2019 Awards Cermony
Tuesday night’s Mayor and Council meeting (11/26/19) provided the backdrop for the 2019 Middlesex Police Department’s Annual Awards Ceremony. Police Chief Matthew P. Geist presented awards to officers for their noteworthy accomplishments.
Sergeant Thomas Falk, Detective Daniel McCue, Officer Jamie Marczak, Officer James Morley, and Officer Scott Mulford are awarded the Unit Citation Award in recognition of their outstanding work with an investigation involving a suspect possessing prohibitive weapons or devices that were capable of causing or risking widespread injury or damage. Officer Jamie Marczak, Officer James Morley, and Officer Scott Mulford responded to a borough residence for a medical emergency. While treating the patient they observed what they believed to be explosive devices in the residence. After the discovery Sgt. Thomas Falk and Detective Daniel McCue responded to assist with this investigation.
The officers were mindful of several reports of unexplained explosions that occurred on Warrenville Road near the border of Green Brook Township in 2017. A search of the residence yielded materials consistent with those used to construct explosive devices. The investigation revealed that, on at least two occasions, the homeowner was responsible for the explosions in the area of Warrenville Road. He was arrested and charged with various arson-related charges.
Detective Daniel McCue, Detective Sean Flanagan and Detective Paul Steffanelli are awarded the Unit Citation in recognition of their outstanding work in conducting numerous complex and difficult narcotic investigations that resulted in the successful apprehension of dangerous criminals.
Since 2018, the Detectives have brought charges against five separate individuals for Strict Liability for a Drug Induced Death, a crime of the first degree. In each of these cases, the defendants provided drugs to persons that resulted in their overdose deaths.
Police Officer Scott Mulford was awarded a Certificate of Commendation and a Stork pin. Officer Scott Mulford responded to a first aid call to assist a pregnant patient. Upon arrival the officer assessed the patient and quickly ascertained expectant mother was in labor and the baby’s birth was imminent. Officer Mulford assisted the mother with delivery of a healthy baby girl.
Lieutenant Daniel O’Connor, Sergeant Stephen Johnson, Detective Daniel McCue, Detective Sean Flanagan, and Detective Paul Steffanelli were awarded Certificates of Commendation for their efforts in completing an Evidence and Property Room Reconfiguration, Conversion and Audit Project.
Special News Release – October 9, 2019
Middlesex Police Make Arrests in Overdose Death
Chief Matthew P. Geist of the Middlesex Police Department announced the arrests of two men in connection with the drug overdose death of a 28-year old Middlesex Borough resident.
Salassie Adams, 28, of Plainfield and Brandon L. Beckford, 33, of Piscataway were arrested and both were charged with Strict Liability for a Drug Induced Death and for Distribution of a Controlled Dangerous Substance for providing the fentanyl that killed the 28-year old man. Strict Liability for a Drug Induced Death is a first-degree crime.
The victim was found dead in his home in August, 2019. The Middlesex County Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be the result of the toxic effects of fentanyl.
An investigation by Detective Daniel McCue and Detective Sean Flanagan of the Middlesex Borough Police Department revealed that the defendants sold the fentanyl to the victim which caused his death.
Adams and Beckford were remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending detention hearing scheduled in Superior Court located in New Brunswick.
The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective McCue or Detective Flanagan of the Middlesex Borough Police Department at (732) 356-1900.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendants are merely accusations and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Captain Frank DeNick at (732) 356-1900 extension 320 or at fdenick@middlesexpd.com.
Special News Release – September 11, 2019
Middlesex Police Make Arrest In Gas Station Robbery
Middlesex Borough Police Chief Matthew P. Geist announced the arrest of a 23 year old borough resident in connection with the August 30 robbery of the Quick Chek gas station.
At 01:18am on Friday, August 30, 2019, Middlesex Police responded to a report of a robbery at the Quick Chek gas station at 107 Harris Avenue. The attendant reported that the actor approached him from behind and demanded money. The attendant, believing that the actor was armed, surrendered the evening’s cash receipts. The actor, wearing a dark colored hooded sweatshirt and a dark colored face covering, fled the area on foot.
