$18K Phone Scam, Multiple Fraud Reports: Manalapan PD Blotter

MANALAPAN, NJ — Released by Manalapan police and unedited by Patch, all crimes and arrests from July 14 to 20:

On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at approximately 11:54 a.m., a 38-year-old Manalapan resident reported being involved in a physical altercation with a Freehold resident (unknown age) on Amberly Drive in Manalapan. Minor injuries were reported as a result of this incident, which is pending the signing of complaints. Patrolman Christopher Schou handled the report.

On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at approximately 9:00 a.m., a 61-year-old Manalapan resident reported that an unknown actor removed the catalytic converter, valued at approximately $500.00, from a vehicle that was parked at an Iron Ore Road residence sometime during the course of the last month. Patrolman Kyle Earley handled the report.

On Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at approximately 12:48 a.m., a 42-year-old Manalapan resident reported being harassed via telephone by an unidentified male subject. Patrolman Brian Schank took the report.

On Monday, July 19, 2021, at approximately 6:18 p.m., a 47-year-old Manalapan resident responded to Manalapan Township Police Headquarters and reported that unknown actor(s) used the victim’s personal information to file for unemployment benefits. Patrolman James Guarino handled the report.

On Monday, July 19, 2021, at approximately 5:15 p.m., a 56-year-old Manalapan resident responded to Manalapan Township Police Headquarters and reported that unknown actor(s) gained access to the victim’s credit information via an online shopping account and used the credit information to make several fraudulent purchases. No monetary loss was reported as a result of this incident. Patrolman James Guarino handled the report.

On Monday, July 19, 2021, at approximately 2:57 a.m., Patrolman James Guarino responded to the area of Route 9 North and Taylors Mills Road for a report of a possible intoxicated driver. Patrolman Guarino then conducted a motor vehicle stop on the suspected vehicle for motor vehicle violations. The driver, identified as Brian Joseph, a 35-year-old, unmarried, male, resident of Manalapan Township, who is employed as a stagehand, was found to be driving while intoxicated. Mr. Joseph was placed under arrest and transported to Manalapan Township Police Headquarters where he was processed and released after being issued summonses. Patrolman James Guarino was the arresting officer.

On Saturday, July 17, 2021, at approximately 3:48 p.m., the Manalapan Police Department and the Gordon’s Corner Fire Company responded to an Arbach Lane residence for the report of a fire. Upon emergency services arrival, a 71-year-old Manalapan resident had already extinguished the fire. Minor damage was sustained to the exterior of the residence and there were no injuries reported as a result of this incident. Patrolman Aaron Abeles handled the report.

On Friday, July 16, 2021, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Patrolman Hayden Hrymack responded to Middlesex County Jail where Edwin Lopez, a 35-year-old, unmarried, unemployed, male, resident of Perth Amboy, was arrested regarding a warrant the was issued for his arrest by the Manalapan Township Municipal Court in the amount of $1,000.00. Mr. Lopez was subsequently transported to the Monmouth County Correctional Institution in lieu of bail. Patrolman Hayden Hrymack was the arresting officer.

On Friday, July 16, 2021, at approximately 12:50 p.m., a 50-year-old Manalapan resident reported that an unknown actor had filed for unemployment benefits in the name of the victim. There was no monetary loss reported by the victim as a result of this incident. Patrolman Jeffrey Emslie handled the report.

On Thursday, July 15, 2021, at approximately 11:11 a.m., a 42-year-old Manalapan Township resident provided their pedigree information to a fraudulent online employer. No monetary loss was reported as a result of this incident. Patrolman Ryan Brady handled the report.

On Thursday, July 15, 2021, at approximately 8:30 a.m., a 47-year-old Manalapan Township resident reported an unknown actor(s) used their pedigree information to apply for fraudulent unemployment benefits. Patrolman Jean Letts handled the report.

On Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a 77-year-old Manalapan resident reported being the victim of a phone scam resulting in a loss of approximately $18,000.00. Patrolman Hayden Hrymack took the initial report, which is pending further investigation.