Franklin Township Police Blotter - February 2023

FTPD Weekly Blotter

February 5, 2023- February 11, 2023

02/06/2023

A Somerset, NJ resident reported illegal dumping in the area of Waldorf St. An unknown suspect(s) in a large truck dumped a toilet, plastic bins, and wood on township property between 01/06/23 and 02/06/23.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a cryptocurrency scam totaling $6,176.00. After successfully investing in cryptocurrency the victim was advised by an unknown individual that his account was hacked, and he would need to transfer his funds. The victim obliged and was locked out of his account. The victim attempted to retrieve his funds with negative results.

A Trenton, NJ business was the victim of a theft in the area of Somerset St. during the afternoon hours. The victim observed a U-Haul and black male suspect in the rear of a business siphoning used cooking oil from the company’s container. The suspect fled the location. The cooking oil was valued at $2,700.00.

An apartment located on Phillips Rd. sustained damage to the interior due to a fire during the afternoon hours. A local fire company determined that the fire was caused by an unattended candle while the residence was unoccupied. The residence was determined to be habitable by the fire marshal. No one was injured.

02/07/2023

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a catalytic converter theft in the area of Patton Dr. between 01/23/23 and 02/01/23. The suspect(s) is unknown. The auto part was valued at $360.00.

A Somerset, NJ resident reported criminal mischief to her flowerpot in the area of Cherrywood Dr. on 02/06/23. The suspect was described as a female. The flowerpot was valued at $25.00.

A business located on Hamilton St. was the victim of a shoplifting during the evening hours. A black male suspect shoplifted $39.00 worth of laundry detergent and fled the store on foot. Patrol canvassed the area for the suspect with negative results.

02/08/2023

Alex Plazagonzalez, 21, of Manville, NJ was arrested for DWI during a motor vehicle crash investigation. The defendant was processed and released with a pending court appearance. “NOTE: We are required by the Rules of Court to include herein a statement explaining that the charges are merely an accusation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a theft. A package was delivered to her doorstep during the afternoon hours in the area of Central Ave. The package was opened by an unknown suspect(s) and a $500.00 gift card was removed.

02/09/2023

A business located on Easton Ave. was the victim of a shoplifting during the afternoon hours. A Hispanic male suspect walked out of the store without paying for $175.00 worth of merchandise. Loss prevention confronted the suspect in the parking lot, and he fled in a Lexus leaving the items behind.

A business located on Easton Ave. was the victim of a shoplifting during the afternoon hours. A black male suspect attempted to leave the store without paying for $162.00 worth of merchandise. When confronted by loss prevention the suspect left the items behind and fled the store.

02/10/2023

A business located on Somerset St. was the victim of an attempted burglary during the overnight hours. Two male suspects were observed on surveillance breaking a window to the business. They fled when the alarm sounded. Entry was not made.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of mail theft between 01/03/23 and 01/27/23 in the area of Girard Ave. The unknown suspect(s) stole a delivered check and cashed it. The check was valued at $162.00.

A Somerset, NJ resident almost fell victim to a scam. The suspect, “Dean Morris”, advised the victim that if he contacted the police a warrant would be issued for his arrest. The victim was told to withdraw $120,000.00 from his bank account and transfer it to the suspect. The bank alerted the FTPD, and the withdrawal was thwarted.

Joshua Banks, 21, of Piscataway, NJ was arrested for trespassing and obstructing the administration of law during a suspicious person investigation in the area of Hamilton St. The defendant was processed and transported to Somerset County Jail. “NOTE: We are required by the Rules of Court to include herein a statement explaining that the charges are merely an accusation, and that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”

02/11/2023

A business located on Easton Ave. was the victim of a theft during the morning hours. An unknown suspect filled his vehicle with $39.00 worth of gasoline and fled without paying.

A business located on Rt. 27 was the victim of a shoplifting during the afternoon hours. Two black female suspects attempted to exit the store without paying for $306.00 worth of cleaning products. Loss prevention confronted the suspects, and they fled the store leaving the merchandise behind.