News Release for November 11, 2020
October 26, 2020 @ 8:32 A.M. – The proprietor of Seven Wonders Construction, 428 Lincoln Boulevard reported the theft of a catalytic converter. Investigation revealed that at some time after 6 P.M. on October 24, 2020, an unknown actor(s) used a cutting tool to remove the item from a 1996 Ford E350 Club Wagon that was parked behind the business. The value of the catalytic converter was reported to be $600.00. Officer George Pilesky investigated.
October 29, 2020 @ 9:51 A.M. – The proprietor of Hall Brothers Automotive, 302 Union Avenue reported the attempted theft of a vehicle parked on the property of the business. Through investigation, it was determined that at some point after October 24, 2020, an unknown actor(s) damaged both the driver and passenger door locking mechanisms, as well as the steering column of a 1990 Ford Mustang. The theft attempt resulted in a reported $1,000.00 in damage to the vehicle. Officer James Dolinski investigated.
November 1, 2020 @ 8:32 P.M. – Kyle L. Butler, 52, of Jersey City was arrested for DUI following a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Bound Brook Road and Grove Avenue. Officer James Morley investigated.
November 4, 2020 @ 12:28 P.M. – A Parker Elementary School crossing guard reported the theft of a pedestrian safety crosswalk sign. Investigation revealed that the item was removed at some time overnight on November 3, 2020. The sign’s value was reported as $349.00. School Resource Officer Joleen Auricchio 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 October 13, 2020
September 23, 2020 @ 5:58 A.M. – Angel D. Cruz, 48, of Plainfield was arrested and charged with DUI and Being Under the Influence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance following a motor vehicle stop on Lincoln Boulevard at E Street. He was released on his own recognizance. Officer Jamie Marczak investigated.
September 24, 2020 @ 7:57 A.M. – An employee of Republic Services, 120 Baekeland Avenue reported the theft of various parts from different motor vehicles on the property at a time or at times between mid-July and the present. The value of the items stolen was reported as $620.00. Officer George Pilesky investigated.
October 2, 2020 @ 9:28 P.M. – Three borough youths reported that their bicycles were stolen from Mountain View Park’s Memorial Field. Investigation revealed that the youths left their bicycles unattended and unlocked while they attended a football game. Officer Bryan Rodrigues investigated.
October 7, 2020 @ 6:01 P.M. – An employee of Nutra Bio, 564 Lincoln Boulevard reported that she was the victim of a fraud. After receiving a work email from an individual claiming to be the company’s Chief Executive Officer, she was instructed through text messages to purchase $2,000.00 worth of Google Play gift cards for clients and was assured that she would be reimbursed afterward. After providing this individual with the PIN numbers of all of the gift cards, she realized that she was not communicating with her company’s CEO and had been scammed. Officer George Pilesky investigated.
October 7, 2020 @ 6:31 P.M. – A resident reported that her son’s Diamondback Cobra youth mountain bicycle, valued at $200.00, was stolen at the Middlesex High School earlier in the afternoon. The bicycle was left unattended and unlocked. Officer Scott Christofides investigated.
October 8, 2020 @ 2:31 P.M. – Nikita Pertsev, 26, and Simon D. Jakob, 24, both of Brooklyn, NY were charged with Shoplifting and Conspiracy. Through investigation it was determined that on July 24, 2020, the men unsuccessfully attempted to steal Rogaine and cold medication from the CVS Pharmacy, 1252 Bound Brook Road. Officer Anthony Painchaud 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 September 25, 2020
September 9, 2020 @ 4:42 P.M. – A resident of Rutherford Court reported that he was the victim of fraud. While attempting to make an online video game purchase from what he believed had been a legitimate seller, the victim transferred $130.00 through a mobile application, only to realize afterward that the other party was a scammer. Officer Scott Christofides investigated.
September 14, 2020 @ 08:34 A.M. – The proprietor of Cousin LawnCare reported the theft of two backpack leaf blowers, valued at $1,100.00. Investigation revealed that during the previous weekend, an unknown actor(s) gained access into a commercial storage yard at 197 South Avenue, cut a lock that had secured the leaf blowers and removed them. Officer Scott Christofides investigated.
