Police@2x-1024x495

Montgomery Police Blotter: Brush Fire, Route 206 Crash, DWI Arrest

11/24/2025

Montgomery Township Police Department Press Release

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP — Montgomery Township Police reported a series of incidents over the past week, including a wooded-area fire off Princeton Avenue, a two-vehicle crash that knocked down a traffic signal on Route 206, and a late-night DWI arrest.

Brush Fire Burns One Acre Near Walking Path
On November 18 at approximately 10 p.m., Montgomery Police, Montgomery Fire Companies 1 and 2, Montgomery EMS, and the Rocky Hill Fire Company responded to Princeton Avenue for a reported fire in the woods along the walking path behind Kingsway Commons, police said.

First responders found an active fire burning in the wooded area along the path that connects Princeton Avenue and Wall Street. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service and several neighboring fire departments were called in to assist.

The fire was ultimately extinguished, but not before it burned an area of roughly one acre, according to police. No injuries were reported.

Route 206 Crash Topples Traffic Signal, Driver Issued Summonses
On November 20 at about 4:50 p.m., Montgomery Police and Montgomery EMS responded to a motor vehicle crash at Route 206 and Sunset Road.

Police said a 2011 Chevrolet operated by a 19-year-old Hamilton man was traveling south on Route 206 without headlights illuminated when it struck a 2002 Toyota driven by a 68-year-old Skillman man. The Toyota was turning left onto Sunset Road from Route 206 north at the time of the crash.

The impact caused the Chevrolet to collide with a traffic signal, knocking the signal down into the roadway. Montgomery EMS evaluated both drivers at the scene and transported the Chevrolet driver to Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro for a head injury, police said.

The Chevrolet driver was issued motor vehicle summonses for failing to have headlights when required and careless driving. Both vehicles were towed from the scene.

The New Jersey Department of Transportation responded to repair the damaged signal. The intersection was closed for several hours while crews worked to restore it, according to police.

Somerset Resident Charged With DWI After Early-Morning Stop
In the early morning hours of November 22, Officer LaRue of the Montgomery Township Police Department conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 206 after observing a northbound vehicle failing to maintain its lane, police said.

The stop occurred at approximately 3:01 a.m. Police identified the driver as a 32 year old resident of Somerset.

While speaking with the driver, Officer LaRue determined that the individual had consumed alcoholic beverages prior to driving, according to the report. The driver was placed under arrest and transported to Montgomery Township Police Headquarters for processing.

The driver was issued motor vehicle summonses for driving while intoxicated, careless driving, reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane, and was released pending a scheduled appearance in Montgomery Municipal Court. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com

E-Bike Battery Fire Displaces Residents; Rollover Crash Injures Driver

10/24/2025

Montgomery Township Police Department Press Release

MONTGOMERY TWP., N.J. — First responders handled two unrelated incidents on the morning of Oct. 18, according to a Montgomery Township Police Department press release

Apartment Fire Traced to E-Bike Battery
At 9:30 a.m., Montgomery Police, Montgomery Fire Company No. 2Rocky Hill Fire Company, and Montgomery EMS were dispatched to Building 10, Princeton Garden Apartments on Blue Spring Road for a reported apartment fire. Residents evacuated before responders arrived and were treated on scene by EMS for minor smoke inhalation.

Fire crews quickly contained and extinguished the blaze, preventing damage to neighboring units. An initial investigation determined the fire originated from a battery on an e-bike stored inside the apartment. The residents were relocated within the complex. The Montgomery Township Fire Marshal is continuing the investigation.

Route 601 Rollover Near Elm Drive
At 9:54 a.m., Montgomery Police and EMS responded to a single-vehicle crash on Route 601 near Elm Drive. Police said a northbound 2009 Subaru left the roadway after the driver reportedly fell asleep, struck a guardrail, and overturned. The driver was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital – New Brunswick for injuries sustained in the crash. A careless driving summons was issued, with a Montgomery Municipal Court appearance scheduled.

Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com

Montgomery Police Blotter: DWI Arrests, Vehicle Theft Reports, and Balloon Landing Highlight Busy Two Weeks

10/13/2025

Montgomery Township Police Department Press Release

MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP, N.J. — The Montgomery Township Police Department released a summary of recent incidents spanning September 22 through October 10, which included two DWI arrests, multiple vehicle thefts, and a complaint issued to a local business.

