Franklin Township Police Blotter - April 2023

FTPD Weekly Blotter

April 09, 2023- April 29, 2023

4/9/2023

Lincoln Halstead, 31, of Piscataway, NJ was arrested for an outstanding warrant. Halstead was processed and taken to the Somerset County Jail awaiting trial. “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 fraudulent activity on 04/05/23. An unknown suspect transferred $5,000 from the victim’s account to another unknown account. The unknown suspect also attempted two other transfers of $4,000 and $3,000, but the bank returned the money to the victim’s account prior to the transaction being complete.

4/10/2023

A business located on Veronica Avenue was the victim of a burglary during the overnight hours. Three unknown males wearing hooded shirts, masks, and gloves made entry into the business and stole property valued at $4,000.00. The suspects also damaged $1,000.00 worth of property before fleeing.

A Somerset, NJ resident advised of an illegal dumping complaint on Susan Drive. An unknown suspect dumped a concrete footing and wooden fence post.

A Princeton, NJ resident was a victim of theft on 4/10/2023. An unknown suspect stole $100.00 out of her purse while at work in Somerset, NJ.

Khalil Hill, 26, of Asbury Park, NJ was arrested for an outstanding warrant during a motor vehicle stop. Hill was processed and transferred custody to the Middlesex County Workhouse. “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 harassment. The unknown suspect threatened via Snap Chat to release sensitive pictures and messages on the internet unless the victim paid them $2,000.00.

4/11/2023

A business located on Hamilton Street was the victim of a burglary during the overnight hours. An unknown male pried a bay door open with a pipe to gain entry to the business. The suspect then took a cash register with no money in it and a computer modem.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a burglary to auto around Douglas Gardens Apartment Complex on Hamilton Street during the overnight hours. The unknown suspect(s) entered the unlocked vehicle and stole $3.00 in loose change.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a burglary to auto around Douglas Gardens Apartment Complex on Hamilton Street between 4/9/2023 and 4/11/2023. The unknown suspect entered the victim’s vehicle and rummaged through the glove compartment. Nothing of value was missing from the vehicle.

A business located on Somerset Street was the victim of a theft of services. A grey BMW X3 fueled the vehicle with $50 of premium gas and drove off without paying. The suspect was described as a Spanish male, wearing black sweatpants, cameo shirt, gray crocks, and black shades.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of criminal mischief between 4/6/23 and 4/9/23. Both the driver’s side front and rear tires were punctured with an unknown tool/object. Estimated damage for each tire was $80.

4/12/2023

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a trespass around New Brunswick Road. The victim had video surveillance footage of an unknown suspect climbing his fence and entering the backyard to utilize as a cut through.

A Somerset, NJ business on School House Road had an industrial fire. At this time, it appears no structural damage to the building, however there was smoke damage and damage to inventory/products.

A business located on Hamilton Street was the victim of shoplifting during the morning hours on 4/12/23. An unknown female suspect stole an unknown amount of merchandise from the business. The suspect was described as a heavy black female, wearing all black, with a ponytail, and black slippers.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a theft. An unknown suspect stole a check in the mail and deposited it into a different account.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of identity theft. An unknown suspect utilized the victim’s information to file taxes online.

A business located on Rt. 27 was the victim of shoplifting. Loss prevention identified a Brooklyn, NY resident as the suspect from prior incidents. The suspect took $2,592.00 worth of Health and Beauty Care products.

4/13/2023

A Somerset, NJ resident advised they heard gunshots during the overnight hours in the area of Bennetts Lane. No suspect description was able to be given.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a burglary to automobile in the area of Coburn Lane during the overnight hours of March 17, 2023. An unknown suspect entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole $60 worth of property.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a theft in the area of Reler Lane. A package worth $116 was delivered to the management office and stolen by an unknown suspect. The victim advised the package was left outside management’s office because they were closed.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a theft. An unknown suspect listed a Porsche on Craigslist. The victim sent $500.00 through Zelle when the suspect stopped communications.

