This report covers incidents and noteworthy events addressed by the Hopewell Township Police Department that occurred from April 5 to April 15. Stay connected and engaged with the latest local law enforcement news and public safety information.
Drunk driver causes three-car crash on Pennington Road
On April 2, Sergeant Mark Panzano responded to Pennington Road near the I-295 intersection for a reported 3-car motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, Sgt. Panzano confirmed there were no injuries sustained by the parties involved. The crash was a rear-end collision, causing the struck vehicle to strike a third vehicle in front of them. The driver of the initial striking vehicle was found to be exhibiting signs of intoxication. The driver was directed to perform field sobriety testing on scene. After completion, the individual was placed under arrest, transported to HTPD for processing, and charged with DUI, reckless driving, no liability insurance, and refusal to submit to chemical breath testing. They were released from custody once complete. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
HTPD probes $9,690.91 credit card fraud for shipped bicycles
On April 5, Officer Ryan Finnegan met with the victim of credit card fraud and theft in the HTPD lobby. The victim stated that he sold two bicycles to a person in Quebec Canada. The purchase was made using a credit card. The bikes were shipped but the victim later received notification of a chargeback from the bank noting that the card used for the purchase was fraudulent. The total value of the bicycles was $9,690.91. The investigation is ongoing.
Driver arrested for DUI, reckless driving after running red light
On April 7, Sergeant Adam Liotta observed a vehicle run a red light at the Pennington Circle at Pennington Road and Washington Crossing Pennington Road. Sgt Liotta conducted a motor vehicle stop on the grey Toyota Tundra. The driver was found to be exhibiting signs of intoxication. Sgt Liotta had the driver step out of the vehicle for field sobriety testing. The individual refused testing and was ultimately placed under arrest for DUI. The individual was transported to HTPD for processing, released once processing was completed, and charged with DUI, reckless driving, and refusal to submit to chemical breath testing. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
DUI, drug possession charges for driver found sleeping behind the wheel
On April 8, Officer Neil Hunt responded to the area of Creek Rim in Titusville for a suspicious vehicle, where the driver was reported to have been sleeping behind the wheel. Upon arrival, Officer Hunt made contact with the driver who was found to exhibit signs of intoxication on scene and was subsequently arrested. Suspected methamphetamine, glass pipes, and alcohol were found in the individual’s possession prior to arrest. They were transported to HTPD for processing and charged with DUI, possession of CDS / paraphernalia, and reckless driving. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
Scrap metal stolen from dumpster
On April 8, Officer Landon Zagacki responded to a Pennington Hopewell Road address for a reported theft of scrap metal. The victim reported that scrap sheet metal was stolen from the property. It was reported that an unidentified white van entered the property during the early morning hours of April 6 and removed scrap metal from the dumpster. The estimated value of the metal was reported as $100. The investigation is ongoing.
Security guard spit on during dispute at Capital Health ER
On April 9, Officer Zagacki responded to Capital Health Hospital for a reported argument between two individuals in the emergency department. One of the involved parties spit on one of the security guards during the altercation and fled before police arrived. Charges were filed for simple assault but no physical arrest was made. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
Resident reports identity theft, fraudulent loan application
On April 10, Officer Arthur Juba responded to an Arvida Drive address for a reported fraud. The victim reported that they received notification that a loan was applied for using their identity. The victim advised the bank they did not apply for a loan and that it was fraudulent. The victim suffered no monetary loss to date, but they were advised to continue to monitor their credit and bank accounts. Nothing further at this time.
More than $500 stolen in energy drinks from Stop & Shop
On April 10, Officer Juba responded to Stop & Shop on Denow Road for a reported shoplifting. The incident occurred on April 9, 2024. Loss prevention reported that more than $500 in energy drinks were stolen from the store. The male subject was seen on surveillance clearing the shelves of energy drinks and leaving without payment. The footage was forwarded to Officer Juba and the investigation is ongoing.
Intruder arrested with stolen car keys, charged with trespassing
On April 13, Officer Stanton responded to a Mine Road address for a reported unknown male on the property. Officer Stanton made contact with the reported male on the property, later identified and found to be on the property without any valid reason and in possession of three sets of car keys belonging to cars on the property. The individual was subsequently arrested on scene and charged with trespassing and burglary. They were transported to HTPD for processing and later released after being served the charges. The matter will be heard in Superior Court.
Disorderly Wildflowers patron faces charges following arrest
On April 15, Officer James Stanton responded to Wildflowers on Pennington Road for a reported disorderly party refusing to leave the restaurant. Upon arrival, Officer Stanton made contact with the accused party, who showed obvious signs of intoxication and refused to leave the restaurant after causing a disturbance. Officers instructed the individual to leave as well, but she refused. Officer Stanton offered transportation home and the opportunity to call a friend, but they still refused. Ultimately, the individual was arrested on scene and charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct. They were transported to HTPD for processing and later released on a summons. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
