2021 News Releases – Middlesex Borough Police Department

News Release – December 15, 2021

November 27, 2021 @ 4:08 P.M. – An underage borough girl reported an online acquaintance threatened to share compromising photographs and videos of her without her consent. Officer Bryan Rodrigues and Detective Sergeant Thomas Falk are investigating.

November 30, 2021 @ 10:21 A.M. – Fabio I. Delacruz, 20, of Bound Brook, was arrested and charged with Burglary. Through investigation, it was determined that Mr. Delacruz entered an unlocked vehicle on Shepherd Avenue during the early morning hours of November 25, 2021. Mr. Delacruz was remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Facility. Officer Scott Mulford and Detective Daniel McCue investigated.

December 1, 2021 @ 4:21 P.M. – A borough resident reported she was the victim of theft by extortion. She stated she received a text message from an unknown phone number, informing her they possessed compromising photographs and videos of her. The same individual later convinced her to send them $1,500.00 in crypto currency, promising her the photographs and videos would then be deleted. She later realized she had been scammed. Officer George Pilesky investigated.

December 3, 2021 @ 10:55 P.M. – Alexander Mamukashvili, 47, of Middlesex was arrested and charged with DWI following a single motor vehicle crash at Marlborough Avenue and Bound Brook Road. Officer Paul Cerreto investigated.

December 6, 2021 @ 8:30 A.M. – A 2010 Chevrolet Equinox, previously reported stolen to the Edison Police Department, was recovered on Sycamore Road. Officer Paul Steffanelli investigated.

December 6, 2021 @ 5:42 P.M. – A borough resident reported she was assaulted by an individual on Anne Street. Officer Robert Dangler investigated.

December 7, 2021 @ 3:31 A.M. – Leovaldo Guzman, 18, of Newark was arrested and charged with Attempted Burglary. At 2:35 A.M., Middlesex Police Headquarters received a 9-1-1 call from a resident on Beechwood Avenue, reporting that an individual had attempted to gain access into their vehicle. Officer James Morley and Officer Robert Dangler responded to the area and through their investigation, identified Mr. Guzman as the suspect. Mr. Guzman was released on his own recognizance.

December 7, 2021 @ 10:26 A.M. – A faculty member reported vandalized playground equipment at Hazelwood Elementary School. Officer George Pilesky investigated.

December 7, 2021 @ 3:07 P.M. – A borough resident reported he was assaulted by an individual outside of the Middlesex Post Office. Officer Colin DeVincenzo investigated.

December 9, 2021 @ 9:32 P.M. – Henry M. Pakosz, 42, of Middlesex, was arrested and charged with DWI following the report of an erratic driver in the area of Mountain Avenue and William Street. Officer Marc Arancio investigated.

December 11, 2021 @ 3:23 A.M. – The proprietor of Quick Stop, 518 Bound Brook Road, reported a burglary and theft of cash andcigarettesfrom the business. Officer Bryan Rodrigues and Detective Sergeant Thomas Falk are investigating.

December 11, 2021 @ 9:30 A.M. – A resident of Fairview Avenue reported a theft from a motor vehicle. At some point overnight, an unknown actor(s) entered the victim’s unlocked and unattended vehicle and removed a laptop and debit cards. Officer Paul Steffanelli investigated.

December 11, 2021 @ 11:14 A.M. – An employee of Luca’s Pizza, 115 Harris Avenue, reported a burglary and theft of cash from the business. Officer Paul Steffanelli and Detective Sergeant Thomas Falk are investigating.

December 11, 2021 @ 2:19 P.M. – A resident of Fairview Avenue reported a theft from a motor vehicle. At some point overnight, an unknown actor(s) entered the victim’s unlocked and unattended vehicle and removed a wallet and sunglasses. Officer Colin DeVicenzo investigated.

December 12, 2021 @ 10:43 A.M. – A resident of Chestnut Street reported that the tires to her vehicle were slashed at some point overnight. Officer Colin DeVicenzo investigated.

As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendants 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 A/Sergeant Sean Flanagan at (732) 356-1900 extension 313 or at sflanagan@middlesexpd.com.

News Release – December 02, 2021

November 1, 2021 @ 11:10 PM – Luis A. Cruz-Bonilla, 23, of Plainfield was charged with DWI and Distribution of Marijuana during the investigation of a single motor vehicle crash at Warrenville Road and Bound Brook Road. Officer Anthony Painchaud investigated.

