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.

Press Release Date:
March 12, 2025

Car Fire at Carrier Clinic
On March 5 at 6:34 a.m., Montgomery Township Police and Montgomery Fire Companies 1 and 2 responded to Carrier Clinic for a motor vehicle fire. The driver, who was on her way to work at the facility, noticed smoke coming from the vehicle as she pulled into the parking lot. After parking and opening the hood, she saw heavy smoke before the engine caught fire. Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames. Montgomery Fire Inspectors determined there was nothing suspicious about the incident.

Rock Thrown Through Window on Route 518
On March 6 at 8:13 p.m., officers responded to a home on Route 518 for a report of criminal mischief. The homeowner reported that a rock had been thrown through a back porch window. No entry was made into the residence, and the incident remains under investigation.

Attempted Burglary on Route 206
In the early morning hours of March 9, at 12:51 a.m., police were called to a business on Route 206 for an attempted burglary. An employee reported that someone tried to break in but fled upon realizing the business was occupied. The Montgomery Township Detective Bureau is investigating.

Burglary at Another Route 206 Business
Later that morning, at 11:10 a.m., police responded to another business on Route 206 for a reported burglary. An employee stated that someone had entered the business overnight, stealing a cash register and causing damage inside the store. The Detective Bureau is investigating this incident as well.

Anyone with information regarding these cases is urged to contact the Montgomery Township Police Department.

Press Release Date:
February 10, 2025

On January 22 at 12:33 p.m., Montgomery Police received a report of a motor vehicle burglary that occurred at Skillman Park. The victim was walking in the park and upon returning to the vehicle, the victim observed the rear passenger window was shattered. There was nothing reported stolen because the victim did not leave any valuables inside the vehicle while walking in the park. Officers canvassed the park and did not locate any other damaged vehicles. The detective bureau is investigating.

On January 24, Montgomery Police responded to Princeton Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge after a vehicle was reported stolen. A 2023 BMW X6 was reported stolen from the dealership. The vehicle was later recovered in New York City. The detective bureau is investigating.

On January 29 at 12:41 p.m., Sergeant John Colucci stopped a vehicle driven by Scott Swiderski, age 62, of Ewing, on Blue Spring Road for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. While speaking with Swiderski, Sergeant Colucci detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Swiderski’s breath. Sergeant Colucci determined Swiderski operated the vehicle while intoxicated and subsequently arrested Swiderski. Swiderski was transported to MTPD HQ for processing. Swiderski was released and is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.

On February 8 at 12:28 a.m., Officer Garrett Stratton responded to a reported reckless driver on Route 206. Officer Stratton conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle in question, operated by Jorge Adams, age 30, of Plainfield. Officer Stratton detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Adams’ breath while speaking with him. Officer Stratton determined Adams operated the vehicle while intoxicated and subsequently arrested Adams. Adams was transported to MTPD HQ for processing. He was released and is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.

On February 9 at 10:09 p.m., Officer Stratton responded to a reported erratic driver on Route 206. Officer Stratton stopped the vehicle, driven by Timothy Weber, age 25, of West Windsor. Officer Stratton determined Weber operated the vehicle while intoxicated and subsequently arrested Weber. Weber was transported to MTPD HQ for processing. He was released and is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.

Note: All charges are merely an accusation, and that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Press Release Date:
February 25, 2025

Montgomery Township, NJ – The Montgomery Township Police Department responded to several incidents over the past two weeks, including multiple vehicle-related crimes and a DWI arrest.

On February 10, officers were called to Skillman Park at 12:29 p.m. for a burglary to a motor vehicle. The victim reported that upon returning from a walk, she found her vehicle’s passenger window shattered and a bag containing personal belongings stolen. The Montgomery Police detective bureau is currently investigating the incident.

Two days later, on February 12, police were dispatched to Mango Tree Cuisine at 6:48 p.m. for a report of a person making threats. Officers determined that Mani Raparla, 43, of Arlington Heights, IL, arrived at the restaurant intoxicated and caused a disturbance. Further investigation revealed that Raparla had driven himself to the location while under the influence. He was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Refusal to Submit to Chemical Testing, Open Container of Alcohol in a Vehicle, Reckless Driving, and Careless Driving. Raparla was processed at Montgomery Police headquarters and released, pending a court appearance in Montgomery Municipal Court.

On February 14, police responded to Brookline Court for a reported residential burglary and vehicle theft. According to authorities, suspects entered the victim’s home through the front door, took the keys to a Range Rover, and stole the vehicle. While canvassing the area, officers found evidence that the suspects had attempted to enter another residence but were unsuccessful. Additionally, they accessed an unlocked vehicle belonging to a different victim, though no items were reported stolen. The detective bureau is actively investigating the case.

The latest reported incident occurred on February 19, when Montgomery Police were called to Land Rover of Princeton regarding a stolen vehicle. Dealership staff informed officers that a 2025 Land Rover Defender had been picked up by a company for transport to a Maryland dealership, but the vehicle never reached its intended destination. The detective bureau is investigating the theft.

Note: All charges are merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.