Vehicle Found in Ditch Leads to DWI Arrest
On September 22 at 8:34 p.m., police responded to Route 206 near Montfort Drive, where they located a vehicle in a roadside ditch. Officers determined the driver had consumed alcohol before driving. The driver was transported to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital–Somerset for evaluation and later charged with Driving While Intoxicated, as well as Failure to Maintain Lane, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, and Uninsured Motorist. The individual is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.

Shop Cited for Flavored Vape Sales
Montgomery Police issued a complaint to Rainbow Smoke Shop following reports of flavored vape products being sold at the location, in violation of New Jersey state law. The business was advised of the infraction and is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.

Air Conditioner Stolen from Business Property
On September 25, police received a report of a theft at a commercial site on Grandview Road. An air conditioning unit valued at approximately $1,000 was removed from a building on the property. The case remains under investigation by the detective bureau.

Hot Air Balloon Lands Safely in Residential Yard
Police responded to Harvest Moon Court on September 27 at 8:10 a.m. after receiving a report of a hot air balloon “crash.” Officers determined there was no crash; instead, the pilot executed a safe emergency landing and had obtained permission from the homeowner prior to landing. No injuries or property damage were reported.

Second DWI Arrest Reported
On October 2 at 11:27 p.m., police were dispatched to Grandview Road after an automatic crash notification alerted authorities. Officers determined a driver had collided with a utility pole while backing out of a driveway. The driver was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and charged with Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Failure to Report an Accident. The individual was released pending a municipal court appearance.

Disorderly Conduct Call Resolved
On October 6, officers responded to Hartwick Drive after two residents of Montgomery Crossing Apartments reported a man yelling aggressively from his balcony. Police made contact with the individual involved and issued a verbal warning regarding disorderly behavior.

Two Luxury Vehicles Stolen in One Day
On October 10, police received two separate motor vehicle theft reports. A 2024 BMW was reported stolen overnight from a residence on Augusta Court and was later recovered in Newark. Later the same day, a 2018 Porsche was stolen from a driveway on Planters Row. Both incidents are under active investigation.

Montgomery Police remind residents to remove valuables and vehicle key fobs, and to lock their vehicles each night to help prevent theft.

Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com

Montgomery Police and Somerset Sheriffs Partner to Increase School Safety

09/23/2025

Montgomery Township Police Department Press Release

In an ongoing effort to ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff in our local schools, the Montgomery Township Police Department and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office are excited to announce a new collaborative initiative aimed at increasing school safety and preventing potential threats. This partnership will combine resources, personnel, and expertise to provide a safer learning environment for all.

The joint initiative will focus on an increased law enforcement presence. Both police officers and sheriff’s officers will work in tandem to patrol school campuses, providing a visible and reassuring presence to students, staff, and parents. Montgomery Township Police Chief Silvio Bet stated, “The safety of our children is our top priority. By combining our resources and expertise with the Sheriff’s Office, we are reinforcing our commitment to providing a secure and supportive environment for our schools. This partnership will help ensure that students, staff, and parents feel safe and confident in their school communities.”

Sheriff Darrin Russo, Somerset County Sheriff’s Officeechoed the sentiment: “This collaboration is a powerful step forward in making our schools safer. By working closely with the Montgomery Township Police, we are strengthening our collective efforts to deter threats, respond effectively, and ensure that our students can focus on their education without fear.” 

Montgomery Township High School Principal Heather Pino-Beattie stated “As principal, I believe that keeping our schools safe is truly a team effort. We are fortunate to partner with the Montgomery Township Police Department and the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office, who share our deep commitment to creating secure and welcoming environments for our students and staff. Through routine walkthroughs, open communication, and strong collaboration, we are not only ensuring safety, but also building trust and connection within our community. Together, we’re making it clear that Montgomery schools are places where every student can learn, grow, and thrive with confidence.”

Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com

Montgomery Township Police Blotter

09/15/2025

Nicholas Mistretta

Check Theft Under Investigation
On September 12, a Skillman resident reported the theft of a check mailed at the Skillman Post Office. Police said the check was altered to change both the payee and the amount. The Montgomery Detective Bureau is actively investigating the incident.