4/14/2023

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of criminal mischief during the early morning hours of 4/14/23 on Main Street. Two of the victim’s vehicles were spray painted and punctured tires by an unknown suspect.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a catalytic converter theft in the area of Berry Street on 4/14/23 during the morning hours. The repair was valued at $2,000.00. The suspect(s) is unknown.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a theft of package in the area of Easton Avenue. The victim advised video surveillance shows a suspect take the package with $482.50 worth of merchandise.

4/15/2023

A business on Rt. 27 was a victim of theft of services. Also, an employee of the business was a victim of simple assault. The employee advised an unknown black female suspect was unhappy with the services provided. The unknown female’s boyfriend, an unknown large black male, arrived and attempted to pay $60 for the $105 service. The victim followed the suspects into the parking lot to get the rest of the money owed, when the unknown male struck the victim.

A Somerset, NJ resident was a victim of theft. An unknown Hispanic male suspect wearing a grey sweatshirt and blue jeans stole three air conditioning units which were located outside along his garage. The value of the ac units was $150 total.

4/16/2023

A Somerset, NJ resident was a victim of a theft. An unknown suspect copied/placed a fraudulent copy of the victim’s vehicle registration on their vehicle incurring fines from EZPass.

A business located on Hamilton Street was the victim of shoplifting. An unknown male entered the business and left without paying for $75 worth of merchandise. Suspect description was a white or Hispanic male with facial hair, wearing a grey shirt, dark pants with a red stripe and dark slippers.

4/17/2023

A recovered stolen vehicle reported from Philadelphia, PA, was located in the area of Somerset Street. The vehicle was impounded awaiting the owner scheduling a pick up time.

A New Brunswick resident reported suspicious activity in the area of Hamilton Street. Three tent like structures were erected on the wooded area of Township Property. Clothing, food, and alcohol were located as well. No suspects were located on scene. Franklin Township Department of Public Works was contacted for removal of property.

A Somerset, NJ, business on Hamilton Street reported an unwanted person. A 6’00”, bald black male, wearing a brown t-shirt and black pants was begging for money from patrons. Prior to police arrival the male left the area.

A Somerset, NJ, business located on Somerset Street was the victim of shoplifting. A light skinned black or Hispanic male in his 30’s, wearing a hat and carrying a Christmas bag stole miscellaneous merchandise worth $20. The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival and was not located.

Sandre Grant, 32, of Yonkers, NY was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of our jurisdiction. Grant was 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.”

4/18/2023

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of identity theft. An unknown suspect opened an AT&T account in the victim’s name and incurred $524.06 worth of fees.

A Somerset, NJ business located on Veronica Avenue reported illegal dumping. The business advised an unknown suspect dumped 25 used tires in their employee lot. At this time there are no suspects or witnesses.

A Somerset, NJ resident advised they were the victim of theft. The victim advised an unknown suspect charged $1,007.00 worth of medical services to his credit card.

A Somerset, NJ business located on Davidson Avenue advised they were the victim of wrongful impersonation. The victim advises an unknown suspect opened an AT&T account using the businesses name and tax ID number totaling $180.35 of fees.

A Somerset, NJ business located on Hamilton Street was the victim of shoplifting. Tyler Butchko, 34, of Old Bridge, NJ was located in the nearby area with the stolen items. The items were returned to the business. Butchko was arrested, processed, and released on a summons with a future court date. “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 Franklin Park, NJ business located on Rt. 27 was the victim of shoplifting. Eugene Bradley, 42, of New Brunswick, NJ was arrested for attempting to take a $79 bottle of liquor without paying. Bradley was arrested, processed, and released on a summons with a future court date. “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.”

4/19/2023

A Franklin Park, NJ, resident was the victim of a fraud. While attempting to get a refund of airline tickets, the victim received an email from Fare Masters who instructed to pay $150 before the refund would be processed. Online reviews of Fare Masters suggest it is a fraudulent company.

