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Police Blotter

by Community Contributor

On January 27, Officer James Hoffman conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of State Highway 31 and Route 612 after he observed a traffic violation. Further investigation revealed that the driver of the vehicle, a 53-year-old male, was found to be operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The driver was arrested and transported to Hopewell Township Police Department where he was processed and then released with a summons to a family member. This case will be heard in Municipal Court.

A Hopewell Township resident reported to Officer Lincoln Karnoff at the Hopewell Township Police Department on January 29 that he had received a letter in the mail that included harassing statements directed towards him. Officer Karnoff will be the investigating officer. 

A Hopewell Borough resident reported to Officer Karnoff at the Hopewell Township Police Department on January 30 that money had been withdrawn from her bank account by someone using a fraudulent check. Officer Karnoff will be the investigating officer. 

Officer Brian Dendis was detailed to a business on West Broad Street in Hopewell Borough February 1 for the report of a transaction using a fraudulent prescription. The accused left the business, however a follow up investigation identified him. He was charged with Possession of CDS, forgery, and obtaining a prescribed medication with a fraudulent prescription. A warrant was issued for his arrest. This case will be heard in Superior Court.

On February 2, Officer Michael Makwinski responded to a Nursery Road address for a report of a burglary/theft from a detached garage on the property. The victim advised that between January 18 and February 2, an unknown actor(s) entered the garage on their property and removed a motor vehicle valued at $60,000. This incident is pending further investigation and has been assigned to Detective Maccaquano.

Officer John Ferner responded to several car burglary reports between Sunday, February 2 and Monday, February 3. Several unlocked cars parked on Birch Street and Woodmere Way were entered during the overnight hours on these dates. Money, sunglasses, and clothing were some of the items taken from the involved vehicles. Officer John Ferner, with assistance from the detective bureau, will be following up with the investigation.

A Hopewell Township resident reported to Officer Steven Ciosek at the Hopewell Township Police Department February 3 that a purchase was made at a Pennsylvania business and money was withdrawn from his bank account by someone using his bank information in January. Officer Ciosek will be the investigating officer. 

On February 5, Officer Michael Makwinski responded to a Timkak Lane address for a warrant arrest. Upon arrival at the residence, Officer Makwinski learned the accused, who had an outstanding warrant from the Hamilton Township Municipal Court, was home. He was taken into custody and transported to the Hopewell Township Police Department where he was processed. He was later turned over to the Hamilton Township Police Department.

On February 7, Officer Maria Gavdanovich conducted a motor vehicle stop on Continental Lane for a traffic violation. The driver of the vehicle was found to have multiple warrants that were issued for his arrest by the Lawrence and Ewing Municipal Courts. The driver was arrested and transported to the Hopewell Township Police Department where he was processed and then turned over to the Lawrence Township Police Department in default of bail.

On February 9, Officer Nicholas Sparaco was conducting an investigation at a Church Road address when he observed a male exit the residence while chasing after another individual. Officer Nicholas Sparaco intervened and prevented the incident from escalating. While conducting this investigation, the accused pushed Officer Sparaco in an attempt to engage in a physical altercation. The accused was arrested for disorderly conduct for his actions. He was transported to the Hopewell Township Police Department where he was processed then released on his own recognizance with a summons. His case will be heard in municipal court

On February 10, Officer Vincent Amabile responded to a Hart Avenue address for a theft report. The victim reported that a family member stole money from her pocketbook and left the resident on foot.  Officer Amabile gathered information for the investigation and was able to locate the accused in the area. The accused ran from the officer when confronted. Officer Amabile apprehended the man with the assistance of additional officers from this department as there was a brief period of resistance. The accused was transported to The Hopewell Township Police Department where he was processed and later released from custody on a summons and provided with a Superior Court date.

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