September 17, 2020 @ 8:48 P.M. – A resident of Hazelwood Avenue reported that he was the victim of a fraud. After calling what he thought was a legitimate online Apple technical support service to assist with a cell phone issue that he was experiencing, the individual on the phone convinced the victim to download an application that allowed him to gain access to the victim’s cell phone. After doing so, the same individual transferred $1,500.00 from the victim’s checking account, assuring him that it would be refunded after a “verification process.” The victim soon determined that he had been scammed. The money was not refunded. Officer Jamie Marczak investigated.
September 18, 2020 @ 9:03 A.M. – The proprietor of Competitive Plumbing & Heating Inc. reported the theft of a 1988 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck. Investigation revealed that an unknown actor(s) entered a construction site at 65 Baekeland Avenue and committed the theft at some point overnight. The vehicle had been left unlocked and unattended, with the ignition key left inside the passenger compartment. The total value of the vehicle and its contents was reported to be $2,750.00. The vehicle was later recovered in Jersey City. Officer Scott Christofides investigated.
September 20, 2020 @ 9:13 P.M. – The proprietor of Gotcha Towing & Recovery, 800 William Street reported the theft of a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck. Investigation revealed that an unknown actor(s) forcibly entered the tow yard and removed the vehicle at some point earlier in the day. The vehicle’s value was reported as $25,000.00. 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.
News Release for July 17, 2020
July 1, 2020 @ 9:00 A.M. – Keith T. Tippett, 43, of Piscataway was charged with Shoplifting. On June 9, 2020, the manager of Dollar General, 294 Lincoln Boulevard, reported that a male subject had fled their store after having stolen cold medication and shampoo. With the assistance of the Dunellen Police Department, Mr. Tippett was identified as the shoplifter. Officer James Morley and Detective Sean Flanagan investigated.
April 20, 2020, at 6:49 A.M. – Adam D. Zengel, 23, of Newark was charged with Shoplifting in connection with the April 20, 2020 theft of 2 cartons of Newport 100 cigarettes, 1 carton of Newport cigarettes and 1 bottled soft drink from the 7-Eleven store, 1280 Bound Brook Road. Officer Colin DeVincenzo and Detective Daniel McCue investigated.
June 26, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. – Jamal L. Boone, 35, of Middlesex was charged with Theft by Unlawful Taking and Burglary. On May 24, 2020 at 5:42 P.M., an employee of Optimum reported that his company vehicle, a purple in color, 2012 Ford Transit Connect containing communications equipment and other miscellaneous items, was stolen from the parking lot at 7-Eleven store, 1280 Bound Brook Road. The vehicle, with a value reported as $18,995.00, was later found abandoned in Piscataway. Investigation revealed that Mr. Boone committed the theft. Officer George Pilesky 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 Captain Frank DeNick at (732) 356-1900 extension 320 or at fdenick@middlesexpd.com.
SPECIAL NEWS RELEASE – June 8, 2020
Borough man charged with arson for causing three Middlesex fires
Middlesex County Acting Prosecutor Christopher L.C. Kuberiet and Chief Matthew P. Geist of the Middlesex Police Department said a 59-year-old Middlesex man was arrested today and charged with setting three fires in the Borough on June 2, 2020.
Christopher Ferraro, 59, of Middlesex has been charged with three counts of arson in the third degree, and three counts of causing or risking widespread injury or damage in the fourth degree.
He was arrested and charged during an investigation by the Middlesex Police Department, the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, the Middlesex Borough Fire Department, and the Middlesex County Fire Marshal’s Office.
During the investigation, it was determined that on June 2, 2020 between the hours of 10:15 pm and 11:14 pm, Ferraro set three fires in the area of Lincoln Boulevard and Union Avenue.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sean Flanagan of the Middlesex Police Department at (732) 356-1900 ext. 313, or Detective Schroeck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4194.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Ferraro are merely accusations and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Note to editors: Questions may be directed to Andrea Boulton, Public Information Officer, at (732) 743-5336 or mcpopress@co.middlesex.nj.us
Special News Release – April 22, 2020
Police Chase Results in Arrest
At 1:21 a.m. this morning, Middlesex Police Officer Paul Cerreto was on patrol when he observed a vehicle that matched the description of a car that was stolen from South Bound Brook two hours earlier.