A Somerset, NJ, resident was the victim of identity theft. An unknown suspect opened three credit cards in the victim’s name. Between the three credit cards, the debt totals $2,929.00.

A Somerset, NJ, business was the victim of shoplifting. An unknown suspect stole $166.56 worth of merchandise. Video surveillance showed a black male wearing a blue hoodie, light blue jeans, red and black sneakers take the items before fleeing the scene. Police were unable to locate the suspect.

A Somerset, NJ, resident was the victim of theft. An unknown suspect stole a package from the mailroom of the residency. The value of the package was $20.00.

A fire was extinguished in the area of Hamilton Street on township property. A mattress and other debris were extinguished by the fire company prior to police arrival. It appears that individuals from an encampment created a makeshift fire using the debris. No suspects were located.

A Somerset, NJ, business advised a credit/debit card scanner was located on one of the PNC Bank ATM machines. Security advised they observed a silver object laying on top of the keypad. This is the third time a device like this was found in the ATM machine.

4/20/2023

On 4/20/23 at 01:20 hours, Carlton Hemmings, 34, of Plainfield, NJ, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for criminal mischief with damage. Hemmings was booked, processed, and transported to the 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.”

Township employees reported suspicious activity on township property in the area of Hamilton Street. Three Hispanic males were located walking away from a nearby encampment. The males advised they “hang out” in the wooded area during the day. As police were speaking with the males, another four Hispanic males approached the encampment. Those four males advised they come to the area during the day to cook food and hang out. All were advised not to return to the area.

On 4/20/23 at 13:46 hours, Johaira Reynoso, 38, of New Brunswick, NJ, was arrested for Contempt of Court and Refusal of Fingerprints. Reynoso was booked, processed, and transported to the 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.”

A Princeton, NJ, resident was the victim of theft. The victim received an email from what she thought was a friend requesting scanned images of the front and back of (7) $100 gift cards. After emailing the images, the victim realized she was scammed.

Two PNC ATMs at a Somerset Street business were found to have credit card skimming devices. An ATM technician was doing maintenance and found the devices. It is unknown how many credit/debit cards have been compromised at this time.

On 4/20/23 at 20:24 hours, Timothy Albert Wittik-Kraft, 27, of Somerset, NJ, was arrested for simple assault by Franklin Township Police. Wittik-Kraft was booked, processed, and transported to the 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.”

4/21/2023

A Somerset, NJ, resident was the victim of theft and criminal mischief. In the early morning hours of 4/21/23, the victim was woken up by a loud noise. After looking out of the window, observed was an unknown male laying on the ground underneath a Honda Wagon with an electric saw in hand. After the victim yelled out of the window, it caused an unknown male get up and enter the passenger side of a dark colored 4 door Honda with tinted windows and drive away. Property taken was a catalytic converter valued at $500.00.

A vacant residence on Hillcrest Avenue was the victim of burglary. It appears (3) unknown suspects have been inhabiting the space without permission. It appears entry was made by the suspect(s) through prying the plywood from the rear door. Also observed were rear windows shattered which would allow suspect(s) to access to the entire home.

On 4/21/23 at 12:46 hours, Justin F. Browne, 44, of Scotch Plains, NJ, was arrested for defiant trespassing by Franklin Township Police subsequent to an investigation. Browne was booked, processed, and released on a summons. “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 a victim of theft. The victim reported they sent $2,000.00 via Instagram Direct Message for the purchase of a vehicle for sale. After the transaction the suspect blocked the victim’s account.

A Somerset, NJ, resident was a victim of identity theft. The victim was alerted by Experian that a checking account through Bank of America was opened in their name. After contacting Bank of America, they advised the account had been closed and no money was lost as a result of the incident.

A Somerset, NJ, resident was the victim of a theft. During the overnight hours in the area of Phillips Road, an unknown suspect stole a catalytic converter from the victim’s vehicle. At this time there are no suspects or witnesses.

