Home » Police Blotter: Driver falls asleep at intersection, multiple DUIs, check stolen from mail

Police Blotter: Driver falls asleep at intersection, multiple DUIs, check stolen from mail

by Mary Galioto

The following is information provided by the Hopewell Township Police Department (HTPD), which serves Hopewell Township and Hopewell Borough:

Stolen license plate 
On May 1, Officer Christopher Vaccarino met with the victim of a theft in the HTPD lobby. The victim reported that the front license plate of their vehicle was stolen between April 20 and April 27, 2023. The victim was referred to NJ DMV for further assistance on replacement. The investigation is ongoing. 

Identity stolen via fraudulent job application
On May 1, Officer Vaccarino met with the victim of identity theft in the HTPD lobby. The victim reported sending their personal information to a fraudulent company via Linkedin. The victim was scammed into sending their personal information as part of a job application process. The incident is under investigation. 

“Dine and dash” at gas pump on RT 31
On May 1, Officer Ryan Ludwig responded to the Gulf Gas Station on North Route 31 for a reported theft of gasoline. An employee on scene stated that a male suspect driving a white Toyota Rav 4 pulled into the station and got $44.02 worth of gasoline. The driver stated he was paying cash and when the attendant came to the window for payment, he placed the vehicle in drive and took off without paying. The incident is under investigation.

Driver falls asleep at intersection, DUI
On May 1, 2023 Officer Adam Liotta was dispatched to the area of North Route 31 and Route 518 for a subject who fell asleep behind the wheel at the intersection. Office Liotta made contact with the individual and, after observations were made and roadside testing was conducted, the driver was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters or processing. The individual was charged with DUI 39:4-50 and multiple other motor vehicle offenses. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.

Chainsaw thief nabs tools on Hopewell Princeton Road
On May 2, Officer Steve Ciosek was dispatched to Hopewell Princeton Road for a reported burglary. Upon arrival, the victim reported that multiple chainsaws were stolen from a shed on the property. The incident took place between April 26 and April 27. The total value of the items stolen was estimated at $1,050. The investigation is ongoing. 

Groceries stolen from Stop & Shop
On May 2, Officer Paul Alvaro was dispatched to the Stop & Shop on Denow Rd for a reported theft. Store security reported that on April 30, 2023 one male and one female suspect were seen on surveillance taking multiple meat and seafood items from the store without payment. The total value of stolen items was estimated at $389.40. The investigation is ongoing

Check taken from mail and fraudulently deposited
On May 4, Officer George Peterson met with the victim of theft in the HTPD lobby. The victim reported that an unknown subject removed a bank check from the mail and forged his signature in order to deposit funds into an unknown account. The victim became aware of the theft when he received notification of the outstanding bill that the original check was intended to pay. The victim reported a loss of $5,062. The investigation is ongoing. 

Car crash and DUI on Maddock Road 
On May 5, Officer Neil Hunt responded to the area of Maddock Road for a reported motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, officers made contact with one of the drivers and, upon suspicion of drunk driving, the officers conducted field sobriety testing. Ultimately, the driver was placed under arrest for DUI and transported to police headquarters for processing. The individual was charged with 39:4-50 DUI along with a number of other motor vehicle offenses. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.  

7K worth of copper wire stolen on Province Line
On May 5, Officer Vaccarino responded to Province Line Rd for a reported theft. He was met by a PSE&G supervisor who reported approximately $7,000.00 worth of copper ground wire was stolen from the property. The theft took place between November 1, 2022 and May 5, 2023. The incident is under investigation.

Single car crash and DUI on Elm Ridge Road
On May 6, Officer Arthur Juba responded to a motor vehicle crash on Elm Ridge Road in Pennington. Upon arrival, it was found to be a one-car crash. Upon contact with the driver, Officer Juba developed suspicion that the driver was intoxicated. After field sobriety tests were conducted roadside, the driver was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters for processing. The individual was later released from custody. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court. 

Attempted fraud at Santander Bank
On May 11, Santander Bank located in Pennington contacted the HTPD regarding an attempted fraud. Officer Paul Alvaro responded to the bank and was advised that two female actors attempted to cash a check that the bank felt was fraudulent. Ultimately, the transactions were not processed and victims suffered no financial loss. It should be noted the same two suspects were believed to have attempted the same type of transaction in Lawrence Township prior to this. The investigation is ongoing.  

About Us

MercerMe is the only hyperlocal, independent, online news outlet serving Hopewell Valley in Mercer County, New Jersey.

Contact us: [email protected]

Search Our Archives