Random Ramen Noodle Packages Strewn On Basking Ridge Lawns: Police

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — The mystery of the Ramen Noodles plagues residents in Bernards Township last week.

Between Dec. 8 and Dec. 11, multiple residents reported suspicious incidents where packages of Ramen noodles were found on their lawns or near their property, according to the Bernards Township Police Department(BTPD) blotter.

Many residents had speculations that the noodle packages were correlated with recent burglaries in the area. Police advised residents that there is no connection between the noodle packages and burglaries, and no noodle packages were found on the scene of recent burglaries, said police.

Police said it is safe to discard the noodle packages if one is found.

Other Bernards Township Police blotter items from Dec. 11 to 17:

During the above timeframe, BTPD officers responded to eight motor vehicles crashes with no injuries reported. One motor vehicle summons was issued.

On Dec. 11: Officers responded to the Courtyard by Marriott for four motor vehicle burglaries that
occurred during the overnight hours. Four vehicles, a silver 2016 Toyota 4Runner, a red 2021
Mitsubishi Mirage, a white 2022 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, and a black 2022 GMC Sierra, were
broken into via smashed windows. Various items and electronics were stolen from the vehicles. This case is under investigation by the Detective Bureau.

On Dec. 11: Bernards Township Police Officers, Basking Ridge EMS, and Atlantic Medic 2 responded to a residence on Belle Grove Court for an unresponsive person without a pulse. Upon arrival, officers began CPR on the patient while utilizing an AED. After multiple rounds of CPR, a pulse was regained on the patient. The patient was later taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

On Dec. 12: Officers responded to a residence on Childs Road for the report of a scam/theft. The
victim advised they received an email that appeared to be from the "Geek Squad." The victim
proceeded to click on a link provided in the email and allow the scammer access to the victim’s
computer. The scammer requested the victim get gift cards to make a payment for new computer
security, however, the scammer was already able to access the victim’s finances and begin transferring money. BTPD reminds residents to confirm all suspicious calls/emails/texts/messages requesting monetary payments with law enforcement or banking officials before sending funds. BTPD also reminds residents to not click on suspicious email or text message links due to the quick access to your personal devices that the scammer can receive. This case is under investigation by the Detective Bureau.

On Dec. 13 at around 11:30 a.m.: An officer on patrol of N Maple Avenue saw a silver 2005 Honda Accord fail to use their turn signal while entering the lane of travel. The officer conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle. During the stop, the driver, Camilo Garcia-Batista, 25, of Union, was found to have a suspended license, and two active warrants for his arrest out of Newark and Parsippany Police Departments. Garcia-Batista was placed under arrest for the warrants and was later released on his own recognizance with new court dates. Garcia-Batista was issued a summons for driving with a suspended license and released from the scene.

On Dec. 15 at around 11:57 p.m.: An officer on patrol of Valley Road saw a black 2004 Dodge Ram fail to maintain lane on numerous occasions. The officer followed the vehicle and conducted a motor vehicle stop on Mine Brook Road. During the course of the stop, the driver, Alfredo Castaneda, 54, of Summit, was determined to be driving under the influence of liquor and/or drugs. Castaneda was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters for processing. After processing, Castaneda was released to a responsible party and issued multiple motor vehicle summonses.

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.

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