Manalapan Police Blotter

An adult day care bus accident, theft of jewelry and theft by deception were among the cases investigated recently by Manalapan police.

According to a news release from Deputy Chief Michael Fountain:

March 15

Around 8:30 a.m., Anthony S. Pepi, 24, of Old Bridge, was involved in a one vehicle motor vehicle crash in the Knob Hill Development. Patrols investigation revealed that Mr. Pepi was driving while intoxicated (DWI). Mr. Pepi was issued summonses for driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, careless driving, unclear plates and fractured glass. Patrolman Morgan Joiner handled the arrest. Sgt. Peter Chalfin, and Patrolmen Adam Sosnowski and John Lightbody assisted in the investigation.

Around 12 a.m. police responded to the area of Chestnut Way for two males fighting. A 28-year-old Browns Mills man and a 28-year-old Manalapan man were involved in a physical altercation, which had escalated from a verbal argument. Neither party wished to sign criminal complaints. Patrolman Matthew Porricelli handled the report.

March 14

At 12:17 p.m. police went to Eliot Road home, where a 71-year-old woman told them approximately 15 pieces of jewelry were removed from her residence sometime between March 6 and March 12. There was no forced entry at the residence and there were several persons that had access to the residence during the time frame of the theft. The dollar amount of the jewelry was not immediately known, and the investigation is ongoing. Patrolman Anthony Cascella took the initial investigation report.

Around 1:36 a.m., a 55-year-old Manalapan man told police he has been receiving harassing phone calls from a blocked phone number. The victim has received multiple threatening phone calls against him and his wife. Patrolman Eric Voorand is investigating the incident.

March 13

Around 5:30 p.m., a 65-year-old Manalapan man reported being harassed by an acquaintance via email and in person near the victim’s residence. The report was handled by Officer Jennie Hensley.

Around 12:30 p.m., a 25-year-old white female Manalapan resident, reported being harassed via text message by an acquaintance. The incident is under investigation by Patrolman Jeff Emslie.

Around 11:50 a.m. patrols responded to the Towne Point Shopping Center at 357 Route 9 south for a report of a vehicle fire. The Gordon’s Corner Fire Company arrived on scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle sustained heavy damage to the front end, and an additional vehicle parked next to it sustained damage as well. Manalapan Township Fire Marshal Rick Hogan deemed the incident to be an accidental fire due to mechanical failure. There were no injuries as a result of this incident. Patrolman Joseph DeFilippis was the investigating officer.

Around 11:30 a.m., a 36-year-old man, who used to live in Manalapan and now lives in Thailand went to the police lobby to report that he was a victim of an investment fraud, which began in December 2010. The victim reported a total loss of $140,000 and signed criminal complaints against the accused. The victim attempted to get reimbursed and was allegedly threatened by the defendant during a phone conversation. This case is pending court. Patrolman Dennis O’Brien handled the report.

Around 1:20 a.m., Patrolman Matthew Porricelli responded to the home of 26-year woman for a report of theft. The incident occurred on March 13 between the hours of 12 a.m. and 12:30 a.m. at the Wawa on Route 33 and Woodward Road. The victim said her iPhone 6, valued at $700, her credit cards, and a Michael Kors phone case were stolen from the store. She told police that she called her phone and the male who answered asked for reward money. Patrolman Matthew Porricelli investigated the security footage from the Wawa but was unable to make out any possible suspects or vehicles related to the incident. This case is pending further investigation.

March 12

Around 3:35 p.m. Patrolmen Sean McCarthy and Adam Sosnowski responded to the area of Maxwell Lane for a report of a motor vehicle accident with injuries. It was determined that an Adult Day Care bus with ten passengers hit an unoccupied, parked vehicle. Three passengers on the bus reported a complaint of pain from the accident and were transported to the hospital. Two more passengers had minor facial lacerations and were also transported to the hospital. The driver of the bus, a 60-year-old Manalapan man, was issued a citation charging him with careless driving. Both vehicles were towed from the scene. The report was handled by Patrolman Sean McCarthy.

March 11

Around 9 p.m., a 42-year-old Manalapan man contacted police regarding a harassment incident on Facebook. He alleges another 42-year-old man posted private messages they were sending to each other on his main page. The victim was advised how to go about signing complaints regarding the incident. The report was taken by Patrolman Anthony Cascella.

March 9

Around 12:25 p.m., a 24-year-old township resident reported a theft by deception of nearly $4,000. The victim reportedly applied for a job online through Craigslist and was asked by his new employer to wire monies to various contacts and accounts to acquire new equipment. The victim no longer is able to make contact with his employer. The victim also released personal credit information that he believes might be used illegally. This case is pending investigation. Patrolman Morgan Joiner took the initial report.