Newtown Police Log: July 9-15

NEWTOWN, PA — The Newtown Township Police Department reported the following incidents between July 9 and July 15.

Friday, July 9

Around 11:30 p.m., police conducted a traffic stop on the driver of a black Mercedez-Benz C300 for a vehicle code violation on Durham Road. Upon contact with the driver, the officer detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. The driver was unable to perform field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. Charges are pending blood evidence results.

Saturday, July 10

Around 2:45 a.m., police conducted a traffic stop on the driver of a silver Toyota for a vehicle code violation on the Newtown Bypass near Woodbourne Road. Upon contact with the driver, the officer detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. The driver was unable to perform field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. Charges are pending blood evidence results.

Sunday, July 11

Around 8 p.m., police were notified of a fraud involving counterfeit currency at Rite Aid. The investigation is ongoing.

Tuesday, July 13

A Newtown Township resident in their early sixties responded to headquarters at 9 a.m. to report a scam. The resident said she was shopping online when a message appeared on her computer screen stating she had made illegal purchases and provided a phone number for her to dispute the purchases. The resident called the number and spoke to a scammer who claimed the resident was hacked and that crimes were committed in her name. The scammer instructed the resident to purchase gift cards to sort it out and to keep her from getting arrested. The resident purchased four Target gift cards for $500 each. Two of the gift cards malfunctioned after her credit card was declined, and the total monetary loss was ultimately $1,000. In addition, the scammer instructed the resident to withdraw a $6,000 cash advance from her bank account and to open a Bitcoin account to transfer the money. The resident followed these instructions as well, but the transaction was flagged and held by the bank. At this point, the resident realized she was scammed.

Wednesday, July 14

The Newtown-Makefield Truck Enforcement Unit conducted a commercial vehicle safety detail on River Road in Upper Makefield Township. Seven trucks were stopped and inspected. One citation and one warning were issued for violations.

Thursday, July 15

At 5:30 p.m., police were contacted regarding a catalytic converter in the township. The investigation is ongoing.

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