Overpayment leads to fraud
On April 9, 2026, Officer Jack Lane responded to a residence on West Shore Dr for a report of fraud and theft. The victim reported that in December 2025 he was expecting payment of $1,300.00 from a technology company that he was working for but instead received what appeared to be an online payment of $130,000.00. He was subsequently contacted by a female party claiming to be a company representative. This unknown female instructed him to return the funds in order to receive his original payment and was told not to contact law enforcement or speak with anyone regarding this matter. The victim made approximately four to five cash payments to unidentified individuals at unknown locations over the course of several days. After completing the payments in full, no funds were ever received in return and the incident was determined to be fraudulent. The incident remains under investigation.
Fraudulent bank account created in victim’s name
Officer George Peterson responded to a residence on Roosevelt Ave for a report of fraud and identity theft on April 11, 2026. Upon arrival, he made contact with the victim, who reported receiving a bank statement indicating that an account in his name had been credited in the amount of $80,000.00. That same amount was subsequently withdrawn on the same date and transferred to an unknown destination. The victim advised that he had never opened the account in question or conducted any business with that particular bank. At this time, no monetary loss has been reported, and the victim was advised to monitor his accounts for any fraudulent activity. The incident remains under investigation.
Produce stolen from Shoprite
On April 16, 2026, Officer Christopher Hayes was dispatched to Shoprite for a report of a shoplifting. The store manager reported that an unidentified female had entered the store and put several items in a shopping cart. She then utilized the self-checkout lane to purchase some of the items in the cart but exited the store with approximately $126.32 in produce that she concealed and did not pay for. She then left the scene in a silver Toyota Highlander. The manager was able to provide a vehicle registration and CCTV footage of the incident. Loss Prevention further reported a prior incident with the same female on Feb. 8, 2026. CCTV footage was also provided for this second incident. Further follow-up investigation was conducted, and Officer Hayes identified the person. They have been issued a summons, charging her with shoplifting. The matter will be heard in Hopewell Township Municipal Court.
Shed fire caused by heat lamp
Hopewell Township Police Department officers were dispatched to a residence on Mt. Church Rd. for the report of a shed fire on March 29, 2026. Upon their arrival on scene, officers observed that the sheds were fully engulfed in flames. Hopewell Valley Emergency Services, the Mercer County Fire Marshall, Hopewell Fire Department, Pennington Fire Department, Union Fire Company all responded to the scene. Once the fire was extinguished, an investigation was conducted by Hopewell Valley Emergency Services, who determined that the point of origin was a heat lamp in a duct enclosure and that the fire did not appear to be incendiary in nature.
Drugs and paraphernalia found in car
On April 16, 2026, Officers Klesney, McCallum, and Blake were dispatched to a parking lot on Denow Rd in response to a report of a theft. During their investigation, officers located two individuals, identified as the suspect in the theft investigation, and another man asleep inside of a vehicle. Both individuals were awakened by officers and asked to exit the vehicle. As the two were exiting, officers observed suspected drug paraphernalia in plain view on the passenger-side floorboard. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of additional drug paraphernalia and suspected crack cocaine. They were both placed under arrest and transported to HTPD for processing. While at HTPD, an attempt was made to question one of the men regarding the theft; however, he invoked his right to remain silent. Both parties were charged with Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia for the glass pipe. They were then transported to the Mercer County Correctional Center. The matter will be heard in Mercer County Superior Court.
Investigation of shoplifting at Stop & Shop leads to summons
On Oct. 25, 2024 Officer Paul Alvaro responded to Stop and Shop regarding a report of shoplifting that had occurred on Oct 18, 2024. On that date, an unidentified male was observed on CCTV concealing multiple medications, valued at approximately $388.84, in his pants before exiting the store without making payment. At the time of the incident, the suspect’s identity was unknown; however, loss prevention advised that he was a suspect in several similar incidents. Through subsequent follow-up investigation conducted with the assistance of loss prevention, the individual was identified. A summons was issued on April 23, 2026, charging him with shoplifting. The matter is scheduled to be heard in Mercer County Superior Court.
