Man Caught On Camera Trying To Steal Car, Arrested In Basking Ridge: Blotter

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — One man was charged after being caught on camera trying to steal a car from a Basking Ridge driveway earlier this month, according to the police blotter.

On Feb. 18, a Lyons Road resident reported seeing two men on camera in their driveway.

One man was seen entering the homeowner’s vehicle and trying to steal it, according to the blotter.

Officers went to the area and found the two men matching the description from the camera footage near the Lyons Train Station.

Alshamer H. Walker, 22, of Newark, was arrested and charged with third-degree theft of a motor vehicle and criminal attempt third-degree, for entering the victim’s vehicle and trying to start it and take it.

The other man, who did not try to enter the vehicle, was released on his own recognizance. Walker was taken to the Somerset County Jail.

Other Bernards Township Police Department(BTPD) blotter items for February:

In February, BTPD responded to 23 motor vehicle crashes. There were six injuries reported and 10 motor vehicle summonses issued.

On Feb. 1: Officer Jose Mojica, during a traffic stop investigation, arrested Jamie Lee Wise, 45, of Bloomingdale, GA on a full extradition warrant out of Chatham County, Georgia. Wise was charged with fugitive from justice and was taken to the Somerset County Jail.

On Feb. 6: A resident from Potomac Drive reported that a check they wrote for a Costco credit
card bill was intercepted in the mail and altered to be paid to an unknown subject. The value of the
check was $2,987.76. The Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.

On Feb. 8 at 2:56 a.m.: Patrol units found a BMW X3 on Allen Rd that was reported to be stolen by the Paramus police department. A pursuit of the vehicle ensued, which led to Interstate 78 eastbound. The pursuit was terminated due to excess speed and potential danger to the motoring public.

On Feb. 12: A resident of Forest Trail reported a missing engagement and wedding ring after having a moving company inside the residence. The Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.

On Feb. 14: Officers Dean Hogan and Bryson Buchanan saw a vehicle being driven by Patsy Ragonese IV, 34, of Basking Ridge, who has several active warrants from multiple agencies. The officers tried to initiate a motor vehicle stop, Ragonese refused to stop and fled to elude the officers driving recklessly away. Officer Hogan contacted the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office and received approval to charge Ragonese with second-degree eluding police. A warrant has been issued for Ragonese’s arrest.

On Feb. 15: A resident from The Enclave apartment complex reported damage to their vehicles charging port while it was parked in a charging station. An unknown percon removed the charging cable without using a key for it. The Detective Bureau is investigating the incident.

On Feb. 19: Patrol officers responded along with the Liberty Corner and Veteran’s Affairs Fire Departments for a residential structure fire on Knollcroft Rd. The fire appears to have been caused
by burnt food. No injuries resulted from the fire, but the residence is currently uninhabitable.

"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.