Driver Arrested For Suspected DUI, More Scams Reported In Newtown Township

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The Newtown Township Police Department reported the following incidents and arrests between August 21 and 25:

August 21

At approximately 3:58 p.m., a Newtown Township resident contacted police to report a scam. The resident was working on his computer when a screen popped up stating the computer had a virus. The resident was directed to call a telephone number. Upon calling the number, he spoke to several different people who claimed they could help with the virus. The resident was instructed to go to his bank and withdraw a large sum of money. After withdrawing the money, he was instructed to go to a gas station and was told he would receive more instructions. At this point, the resident became skeptical and realized this was a scam. There was no monetary loss.

At 5:03 p.m., police were called to the area of Richboro Road and West Hanover Street for the report of a hit-and-run accident. Upon arrival, police learned that two pedestrians were hit by a vehicle, which then left the scene. Both pedestrians were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The driver of the vehicle was identified and charged.

August 22

At 10:10 a.m., a Newtown Township resident contacted police to report a scam. The resident told police that she began to receive calls and text messages telling her she had an arrest warrant for failing to appear for jury duty. She was instructed not to speak to anyone and to withdraw $15,000 cash from her bank account. Upon arrival at the bank, the resident was told this was a scam. There was no monetary loss.

At 11 p.m., police conducted a traffic stop on the driver of a Volkswagen SUV for committing a vehicle code violation in the area of the Newtown Bypass and Richboro Road. Upon speaking with the driver, the officer detected the odor of alcohol. The driver was unable to perform field sobriety tests satisfactorily and was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. Charges are pending.

August 23

At 6:10 p.m., police were called to the area of Cherry Lane for the report of a single-vehicle traffic accident. Upon arrival, police found the vehicle, a GMC pickup truck, unoccupied. Police identified the registered owner of the truck and spoke with him at his residence. While speaking with him, officers detected the odor of alcohol and observed what appeared to be recent physical injuries. The man was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence.

August 24

At 8:15 a.m., a Wrightstown Township business owner contacted police to report a theft from the business. The theft occurred sometime during the previous two weeks. The value of the loss was approximately $2,000.

At 9:03 a.m., a Wrightstown resident contacted police to report a fraud. An unauthorized charge of over $2,000 was made against her bank account. The investigation is ongoing.

At 10:45 a.m., a Wrightstown resident contacted police to report check fraud. The resident wrote checks from two separate accounts and dropped them in the mail. While reviewing his accounts, the resident noticed the checks had been cashed, but they had been altered and were not deposited by the intended recipients. The investigation is ongoing.

At 11:15 a.m., Council Rock School District security reported criminal mischief had occurred the night before at Newtown Middle School. The investigation is ongoing.

At 12:43 p.m., a Newtown Township resident contacted police to report fraud. The resident was selling items through Etsy. A message appeared asking for certain information, which she provided. Shortly after, the resident checked her bank account and all of her money had been withdrawn. The investigation is ongoing.

August 25

At 4:53 p.m., a Newtown Township resident contacted police to report fraudulent charges on his bank and PayPal accounts. The resident had already notified his bank and taken necessary steps to protect his accounts in the future.