Purse, $200 Cash Stolen From Shopper In Watchung

WATCHUNG, NJ — Watchung Police reported a theft, scam, and multiple marijuana and warrant arrests last week in the borough.

Watchung Police Blotter:

On July 22 at 1 p.m.: A victim reported she left her purse unattended at the Kohl's store on Route 22 West. After walking away she realized it was missing. Upon her return of the area, she learned it had been stolen. It was located a short time later in the Blue Star Mall, it was missing $200 cash. No suspects at this time, police are investigating.

On July 23: An elderly resident fell victim to a telephone money gram scam. The unknown suspect advised the victim, via phone, he was a family member and needed cash to be wired to him. The victim wired $5,100 to the unknown suspect, believing the money would assist the family member. It was later confirmed the suspect was not a family member. No suspects can be identified at this time and police are investigating.

On July 23 at 12:26 p.m.: Luke Benoit, 30, of Newark was stopped for driving too slow in the right lane on Route 22 West. He was found to have multiple warrants and a suspended license. The warrants were for $1,000 out of Newark, $300 out of Maplewood, $239 out of Union and $150 out of Jersey City. He posted $150 and was released with summonses for delaying traffic and driving while suspeneded.

On July 21 at 8:01 p.m.: Lakesha Cole, 35, of East Orange was stopped on Mountain Avenue after being found she had an active $200 warrant. She was released after posting bail.

On July 21 at 4:05 p.m.: Gerrard Mitchell, 21, of East Orange was arrested for having a warrant for $500 out of Watchung following a traffic stop by New Jersey State Police on Interstate 78. He was transported to Watchung Police headquarters and released after posting bail.

On July 17 at 7:30 a.m.: Clifford Hill, 67, of Newark was arrested for driving while suspended and also having a warrant out of Piscataway for $150 following a traffic stop on Somerset Street. He was transported to headquarters, processed and released after posting bail.

On July 20 at 10:09 p.m.: Christopher Hughes, 21, of Bridgewater was arrested for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia following a traffic stop on Route 22 West. He was transported to headquarters, processed and released with summonses.

On July 19: Henry Walker, 40, of Plainfield was arrested on two outstanding warrants out of Watchung for $50 and $500. He was transported and lodged in Somerset County Jail in lieu of bail.

On July 19 at 12:13 a.m.: Michael T. Thomas, 22, of Newark was arrested on a warrant out of Newark for $350 and issued summonses for driving while suspended, speeding, maintenance of lamps, refusal to inspect and failure to exhibit driver's license. He was transported to headquarters, processed and released after posting bail.

On July 18 at 6:41 p.m.: David Garry, 21, of Fanwood was arrested for possession of marijuana under 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia while sitting in his car behind the Kohl's store in Route 22 West. He was transported to headquarters, processed and released on summonses.

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