November 2, 2021 @ 10:56 PM – Officer Scott Mulford located spray-painted graffiti in the men’s restroom in Mountain View Park during park patrol.

November 3, 2021 @ 10:00 PM – Officer Robert Dangler investigated and charged two juveniles who were found during a motor vehicle stop to be in violation of a court ordered curfew.

November 5, 2021 @ 11:19 PM – A resident of Dorn Avenue reports his garage door was vandalized. Officer Scott Mulford investigated.

November 5, 2021 – Michael L. Blath, 42, of Manahawkin was charged with Abandonment of Animals and Cruelty to Animals stemming from a report received on September 14, 2021 of two deceased cats found inside a Madison Avenue residence. Officer George Pilesky investigated.

November 6, 2021 @ 8:21 PM – A resident of Lauri Lane reported their 2021 Acura was stolen from the residence during the overnight hours. The vehicle is reported to have been left unlocked with the ignition key inside. Officer Scott Christofides and Detective Daniel McCue are investigating.

November 9, 2021 @ 10:20 AM – The proprietor of La Familia Ristorante, 671 Harris Avenue, reported a burglary and theft of cash from the business. Officer Paul Steffanelli and Detective Daniel McCue are investigating.

November 10, 2021 @ 3:54 PM – A resident of Cook Avenue reported that on two separate occasions, tires on a vehicle belonging to them were cut. The location where the damage occurred is unknown. Officer Paul Muldowney investigated.

November 13, 2021 @ 6:20 AM – Siraaj I. Price, 23, of Piscataway was charged with DWI during the investigation of a report of a male asleep behind the wheel of a vehicle at South Avenue and Mountain Avenue. Officer Bryan Rodrigues investigated.

November 19, 2021 @ 7:53 PM – A resident of Cook Avenue reported a burglary and theft from their residence which occurred between 9:30 AM and 7:30 PM on November 19^th. Officer Paul Cerreto and Detective Daniel McCue are investigating.

November 20, 2021 @ 12:43 PM – The Middlesex Public Library reported a juvenile vandalized a wall in the library with a marker and pencil. Officer Richard Szymczak investigated.

November 25, 2021 @ 2:34 AM – A resident of Shepherd Avenue reported an individual entered their unlocked vehicle. Officer Scott Mulford and Detective Daniel McCue 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 A/Lt. Chad Corner at (732) 356-1900 extension 330.

Special News Release – November 24, 2021

Chief Matthew P. Geist is proud to announce the following Police Department Annual Awards for 2021. The recipients received their awards during the Middlesex Borough Council meeting on November 23rd, 2021 at 7:00 PM.

Officer Scott Mulford, Officer Anthony Painchaud, and Officer Paul Cerreto each received the Meritorious Service Award, and A/Lieutenant Thomas Carroll, Sergeant Thomas Falk, and A/Sergeant Ryan Skow each received the Honorable Service Award for their actions during the flooding resulting from Hurricane Ida on August 31 to September 1, 2021.

A/Lieutenant Thomas Carroll, Officer Paul Steffanelli, Officer James Morley, Officer Jamie Marczak, Officer Bryan Rodrigues, and each received a Unit Citation Award, and Sergeant Shannon Snook and her K-9 Sergeant Basilone (Somerset County Sheriff’s Office) each received a Certificate of Commendation for their actions during the investigation of an armed robbery to a convenience store on February 26, 2021.

Officer Paul Steffanelli received a Certificate of Commendation for his actions in apprehending two burglary suspects which were being sought by the Piscataway Police Department on August 17, 2021.

“I am extremely proud of the professionalism, bravery, and hard work exhibited by each of the officers being awarded,” remarked Chief Geist. “Each of them utilized their training and performed exceedingly well under pressure,” he added.

Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact A/Lieutenant Chad Corner at (732) 356-1900 extension 330.

Special News Release – October 7, 2021

The Middlesex Borough Police Department to host a FOOD DRIVE to support Middlesex County’s hunger eradication program, REPLENISH.

Chief Matthew P. Geist announced that the Middlesex Borough Police Department and local youth volunteers will be co-hosting a food drive. The food drive will run from October 1st through November 1st. The police department and local youth volunteers joined forces four years ago in support of the mission and the partnership has been going strong ever since. “We will support any opportunity to assist those in our community that need help” said Chief Geist. “Our police officers are proud to partner with our residents, businesses, and civic organizations in support of this important program. Our community has a fantastic reputation of helping those in need and together we can ensure that our neighbors don’t go hungry this winter.”

