Manalapan Police Blotter

Manalapan police recently investigated reports of theft and harassment, and they are trying to determine the cause of a fire that caused extensive damage to a home.

According to a news release from Deputy Chief Michael Fountain:

April 11

Around 5:30 p.m., Patrolman Brian Schank spoke with two women, ages 18- and 19-years-old, from Englishtown and the Morganville section of Marlboro. They reported that a 43-year-old Freehold man harassed them via cell phone. This case is pending complaints in Manalapan Township Municipal Court.

April 10

Around 12:45 p.m. Patrolman Brian Schank responded to Roman Chariot Van & Bus Sales on Route 9 in Manalapan, because a check, written for the down payment of a vehicle, was returned for insufficient funds. A 25-year-old Connecticut woman wrote the $2,000 check. The case is pending complaints in Manalapan Township Municipal Court.

Around 11:40 a.m. a 64-year-old Manalapan man went to the police station to file a harassment report against his neighbor. The resident reported that for the last six months his neighbor has shouted profanity and made rude gestures towards him. The matter is pending the filing of complaints with Manalapan Township Municipal Court. Patrolman William Dutton took the report.

April 9

An Oakland Mills Road home sustained extensive damage in a fire. Around 3:15 a.m., Patrolman Eric Voorand responded to the home because a fire alarm had been activated. As he approached the residence, he could see smoke coming from the chimney, and when he arrived, he could see smoke inside the home. Eventually, flames were visible on the roof. No one answered the door, and all the doors were locked. When firefighters from Manalapan Fire Company 1 arrived, they gained entry to the residence through a back door and determined no one was home. Firefighters extinguished the blaze. Sgt. Carey and Patrolman Accatatta also responded to the scene. The Manalapan-Englishtown, Freehold, Millstone, Marlboro, Adelphia, Western Monmouth Task Force, Allentown, and Cranbury fire departments responded to the scene. Monmouth County Fire Marshal Vito Marra, the Manalapan Fire Marshal Rick Hogan, and Detective Kevin Schmidt are investigating the cause.

April 8

Around 5:50 p.m. a 59-year-old Manalapan man went to police headquarters and told police that someone gained access to his e-mail and sent a request to his financial advisor requesting $14,750 be wired out of the account, to a bank in California. The money was never sent and the account was subsequently closed. Patrolman Anthony Cascella handled the incident.

Around 11 a.m., a Wegmans loss prevention specialist went to police headquarters to sign complaints against a shopper who wrote a $109.76 check on Jan. 23. The check, written by a 38-year-old Manalapan woman, was returned due to insufficient funds. The case is pending in Manalapan Municipal Court. Officer Jennie Hensley took the report.

April 6

Around 11 a.m. Patrolman John Lightbody responded to Woodward Road for a report of theft of tools. The victim, a 43-year-old Jackson man, reported that a Makita saw, valued at $1,000, a Stihl Farm Boss Chain Saw, valued at $500, and a Ridgid 18-Volt cordless drill and impact driver, valued at $200, were stolen from him within the last month. Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Manalapan Township Police Department. Patrolman John Lightbody handled the report.