On Tuesday, September 10, 2019 Detective Sean Flanagan and Detective Daniel McCue arrested Ahmad D. Goodwin and charged him with Robbery and Theft. Goodwin, a former Quick Chek employee, was remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.
Chief Geist cited the thoroughness of Police Officer Jamie Marczak’s initial investigation and the resourcefulness and persistence of Detectives Flanagan and McCue as key factors in the timely apprehension of Mr. Goodwin. “I am proud of the men and women of the Middlesex Police Department for the professionalism and dedication that they exhibit on a daily basis. This case exemplifies that.” said Chief Geist.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations and he or she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Captain Frank DeNick at (732) 356-1900 extension 320 or at fdenick@middlesex
Special News Release – September 4, 2019
Middlesex County Acting Prosecutor Christopher L.C. Kuberiet and Chief Matthew P. Geist of the Middlesex Police Department said today that charges have been filed against a borough man after he surrendered to police following an incident at his home last night.
Robert Lujan, 40, of Middlesex Borough, has been charged with one count of false public alarm in the second degree, one count of misuse of a 911 call in the fourth degree, and one count of criminal mischief in the fourth degree.
The charges were filed as the result of an investigation by the Middlesex Police Department after police resolved a potentially dangerous situation by convincing Lujan to surrender following the incident at his home.
Law enforcement officers from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Special Operations Response Team (SORT) were dispatched shortly after police were called at 5:21p.m. on September 3, 2019.
Lujan surrendered at 8:41 p.m. following negotiations with SORT.
No one was injured during the incident last night.
The defendant was released on a summons and is scheduled to appear on September 26, 2019 in New Brunswick Superior Court.
The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Daniel McCue at the Middlesex Police Department (732) 356-1900.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Lujan are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Special News Release – September 3, 2019
Middlesex County Acting Prosecutor Christopher L.C. Kuberiet and Chief Matthew P. Geist of the Middlesex Police Department said a team of law enforcement officers successfully resolved a potentially dangerous situation by convincing an apparently distraught man to surrender following an incident at a home in the borough this evening.
No charges have been filed, but the man, whose identity is being withheld, is in custody pending the outcome of an investigation.
Law enforcement officers from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Special Operations Response Team (SORT) were dispatched shortly after police were called at 5:21p.m.
The man surrendered at 8:41 p.m. following negotiations with SORT.
No one was injured during the incident this evening.
The incident is being investigated by the Middlesex Police Department and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Acting Prosecutor Kuberiet thanked the professional response of the SORT and the Middlesex Police Department.
Special News Release – August 21, 2019
Drunk Driving Arrest Leads to Weapons, Drug Charges
Andre A. Moore, 44, of Newark was arrested and charged with Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Possession of Prohibited Devices (Hollow Point Bullets), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Possession of Stolen Property, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia subsequent to a motor vehicle stop on Hazelwood Avenue near Grant Avenue. At 12:25am on Wednesday, August 21, 2019 Officer James Morley arrested Mr. Moore for DUI. Officer Scott Mulford, who arrived to assist Officer Morley, searched Mr. Moore’s vehicle and located a loaded, HiPoint brand, 9mm handgun beneath the driver’s seat. The gun was reported stolen in Davie, Fl. “Thanks to the dedication and vigilance of our officers, a dangerous weapon was taken off the streets and a potential tragedy was averted,” remarked Police Chief Matthew P. Geist “this serves to remind us of the dangers that our officers face while protecting our community.” Also found in the vehicle were four plastic bags containing marijuana. Mr. Moore was remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.
Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Captain Frank DeNick at (732) 356-1900 extension 320.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations and he or she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Special News Release – August 17, 2019
Dunellen Woman Struck and Killed by Train
At 8:24pm on August 16, 2019, police received a telephone call from Norfolk Southern Train Dispatch, the caller reporting that a pedestrian was struck by CSX freight train in the vicinity of the South Avenue railroad crossing. Officers from the Piscataway and Middlesex Police Departments responded and confirmed that a woman had been struck by the train. The victim, a 38 year old Dunellen woman, was pronounced dead at the scene. South Avenue was closed for eight hours while police conducted the investigation.
Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Captain Frank DeNick at (732) 356-1900 extension 320.
News Release for August 8, 2019
July 26, 2019 @ 2:50pm – A resident of Greenbrook Road reported a theft from a motor vehicle. Investigation revealed that, at some time overnight, an unknown actor entered the victim’s unlocked and unattended vehicle and removed her purse and its contents. The value of the items taken was reported as $185.00. Officer Scott Christofides investigated.
July 31, 2019 @ 3:55pm – The Middlesex Fire Department responded to a report of a fire involving a storage shed at a residence on the 300 block of Seneca Avenue, extinguishing it within minutes. Investigation revealed that the resident used a propane torch to eradicate weeds on the property, accidentally setting fire to the shed.
August 4, 2019 @ 5:31am – Molly Dougherty, 19, of Middlesex was arrested and charged with DUI, following a motor vehicle crash on Harris Avenue. Officer Anthony Painchaud investigated.
August 4, 2019 @ 8:56pm – Jose R. Ortiz, 48, of Plainfield was arrested and charged with DUI following a motor vehicle stop on Bound Brook Road at Grove Street. Officer Bryan Rodrigues investigated.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations and he or she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Captain Frank DeNick at (732) 356-1900 extension 320 or at fdenick@middlesexpd.com.
News Release for July 25, 2019
July 1, 2019 @ 7:36am – Sembu Bangura, 24, of North Brunswick was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault. Officers were summoned to a Glen Gary Road group home for adults with developmental disabilities on a report that a patient there may have suffered abuse at the hands of a caretaker. It was determined that Mr. Bangura, who was employed as a caretaker at the facility, assaulted a female patient. Mr. Bangura was remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center. Officer Richard Szymczak and Detective Sean Flanagan investigated.
July 1, 2019 @ 8:30pm – John A. Fakla, 33, of Piscataway was arrested and charged with Stalking and with Eluding in a Motor Vehicle. Officer Anthony Painchaud was investigating a report of a suspicious vehicle on Grant Avenue when he located the vehicle on Delaware Avenue being operated by Mr. Fakla. When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle it sped off, Mr. Fakla disregarding traffic control devices while attempting to elude the officer. Mr. Fakla was later arrested in Piscataway Township and remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.
July 5, 2019 @ 6:32pm – Steven G. Wilson, 35, of Bronx, NY was arrested and charged with shoplifting a 750ml bottle of Elijah Craig brand whiskey from the Endzone Lounge and Liquors, 425 Bound Brook Road. Mr. Wilson was released on his own recognizance. Officer Bryan Rodrigues investigated.
July 6, 2019 @ 1:54am – Danielle L. Pezzato, 37, of Middlesex was arrested and charged with DUI and Possession of Heroin following a motor vehicle crash on River Road at Baekeland Avenue. Ms. Pezzato was released on her own recognizance. Officer Anthony Painchaud investigated.
July 13, 2019 @ 12:22pm – A resident of the 500 block of Bound Brook Road reported the theft of a black colored, Pacific brand, Cruze model bicycle from the property of his residence. The bicycle, valued at $200.00, was unlocked and unattended at the time of the theft. Officer Paul Muldowney investigated.
July 17, 2019 @ 3:45pm – Carlos A. Villegas-Bustos, 27, of North Plainfield was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Officer Jamie Marczak was investigating a report of a suspicious vehicle on Louis Avenue when he encountered Mr. Villegas-Bustos and determined that he was in possession of marijuana. Mr. Villegas-Bustos was released on his own recognizance.
July 20, 2019 @ 2:41pm – Mamuka Darchiashvili, 51, of Manville was arrested and charged with DUI following a motor vehicle crash on Warrenville Road at Anne Street. Officer Richard Szymczak investigated.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations and he or she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Captain Frank DeNick at (732) 356-1900 extension 320 or at fdenick@middlesexpd.com.
