Cadillac Stolen, DWI Arrest, $102K Fraud Case In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A DWI arrest, a stolen Cadillac, and more than $100,000 fraudulently taken from a Basking Ridge resident's bank account were reported in August.

Bernards Township Police blotter for August:

During August, Bernards Township Police Officers responded to 14 motor vehicle crashes. There was one injury reported and two motor vehicle summonses issued.

On Aug. 1: A resident from Roberts Circle reported 19 fraudulent checks were created by an unknown person and withdrew $15,212.79 from the victim’s bank account. The Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.

On Aug. 7: Officer Christopher Debiasse conducted a motor vehicle stop and arrested Hanyi Shen, 41, of Warren, after it was determined that Shen was operating his vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Shen was charged with driving while intoxicated, careless driving, failure to maintain lane, and refusal of breath sample. Shen was released to a family member and provided summonses for a future court date.

On Aug. 10: A resident from Potomac Drive reported that an unknown person opened a bank account using their identity and transferred $102,000 into the account from the victim’s account. The Detective Bureau is investigating.

On Aug. 19: A resident from Countryside Drive reported several pieces of jewelry missing from the residence. The Detective Bureau is investigating.

On Aug. 20: A resident from Fellowship Village reported several pieces of jewelry missing from their room at the assisted living facility. The Detective Bureau is investigating.

On Aug. 22: Officer Aidan Benjamin and Corporal James Moore responded to the Mendham Township Police Department and took custody of Jorge Cardenas, 35, of Bound Brook, for a Bernards Township warrant for driving with a suspended license. Cardenas was taken to the Somerset County Jail and turned over without incident.

On Aug. 27: A resident from Layton Road reported their wallet was stolen from an unlocked locker inside one of the YMCA’s locker rooms. The Detective Bureau is investigating.

On Aug. 27: Christopher Jones, 65, of Bedminster, was charged by Sergeant Phil Jasina with obstruction of justice after he drove off from a traffic stop before being released with traffic summonses. Jones was also issued summonses for horns and warning devices after improperly using his horn, and traffic on marked lanes for failing to maintain a lane while driving. Jones will have a future court date for all three summonses.

On Aug. 28: Edward Pergament, 62, of Morristown, was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct/fighting for his behavior at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel. Pergament was screaming and slamming items in the hotel lobby after he was locked out of the hotel for failing to pay his bill. Pergament also made threats towards the hotel staff. Pergament was released pending a future court date.

On Aug. 29: A resident from High Meadow Lane reported their Cadillac Escalade was stolen out of the driveway after leaving the keys inside it. The victim returned home to discover a suspicious vehicle parked in front of their home. After approaching the suspicious vehicle, the victim saw their vehicle’s lights turn on and drive out of the driveway. Both vehicles fled from the scene. The victim’s vehicle was later located by Edison Township police unoccupied. The Detective Bureau is investigating.

"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. Please confirm all suspicious calls/emails/texts/messages requesting monetary payments with law enforcement or banking officials before sending funds," said police.

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