Montgomery Township Police Report Series of Incidents Including Car Crashes, Missing Person Recovery, Theft, and Scam
Press Release Date:
April 10, 2025
Montgomery, NJ — The Montgomery Township Police Department responded to a number of incidents during the first week of April, ranging from motor vehicle crashes to a reported scam that resulted in a significant financial loss.
Serious Crash on Cherry Valley Road
On April 3 at approximately 5:08 p.m., police were called to a motor vehicle crash on Cherry Valley Road between Province Line Road and Great Road. According to police, 73-year-old Debra Jones-Peart of Titusville was driving a 2014 Cadillac westbound when the vehicle’s passenger-side tire veered off the road. In an attempt to regain control, Jones-Peart overcorrected, crossing the center line and colliding with an oncoming 2023 Audi.
The driver and passenger of the Audi sustained minor injuries and were transported to Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro by Montgomery EMS. The road was temporarily closed as emergency crews responded to the scene. Jones-Peart was issued summonses for Careless Driving and Failure to Maintain Lane. She is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.
Missing Woman Reunited With Family
Later that same day, Montgomery Police responded to Princeton Volkswagen for a welfare check on an elderly woman who appeared disoriented inside the dealership showroom. Officer Santamorena spoke with the woman, a resident of Lawrence Township, who said she had been riding a New Jersey Transit bus and was trying to return home.
After contacting Lawrence Township Police, Officer Santamorena learned the woman had been reported missing. He remained with her until a Lawrence officer arrived to escort her safely back to her residence.
Utility Pole Struck in Great Road Crash
On April 7, emergency responders were dispatched to Great Road near Inverness Drive after a vehicle left the roadway and struck a utility pole. Investigators determined that Steven Nelson, 34, of Flemington, was driving a 2018 Porsche Macan southbound when his vehicle drifted off the road, crossed over Inverness Drive, and continued along the grass before colliding with the pole.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by Sergeant Tim Giaccone. Nelson sustained minor injuries and was transported to Penn Medicine Plainsboro Hospital. Great Road was closed for an extended period due to damage to the utility infrastructure.
Jewelry Theft Under Investigation
Montgomery Police also responded to a report of a residential theft on April 8. A resident of Brookline Court contacted police after returning from an extended time away to find several pieces of jewelry missing from the home. The Detective Bureau is actively investigating the incident.
Resident Scammed Out of $6,000
On April 9, a Belle Mead resident reported falling victim to a scam involving a fake PayPal notification. The resident received an email stating someone was attempting to purchase an iPhone using their PayPal account. After calling the number listed in the message, the resident was persuaded to help “catch” the supposed scammer by purchasing two gift cards and completing a Bitcoin transaction.
After the transactions were made, the victim became suspicious and contacted PayPal directly, only to learn that the email was a fraud. The scam resulted in a $6,000 loss.
Montgomery Police remind residents to be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails or phone calls, especially those requesting gift card purchases or cryptocurrency transfers.