Fraud, Vehicle Fire, Simple Assault: Manalapan Police Blotter

MANALAPAN, NJ — Manalapan Police reported incidents of fraud, a vehicle fire, simple assault and more from Aug. 27 through Sept. 2.

Aug. 27
A 26-year-old Edison resident reported that someone they knew verbally harassed them while they were inside a Manalapan business.

A 69-year-old Georgia resident reported that an auto protection company with a reported Manalapan address refused their class and refused to refund the fee they paid for the service. Once the victim went to the reported location of the business, they found that they were no longer using that location. The victim believes the company was a scam.

Someone using a fraudulent name contacted a Manalapan resident claiming to work for Social Security and told the victim that they had a warrant for their arrest and owed money to Social Security. In response, the victim provided personal information, though no monetary loss was reported.

Aug. 28
A 31-year-old Manalapan resident reported being offered a job via text message that required them to send the company money. The victim sent about $14,000 to what was discovered to be a fraudulent company.

Aug. 29
A 47-year-old Manalapan resident reported that their vehicle caught on fire while it was parked in front of their home.

Once officers arrived on scene, the engine compartment was found to be engulfed in flames. The Englishtown Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire.

After an investigation by the Monmouth County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Manalapan Police Detective Bureau, the incident was found to be non-suspicious.

Aug. 30
A 77-year-old Manalapan resident reported a fraudulent incident that occurred through email. Someone convinced the victim to take $15,000 from their bank account and turn it over to them. The victim is at a monetary loss of $15,000.

A 66-year-old Manalapan resident reported a simple assault that occurred at a business in Manalapan. After a verbal argument, the accused allegedly pushed the victim.

Around 5:30 p.m., Patrol Officer Gia Pedone conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 9 for motor vehicle violations. After further investigation, the passenger of the vehicle was arrested and charged with being in possession of a controlled dangerous substance and being in possession of drug paraphernalia. The passenger was brought to Manalapan Township Police Headquarters, where she was processed and released with a future court date.

A 32-year-old Manalapan resident reported that they were being verbally harassed by a former employee through text message. The case is pending further investigation.

A 25-year-old Manalapan resident reported a theft of their belongings. The incident occurred at a private business in Manalapan Township, and the victim is at a monetary loss of $74.

Sept. 2
A 77-year-old Manalapan resident reported that someone contacted them and requested $15,000. The Manalapan resident is at no monetary loss at this time.

At 12:45 p.m., a 74-year-old Manalapan resident reported that a handicap placard had been unlawfully removed from their vehicle.