Manalapan Police Blotter

A vehicle hit a Route 9 donut shop, someone stole a cell phone from the Englishtown Auction, and con artists created fake job ads in the name of a local accountant, Manalapan police said.

They were among the cases recently investigated by township police.

According to a news release from Deputy Chief Michael Fountain:

Aug. 23

Around 10:50 p.m., Patrolman Matt Porricelli conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Route 9 north. During further investigation of the motor vehicle stop, it was revealed the operator was in possession of a controlled dangerous substance and drug paraphernalia. The operator, Jason A. Fraher, 19, of Lakewood was arrested, processed and released on a summons. Patrolman Matt Porricelli handled the arrest. Patrolman Charles Mazzatto assisted in the investigation.

Around 1:24 p.m., Officer Chris Oleksy responded to the Wegman’s on Route 9 in reference to a shoplifter in custody. Wegman’s loss prevention related that that suspect attempted to leave the store without paying for $269.86 worth of merchandise. Kevin Henville, 61, of Ocean Grove, was placed under arrest, transported to headquarters, processed, and released on summons charging him with shoplifting. Case is pending court.

Aug. 22

Around 6:29 p.m., a 44-year-old South River woman reported her daughter’s cell phone and cell phone case were stolen from the Englishtown Auction earlier that day. The victim estimated the total amount of stolen property to be valued around $640. This incident was handled by Patrolman Christopher Makwinski.

At 2:13 a.m., Patrolman Philip Accatatta conducted a motor vehicle stop on Woodward Road after observing a motor vehicle violation. The driver, 26-year-old Millstone resident, Arjun C Shah, was found to be in possession to drug paraphernalia. Shah was arrested, processed, and released from police custody pending a court date to appear. Sgt. Daniel Carey and Patrolman Kyle Earley assisted with the investigation.

Aug. 21

Around 4:10 p.m., patrols responded to Deer Way for a report of a stolen motor vehicle. A representative of the victim, Jersey Grounds Management LLC, based in Manalapan, reported that some time between 2:00 p.m. and 3:50 p.m. that day, a black 2015 Ford F550 with the company name written on it in green lettering, was stolen from in front of a residence on Deer Way. Anyone with information or anyone who sees the vehicle is urged to contact Manalapan Police at 732-446-4300. The case is being handled by Officer Edward Hedden.

Around 3:15 p.m., Officer Jared Coupland met with a 45-year-old Manalapan accountant at Manalapan Township Headquarters for a fraud report. The victim related that someone created false job postings on indeed.com using his name and place of employment. The con artists created different job details, in which they send the person interested in the job a check, have them cash it, and send different money orders to different places. Anyone with information regarding this incident or similar incidents is encouraged to contact police. Officer Jared Coupland handled the investigation.

At 2:07 p.m., Officer Mark Casagrande met with a 58-year-old man who lives in the Morganville section of Marlboro and owns a business in Manalapan. He said sometime between Aug. 14 and Aug. 17, some $550 worth of art had been stolen from his business. This case is pending investigation.

Aug. 19

Around 7:30 a.m. Patrolman Mark Casagrande responded to Union Hill Road for a business that was burglarized. The incident occurred between 7 p.m. Aug. 18 and 7 a.m. Aug. 19. The offender entered through the rear entrance and stole $400 from the cash register. Officer Mark Casagrande handled the investigation.

Aug. 18

Around 10:25 a.m., Patrolman Mark Casagrande responded to Wild Turkey Way in Manalapan for a vehicle that was burglarized overnight. The victim is a 74-year-old Manalapan woman. Her locked glove box was pried open and no items were taken. Officer Mark Casagrande handled the investigation.

At 4:40 p.m., Officer Aaron Abeles responded to the Dunkin Donuts on Route 9 north for the report of a motor vehicle striking the business. The driver, a 33-year-old township woman was backing her vehicle out of her parking spot. She was uninjured and the business received minor damage to an exterior wall. Manalapan Fire Department responded to the scene and deemed the structure safe. Officer Aaron Abeles handled the case.

Aug. 17

At 1:20 p.m., Officer Kevin Ruditsky met with a 45-year-old Manalapan woman at Manalapan police headquarters. The victim related that sometime between Aug. 8 and Aug. 16 someone removed $2,700 worth of jewelry from her unlocked jewelry box. This case is pending investigation.