The following is a summary of incidents as reported by Princeton Police:
PRINCETON, NJ - On Sept. 27, an incident of criminal mischief was reported involving a vehicle parked in a private parking lot between John Street and Leigh Avenue. An investigation revealed that the vehicle's brake hose had been damaged, resulting in repair and towing costs totaling $510. The investigation is ongoing.
On Oct. 2, 2026, a shoplifting took place at a business on North Harrison Street. The suspect was seen on surveillance footage concealing a bottle of vodka valued at $20.99 in a backpack and leaving the store without paying. The investigation is ongoing.
On Oct. 7, a bad check incident was reported involving a business transaction between two companies. An investigation revealed that truck parts valued at $17,691.88 were sold and delivered to a transportation company, which provided a business check that was later returned for insufficient funds. Attempts to collect the outstanding balance were unsuccessful, resulting in a reported total loss of $17,691.88. The investigation is ongoing.
On Sept. 1, a Princeton resident reported being targeted by individuals impersonating bank employees, FBI agents, and a federal prosecutor. The suspects falsely claimed the victim and his wife were under investigation for money laundering and provided fraudulent arrest warrants. The victim was instructed to open multiple bank accounts and transfer $400,000 from an investment account. The victim deposited $1,000 into one newly opened account before recognizing the incident as a scam. The investigation is ongoing.
On Oct. 8, patrol officers responded to Nassau Street near Witherspoon Street for a report of an individual exposing their genitals in public. The suspect, John Marshall, was located and arrested and charged with lewdness. Marshall was also found to have an outstanding $1,500.00 warrant from Bordentown Township Municipal Court. Marshall was released on a complaint summons with a scheduled court date and released on their own recognizance on the outstanding warrant, with a new court date.
On Oct. 9 a theft was reported at a home on South Stanworth Drive. The victim reported that a pink wagon valued at $111 was stolen from her front porch sometime overnight. The investigation is ongoing.
On Oct. 9, a package containing a nightstand valued at $404 was reported stolen from a residence on Lytle Street. The package was later located on the property of a church on Witherspoon Street and returned to the owner. The investigation is ongoing.
On Oct. 8, a theft occurred at a home on Bayard Lane. Surveillance footage captured the suspect taking a children's toy bug catcher valued at approximately $4 from the front porch. The suspect was identified as John Marshall and charged with theft. A complaint summons was issued, returnable to Princeton Municipal Court.
On Oct. 9, officers responded to a home on North Tulane Street for a report of a burglary. The victim reported encountering an unknown man inside the home holding a kitchen knife. When confronted, the suspect left the home. The suspect was later identified as John Marshall, who was arrested and charged with residential burglary, a third-degree crime, and theft.
On Oct. 9, officers responded to a residence on Wiggins Street for a report of an unwanted person sleeping in a second-floor hallway. The suspect, John Marshall, was found wearing a resident's running shoes valued at $110. Marshall was arrested and charged with burglary and theft. He was additionally issued a summons for urinating in public. Following processing, Marshall was transported to the Mercer County Correctional Facility and turned over to facility personnel.
On Oct. 10, a Princeton resident reported losing $8,000 in a gift card scam. The victim reported being contacted by an individual impersonating a sheriff who claimed she was entitled to $75,000 following the alleged arrest of a suspect in a previously reported lottery scam. The victim was instructed to purchase Amazon gift cards and provide the codes to the suspect between June and October 2026. The investigation is ongoing.
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