Theft Of Identity, Stalking, Defiant Trespassing: Princeton Police Blotter

The following is a summary of incidents as reported by Princeton Police:

PRINCETON, NJ - On April 7, at 12:31 p.m., walk-in complainant reported a fraudulent transaction involving his Chase Bank debit card. The man said that on March 12 an unauthorized Apple purchase totaling $1,598.31 was made using his debit card information. The transaction was later discovered on April 05 while reviewing his bank statement. The fraudulent purchase was scheduled for pickup at the Apple Store located in Quaker Bridge Mall, Lawrence. At this time, there is no monetary loss, and no suspects have been identified.

On April 8, around 10:07 a.m., officers responded to a local business for a report of stalking. The victim reported that a former coworker, who had previously been charged with stalking, was observed waiting in the parking lot of her workplace. The woman fled the area prior to police arrival. An investigation was conducted, during which the person admitted to being in the area and intentionally observing the victim to see if police would be contacted. Based on the investigation, officers established probable cause to charge the woman with stalking and placed her under arrest. She was processed and transported to the Mercer County Correctional Center.

On April 8, at 9:59 a.m., a walk-in complainant reported multiple fraudulent rental assistance applications submitted to a local housing organization. The investigation revealed that between February and April 2026, five applications containing similar information were submitted, four of which were approved. Payments totaling approximately $13,860 were issued to reported landlords, who are believed to be fictitious, resulting in a financial loss to the organization. The applications contained inconsistencies, including altered driver’s license information and matching patterns among applicants. A fifth application was identified as fraudulent prior to payment being issued. Additionally, a separate unauthorized debit of $13,296.23 was discovered on the organization’s bank account, but was later reimbursed by the bank. There are no known suspects at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.

On April 9, the police department received a report of graffiti located on a park bench. Responding officers found a symbol of hate along with a derogatory remark drawn in white marker on a picnic bench near the basketball courts. The graffiti appeared to be faded, and the exact time it was placed is unknown. The reporting party said she was not threatened but wanted the incident documented and the graffiti removed. The investigation is ongoing.

On April 9, officers responded to a business on Nassau Street for a report of an unwanted person. A man was found outside the establishment and admitted to entering the business despite having previously been issued a Persona Non Grata (PNG) notice. An investigation confirmed he had been advised of the PNG status on a prior date. He was placed under arrest and taken to police headquarters for processing. He was issued a special complaint summons for Defiant Trespass and released with a mandatory court date.

On April 12, officers responded to a business on North Harrison Street for a report of a previous shoplifting. Investigation revealed that an unknown man concealed two bottles of wine inside his jacket while inside the store, entered the restroom, and later exited without the items. The bottles were subsequently found empty in a restroom trash receptacle. The total value of the items was approximately $34.10. Surveillance footage captured the incident. A follow-up investigation was conducted, but the suspect has not been identified at this time.

On April 12, officers responded to a residential complex on Albert Way for a report of a bicycle theft. The victim reported that an unknown individual(s) removed a bicycle from a secured storage area sometime between March 13 and April 12. The stolen bicycle was described as a black and red Guardian 26-inch bicycle, valued at $424.37. The bicycle was not secured at the time it was last observed. There are no known suspects at this time.

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