 dollars. Investigation is ongoing.

Officer Blake Demeter was detailed to Shop-Rite on Pennington Road for a shoplifting complaint. The complainant reported two unknown males entered the store and attempted to steal merchandise valued at under $500.00 dollars. When questioned by staff, they left the store. Investigation is ongoing.

Officer Joseph McNeil was detailed to Shop-Rite on Pennington Road for a shoplifting complaint. The complainant reported two (2) individuals entered the store and stole miscellaneous merchandise valued at approximately $800.00. Further investigation led to the identification of a  49-year old from Trenton. They were charged with shoplifting and the complaint was placed on a summons. The case will be heard in Superior Court.

While accused names are publicly available, in the interest of privacy, MercerMe does not reveal individuals’ names.

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