Theft, Scams, Shoplifting, Warrant Arrests Reported In Basking Ridge

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Theft, scams, shoplifting, and warrant arrests were among the items reported in the May 2025 Bernards Township police blotter.

During the month of May, Bernards Township Police officers responded to 26 motor vehicle crashes. There were four injuries reported, and nine motor vehicle summonses were issued.

On May 8: A resident of Linden Drive responded to police headquarters to report a scam. The resident reported to police that she received a social media message asking her to provide money to them as part of a business venture. After the victim realized it was a scam, they began receiving threatening text messages and phone calls.

On May 8: Officer Filipovits was patrolling the area of Maple Avenue when he saw a silver Toyota with an equipment violation. Filipovits conducted a motor vehicle stop on the Toyota and was met by the driver, Marshall Webb, 54, out of Morristown. After a brief investigation, it was discovered that Marshall had an active warrant for his arrest out of Morristown. Filipovits contacted Morristown Police, who responded to the scene and took custody of Marshall.

On May 8: Officer Kanaley was patrolling the area of Mt. Airy Rd when she saw a silver Toyota that matched the description of a possible DUI driver previously reported to police. Kanaley conducted a motor vehicle stop on the Toyota and was met by the driver, Axel Rafael Vazquez-Ramos, 35, out of Middlesex. After a brief investigation, it was discovered that Axel had an active warrant for his arrest out of Monmouth County. Kanaley contacted Monmouth County and issued Axel a new court date. Axel was then released from police custody.

On May 9: Patrol responded to a residence on Village Drive for a report of theft. When the patrol met with the caller, they explained that they had just had their water heater serviced by a plumber. The victim then stated that after the service work was complete, they noticed several valuable items were missing from his home. This incident is currently under investigation by the detective bureau.

On May 17: Patrol responded to Stop and Shop inside the Lyons Mall for a report of shoplifting. Patrol met with the staff, they stated that the suspect drove into the parking lot in a black pickup truck with an extended cab. The suspect then exited the vehicle and entered the store. The suspect was described as a light-skinned male with a black beard wearing a black bucket hat, grey "Puma" hooded sweatshirt with a black shirt underneath, and khaki pants. The suspect then took several items from the store shelves and left without paying for them in the same vehicle he arrived in. This incident is currently being investigated by the detective bureau.

On May 25: Patrol responded to the area of Somerville Road for a report of property damage. Once on the scene, the victim informed police that an unknown vehicle drove over their front lawn and destroyed the victim's mailbox.

On May 26: Officer Strama was patrolling the area of Interstate 78 when she saw a grey Dodge committing several traffic violations. Strama then conducted a motor vehicle stop on the Dodge and was met by driver Jean Morales Saez. After a brief investigation, it was determined that Jean was driving under the influence of alcohol. Strama placed Jean under arrest, and he was taken to police headquarters while his vehicle was impounded. Strama issued Jean his motor vehicle summons and he was released to a responsible party.

The Bernard’s Township Police would like to continue to remind everyone to report suspicious activity observed by calling 908-766-1122.

"Please keep vehicles locked, without the keys in them and valuables out of sight. Please confirm all suspicious calls/emails/texts/messages requesting monetary payments with law enforcement or banking officials before sending funds," said police.

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