7-06-2026 8:05pm

Franklin Township Police Blotter Update for June 2026

Donnella Tilery Editor

06/07/2026

A business located in the area of Somerset St. was the victim of a shoplifting during the early morning hours. An unknown black male exited the store without paying for merchandise valued at $50.00. An employee attempted to stop the suspect and a scuffle ensued, which escalated the incident to a robbery. The suspect fled the area on foot.

Rene L. Williams, 51, of Somerset, NJ was arrested for disorderly conduct and simple assault during an unrelated investigation in the area of Talbot St. Williams caused a scene in front of innocent bystanders by utilizing profane language and engaging in tumultuous behavior. Williams also shoved an officer. Williams was 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 business located in the area of Hamilton St. was the victim of a shoplifting during the evening hours. An unknown male exited the store without paying for merchandise valued at $85.00.

06/08/2026

Ahmad D. Harris, 23, of Morrisville, NJ turned himself in on an outstanding warrant of our jurisdiction. Harris was 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 Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of porch piracy on 06/07/26 in the area of Byron Pl. The unknown suspect(s) stole the contents from the victim’s delivered package and left the box behind. The contents were valued at $500.00 and were entered stolen into a national database.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a burglary and theft in the area of Amethyst Way during the overnight hours. The unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole property valued at $100.00.

A business located in the area of Easton Ave. was the victim of defiant trespassing. Dale Goodman, 75, of Somerset, NJ refused to vacate the premises despite an agreement with staff. Responding officers formally trespassed Goodman at the request of staff and she still refused to leave. Goodman was issued a summons for defiant trespassing. “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.”

06/09/2026

A business located in the area of Elizabeth Ave. was the victim of a shoplifting during the morning hours. A white male exited the store without paying merchandise valued at $587.00. The suspect fled the area in an unknown vehicle. The suspect is known to the business as a frequent shoplifter.

Leonardo Perez-Meza, 26, of Ridgewood, NY was arrested by Washington Twp. PD for an outstanding warrant out of our jurisdiction. The FTPD took custody of Perez-Meza and transported him to the Somerset County Jail after he was processed. “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.”

06/10/2026

An Avenel, NJ business was the victim of criminal mischief in the area of Hall St. during the overnight hours. The unknown suspect(s) damaged a windshield wiper on a company vehicle. The damage was valued at $400.00.

A business located in the area of Rt. 27 was the victim of a shoplifting during the morning hours. An unknown Hispanic male exited the store without paying for merchandise valued at $51.00. The suspect fled the area in a white truck.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of porch piracy on 06/09/26 in the area of Barron Cir. The unknown suspect(s) stole the victim’s delivered package. The contents were valued at $102.00.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a theft in the area of Walnut Ave. during the morning hours. The unknown suspect(s) stole the victim’s unattended bike from a front lawn. The bike was valued at $200.00.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of theft in the area of Walnut Ave. during the morning hours. The unknown suspect(s) stole a pool skimmer from a rear yard. The skimmer was valued at $115.00.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of porch piracy on 05/27/26 in the area of Winding Way. The unknown suspect(s) stole the victim’s delivered package. The contents were valued at $3,395.00.

A South Plainfield, NJ resident was the victim of a theft on 02/02/26. A company check was mailed to a vendor in Connecticut. The check was intercepted, altered, and cashed by an unknown female in Nevada. The check was valued at $4,777.98.

A business located in the area of Easton Ave. was the victim of defiant trespassing. Dale Goodman, 75, of Somerset, NJ was causing a disturbance at the business she was previously trespassed from. Goodman was issued a summons for defiant trespassing. “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.”

06/11/2026

A business located in the area of Rt. 27 was the victim of a burglary during the overnight hours. The unknown suspect(s) damaged the door and its lock to gain entry. Nothing of value was taken. The value of the damaged door was unknown at the time of report.

A business located in the area of Rt. 27 was the victim of a burglary during the overnight hours. The unknown suspect(s) damaged the door and its lock to gain entry. The business was rummaged through, but nothing of value was taken. The value of the damaged door was unknown at the time of report.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of a burglary and theft on 06/06/26 in the area of JFK Blvd. The unknown suspect(s) entered the victim’s vehicle and loose change valued at $20.00 and property valued at $130.00 was stolen. There were no signs of forced entry.

Laiza Cardona, 41, of Dunellen, NJ was arrested by Dunellen PD for an outstanding warrant out of our jurisdiction. The FTPD took custody of Cardona and transported her to the Somerset County Jail after she was processed. “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.”

06/12/2026

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of porch piracy between 05/28/26 and 05/29/26 in the area of Barron Cir. The unknown suspect(s) stole the victim’s delivered package. The contents were valued at $110.00.

A Somerset, NJ resident was the victim of porch piracy in the area of Franklin Blvd. during the afternoon hours. The unknown suspect(s) stole the victim’s delivered package. The contents were valued at $140.00.

06/13/2026

Jacob Y. Sheriff, 55, of Staten Island, NY was found to have an outstanding warrant out of Elizabeth, NJ during a theft investigation in the area of Eugene Ave. Sheriff entered a backyard and stole a ladder. He claimed he was using it for work and would return it when finished. Complaint signing procedures were explained to the victim. Sheriff was released on his own recognizance on scene due to the warrant being less than $500.00. “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.”