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 Office, echoed 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Nicholas Mistretta
Hit-and-Run Leads to Arrest on Route 601
On the morning of May 9 at approximately 7:46 a.m., Montgomery Township Police responded to a reported hit-and-run crash near the intersection of Route 601 and Route 518. The suspect vehicle struck one vehicle while attempting to pass on Route 601 and then collided with a second vehicle. Officers quickly located the fleeing vehicle on Route 601 and conducted a motor vehicle stop on Trent Avenue.
The driver was identified as Philip Mehmel, 41, of Pennsylvania. During the investigation, police discovered Mehmel had an active warrant for his arrest out of Brick Municipal Court. He was taken into custody and transported to Montgomery Police Headquarters for processing. Mehmel was issued multiple motor vehicle summonses in connection to the crash and is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court
Bicycles Stolen from Symes Drive
On May 11, a Symes Drive resident reported the theft of two bicycles from their property. The bikes, each valued at approximately $275, were taken during the overnight hours between May 7 and May 8. The bicycles had been left outside the residence. Police are continuing to investigate the incident.
DWI Arrest Following Crash on Bridgepoint Road
On May 15 at 11:44 p.m., officers responded to a motor vehicle crash on Bridgepoint Road near Route 206. Upon arrival, police found a 57 year old Belle Mead man, standing outside his disabled vehicle, which had struck a curb after reportedly swerving to avoid an oncoming car.
During the investigation, officers determined the he had been driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested and transported to Montgomery Police Headquarters for processing and was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and issued several motor vehicle citations. He is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.
Officers Honored for Animal Rescue
On May 17, Sergeant John Colucci and Officer Sal Intili were recognized for their heroic actions in rescuing a dog from a frozen pond on January 21. The officers were presented with the Whiskers Watson Animal Lifesaving Medal by David Watson of the Whiskers Watson Animal Hero Awards Foundation, honoring their courage and swift response during the life-threatening incident.
Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com
Montgomery Township, May 6, 2025
Nicholas Mistretta
The Montgomery Township Police Department has released a series of reports detailing recent incidents in the township ranging from DWI arrests to theft, a scam case, and recovered missing persons. The following is a summary of the police activity from April 19 through April 25.
Driver Arrested for DWI After Reckless Driving Call
On April 19 at 9:44 p.m., Montgomery police responded to a report of a reckless driver on County Route 601. Sergeant John Colucci located the vehicle at the intersection of Great Road and Cherry Valley Road and observed several motor vehicle violations before initiating a traffic stop.
The driver, identified as Melquiade Paz-Gonzalez, 46, of Lawrenceville, NJ, was determined to be driving while intoxicated. He was arrested, transported to Montgomery Township Police Headquarters, and later released after processing. Paz-Gonzalez was issued multiple citations including DWI, refusal to submit to breath testing, delaying traffic, failure to maintain lane, reckless driving, and possession of an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle. He is scheduled to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.
$9,000 Worth of Tools Stolen From Construction Site
Between April 18 and April 21, tools valued at approximately $9,000 were reported stolen from a truck parked at a construction site on Scarborough Road. Police are investigating the theft and encourage anyone with information to contact the department.
License Plate Reader Helps Locate Missing Person
On April 21 at 9:58 p.m., Officer Troy Gonzalez was notified by the Flock Safety License Plate Reader System of a vehicle on Route 206 linked to a missing person case out of East Windsor. Officer Gonzalez stopped the vehicle near Orchard Road and confirmed the driver was the individual reported missing. The person was escorted to MTPD HQ and later reunited with a family member.
Social Media Scam Costs Resident $1,000
Police reported a scam incident on April 24 where a resident was tricked into sending $1,000 after receiving a message on social media from someone posing as a former high school acquaintance. The scammer claimed to need money for a relative’s medical emergency. After sending the money, the victim learned that the acquaintance’s account had been hacked. Authorities urge residents to verify unusual financial requests, even if they appear to come from someone they know.
Two Arrested on Separate Motor Vehicle Stops
On April 25 at 3:31 a.m., Officer Austin Van Ness stopped a vehicle on Route 206 near Opossum Road, operated by Steven Hawthorne, 44, of Hillsborough. A check revealed two active warrants for Hawthorne’s arrest from Bound Brook and Readington Municipal Courts. He was arrested and turned over to Bound Brook Police after being processed at MTPD HQ.
Later that morning at 11:03 a.m., Officer Connor Chapkowski stopped Wilkens Bateau, 26, of Hamilton, on Route 206 for motor vehicle violations. During the stop, Chapkowski discovered several license plates from various states not associated with Bateau. One of the plates had been reported stolen. Bateau was arrested and charged with Receiving Stolen Property, in addition to the observed traffic offenses. He was processed and released pending a court appearance.
Photo Credit: Daniel Tadevosyan/shutterstock.com
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.
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Montgomery, January 2025 Crime Statistics
| Police Reports | 341 |
| Motor Vehicle Summons | 80 |
| Burgleries | 2 ($500.00) |
| Larceny/Thefts | 4 ($7,696.00) |
| Fraud/Forgery | 5 ($109,727.00) |
| Motor Vehicle Thefts | 1 ($80,000.00) |
| Motor Vehicle Crash | 50 |
| Motor Vehicle Stops | 222 |
| Alarms | 77 |
| All Adult Arrests | 7 |
| DWI Arrests Adults | 3 |
| Domestic | 4 |
| Animal Calls. | 34 |
| Calls for Service | 2148 |
| Property Check | 596 |
| Park Check | 52 |
Montgomery December Crime Statistics
| Police Reports | 319 |
| Motor Vehicle Summons | 95 |
| Burgleries | 4 ($413.00) |
| Larceny/Thefts | 9 ($11,971.00) |
| Fraud/Forgery | 2 ($1,467.00) |
| Motor Vehicle Thefts | 1 ($10,000.00) |
| Motor Vehicle Crash | 44 |
| Motor Vehicle Stops | 212 |
| Alarms | 101 |
| All Adult Arrests | 4 |
| DWI Arrests Adults | 1 |
| Domestic | 6 |
| Animal Calls. | 30 |
| Calls for Service | 2186 |
| Property Check | 555 |
| Park Check | 57 |