News Release for June 21, 2019
June 6, 2019 @ 2:58pm – Sarabeth Colonna, 22, of Princeton was charged with Receiving Stolen Property and Fencing Stolen Property. Investigation revealed that Ms. Coleman sold two rings that were reported stolen from South Brunswick at Cash4Gold Trading Post, 748 Bound Brook Road. Detective Paul Steffanelli investigated.
June 6, 2019 @ 10:47pm – Katherine M. Saddler, 56, of Middlesex was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct following a disturbance on the 100 block of South Lincoln Avenue. Officer Scott Mulford investigated.
June 13, 2019 @ 7:41pm – Maureen B. Pena, 40, of Middlesex was arrested and charged with DUI following a motor vehicle stop on Osceola Avenue. Officer Anthony Painchaud investigated.
June 14, 2019 @ 10:00am – A resident of the Hampton Gardens apartments reported that theft of a gray colored, 26 inch mountain bicycle that was chained to the porch of the residence. Investigation revealed that an unknown actor(s) cut the chain to remove the bicycle, valued at $180.00. Officer Colin DeVincenzo investigated.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations and he or she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Captain Frank DeNick at (732) 356-1900 extension 320 or at fdenick@middlesexpd.com.
Special Press Release – June 10, 2019
Middlesex Police Make Arrest of Burglary Suspect
Middlesex Borough Police Chief Matthew P. Geist reported that Wali D. Wiggs, 21, of Middlesex was arrested and charged with Burglary and Theft in connection with the June 7 burglary of a Parker Street home.
At 3:15pm on Friday, June 7, 2019 patrols responded to the Parker Street residence on a report of an apparent burglary. Officers confirmed that an unknown actor had entered the home and removed various items valued at almost $3,000.00. Officers and Detectives promptly and aggressively began the investigation and, aided by information provided them by alert, concerned citizens, soon identified Wiggs as a suspect.
By 9:00pm that evening officers had secured a warrant for Wiggs’ arrest; by 9:28pm Wiggs was in police custody and all of the victims’ property had been recovered. “This case not only exemplifies the excellent level of cooperation between the various units in our organization, but also highlights the outstanding level of support and cooperation that we receive from the community”, said Chief Geist. “This was truly a team effort and it serves as a great example of what can happen when police and citizens work together.”
Mr. Wiggs was remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center. Detective Paul Steffanelli and Officer George Pilesky led the investigation.
As a reminder, information can be delivered confidentially and anonymously to the Middlesex Police Department’s tip line – (732) 356-1900, ext. 847 (T-I-P) or confidentially and anonymously through the department’s Nixle Messaging Service application.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations and he or she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Special News Release – May 2, 2019
Three Charged in Connection With Middlesex Robbery
Middlesex Borough Police Chief Matthew P. Geist announced that Joshua A. Marin-Hernandez, 18, of Somerville has been charged with Robbery, Employing Juveniles in the Commission of a Crime and Conspiracy. Two 16 year-old males, one of Middlesex and one of Dunellen, have each been charged with Robbery and Conspiracy.
On Thursday, April 25, 2019, at 8:47pm, Officer James Morley, Officer Jamie Marczak, Officer Scott Mulford and Detective Sean Flanagan responded to the parking lot of the Middlesex High School to investigate a report of a robbery. The 13 year-old victim reported that two individuals forcibly took from him his cellular telephone, headphones and cash before fleeing the area.
Through investigation, it was quickly determined that Mr. Marin-Hernandez and the 16 year-old Middlesex male were the pair responsible for committing the robbery and that the 16 year-old Dunellen male, who had initially portrayed himself as a robbery victim himself, participated in the planning and commission of the robbery.
At this time Mr. Marin-Hernandez remains at large. Anyone with information on Mr. Marin-Hernandez’s whereabouts is asked to contact Det. Flanagan at (732) 356-1900 ext. 313 or use our Anonymous Tip Line at (732) 356-1900 ext. 847 or Nixle Messaging’s Anonymous Tip feature.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations and he or she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Captain Frank DeNick at (732) 356-1900 extension 320 or at fdenick@middlesexpd.com.