On 4/21/23 at 22:41 hours, Deshaun Lamar Prunty, 30, of Somerset, NJ, was arrested for simple assault by Franklin Township Police. Prunty was booked, processed, and transported to the 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.”

4/22/2023

A Princeton, NJ, resident was the victim of burglary to residence. During the day/afternoon hours an unknown suspect entered the victim’s residence and stole copper pipe and jewelry. The estimated value of property taken was between $10,000 and $17,000.

A Somerset, NJ, resident was the victim of theft and burglary to an automobile. The victim advised while the vehicle was parked in the area of Skillmans Lane, an unknown suspect “punched in” the passenger’s side door lock. The unknown suspect then stole the victim’s Wells Fargo debit card, Capital One credit card, and $45.00 in cash. The Wells Fargo debit card was used at a Walmart store for $500 and an online purchase for $500.

A Short Hills, NJ, resident was the victim of a burglary to automobile. The victim parked his vehicle in the area of Jacques Lane in the afternoon hours. Stolen were a wallet, cash, and credit cards. The unknown suspect then purchased $505.33 with one of the credit cards at Walmart in Manville, NJ.

A Belle Mead, NJ, resident was the victim of a burglary to automobile. The victim parked his vehicle in the area of Mettlers Road. An unknown suspect manipulated the driver’s side door lock cylinder to gain access to the vehicle. Once inside, the suspect stole cash and credit cards. Three of the credit cards were used for purchases at Walmart in Piscataway, NJ.

A Nutley, NJ, resident was the victim of a burglary to automobile. The victim parked his vehicle in the area of Mettlers Road. The unknown suspect gained access through the driver’s side door. Stolen from inside the vehicle was a $100.00 pair of sunglasses.

A Somerset, NJ, resident was the victim of a burglary to residence and criminal mischief. Sometime in the afternoon/early evening hours an unknown suspect(s) broke a rear window and entered the residence. Cigarette butts and a restaurant receipt were located inside the residence. Nothing was taken from the residence. Damage to the window was $300.00.

4/23/2023

A Somerset, NJ, resident was the victim of a stolen motor vehicle in the area of Opal Court. During the overnight hours, an unknown suspect popped out a door lock and stole the vehicle. Currently there are no suspect(s) or witnesses.

A Franklin Park, NJ, resident was the victim of an identity theft. An unknown suspect(s) opened approximately 10 credit cards in the victim’s name. At this time the victim had no further information.

Melanie Gibbons, 42, of Tinton Falls, NJ, was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of our jurisdiction by Tinton Falls Police. Gibbons was transported from Tinton Falls Police Department to the 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.”

A Hamilton Street business reported an unknown male suspect attempted to pass a fake check. While the business was in the process of cashing the check, they observed that the check was fake. When the business addressed the issue with the suspect, the suspect grabbed the check and fled the store in an unknown direction.

A Route 27 business was the victim of shoplifting. During the afternoon hours an unknown black female exited a minivan and enter the store. After placing several items in the shopping cart, the female exited the store without paying for the merchandise. The female was approached by loss prevention outside the store. The suspect relinquished the merchandise back to loss prevention and fled the scene prior to police arrival.

A New Brunswick, NJ, resident was the victim of a theft. While the victim was in a Franklin Blvd. business, they left their purse unattended. During that time, an unknown suspect stole $60.00 in cash from the purse and fled the scene.

4/24/2023

Damian Reyes-Leon, 43, of Somerset, NJ was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated by Franklin Township Police. Reyes-Leon was booked, processed, and released to a relative. “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, business in the area of Cottontail Lane was the victim of theft. The victim advised merchandise was re-routed to an unknown location while in transit and the current disposition is unknown. A fake purchase order was used to order approximately 700 laptops. According to the invoice the shipping address appears to be a high school in New York.

