Manalapan Police Blotter: Monmouth County Residents Face Drug Charges

Manalapan police recently investigated the theft a wallet from a school, arrested two Monmouth County residents on drug charges, and took a New York man into custody because they say he was in possession of stolen iPads and fraudulent credit cards.

According to a news release from Deputy Chief Michael Fountain:

March 1

Around 8:20 p.m. Patrolman Jared Coupland and other officers went to a Saint Andrews Place home after getting a call reporting a suspect breaking into an apartment brandishing brass knuckles and a knife. Police arrested James H. Plungis Jr., 47, of Rahway. He was charged with possession of a weapon for unlawful purposes and unlawful possession of a weapon. He was sent to the Monmouth County jail, with bail set at $2,000.

Feb. 27

A 17-year-old Englishtown boy reported to Patrolman Philip Accatatta that his wallet stolen while he was at Manalapan High School. The theft occurred between 8:20 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The estimated value was $50. Anyone with information is asked to call police.

Around 3 p.m., Patrolman Joseph DeFilippis was sent to a home, where a 16-year-old boy said he sold an iPhone 6 on ebay for $790. He shipped the cell phone, but did not the receive the expected payment. The victim had received what he thought was a PayPal email about the transaction, but a PayPal representative told him that email was fake. Police said they want to remind residents to use caution when completing Internet purchases.

Feb. 26

Around 7:40 p.m, a 54-year-old Freehold Township woman told Patrolman Matthew Meyler her handbag was removed from her shopping cart as she left Target on Route 9. Police found a 58-year-old Old Bridge man, who had the purse. He returned it to the woman, who said nothing was missing. She refused to pursue the case with police.

Around 5:20 p.m., Patrolman Philip Accatatta was sent to the Best Buy on Route 9 south for a report of a suspicious man. Police determined Darrin J. Brown, 26, of Queens, N.Y., had an outstanding warrant from Springfield Township Municipal Court. They also determined he was in possession of two stolen Apple iPads, less than 50 grams of marijuana, possession of three white pills believed to be Xanax, and 12 fraudulent credit cards. He was arrested and charged with of possession of Xanax, possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, possession of stolen property, and possession of fraudulent credit cards. He was also arrested on the outstanding warrant. He was relased after posting bail. Patrolman Adam Sosnowski and Christopher Makwinski assisted in the investigation.

Feb 25

Around 11:40 a.m., a 44-year-old Atlantic Highlands man reported the theft of a Vivax underground utilities detector worth $3,000. He told police the item was taken from Mohawk Lane around 9 a.m. The incident is under investigation by Patrolman Jeff Emslie.

Feb. 24

Around 1:15 p.m., Patrolman Kyle Earley conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 1991 Jeep Cherokee at Route 9 and Taylors Mills Rd. He determined the driver, Joseph Gall, 32, of Freehold and the passenger, Nicole Pizzichillo, 32, of Colts Neck were in possession of 107 wax folds containing heroin and Suboxone. Both were arrested on charges of possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession with intent to distribute. They were released on summonses. Patrolman Lightbody assisted in the arrest.