News Release for March 26, 2019
March 8, 2019 @ 3:30pm – Rodney Theobal, 34, of Brooklyn, NY was arrested and charged with Fencing Stolen Property, eleven counts of Uttering Fraudulent Documents and with eleven counts of False Impersonation. Detective Paul Steffanelli initiated an investigation into suspicious sales activity at a local pawn shop, dating back to January 28, 2019 and he developed Mr. Theobal as a suspect. Detective Steffanelli and Detective Sean Flanagan interrupted Mr. Theobal while he was attempting to complete another such transaction and arrested him for Uttering a Fraudulent Document and for False Impersonation. After obtaining a warrant and searching Mr. Theobal’s vehicle, Detective Steffanelli charged him with ten additional counts of each charge and one count of Fencing. The detective determined that during the two month period, Mr. Theobal used fraudulent items of identification to rent $30,000.00 worth of power tools only to sell them to the pawn shop. Detectives discovered an additional $5,000.00 worth of rented power tools in Mr. Theobal’s vehicle during their search. Mr. Theobal was remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.
March 9, 2019 @ 1:05am – Kathleen Hayes, 49, of Bridgewater was arrested and charged with DUI following a motor vehicle stop on Union Avenue at Beechwood Avenue. Officer Anthony Painchaud investigated.
March 11, 2019 @ 6:43pm – Damian V. Tippett, 39, of South Plainfield was arrested and charged with shoplifting $289.86 worth of merchandise from the Acme Market, 125 Bound Brook Road. Mr. Tippett was remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center.
March 15, 2019 @ 11:42pm – Kayla S. Williams, 28, of Somerville was arrested and charged with DUI following a motor vehicle stop on Bound Brook Road at Grove Street. Officer Anthony Painchaud investigated.
March 16, 2019 @ 11:39pm – A resident of the 800 block of Lincoln Boulevard reported a theft from a motor vehicle. Investigation revealed that an unknown actor(s) removed a Michael Kors brand wallet containing various identification and bank cards, a Toshiba brand laptop computer and a Coach brand laptop case. The victim reported that the vehicle was parked in her driveway at the time of the theft and she was uncertain if the doors were locked. The total value of the items taken was reported as $305.00. Officer Anthony Painchaud investigated.
March 21, 2019 @ 11:00am – Dasean Toney, 20, of Plainfield and Shannon M. Toth, 24, of North Plainfield were charged with Credit Card Fraud and with Conspiracy in connection with a December 28, 2018 theft from a motor vehicle. Detective Sean Flanagan investigated.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations and he or she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Captain Frank DeNick at (732) 356-1900 extension 320 or at fdenick@middlesexpd.com.
News Release for March 8, 2019
February 27, 2019 @ 6:43am – Members of the Middlesex Police Department, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Drug Task Force, the Union County Prosecutor’s Office and the Plainfield Police Department executed a search warrant on the premises at 232 Terrill Road in Plainfield. Police seized eight bricks and three bundles of heroin. Jessica Miller, 32, of Plainfield was charged with two counts Possession with Intent to Distribute within 500 feet of a Park, Possession of CDS with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of CDS and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Detectives Daniel McCue, Sean Flanagan and Paul Steffanelli investigated.
February 28, 2019 @ 3:57pm – Rebecca, J. Reed, 41, of Bayport, NY was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana and DUI following an investigation of a suspicious vehicle on Judson Drive at Union Avenue. Officer Colin DeVincenzo investigated.
March 2, 2019 @ 12:40am – Disaun K. Mobley, 29, of Plainfield was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia following a motor vehicle stop on South Lincoln Avenue at Denton Place. Officer Paul Cerreto investigated.
March 3, 2019 @ 12:42am – Dianne L. Randvere, 47, of North Plainfield was arrested and charged with DUI following a motor vehicle stop on Bound Brook Road at Coleman Street. Officer Anthony Painchaud investigated.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations and he or she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Captain Frank DeNick at (732) 356-1900 extension 320 or at fdenick@middlesexpd.com.