A Feasterville Trevose, PA, resident was the victim of theft at a Franklin Park, NJ, business. The victim advised that he left his wallet and cellphone at the business the night before. The victim stated while driving home he called his cell phone and an unknown suspect answered and hung up. Items stolen were a wallet, money, credit cards, and cellphone.

A Somerset, NJ, residence in the area of Canal Road was the victim of burglary and theft. Two unknown suspects entered the victim’s property and stole copper piping. Surveillance cameras showed two suspects, one wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, black ski mask, and white gloves, the other suspect wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt, black sweatpants, and gloves leaving the garage with the stolen copper pipe.

A Somerset, NJ, resident reported criminal trespassing in the area of Drake Road. The property is currently unoccupied and appears to have unknown suspect(s) squatting there. Franklin Police checked the residence. No suspect(s) were found inside.

4/25/2023

A Princeton, NJ, resident was the victim of a theft. The victim advised on 4/24/23 an unknown suspect(s) utilized his PNC debit card at a Hoboken, NJ, ATM machine. The suspect(s) withdrew $427.00 from the victim’s account.

A Princeton, NJ, resident reported suspicious activity in the area of Acken Lane. The reporting person advised an unknown suspect opened the garden gate and took a hanging plant down placing it on the ground. The reporting person also advised the rear gate to the property was left open. Nothing was taken and at this time there are no suspect(s) or witnesses.

A Bound Brook, NJ, resident was the victim of a burglary and theft while visiting a Somerset, NJ, park in the area of Colonial Drive. The victim advised an unknown suspect(s) broke the front passenger’s side window to gain access to the vehicle. Once the window was broken the suspect(s) stole the victim’s purse from the front passenger’s seat. Nothing of value was located in the purse. At this time there are no suspects or witnesses.

During the afternoon hours, a Somerset, NJ, resident reported a burglary of their automobile while parked on Amwell Road. An unknown suspect(s) smashed out the front passenger’s side window to gain access to the vehicle. Once inside, a tote bag with clothing and large work bag was stolen. At this time there are no suspects or witnesses.

During the afternoon hours, a Somerset, NJ, resident reported a burglary of their automobile while parked on Amwell Road. An unknown suspect(s) smashed out the rear passenger’s side window to gain access to the vehicle. Once access was obtained the suspect stole the victim’s wallet containing their NJ ID and $500.00 in cash.

A Somerset, NJ, resident was the victim of wrongful impersonation. The victim advised an unknown suspect opened an AT&T account in their name in 2022. AT&T contacted the victim stating he has an outstanding balance of $1,032.00. The victim advised AT&T he did not open the account.

A Monmouth Junction, NJ, resident was the victim of burglary to automobile. During the early evening hours an unknown suspect(s) smashed out the passenger’s side window to gain access to the vehicle. Once access was able, the suspect stole multiple items. The suspect charged $200.00 at a Franklin Park pharmacy with the victim’s credit card.

4/26/2023

A Franklin Park, NJ, resident was the victim of a stolen vehicle in the area of Amethyst Way. Sometime during the overnight hours, the suspect entered the unlocked vehicle and utilized a spare key left in the cup holder to steal the vehicle. At this time there are no suspects or witnesses.

A Franklin Park, NJ, resident reported suspicious activity in the area of Rt. 27. The reporting person stated an unknown person was throwing debit and credit cards from the vehicle. Within the contents of discarded items, a driver’s license was located for a North Brunswick resident. The items were then returned to the owner in North Brunswick.

A Somerset, NJ, resident was the victim of theft. The victim advised an unknown suspect utilized their Amazon credit card to purchase $639.72 worth of merchandise. The packages were disputed to Amazon and advised the merchandise was delivered to a Vineland, NJ, residence.

Kevin Zykee Robinson, 39, of New Brunswick, NJ, was arrested by Franklin Township Police for outstanding warrants from North Brunswick and New Brunswick during a motor vehicle stop. Robinson was booked, processed, and transported to the North Brunswick Police Department. “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.”

