Theft by Deception, Defiant Trespass, Aggravated Assault: Princeton Police Blotter

The following is a summary of incidents as reported by Princeton Police:

PRINCETON, NJ - On April 11, 12:11 p.m., officers responded to a home on Linden Lane for a report of fraud. A woman reported receiving fraudulent text messages and emails posing as Bank of America, advising of suspicious activity on her debit card. The woman was then contacted by unknown individuals who convinced her to provide her debit card and PIN to a purported courier. An unknown male operating a silver sedan responded to the home and retrieved the card. Further investigation revealed an unauthorized withdrawal of $2,000 from the woman's account at a location in Jersey City. The woman canceled her debit card with her bank. There are no suspects at this time. The incident remains under investigation.

On April 12, at 3:14 p.m., officers responded to a home on Birch Ave for a report of a theft. A man reported that sometime between 11 p.m., April 11 and 7 a.m., on April 12, an unknown actor(s) entered his backyard and removed an unsecured black TST GRP E-Bike and a red bicycle lock. The total value of the stolen items is approximately $930. There are no suspects at this time. The incident remains under investigation.

On April 12, at 7:11 a.m., officers responded to a business on North Harrison Street for a report of a shoplifting. An employee reported that an unknown man concealed two bottles of wine in his jacket while inside the store. The suspect was confronted by staff, apologized, and left the store without the merchandise. The items, valued at approximately $34.10, were recovered by store employees. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 30 years old, 5’9”, heavy set, with dark hair, wearing a light blue button-down shirt, black pants, a black jacket, black sneakers, and glasses. The suspect has not been identified at this time. The incident remains under investigation..

On April 15, at 8:10 p.m., a man responded to police headquarters to report a theft. He reported that he was contacted by unknown actors posing as bank fraud investigators and was advised that his account had been compromised. The man was instructed to withdraw $20,000 in cash and provide it to an individual posing as a federal agent in order to secure the funds. At approximately 3:50 p.m., the man met with the suspect in the area of Nassau St., where he provided the cash. The incident remains under investigation.

On April 16, at 6:40 p.m., officers responded to Hulfish St. for a report of a shoplifting that had just occurred. Investigation revealed that two women suspects entered a business and removed merchandise without paying before fleeing the area on foot. The stolen items consisted of two pairs of shorts valued at approximately $156. The suspects are described as follows:

• Suspect 1 is a white female with dark red hair, wearing glasses, a white tank top, blue sweatpants, and white sneakers, carrying a black shoulder bag.
• Suspect 2 is a white female with a ponytail, wearing a white sports bra and gray sweatpants.

Suspect 1 is believed to have been involved in a prior shoplifting incident at the same location. The suspects have not been identified at this time. The incident remains under investigation.

On April 17, at 8:03 p.m., officers responded to the area of N. Harrison St. and Valley Rd. for a report of a shoplifting in progress. Investigation revealed that a man exited McCaffrey’s Food Market with a shopping cart containing merchandise valued at approximately $815.00, along with a store shopping cart valued at $200. When confronted by an employee, the man attempted to strike the employee and used the shopping cart to make contact before fleeing the area. Officers located the man in the area and took him into custody. During the arrest, he provided false information and was found to be in possession of suspected heroin and drug paraphernalia. Further investigation revealed that he had active warrants out of Voorhees Township ($1,000), Hamilton Township ($1,055), West Windsor Township ($1,500), and Ewing Township ($750.00). He was charged with robbery, aggravated assault, hindering apprehension, possession of CDS, and possession of drug paraphernalia. The total value of the stolen items was approximately $1,015. The incident remains under investigation.

On April 17, at 12:20 p.m., officers conducted a motor vehicle stop on William St. after an inquiry to the vehicle’s license plate revealed an active warrant for the driver. Investigation confirmed that the registered owner was wanted out of Brielle Borough Municipal Court on an active warrant in the amount of $750 (10 percent posting option). Prudhomme was taken into custody without incident and transported to police headquarters for processing. He later posted 10 percent bail in the amount of $75.00 and was issued a new court date. Prudhomme was also issued a motor vehicle summons for Driving While Suspended/Revoked.

On April 18, at 4:59 p.m., officers responded to the area of Nassau St. for a report of a theft. The victim reported that an unknown actor(s) removed a locked electric scooter from a light post sometime between 1:30 p.m. and 4:50 p.m.. The cable lock was left secured to the post. The stolen item is described as a Hiboy S2 Pro Electric Scooter, valued at approximately $449.99. There are no suspects at this time. The incident remains under investigation.

On April 20, at 12:15 a.m. officers were flagged down in the area of Nassau St. and Chestnut St. for a report of a theft. Investigation revealed that an unknown actor(s) removed a cell phone and charger that had been left unattended while charging on the exterior of a property on Nassau St. sometime between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. The stolen items are described as a blue Android cell phone, valued at approximately $40, and a black phone charger. There are no suspects at this time.

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