Middlesex Police Wrap Up Two Burglaries
February 19, 2019 @ 9:00am – A joint investigation conducted by the Middlesex Police Department, the New Jersey State Police and the NYPD culminated in the arrest four New Brunswick residents in connection with a spree of burglaries, including the September 14, 2018 burglary of a North Lincoln Avenue residence. At 6:45pm on that date, two male subjects came to the victim’s residence, claiming to be water company employees. While one male subject directed the elderly resident to her rear yard, the second apparently entered the vacated home and ransacked a first floor bedroom, making off with a reported $857.00 in cash and jewelry. Angelo Petro, 21, and Nicholas Petro, 19, were charged with Burglary and Theft, Marian N. Petro, 49, was charged with Receiving Stolen Property and with Fencing Stolen Property and Larry Burt, 49, was charged with Conspiracy. Detective Daniel McCue investigated.
February 19, 2019 @ 3:30pm – Kyle R. Weltman, 33, of Spotswood was charged with Burglary and Criminal Mischief. On February 15, 2019 at 10:12am police officers responded to an activated burglar alarm at a Shepherd Avenue residence and discovered that the home had been burglarized. With the help of an observant citizen, investigators were able to identify Mr. Weltman as the burglar. Officer Robert Dangler and Detective Sean Flanagan investigated.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations and he or she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Captain Frank DeNick at (732) 356-1900 extension 320 or at fdenick@middlesexpd.com.
News Release for February 21, 2019
February 11, 2019 @ 9:17pm – Ahmad S. Goodwin, 22, of Middlesex was charged with shoplifting a bottle of E&J VS Brandy from Endzone Lounge and Liquors, 425 Bound Brook Road. Officer Richard Szymczak investigated.
February 13, 2019 @ 12:16am – Jeison A. Arias-Mora, 23 of Bound Brook was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia following a motor vehicle stop on Union Avenue at Stout Avenue. Officer Anthony Painchaud investigated.
February 15, 2019 @ 7:46pm – Gector T. Martinez, 27, of Plainfield was arrested and charged with Disorderly Conduct, Criminal Mischief, Terroristic Threats, Resisting Arrest, Attempting to Disarm a Law Enforcement Officer and Throwing Bodily Fluids at a Law Enforcement Officer. Officers responding to a report of a disorderly person on Wilton Avenue encountered Martinez and determined that he had intentionally damaged the vehicle of an acquaintance. During the course of his arrest, Martinez struggled with, spat at and threatened the officers. Gector was remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center. Officer Bryan Rodrigues investigated.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations and he or she is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Captain Frank DeNick at (732) 356-1900 extension 320 or at fdenick@middlesexpd.com.
Middlesex man charged with detonating explosive devices and arson
Middlesex County Prosecutor Andrew C. Carey and Chief Matthew P. Geist of the Middlesex Police Department announced that a borough man was arrested and charged with arson, intentionally detonating explosive devices, and possession of two pipe bombs.
Joseph M. Colucci, 59, of Middlesex Borough was arrested and charged on February 10, 2019 with one count of arson in the third degree, one count of possession of prohibited weapons and devices, specifically destructive devices in the third degree, and one count of causing or risking widespread injury or damage in the fourth degree.
On February 9, 2019, Middlesex Police responded to an emergency aid call at West 2nd Street and located two pipe bombs inside the residence. An evacuation was ordered, and the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit and the New Jersey State Police Bomb Unit were called to the scene. It was determined that the devices were not a hazard.
A preliminary investigation determined that Colucci, the homeowner, was in possession of the two pipe bombs and homemade bomb making material, including gun powder.
It was also determined that between October 18, 2017, and November 8, 2017, Colucci detonated a pipe bomb in the immediate area near the Warrenville Road bridge in the borough.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Daniel McCue of the Middlesex Borough Police Department at (732) 356-1900 ext. 312, or Detective Nicholas Chiorello of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3176.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Colucci are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.