DWI Arrest on Route 601
On September 12 at 10:56 p.m., Sergeant Adam Verducci observed a vehicle traveling north on Route 601 failing to dim its high beams for oncoming traffic and failing to maintain its lane, according to police. After initiating a motor vehicle stop, Sgt. Verducci determined that the driver, a 51-year-old Hillsborough man, had consumed alcoholic beverages. The driver was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, refusal to submit to chemical breath testing, open container, reckless driving, careless driving, failure to maintain lane, failure to dim high beams, and maintenance of lamps. He was released pending a future appearance in Montgomery Municipal Court.

Traffic Stop Leads to DWI Arrest
On September 14 at 12:11 a.m., Sergeant Adam Verducci stopped a vehicle on Route 518 near Route 206 after it failed to observe a traffic control device, police said. During the stop, Sgt. Verducci determined the driver, a 21-year-old Ringoes man, had consumed alcoholic beverages. The driver was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, open container, reckless driving, careless driving, failure to maintain lane, and failure to observe a traffic control device. He was released and is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.

Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com

Montgomery Police, Fire, and EMS Rescue Man Injured in Tractor Accident

08/28/2025

Nicholas Mistretta

Montgomery Township emergency crews responded swiftly to a serious accident on Tuesday afternoon after a tree fell on a man operating a tractor in a wooded area off Hollow Road.

At approximately 4:26 p.m. on August 27, Montgomery Police, Montgomery EMS, and Montgomery Fire Company No. 2 were dispatched to the scene near Servis Road for a reported traumatic injury. Responders found a 76-year-old male pinned to his tractor by a fallen tree.

Because of the remote location, police deployed their side-by-side utility vehicle to transport rescue workers into the woods and carry the patient out. The man was then airlifted by medevac to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick for treatment.

Authorities did not immediately release the victim’s name or condition.

Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com

Montgomery Township Police Blotter

08/27/2025

July 31 (2:09 a.m.) – Arrest on Warrants
Montgomery Police responded to Route 518 near Opossum Road for a report of a man lying in the roadway. Officers located a 36-year-old Trenton resident on the grass adjacent to the road. The individual told police he had been walking and became tired. Officer DeCataldo determined the man had active warrants from Trenton City and New Jersey State Parole. He was taken into custody, processed at police headquarters, and later turned over to State Parole officers.

August 9 (9:04 p.m.) – DWI Arrest
Officer Christopher Parlow conducted a motor vehicle stop and determined that the driver, a 38-year-old Manalapan man, had consumed alcohol prior to operating the vehicle. He was arrested for driving while intoxicated and processed at headquarters. He was issued summonses for DWI, reckless driving, and careless driving, and is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.

August 10 (4:30 a.m.) – DWI Arrest
Officer Christopher Parlow found a Tesla stopped in a lane of travel with only hazard lights illuminated on Great Road near Country Club Drive. The driver, a 31-year-old Philadelphia man, was found asleep in the driver’s seat. Further investigation determined he had consumed alcohol before driving. He was arrested and charged with DWI, refusal to submit to breath testing, reckless driving, careless driving, delaying traffic, and lamps required. He is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.

August 15 – Check Fraud Reported
A Skillman resident reported that a check mailed from the outside drop box at the Skillman Post Office was stolen and altered for payment to another person. The detective bureau is investigating.

August 21 (10:36 p.m.) – DWI Arrest with Warrant
Police were dispatched to Route 518 and Route 206 for a report of a person asleep in a vehicle, delaying traffic. Officer DeCataldo located the car and found the driver, a 38-year-old Franklin Township man, asleep at the wheel. Investigation determined he had consumed alcohol prior to driving. He was arrested and charged with DWI, open container of alcohol in a vehicle, delaying traffic, reckless driving, careless driving, and refusal to submit to breath testing. He was also found to have an active warrant and was turned over to Franklin Township Police.

August 22 (3:00 p.m.) – Hit-and-Run Leads to DWI Arrest
Police responded to the parking lot of Montgomery Discount Wine for a hit-and-run crash. Officers were provided information about the fleeing vehicle and later located the driver, a 44-year-old Belle Mead man, at his residence. After determining he had consumed alcohol, he was arrested and charged with DWI, reckless driving, careless driving, refusal to submit to breath testing, and multiple motor vehicle violations related to the crash.

