Police blotter: Several DUIs and crashes, dirt bikes stolen at night, cell tower shut by trespasser

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

Catalytic converter stolen from parked car at Capital Health
On February 7, Officer Paul Alvaro met with a victim at police headquarters. The victim reported that the catalytic converter from their vehicle was stolen while it was parked at Capital Health – Hopewell Campus. The theft occurred at approximately 2:50am on the same date as it was seen on surveillance footage. The investigation is ongoing.  

Cell tower breaker shut by trespasser 
On February 7, Officer Christopher Vaccarino met with a Verizon representative who made notification of a criminal trespassing incident at the American Cell Tower located at 255 North Route 31. An unidentified subject reportedly made entry onto the property and turned the power breaker off to the Verizon, T-mobile, and Sprint Antenna for a period of time. The incident is under investigation. 

Three DUIs, two cause accidents
On February 7, Officer Michael Crincoli conducted a motor vehicle stop on a grey Chevrolet pickup truck. Investigation during the motor vehicle stop lead to the arrest of the driver, an individual from Southampton PA, for Driving Under the Influence 39:4-50. The matter is scheduled to be heard in Municipal Court. 

On February 8, at approximately 5:40pm. Officer Maria Gavdanovich responded to a motor vehicle crash involving two vehicles. The investigation of the crash lead to the arrest of one of the drivers, identified as an individual from Ewing, NJ, for driving under the influence. The matter is scheduled to be heard in Municipal Court. 

On February 17, Officer Gavdanovich responded to another motor vehicle crash on Pennington Road. During the investigation of the crash, one of the drivers identified as an individual from Ewing, NJ, was found to be under the influence. The individual was arrested for DUI and transported to HTPD for processing. They were issued a number of traffic summonses for motor vehicle infractions as well. The matter is scheduled to be heard in Municipal Court.

Fraudulent check forgery 
On February 8, Detective Collins concluded an investigation into a forgery case with the arrest of the suspect, identified as an individual from Trenton, NJ. The victim reported that a subject attempted to cash a fraudulent check against their account. Detective Collins’s investigation lead to identification of the suspect. The matter is scheduled to be heard in Superior Court.

Two dirt bikes listed for sale stolen overnight
On February 10,  Officer Ryan Ludwig responded to a Forest Edge Drive address for a reported theft of a dirt bike. The victim reported that the dirt bike, a Yamaha YZ125, was stolen from the residence between 12am and 5am. The bike was listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. The incident is under investigation.

On February 10, Officer Ludwig responded to a Pennington Titusville Road address for a report of a theft of a dirt bike. The victim reported that the dirt bike, a Kawasaki KX252BLF, was stolen between 6pm February 9 and 10am February 10. The dirt bike was listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. The incident is under investigation. 

Unauthorized purchases on credit card
On February 12, Officer Ludwig met with a victim at police headquarters in regards to a theft of funds and unauthorized use of their credit card. The victim reported fraudulent purchases for “Boost Mobile” totaling $65.20 on their credit card. The investigation is ongoing. 

Illegal dumping at construction site on Titus Mill
On February 13, 2023, Officer Neil Hunt met with a victim, a private contractor, who reported illegal dumping in the dumpster on his job site on Titus Mill Road. Surveillance footage shows a green Toyota pickup truck backing in and unloading into the dumpster. Two male subject are seen on surveillance, but have not yet been identified. The incident is under investigation.

Identity theft from fraudulent telemarketer
On February 15, Officer Vincent Amabile responded to a Pennington address for a reported identity theft. The victim reported that they contacted what they thought was a legitimate phone number for Apple in regards to unauthorized activity on his account. During the phone call, the victim provided personal information. The suspect on the phone attempted to have the victim purchase a gift card for $500, but ultimately the victim suffered no financial loss. The investigation is ongoing.

Motor stop reveals active warrant
On February 17, Officer Landon Zagacki conducted a motor vehicle stop on white Dodge sedan. The driver, later identified as an individual from Point Pleasant, NJ, was found to have an active warrant out of Point Pleasant Beach Municipal Court for $300. The individual was placed under arrest and later released from custody on his own recognizance. 

Disorderly conduct at motor stop
On February 17, Officer George Peterson conducted a motor vehicle stop on a black Volkswagen Jetta. During the motor vehicle stop, the driver, who was identified as an individual from Philadelphia, PA, was arrested for obstruction of the administration of law and dsorderly conduct. A number of motor vehicle summonses were issued as well. The individual was later released from custody after processing. The matter is scheduled to be heard in Municipal Court. 

Shoplifting and possession of drug paraphernalia at Buy Rite
On February 20, 2023, Officer Juba responded to the Buy Rite Liquors in Pennington for shoplifting in progress. Officer Juba made contact with the suspect, identified as an individual from Ewing, NJ, who was found in possession of two bottles of tequila. The individual was also found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia. They were arrested and later released after processing. The matter is scheduled to be heard in Municipal Court.