Last year, the Middlesex Borough team collected over 9,000 pounds, more than 4.5 tons, of food and other essential household items. All donations will benefit REPLENISH, formerly the Middlesex County Food Organization and Outreach Distribution Services (MCFOODS). M.C.F.O.O.D.S. was a program that was created in 1994 and supported local residents in need. This organization provides nonperishable foods to over 140 partner organizations (food pantries, soup kitchens and social service agencies, etc.) across 25 towns in Middlesex County.

Donation boxes provide a “contactless” donation option and will be located at the Middlesex Borough Police Department, Middlesex Borough Public Library, Watchung Elementary School, Parker Elementary School, the SuperFood Fresh Supermarket of Middlesex, the First Bilingual SDA Church, and Camp Bow Wow of Middlesex. Items sought include non-perishable goods (canned or boxed foods, condensed milk, toiletries, diapers and wipes). Perishable, frozen and refrigerated foods, as well as glass jars and bottles, WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Anyone who is interested in placing a donation box at their business, office, school, or building can contact Acting Sergeant Joleen Auricchio by telephone at 732-356-1900 ext. 346 or by email at cp@middlesexpd.com.

News Release – September 3, 2021

August 29, 2021 @ 12:39 A.M. – Roman Coyoy-Monroy, 41, of Manville was arrested and charged with DUI following a report of an erratic driver in the area of Lincoln Boulevard and Mountain Avenue. Officer Anthony Painchaud investigated.

August 29, 2021 @ 9:16 P.M. – Armando Tapia Garcia, 50, of Middlesex was arrested and charged with DUI following a motor vehicle stop in the area of Bound Brook Road and Osterman Avenue. Officer Painchaud investigated.

August 31, 2021 @ 7:44 A.M. – A resident of Park Brook Gardens reported that a license plate was stolen from her vehicle at some point overnight. Officer George Pilesky investigated.

August 31, 2021 @ 8:12 P.M. – A resident reported that she was the victim of fraud. After receiving a phone call from an individual claiming to be affiliated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), she was told that there was a warrant for her arrest and was instructed to purchase $5,000.00 worth of gift cards. After providing this individual with the card numbers and access codes, she realized she had been scammed. Officer Jamie Marczak investigated.

Special News Release – September 1, 2021

Citizens Come Out in Force to Support Middlesex Borough Police Department’s 11th Annual National Night Out

More than one thousand community members came out in support of the Middlesex Police Department’s eleventh annual National Night Out Against Crime in Mountain View Park.

“Success of events such as these depend on the strong support and participation of our citizens. As expected, they did not disappoint,” stated Middlesex Police Chief Matthew P. Geist. “We enjoyed seeing both new and familiar faces as we continue to bolster police-community partnerships,” Chief Geist added.

Those in attendance were treated to free cotton candy, beverages and ice cream. Eventgoers also enjoyed many games, bounce houses and train rides. DJs from Flashover Entertainment of Middlesex made sure that the fun didn’t stop. Members of the Middlesex Fire Department, the Middlesex Rescue Squad and the Middlesex OEM proudly displayed their vehicles and equipment. The Middlesex Public Library, Office of Aging, Department of Public Works and Board of Education, as well as many other civic groups, organizations and businesses also participated. “Replenish” (formerly known as MCFOODS) collected canned goods to assist those who are less fortunate. In addition, Middlesex County provided free COVID-19 vaccinations.

“We greatly appreciate everyone who assisted us to ensure that last night was a success,” said Chief Geist. “We look forward to next year’s event, which is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022.”

News Release – August 6, 2021

July 30, 2021 @ 9:54 P.M. – Cinthya S. Molero, 30, of Plainfield was arrested and charged with DUI, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Refusal to be Fingerprinted following a motor vehicle stop on North Lincoln Avenue. Officers Anthony Painchaud and Robert Dangler investigated.

August 1, 2021 @ 4:49 P.M. – Ahmad D. Goodwin, 25, of Middlesex was arrested and charged as a Fugitive from Justice after it was learned that he had an outstanding warrant issued by the Hampton (Virginia) Police Department. Mr. Goodwin was remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Facility. Officer Paul Cerreto investigated.

