License Plate Number Stolen
On Jan. 15, 2026, Officer James Klesney responded to the Hopewell Township Police Department (HTPD) at 11:03 a.m. for a walk-in report of fraud. A resident reported receiving $104.85 in E-ZPass toll charges for a vehicle she does not own. Images showed her license plate displayed on another vehicle, though she confirmed both plates were still in her possession. She obtained new plates from the DMV, and the originals were entered into NCIC as stolen. The investigation remains ongoing.
Identity Theft With Fraudulent Verizon Account
Officer Mandy Grey responded to HTPD on Jan. 17, 2026, at 2:34 p.m. for a walk-in report of theft and identity fraud. The victim discovered a fraudulent Verizon Wireless account with an outstanding balance of $3,838 while applying for a loan. The account had been opened Jan. 10, 2025, using an unknown P.O. Box in Texas. The matter remains under investigation.
Fraudulent Online Charge at Target
On Jan. 19, 2026, at 12:39 p.m., Officer Marissa McCallum responded to a Pennington residence for a fraud report. The victim said an unauthorized Target order totaling $75.03 was placed through an online chat with a company representative and delivered to a hotel after the shipping address was changed. The investigation is ongoing.
Copper Pipes Stolen at Construction Site
Officer Collin Brigham responded to a construction site on Carter Road on Jan. 20, 2026, at 10:40 a.m. for a reported theft. Copper pipes valued at approximately $800 were taken, possibly on Jan. 19. No security cameras were present. The case remains under investigation.
Structure Fire on Reed Road
On Jan. 20, 2026, at 11:01 a.m., Officer Tylor Blake responded to a landscaping business on Reed Road for a commercial structure fire. The building sustained fire damage. The Fire Department determined the cause was accidental.
Identity Theft Reported with T-Mobile Accounts
Officer Ryan Finnegan was dispatched to HTPD on Jan. 20, 2026, at 2:23 p.m. for a report of identity theft. The victim reported two T-Mobile phone lines and cell phones were fraudulently opened in his name, along with a $250 charge that he disputed. The investigation remains ongoing.
Stolen Vehicle Reported
On Jan. 23, 2026, at 9:24 a.m., Officer Collin Brigham responded to St. Peter Lutheran Church after a report of a possible stolen vehicle. A day care manager told police a suspicious man claimed he had stolen a vehicle. Officers confirmed the vehicle was listed as stolen in NCIC from Irvington. The man admitted to the theft, was arrested and processed at HTPD, and the case was transferred to Irvington police. He was later released.
DUI on Broad St. in Hopewell
Officer Neil Hunt responded to East Broad Street on Jan. 23, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. for a report of an intoxicated male in a vehicle. He made contact with the driver and detected an odor of alcohol. Multiple empty bottles and cans were observed in the vehicle. He was transported to the hospital for evaluation and later charged with DUI and reckless driving. The case will be heard in Municipal Court.
Window Broken at Norco Construction
On Jan. 27, 2026, at 10:38 a.m., Officer Blake Demeter responded to Norco Construction on Carter Road for a possible burglary. A broken window was discovered on the west side of the building, and a copper pipe was found outside. No items were reported stolen. The investigation continues.
Unauthorized Charges on Bank Account
Officer Ryan Finnegan responded to HTPD on Jan. 29, 2026, at 9:59 a.m. for a report of identity theft. The victim discovered two unauthorized charges totaling $2,670 connected to his Chase Bank account. He reported no financial loss. The matter remains under investigation.
Fraud Reported on Verizon Account
On Jan. 29, 2026, at 2:17 p.m., Officer Collin Brigham responded to a residence on Stony Brook Road for a fraud report. The victim reported unauthorized use of his Verizon business account, with recent charges totaling $3,084.11. He also reported a prior disputed charge of $2,514.25, for which Verizon is issuing a refund. The investigation remains ongoing.
DUI on Pennington Rd
Officer Anthony Pizzola was conducting routine patrol on Jan. 31, 2026, at 7:36 p.m. when two citizens reported a possibly intoxicated driver. After observing the vehicle on Pennington Road, he initiated a traffic stop. The driver was found impaired following field sobriety testing. He was arrested and charged with DUI, reckless driving, and failure to obey traffic signals. The case will be heard in Municipal Court.
