Police Save Resident From Near Drug Overdose In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Warrant arrest, shoplifting, a garbage can fire and a Narcan rescue was reported recently in the township.

Bernards Township Police Blotter for Oct. 28 through Nov. 3:

During the above timeframe, BTPD officers responded to six motor vehicle crashes with two injuries reported. One motor vehicle summons was issued.

On Oct. 28 at around 9:07 p.m.: Officers responded to the 7-11 on Martinsville Road for a carbon monoxide alarm activation. Liberty Corner Fire Company responded to the scene and located high carbon monoxide readings in the store and within the adjacent business Mavis Tire. Due to the readings idling at a high level, PSE&G and Somerset County Hazmat responded. The source of the readings was located and is being repaired.

On Oct. 29 at around 1:50 a.m.: Officers responded to a reported overdose on Emerald Valley Lane. Upon arrival, patrol officers administered Narcan to the victim. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital for further medical treatment. *Operating Helping Hand 24/7/365 is ready to help. If you or somebody you know suffers from drug addiction, call 1-855-825-3275 and get help before it’s too late.*

On Oct. 30 at around 11:19 p.m.: An officer on patrol of Martinsville Road observed a green 2010 Chevrolet Cobalt with multiple motor vehicle infractions. The officer proceeded to conduct a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle. During the stop, a passenger in the vehicle, Christopher Watters, 50, of Piscataway, was determined to have an active traffic court warrant and an active NCIC warrant out of Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office. Watters was placed under arrest and transported to Somerset County Jail pending transfer to Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office. The driver of the vehicle was released with a motor vehicle summons for the vehicle infractions.

On Oct. 31: After an investigation by the detective bureau, criminal charges were filed against Joshua Benyard, 33, of Greenwich, CT for shoplifting. The incident occurred at the Stop & Shop at the Lyons Mall on Sept. 9. Benyard was observed loading a shopping cart with various seafood items and steaks before exiting the store without paying. In total, Benyard shoplifted $903.84 worth of merchandise from the store.

On Nov. 1 at around 2:21 a.m.: Officers responded to Autumn Drive for the report of an attempted motor vehicle burglary. The resident advised their Ring camera system alerted them to movement on their driveway. When they viewed the footage, they observed a man wearing a grey sweat outfit walk up to their gray 2023 BMW X3 and pull on the door handles. The vehicle was locked, and the individual was unsuccessful in their attempt. The individual is then seen fleeing from the area towards Lake Road. BTPD continues to remind residents to keep their vehicles and homes locked to prevent thefts. The incident is being investigated by the Detective Bureau.

On Nov. 2 at around 6:21 a.m.: BTPD officers and Liberty Corner Fire Company responded to Blackburn Drive for the reported garbage can fire. Upon arrival, officers were able to extinguish the fire successfully with department-issued fire extinguishers. There were no injuries as a result of the fire.

The Bernard’s Township Police would like to continue to remind everyone to report suspicious activity observed by calling 908-766-1122. Please keep vehicles locked, without the keys in them and valuables out of sight. Confirm all suspicious calls/emails/texts/messages requesting monetary payments with law enforcement or banking officials before sending funds.