August 3, 2021 @ 10:36 P.M. – Alyssa N. Pasquino, 25, of Alpharetta, Georgia was arrested and charged with DUI and Resisting Arrest following a report of an erratic driver in the area of Route 28 and Washington Avenue. Officers Paul Steffanelli and Jamie Marczak investigated.

August 5, 2021 @ 11:15 A.M., 2:24 P.M. & 7:03 P.M. – Three different borough residents reported overnight thefts of catalytic converters from Honda CRVs. The total reported value of the three thefts was $7,452.68. Officers Scott Christofides, Scott Mulford and Paul Muldowney investigated.

As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Detective Sean Flanagan at (732) 356-1900 extension 313.

Special News Release – July 23, 2021

Police Investigation Leads to Child Endangerment Charges

Chief Matthew P. Geist of the Middlesex Police Department announced the arrest of Robert Arroyo, 23, of Newark. Mr. Arroyo was charged with Terroristic Threats, Stalking, Invasion of Privacy and two counts of Endangering the Welfare of a Minor following an eight-month investigation conducted by the Middlesex Police Department.

With the assistance of the Newark Police Department, Detectives Sean Flanagan and Daniel McCue arrested Mr. Arroyo at his home in Newark on July 22, 2021. He was later remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Facility.

In November of 2020, the Middlesex Police Department received a report that an online acquaintance had recorded compromising photographs and videos of an underage borough girl. When the girl attempted to end communications with him, he threatened to share the photographs and videos with her family on various social media platforms.

Through numerous court orders and with assistance from the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office’s Tech Ops Unit, as well as the New York State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, detectives were able to identify Mr. Arroyo as the suspect.

Special News Release – July 21, 2021

ARMED ROBBERY ARREST

Middlesex Borough Police Chief Matthew P. Geist announced the arrest of Kiymani Johnson, 18, of Parlin. Mr. Johnson was charged with Robbery and Conspiracy in connection with an armed robbery that occurred in Middlesex on March 30, 2021.

On that date, at 8:10 P.M., Middlesex Police Headquarters received a 9-1-1 call reporting an armed robbery in the area of Route 28 and Marlborough Avenue. Middlesex Police Officers Jamie Marczak, Bryan Rodrigues and Robert Dangler responded to the scene and began obtaining information. It was learned that the 16 year-old victim was riding his bicycle when he was robbed at knifepoint by two males. After the suspects took the victim’s designer brand backpack, they entered a vehicle and left the area.

Through investigation, it was determined that Mr. Johnson was one of the individuals involved in the robbery. This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sean Flanagan at (732)356-1900 ext. 313 or at sflanagan@middlesexpd.com.

As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against the defendant are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

News Release for June 7, 2021

May 24, 2021 @ 12:40 P.M. – A resident of Beechwood Avenue reported the theft of a package from the front porch of his residence. A review of footage captured by the resident’s doorbell camera revealed that the package was delivered to the residence at 2:20 P.M. on Sunday, May 23, 2021 and removed from the porch at 3:26 A.M. on May 24, 2021. The package contained a reported $40.00 worth of coffee products. Officer Robert Dangler investigated.

May 30, 2020 @ 8:30 P.M. – Jorge A. Lopez-Guillen, 37, of Plainfield was arrested and charged with DUI following a motor vehicle stop on Lincoln Boulevard at Clinton Avenue. Officer James Morley investigated.

May 31, 2021 @ 3:54 P.M. – A resident of Runyon Avenue reported that, while she was walking in the roadway on Runyon Avenue, she was struck on her right buttocks by the operator of a passing motor vehicle. The victim reported that the actor, who was operating a maroon-colored SUV, approached her from behind. She reported that the vehicle passed in close proximity to her as the driver smacked her buttocks with the palm of his hand. The victim reported that she was not injured by the assault. Officer Paul Muldowney and Detective Sean Flanagan investigated.

June 3, 2021 @ 1:49 P.M. – Deborah A. Lepski, 65, of Piscataway was arrested and charged with shoplifting $19.55 worth of merchandise from the Dollar General store, 294 Lincoln Boulevard. Ms. Lepski was released on her own recognizance. Officer James Dolinski 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 News Release – February 26, 2021

ARMED ROBBERY

Middlesex Police nab armed robbery suspect with help from Somerset County Sheriff’s Office K-9 “Basilone”

Middlesex Borough Police Chief Matthew P. Geist announced the arrest of Garrett W. Lake, a 31-year-old borough resident, in connection with last night’s armed robbery of the Quick Stop convenience store.

