Montgomery Police Highlight Student Safety, Mental Health Response and Officer Wellness Initiatives
Montgomery Township Police reported several recent incidents, including multiple warrant arrests, a driving while intoxicated charge, a package theft investigation and a reminder about the dangers and legal consequences of trespassing on abandoned or uninhabited properties.
The department issued the update in a May 28 press release.
Police said the first incident occurred May 17 at 2:13 p.m., when Officer Garrett Stratton observed a vehicle turn from Bridgepoint Road onto Route 206 without yielding to traffic. Stratton conducted a motor vehicle stop and, during the course of the stop, determined that a passenger had an active arrest warrant from Trenton City Court.
The passenger, a 39-year-old Skillman resident, was unable to post $750 bail and was arrested and transported to Montgomery Township Police Department headquarters for processing. Police said the individual was later released after Trenton City Court issued a new court date.
Later that day, at 6:20 p.m., Officer Chris Parlow stopped a vehicle for not displaying a valid inspection decal. During the stop, police determined that the driver, a 36-year-old South Amboy resident, had active arrest warrants totaling $8,500 from several jurisdictions in New Jersey.
Police said the driver was turned over to the Hazlet Township Police Department and was issued motor vehicle summonses for observed violations. The driver is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.
At 10:45 p.m. on May 17, Officer Oksana Kopyto stopped a vehicle for speeding on Route 206. During the stop, police determined that the driver, a 32-year-old Morristown resident, had an active warrant from Toms River Municipal Court. Police said the driver was able to post bail.
On May 18, a Skillman resident reported a theft from a package before delivery. According to police, the resident ordered a camera and, after receiving the package, noticed that the packing tape had been cut and the package had been resealed. When the package was opened, the resident discovered that the camera, valued at $1,819, had been removed.
Police also reported a warrant arrest on May 25 at 9:50 p.m., when Officers Hugo Calderon and Connor Chapkowski observed a 60-year-old Skillman resident on Hartwick Drive. Police said officers were aware of an active arrest warrant from Montgomery Municipal Court. After determining the individual was unable to post $1,000 bail, police placed the person under arrest and transported the individual to the Somerset County Jail.
May 25 at 9:57 p.m., Officer Garrett Stratton stopped a vehicle for failing to maintain its lane and for maintenance of lamps. During the stop, police said Stratton determined that the driver, a 36-year-old Lawrence resident, had consumed alcoholic beverages before operating the vehicle.
The driver was arrested and transported to Montgomery Township Police Department headquarters for processing. Police said the driver was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, careless driving, failure to maintain lane and maintenance of lamps. The driver was released and is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.
Police also used the press release to remind residents that trespassing on abandoned or uninhabited properties is both illegal and dangerous.
According to the department, police have responded to properties where individuals entered without permission. Police said properties that appear empty may still be privately owned, under active management, or undergoing inspection, maintenance or redevelopment.
Unauthorized entry can expose individuals to unstable structures, environmental hazards, wildlife and other dangers, police said. Trespassing can also interfere with property investigations, insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Anyone entering such properties without permission may be subject to criminal charges, according to police.
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