Home » Police Impersonation, Stolen Meat, Burglary and Fraud reported across Hopewell Valley

Police Impersonation, Stolen Meat, Burglary and Fraud reported across Hopewell Valley

by Community Contributor

Police impersonation reported on Route 31
On March 26, 2026, Officer Ryan Finnegan responded to a business in the Pennington area for a report of possible police impersonation. The victim reported that a white SUV displaying a single blue emergency light, operated by a middle-aged male, initiated a motor vehicle stop while she was traveling on Route 31. The male did not identify himself, was not in uniform, and did not appear to have a body camera. He issued a warning and left the area. Follow-up investigation confirmed no local agencies conducted a stop at that time. The incident remains under investigation.

Woman charged with shoplifting at ShopRite
On March 26, 2026, Officer Tylor Blake responded to ShopRite for a report of shoplifting. Loss prevention detained a woman, who was observed on surveillance placing merchandise into a bag and leaving without paying. The total value was $199.36. The woman was arrested, processed, and released on a summons. The case will be heard in Hopewell Township Municipal Court.

Unauthorized flyers posted at Denow Road businesses
Officer Arthur Juba responded to 800 Denow Road for reports of unauthorized flyers placed throughout a parking lot on March 29, 2026. Employees removed the flyers, which contained political messaging and had been posted without permission. The incident remains under investigation.

Burglary and damage reported at vacant synagogue
On March 30, 2026, Officer Arthur Juba observed signs of forced entry at the former Har Sinai Hebrew Congregation building during a property check. A glass door had been damaged and the building appeared to have been entered. Due to the building’s condition, it was unclear if items were taken. The property owner was notified. The investigation remains ongoing.

Package stolen from apartment complex
Officer James Stanton took a report of a stolen package valued at $138.71 on April 1, 2026 at the Hopewell Township Police Department. The victim reported the package was taken after delivery, and the empty box was later found in a dumpster at the complex. Surveillance footage may be available. The incident remains under investigation.

Multiple vehicle burglaries reported at Forge Circle
On April 1, 2026, Officer Blake Demeter responded to Forge Circle Apartments for reports of multiple vehicle burglaries. Three unlocked vehicles were entered overnight, with items including tools, clothing, and fishing gear stolen. Total losses were estimated at $1,880. No surveillance footage was available. The investigation remains ongoing.

DUI arrest at Sinclair gas station
Officer Michael Enriquez responded to Sinclair Gas Station for a report of an intoxicated individual on April 1, 2026. Employees reported the individual appeared intoxicated and was intending on picking up his vehicle, which had been there for repairs. Upon arrival, Officer Grey observed the subject enter and start the vehicle, at which time a motor vehicle stop was initiated. During the investigation, the officers detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the driver. Field sobriety tests were administered, and it was determined that he was impaired. He was placed under arrest for suspicion of DUI. He was transported to HTPD for processing and subsequently to a local hospital for medical evaluation. He was charged with Driving Under the Influence, Reckless Driving, Refusal to Inspect a Motor Vehicle, and Contempt of a Court Order. The matter will be heard in Hopewell Township Municipal Court.

Warrant arrest during traffic stop on Pennington Road
On April 1, 2026, Officer Blake Demeter conducted a traffic stop after observing a car on Pennington Road. A check of the vehicle’s registration revealed that the registered owner’s driving privileges were suspended. The driver and passenger were identified. The passenger was confirmed to be the registered owner. Further investigation revealed the driver had an active warrant for his arrest out of the City of Trenton. He was placed under arrest for the outstanding warrant and transported to police headquarters for processing. He was later released and provided with a future court date. The matter will be heard in Trenton Municipal Court.

Meat and laundry detergent stolen from ShopRite 
On April 2, 2026, Officer Michael Crincoli responded to ShopRite for a report of shoplifting. The store manager reported that a review of surveillance footage had revealed two females exiting the store with merchandise, including cuts of meat and laundry detergent, without rendering payment. Further review of the footage showed the suspects leaving the area in a silver Dodge Journey. Loss Prevention provided a license plate number to assist in identifying the individuals involved. The surveillance footage was also submitted to the New Jersey State Police for possible facial recognition. The total value of the stolen merchandise was estimated at $735.47. The incident remains under investigation.

DUI arrest in Hopewell Borough parking lot
Officer Arthur Juba responded to 52 E. Broad Street for a report of a possibly intoxicated driver on April 3, 2026. The individual showed signs of intoxication and refused field sobriety testing. A search revealed empty liquor bottles and THC gummies. He was charged with DUI, refusal, reckless driving, and possession of open containers. The case will be heard in Hopewell Borough Municipal Court.

Fraud scheme involving Bitcoin reported
On April 3, 2026, Officer Brandon Kuzma responded to a report of fraud. The victim reported receiving a text message from an unknown number advising that a bill in the amount of $149.00 had been paid, along with instructions to call a listed number to dispute the charge. The victim contacted the number and spoke with an unidentified individual, who instructed him to share his phone screen and access his bank account. When the victim stated he did not use his phone for banking, he was directed to open Cash App and borrow $190.00 to purchase Bitcoin. Following the transaction, the victim discovered an additional unauthorized charge of $183.48 on his account. Cash App was notified of the incident. The investigation remains ongoing.

Scammer impersonates police officer in fraud case
On April 4, 2026, Officer Brandon Kuzma responded to a fraud report on Michael Way. The victim reported receiving a phone call from an individual claiming to be affiliated with Citi Bank regarding a fraudulent account and a charge of $1,800.61 in his name. The victim stated he was later transferred to another individual posing as a law enforcement officer with the NYPD. During the interaction, the victim reported observing the individual in what appeared to be a police uniform via video chat. The victim was subsequently asked to provide personal information. It was later confirmed by Citi Bank that the incident was a scam. The victim was advised to monitor his accounts. The incident remains under investigation.

Warrant arrest following traffic violation on Scotch Road
On April 7, 2026, Officer James Stanton conducted a traffic stop after observing a vehicle change lanes without signaling. The driver was found to have an active warrant out of Trenton. He was arrested and released pending a court date.

Burglary reported on West Prospect Street
Officer Arthur Juba responded to a burglary report at a residence on West Prospect Street on April 9, 2026. The homeowners returned from vacation to find jewelry missing, valued at $1,165. There were no signs of forced entry. The investigation remains ongoing.

Man arrested on warrant at Denow Road residence
On April 9, 2026, Officer Marissa McCallum, along with assisting officers, served a warrant at a Denow Road residence. The person was arrested on an outstanding warrant from Ewing Township and transferred to Ewing police custody.

Driver arrested on multiple warrants during Route 579 stop
On April 9, 2026, Officer Tylor Blake stopped a tractor trailer on Route 579 for a weight restriction violation. The road has a posted four-ton weight limit. Officer Blake then initiated a motor vehicle stop for the violation. Further investigation revealed that the driver had active warrants for his arrest out of Neptune City and Red Bank. He was placed under arrest for the outstanding warrants and transported to police headquarters for processing. He was later released and provided with future court dates for both Red Bank and Neptune City. The matters will be heard in their respective Municipal Courts.

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