Officer Bitten By Dog, Job Scam Top Northampton Twp. Crimes

NORTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA —A job scam, two ticket scams and a police officer being bitten by a dog were among the recent criminal incidents the police department handled.

The Northampton Township Police Department released its police blotter of criminal incidents for the period between Aug. 21 and Aug. 28.

During this tour, Patrol handled 22 alarm calls; 8 abandoned 911 calls; 35 medical calls; 9 booking calls; 9 domestic dispute calls; 5 civil dispute calls; 67 traffic monitoring details, and 14 crime prevention details.

The criminal incidents include:

Aug. 21

D.U.I. —While on patrol, officers stopped a vehicle for violations. During the stop, through investigation, the driver was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of a controlled substance. They were transported to headquarters, processed, and released.

Juveniles —Patrol responded to Durham Place for a report of juveniles banging on a door and running away. Patrol checked the area and could not locate any juveniles. The complainant indicated they would be putting surveillance cameras up this week.

Aug. 22

Juveniles —Patrol responded to East Windrose Drive for a report of juveniles playing “Knock knock zoom zoom.” Patrol checked the area and found a group of juveniles who denied any involvement, but did provide the names of those involved. The group was counseled on the dangers of playing these types of games. Patrol located the homes of the two alleged juveniles and spoke with their parents, who were apologetic and indicated they would speak with them about the seriousness of the incident.

Hit & Run —Patrol responded to Jacksonville Road for a report of a hit and run. Complainant states that they observed a vehicle strike a sign and followed the vehicle. Complainant told police where it was. Police spoke with the driver who indicated they got distracted and left the roadway striking a sign. The driver agreed to pay for the sign.

08-23-23

Theft From Vehicle —Patrol responded to Newtown-Richboro Road for a report of a theft from a vehicle. The complainant states that within the last hour, someone smashed out the window of their vehicle and stole their purse. The vehicle was processed for evidence. While on the scene, officers found another vehicle which had been broken into. The owner of the second vehicle was located and indicated, that while things had been moved, nothing had been stolen. The case was referred to detectives.

Fraud —The complainant came into headquarters to report an ongoing fraud. The complainant states that their spouse, who suffers from a medical condition, had been defrauded out of $38,000 through a Facebook interaction, by supplying gift cards to an unknown subject. In addition to the monetary loss, the spouse had provided all of their personal information to the unknown subject. The complainant is concerned about any future losses. The complainant had already taken steps to move any money from accounts compromised to uncompromised accounts. They were given information regarding the FBI IC# website.

Theft —The complainant came into headquarters to report their American Airlines points had been stolen from their account. American Airlines told the complainant they needed a police report to refund their points.

Aug. 24

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Buck Road for a two-vehicle accident. Unit #1 was attempting to back to back out onto Buck Road when it struck Unit #2 which was stopped waiting for Unit #1 to back out. There was minor damage to Unit #2 and no injuries were reported.

Solicitor Complainant —Patrol responded to Ronald Drive for a report of a solicitor complaint. Patrol located a group of solicitors and spoke with a gentleman who stated that they worked for ECO Shield but did not have a permit, but were working with others who did. The individual was told to cease and only solicit when they obtained the appropriate permit.

Aug. 25

Hit & Run Property Damage —Patrol responded to Manor Drive for a report of property damage. The complainant states that this morning they observed their mailbox and post broken and lying at the edge of their driveway. Patrol checked the area for surveillance cameras.

Solicitor Complaint —The Complainant came into headquarters to report a solicitor complaint. The complainant states that earlier in the week employees of EcoShield were in their neighborhood soliciting. The complainant was advised that permits had been issued to the company. The complainant was upset that the solicitors were walking across their lawn and their neighbor’s lawn. Additionally, the complainant was upset that they were using hoverboards. The complainant was advised to contact police when they are in the area so conversations regarding pathways could be had. In addition, the complainant was advised to put up “No Soliciting” signs if they do not want solicitors at their home.

Fraud —The complainant came into headquarters to report fraud. The complainant states they applied for and got a job online to work from home. Once they were notified of the job offer, they were told they would get a check to purchase a computer. The complainant received the check and deposited it into their account. The complainant then sent money via Bitcoin to two different accounts pursuant to the “employer’s instructions." They were also told to send money via a Zelle account. After sending the money, the employer became unresponsive to the complainant, including shutting down their email. Today, the Complainant was advised that the original check was fraudulent and the complainant has a monetary loss of $6,300.

Aug. 26

Dog Bite —An officer, while responding to a medical call, was bitten by a dog. The unrestrained dog bit the officer through their boot and punctured the skin. The officer went to St. Mary Medical Center where they were treated and released.

Fraud — The complainant came into headquarters to report fraud. The complainant states they attempted to purchase “Pitt Football Tickets” through Facebook. They sent the money via Venmo but never received the tickets. The complainant is working with Venmo as well.

Aug. 27

Traffic Accident —Patrol responded to Holland Road for a one-vehicle accident. The complainant states that they were traveling on Holland Road when a deer ran into their lane. They were unable to avoid hitting it. The vehicle sustained bumper damage, but did not require a tow.

Drug Possession —While on patrol, officers pulled over a vehicle for a violation. During the stop and through investigation, the driver was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance. The driver was processed and released.

Burglary —Patrol responded to Daisy Lane for a report of a burglary not in progress. The complainant states they had been away for a few days and upon their return, they found their sliding glass door had been broken and the home burglarized. Officers processed the scene. The case was referred to detectives.