4/27/2023

Justin D. Jaryno, 28, of San Diego, CA, was arrested for Simple Assault by Franklin Township Police. Jaryno was booked, processed, and transported to the 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.”

Joseph Jeffrey Morgan, 39, of Franklin Park, NJ, was arrested for Simple Assault by Franklin Township Police. Morgan was booked, processed, and released to the Somerset County Sheriff’s Officers. “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, business located in the area of Hamilton Street was the victim of shoplifting. An unknown Hispanic male with a thin build wearing a navy-blue hooding and carrying a red tote bag stole $92 worth of merchandise. A check of the area was unable to locate the suspect.

An East Brunswick, NJ, resident was the victim of a stolen motor vehicle in the area of Byron Place. Sometime between the morning and early afternoon hours an unknown suspect stole the victim’s motorcycle. At this time there are no suspects or witnesses.

A Somerset, NJ, resident was the victim of criminal mischief in the area of Gunther Loop. The victim advised an unknown suspect cut two rear window screens at their residence. Entry does not appear to have been made.

4/28/2023

A Manahawkin, NJ, resident was the victim of a burglary to automobile and theft in the area of Cottontail Lane. A black male wearing a black sweatshirt with bright orange coloring near the shoulders was seen on surveillance video entering the victim’s unlocked vehicle. The suspect then stole $18.00 worth of cash from inside the vehicle before fleeing the scene.

A Somerset, NJ, business was the victim of bad checks. The victim reported they received a bad check in the amount of $350.00. When the check was being cashed, the bank advised the account was closed in 2022.

A Somerset, NJ, business was the victim of bad checks. The victim reported they attempted to cash a check in the amount of $500.00. The bank advised there were insufficient funds in the account. Attempts to remedy the payment were met with negative results.

A Somerset, NJ, business in the area of Elizabeth Avenue reported wrongful impersonation. The business advised a former employee attempted to fraud an account holder in the amount of $50,000.00.

A recovered stolen vehicle out of New York was found by NJMVC Security’s in the area of Austin Avenue. After the victim attempted to register a vehicle through a Facebook purchase, it was found to have a fraudulent VIN number. The vehicle was towed to a local township towing company pending further investigation.

A Somerset, NJ, resident was the victim of wrongful impersonation. Between March and April 2023, an unknown suspect opened multiple checking accounts in the victim’s name.

A Piscataway, NJ, resident was the victim of a theft. The victim left their wallet at a business on Worlds Fair Drive. The victim contacted the business who advised no wallet was found. Shortly after the victim was notified by Bank of America for a charge of $440.00 on their debit card. Bank of America was able to stop payment. No suspects or witnesses at this time.

4/29/2023

Rodney N. James Jr., 34, of North Brunswick, NJ was arrested by North Brunswick Police on an outstanding warrant issued by Franklin Township Police. James was booked, processed, and turned over to the 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.”

A Hamilton Street business was the victim of shoplifting. An unknown female entered the store and began placing items in a bucket before leaving without paying. Known items stolen totaled $61.13. The suspect was described as a black female, wearing a white jacket with black sleeves. Prior to police arrival the suspect fled in a yellow car.

A Somerset, NJ, resident reported a dumping complaint in the area of Highland Avenue. Upon police arrival a mattress was found in the roadway. DPW was contacted and removed the mattress.

An Easton Avenue business was a victim of theft of services. The victim stated an unknown black male wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers filled his vehicle up with $50.00 of gas and left without payment. A check of the area was unable to locate the suspect.

A Somerset Street business was the victim of shoplifting. Employees advised a group of 10 individuals entered the store, concealed merchandise, and left without payment. Nine of the males were black and one white. All were wearing sweatpants. The reporting person advised the suspects might be associated with Rutgers University, due to lanyards with Rutgers ID attached being around the suspects necks.

Jesus O. Ortiz, 21, of Somerset, NJ was arrested by Franklin Township Police for DUI/DWI subsequent to a motor vehicle crash. Ortiz was booked, processed, and released to a family member. “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.”