August 23 – Residential Burglaries Reported
At 10:37 a.m., a Thiemarx Terrace resident reported a burglary. The resident stated that around 4:00 a.m. an individual entered their unlocked home and vehicle, stealing keys. They also reported that approximately $1,500 had been stolen from the home six weeks earlier. Later that day, at 5:30 p.m., a second Thiemarx Terrace resident reported a burglary involving the theft of jewelry over the past four weeks. Both cases are under investigation by the detective bureau.

August 24 (10:22 a.m.) – Vehicle Burglary
A Boulder Brook Court resident reported a burglary to their vehicle. The victim discovered the door ajar and the interior rummaged through, with $60 reported stolen. The detective bureau is investigating.

Police Reminder
Montgomery Police remind residents to remove valuables from vehicles and ensure that both cars and homes are locked to help prevent crime.

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

Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com

Montgomery Police Target Unsafe Driving in Pedestrian Crosswalk Crackdown

07/28/2025

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY, N.J. — In a proactive effort to improve pedestrian safety, the Montgomery Township Police Department conducted a targeted enforcement operation on Tuesday, July 22, along Blue Spring Road, focusing on drivers who failed to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks.

The operation, coordinated by Sgt. Tim Giaccone, Traffic Bureau Supervisor, featured an officer dressed in visible but plain clothing crossing the street in a marked crosswalk while uniformed officers observed driver behavior. The initiative was part of a broader campaign to educate motorists and reduce accidents involving pedestrians.

In just four hours, 66 drivers complied with the law and safely yielded. However, 55 drivers failed to stop, and 46 of those were pulled over by police. Of those stopped:

  • 33 motorists received summonses for violating N.J.S.A. 39:4-36 (Failure to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk)
  • 13 were issued written warnings
  • 2 were cited for driving without a license

Remaining drivers who committed infractions were unable to be stopped due to the simultaneous engagement of officers with previously detained violators.

All stopped drivers were provided with educational palm cards explaining their legal responsibilities toward pedestrians.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to community safety, our department is actively enforcing pedestrian safety laws to protect everyone on our roadways,” said Chief Silvio Bet. “These simple steps—stopping at crosswalks, obeying signals—save lives. Safety is a shared responsibility.”

According to state data, traffic fatalities in New Jersey rose by 14% from 2023 to 2024, largely due to a 36% increase in pedestrian deaths. Encouragingly, fatalities are down in 2025—a 17% decrease in overall traffic deaths and a 31% reduction in pedestrian fatalities compared to the same time last year.

The Police Department said the enforcement operation was conducted in direct response to resident concerns and as part of a broader strategy to improve road safety for walkers, cyclists, and drivers alike. Future crosswalk safety operations are already in planning stages.

The department also extended its appreciation to AAA for providing both training and a pedestrian safety enforcement grant that supported the initiative.

Photo Credit: Montgomery Police Department

Police Blotter: Bitcoin Scam, DWI Arrest, and Multiple Thefts Under Investigation

07/28/2025

Nicholas Mistretta

MONTGOMERY, N.J. — A series of thefts, a driving while intoxicated arrest, and a suspected scam were among the incidents reported by Montgomery Township Police in their latest police blotter.

Resident Falls Victim to Bitcoin Scam
On July 15, a Belle Mead resident reported being scammed out of $5,300. According to police, the victim received a text message claiming their Apple ID had been compromised. After calling the number provided, the victim was falsely informed that their bank account had also been breached and was instructed to withdraw funds and deposit them into a Bitcoin account. The victim complied and later sent the account information to the scammer.

Stolen Mailed Check Leads to Investigation
A Skillman resident reported the theft of a check mailed from the Skillman Post Office on July 22. The victim’s bank flagged the check after it was deposited under suspicious circumstances. The Montgomery Detective Bureau is currently investigating the matter.

Concession Stand Burglarized at McKnight Ballfields
On July 22, police responded to the McKnight Ballfields following a report of a burglary at the concession stand. A cash register and two security cameras were reported stolen. The case remains under investigation.

