Welcome to the MercerMe Police Blotter, a regular update submitted by the Hopewell Township Police Department to keep our community informed. This report covers incidents and noteworthy events that occurred from March 3 to March 17. Stay connected and engaged with the latest local law enforcement news and public safety information.
Motorcycle license plate stolen in Elm Ridge, investigation underway
On March 18, Sergeant Mark Panzano responded to a West Shore Drive address in Elm Ridge for a reported stolen license plate. The victim reported that the license plate of their motorcycle was stolen between March 3 and March 18. The victim was unsure when they last saw the license plate on the motorcycle, however, their surveillance system’s most recent recording was on March 5 showing the license plate still on the motorcycle. The investigation is open.
Mail tampering reported at two Tyburn Lane addresses
On March 18, Officer Blake DeMeter responded to a Tyburn Lane address for a reported theft. The victim reported that their mail was opened inside the mailbox. Specifically, one envelope was opened, which was a birthday card. The victim confirmed that there was $100 inside the card. The card was reported to be stolen between March 16 and March 17. Additionally, Officer DeMeter responded to another address on Tyburn Lane the same day for a similar incident. The victim reported that their mail was opened inside their mailbox, however (to the victim’s knowledge) nothing was taken. The investigation is ongoing.
Parking lot incident leads to DUI arrest at PQM
On March 19, Sergeant Adam Liotta responded to the parking lot of the Pennington Quality Market for a report of a suspicious subject who was allegedly looking into various vehicles in the parking lot. The subject was located and found to have driven to the location before being reported. The individual, exhibiting signs of intoxication, was asked to perform field sobriety tests on scene. Once completed, Sgt Liotta placed the individual under arrest for DUI, and they were transported to HTPD for processing and released from custody. They were charged with DUI, reckless driving, and open container. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
Energy drink shoplifting at Stop & Shop under investigation
On March 22, Officer Ryan Finnegan responded to the Stop & Shop on Denow Road for a reported shoplifting. Loss prevention reported that on March 15, an unidentified female shopper was seen on surveillance taking various cases of energy drinks worth $517.56 from the store without payment. The surveillance video was turned over to police and the investigation is ongoing.
Soap thief makes clean getaway from Stop & Shop
On March 24, Sgt. Panzano responded to the Stop & Shop on Denow Road for a reported shoplifting. Loss prevention reported that on March 22 at 9:23pm, an unidentified female entered the store and stole $2,100 in soap from the store without payment. The subject is seen on surveillance emptying 13 full rows of Dove soap and exiting the store. Surveillance footage was forwarded to police and the investigation is ongoing.
Driver arrested for DUI after running red light
On March 24, Officer Finnegan conducted a motor vehicle stop on a white Hyundai Tucson at the intersection of Route 579 and Route 546. The stop was made after observing the vehicle proceed into the intersection while the red light was active. Officer Finnegan observed the driver who appeared slumped over the wheel and then made contact with the driver. Due to signs of intoxication, the individual was asked to perform field sobriety testing on scene. Once complete, they were placed under arrest and transported to HTPD for processing. After processing, they were released from custody and charged with DUI, Reckless Driving, and Failure to Observe Traffic Control Device. The matter will be heard in Municipal Court.
AirPods stolen from patient at Capital Health while they slept
On March 30, Officer Jonathan Pauciullo responded to Capital Health Systems – Hopewell Campus for a reported theft of Apple AirPods. The victim reported that they had a pair of Apple AirPods located in their room next to their bed. When the victim woke up at 3:15pm, they reached for the AirPods and they were missing. They were valued at $200. The investigation is ongoing.