At 9:02 P.M. on Thursday, February 25, 2021, Middlesex Police Headquarters received a 9-1-1 call reporting an armed robbery of the Quick Stop convenience store. The caller, the store’s proprietor, reported that he was robbed at knifepoint by a male subject that took an undetermined amount of cash from the store’s cash register drawers. Both the caller and a witness stated that the suspect was last seen running west along Bound Brook Road. Middlesex Police Officers Bryan Rodrigues, James Morley and Jamie Marczak and Detective Paul Steffanelli were dispatched, obtained detailed physical and clothing descriptions of the suspect and checked the area.

After an initial search of the area failed to turn up the suspect, Somerset County Sheriff’s Officer Shannon Snook and her K-9 partner, “Basilone”, were summoned to the scene. “Basilone”, who counts human tracking among his many talents, quickly picked up the suspect’s scent and tracked him to the second floor of a North Lincoln Avenue residence. There, officers located and arrested Mr. Lake.

The clothing described by witnesses, the knife described by the store’s proprietor and the cash believed to be taken from the store were also located at the residence. Mr. Lake was charged with Robbery, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Terroristic Threats, Possession of Heroin and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center in North Brunswick.

“I am extremely proud of the resourcefulness displayed by our officers,” remarked Chief Geist. “Their investigative prowess and the remarkable capabilities of Officer Shannon Snook and K-9 ‘Basilone’ were undoubtedly responsible for Mr. Lake’s swift apprehension. We are very grateful for the timely assistance provided by Somerset County Sheriff’s Office,” added 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@middlesexpd.com.

Special News Release – January 14, 2021

Six Middlesex Police Officers Earn Life Saving Resuscitation Save Awards

Chief Matthew P. Geist announced that six officers received Life Saving Resuscitation Save Awards, honoring them for their prompt and professional actions in saving the lives of three Middlesex residents in 2020.

Officer Richard Szymczak and Officer Colin DeVincenzo each received a Life Saving Resuscitation Save Award for their actions on February 25, 2020. On that date, Officer Szymczak and Officer DeVincenzo responded to the ACME Supermarket on a report that a man had collapsed outside of the store entrance. While the officers were en route, it was reported that the man’s face was turning blue and he was unresponsive. Officer Szymczak and Officer DeVincenzo arrived on scene, began CPR and utilized an AED to administer three shocks to the patient. He was then transported to the hospital and survived.

Officer James Dolinski received a Life Saving Resuscitation Save Award and Officer DeVincenzo received a second Life Saving Resuscitation Save Award for their actions on May 19, 2020. On that date, Officer Dolinski and Officer DeVincenzo responded to a Middlesex residence for a report of an unresponsive female. Officer Dolinski and Officer DeVincenzo arrived on scene and while conducting their assessment, observed that the patient’s face was blue and that she was not breathing. After the officers began CPR, the patient began breathing. She was then transported to the hospital and survived.

Officer Joleen Auricchio, Officer Scott Christofides and Officer Paul Muldowney each received a Life Saving Resuscitation Save Award for their actions on October 4, 2020. On that date, Officer. Auricchio, Officer Christofides and Officer Muldowney responded to a Middlesex residence for a report of a male who was not breathing. The officers arrived on location and observed that the patient was lying on the driveway of the residence. The officers assessed the patient and determined that he had an altered state of consciousness and was having difficulty breathing. The officers administered rescue breathing and oxygen, however, the patient’s condition continued to deteriorate to the point that he stopped breathing and no longer had a pulse. The officers then began CPR. He was transported to the hospital and survived.

“I am extremely proud of the swift life-saving actions taken by the six officers,” remarked Chief Geist. “Each of them utilized their training and performed exceedingly well under pressure,” he added.

In addition, Chief Geist presented a Certificate of Commendation to Lieutenant Craig Comiskey, recognizing him for completing a remarkable 26 years of service without recording a single sick day. “We thank Lieutenant Comiskey for his incredible display of dedication to the Borough of Middlesex,” said Chief Geist.

Chief Geist also recognized Detective Sean Flanagan, Officer George Pilesky and Officer Jamie Marczak for their perfect attendance in 2020.

Should you have any questions or require clarification regarding the information provided, please contact Captain Frank DeNick at (732) 356-1900 extension 320.