DWI Arrest After Vehicle Found Revving in Roadway
Late on July 24, officers were dispatched to Route 601 near East Mountain Road where a vehicle was found stopped in the roadway with its engine revving. Upon arrival, police determined the driver was operating the vehicle while intoxicated. The driver was arrested and charged with DWI, careless driving, reckless driving, and failure to maintain lane. The individual was processed and released pending a court appearance.

Dog Abandoned Behind Utility Building
On July 25 at approximately 7:47 p.m., a caller alerted police to an abandoned dog tied to a tree behind a utility building near Suffolk Lane. Animal Control responded and took custody of the dog. The incident remains under investigation, and anyone with information is asked to contact Montgomery Police at (908) 359-3222.

Crash at Skillman S-Curve Leads to Ticket
Police responded to a motor vehicle crash on Route 601 at the Skillman S-Curve on July 25 around 8:30 p.m. A northbound vehicle lost control and struck a fire hydrant. The car was towed from the scene. No injuries were reported, and the driver was issued a summons for careless driving.

Necklace Reported Missing During Move
At 9:13 p.m. on July 25, a Belle Mead resident reported the disappearance of a “Gucci” necklace while moving. The detective bureau is currently investigating.

Vehicle Theft on Opossum Road
A resident of Opossum Road reported the theft of items from an unlocked vehicle in their driveway overnight on July 27. Police are investigating and remind all residents to lock their cars and remove valuables.

Editor’s Note: All charges are merely accusations. Individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com

Police Blotter: Warrant Arrest, DWI Crash, Check Fraud, and Phone Scam Investigated in Montgomery

07/16/2025

Nicholas Mistretta

The Montgomery Township Police Department responded to a series of incidents this past week, ranging from a warrant arrest to a suspected phone scam impersonating police personnel.

On the morning of July 13, Officer Shawn Dwyer arrested 39-year-old Joshua Bess of Princeton on an active warrant issued by Princeton authorities. Bess was located inside the Wawa convenience store, and officers who were aware of the warrant took him into custody upon his exit. He was subsequently turned over to the Princeton Police Department.

Earlier in the week, on July 10, a Hillsborough resident reported the theft and fraudulent use of two checks mailed at the Skillman Post Office. According to the report, the checks were altered and deposited into unauthorized accounts, leading to a financial loss of approximately $7,000. The case is under investigation.

On July 9, Montgomery officers were dispatched to Parsons Court at around 8:58 p.m. following reports of a reckless driver striking multiple parked vehicles. Police arrived to find a 55-year-old Belle Mead resident behind the wheel. Officers determined that while attempting to park, had hit four vehicles. After detecting signs of alcohol consumption, he was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. He was transported to Montgomery Police Headquarters and charged with DWI, Refusal to Submit to Breath Testing, Reckless Driving, Careless Driving, Failure to Report an Accident, and Driving an Unregistered Vehicle. He has been released and is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.

Additionally, a Skillman resident reported receiving a suspicious phone call on July 8 from someone falsely claiming to be a Montgomery police officer. The caller used a spoofed version of the department’s non-emergency phone number and claimed there was a warrant for the resident’s arrest—a tactic commonly associated with phone scams. Police advise residents to verify the identity of any caller claiming to be a law enforcement official by requesting their name, badge number, and callback number. Residents can then call the department directly to confirm the legitimacy of the communication.

Police remind the public that all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com

Montgomery, January 2025 Crime Statistics

Police Reports341
Motor Vehicle Summons80
Burgleries2 ($500.00)
Larceny/Thefts4 ($7,696.00)
Fraud/Forgery5 ($109,727.00)
Motor Vehicle Thefts1 ($80,000.00)
Motor Vehicle Crash50
Motor Vehicle Stops222
Alarms77
All Adult Arrests7
DWI Arrests Adults3
Domestic4
Animal Calls.34
Calls for Service2148
Property Check596
Park Check52

Montgomery December Crime Statistics

Police Reports319
Motor Vehicle Summons95
Burgleries4 ($413.00)
Larceny/Thefts9 ($11,971.00)
Fraud/Forgery2 ($1,467.00)
Motor Vehicle Thefts1 ($10,000.00)
Motor Vehicle Crash44
Motor Vehicle Stops212
Alarms101
All Adult Arrests4
DWI Arrests Adults1
Domestic6
Animal Calls.30
Calls for Service2186
Property Check555
Park Check57