Theft, DWI, Scam Reported In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — A theft, DWI arrest and a scam were among the incidents reported in the latest police blotter.

Bernards Township Police Blotter for Oct. 21 through Oct. 27:

During the above timeframe, BTPD officers responded to six motor vehicles crashes with one injury reported. Three motor vehicle summonses were issued to drivers due to the crash investigations.

On Oct. 21, at around 10:31 p.m.: Officers responded to Allen Road for a reported motor vehicle crash. While on scene, officers determined the driver of the vehicle, Kenneth Oliva, 76, of Basking Ridge, to be driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Oliva was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and issued two motor vehicle summonses.

On Oct. 25, at around 2:42 p.m.: Officers responded to Green Mountain Drive for the report of possible theft suspects in the area. The victim advised officers he had items stolen from his store in Bridgewater the week prior and believed two of the men in the area doing landscaping work were the suspects. Upon arrival, BTPD officers conducted a motor vehicle stop of the vehicle the suspects were driving. During the investigative stop, one passenger, Raymond Zrodskey, 43, of Watchung, admitted his involvement in the theft.

Bridgewater Police responded to the scene and arrested Zrodskey. Another passenger, Keith
Weston, 37, of Phillipsburg, advised he had an active warrant for his arrest. BTPD officers
confirmed the arrest warrant stemming from Warren County. Weston was placed under arrest by BTPD officers. Weston was turned over to the Warren County Sheriff’s Department on his active warrant.

On Oct. 15: A resident responded to BTPD headquarters to report a scam. The resident advertised a couch for sale on Craigslist. A potential buyer arranged to purchase the couch. The resident received a cashier’s check from the buyer for a much higher amount than the agreed upon price. The buyer told the resident to keep a portion of the money, then pay a moving company with the other portion of the money provided from the check. The check did not clear and the resident did not suffer any monetary loss. BTPD continues to remind residents to be cognizant of scams, suspicious calls and messages, and only send or accept payments from official sources.

"The Bernard’s Township Police would like to continue to remind everyone to please keep all 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.

Also, report any suspicious activity observed to the police department by calling 908-766-1122.

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