Officer Cerreto quickly confirmed that the vehicle was, in fact, the vehicle reported stolen from South Bound Brook and attempted to initiate a motor vehicle stop on Cap Lane at Second Street. The actor, a 17-year-old Somerset male, sped off in the vehicle with Officer Cerreto in pursuit. The pursuit continued onto westbound US Highway 28 and ended minutes later when the driver lost control of the vehicle and crashed near the intersection of Hazelwood Avenue. The driver was taken into custody without incident and charged with Possession of Stolen Property and Eluding in a Motor Vehicle. He was released to the custody of a parent.
“Fortunately, no one was injured as a result of the extremely reckless and irresponsible actions of the defendant”, remarked Police Chief Matthew P. Geist, “I am proud of Officer Cerreto, as I am of all of our officers, who continue to show up every day, undaunted, and keep us all safe under very, very difficult conditions.”
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 26, 2020
February 15, 2020 @ 4:31 A.M. – Denis A. Shmuleson, 34, of Cliffwood was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia following a motor vehicle stop on Warrenville Road at Lonanbe Drive. Mr. Shmuleson was released on his own recognizance. Officer Robert Dangler investigated.
February 16, 2020 @ 7:47 P.M. – a Highland Park resident reported the theft and the unauthorized use of a credit card. The victim reported that, on this date, her Bank of America debit card was taken from her wallet after she left it unattended while visiting at a North Lincoln Avenue residence. The victim also reported that she learned that the debit card was used at an ATM in Middlesex on this date and that $220.00 in cash was withdrawn from her account. Officer Paul Cerreto investigated.
February 17, 2020 @ 11:39 A.M. – The proprietor of The Locker Man, 207 Lincoln Boulevard reported the theft of a snow blower. Investigation revealed that the Honda brand, two stage, 28-inch snow blower was removed from the rear of the property some time during the three-week period from January 28 to February 17. The snow blower’s value was reported as $2,500.00. Officer Scott Christofides investigated.
February 23, 2020 @ 3:15 A.M. – Christian Villanueva-Morales, 27, of Elizabeth was arrested and charged with DUI following a motor vehicle crash on Lincoln Boulevard near South Lincoln Avenue. Officer James Morley 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 14, 2020
February 5, 2020 @ 5:27 P.M. – David J. Grek, 37, of Middlesex was charged with Possession of a Toxic Chemical for the Purpose of Causing Intoxication. Officer Paul Cerreto investigated a report of a suspicious person near the rear of the CVS Pharmacy, 1252 Bound Brook Road, encountered Mr. Grek there and determined that he was in possession of two cans of electronics cleaner.
February 5, 2020 @ 7:28 P.M. – A resident of Wood Avenue reported a burglary and a theft. Investigation revealed that an unknown actor(s) entered the residence and removed a Sentry brand safe from a bedroom therein. The safe, valued at $160.00, was reported to have contained personal papers. Officer Jamie Marczak investigated.
February 8, 2019 @ 2:27 A.M. – Aneudy Rivas-Ovalle, 27, of North Plainfield was arrested and charged with DUI following a motor vehicle stop on Bound Brook Road at Marlborough Avenue. Officer Anthony Painchaud investigated.
February 14, 2020 @ 2:14 A.M. – Michael T. Jannuzzi, 49, of Middlesex was arrested and charged with DUI. Officers investigating a report of an erratic driver located and arrested Mr. Jannuzzi. 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.
News Release for February 3, 2020
January 21, 2020 @ 4:51 P.M. – A resident of Madison Avenue reported a theft of a package from her the front porch of her residence. The package was reported to contain a beer stein valued at $20.95. Officer Paul Muldowney investigated.
January 22, 2020 @ 2:15 P.M. – Sheldon C. Evans, 37, of Middlesex was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe. Officer Robert Dangler observed Mr. Evans walking on South Lincoln Avenue, arrested him on a warrant that had been issued by the Middlesex Borough Municipal Court and determined him to be in possession of marijuana and two hypodermic syringes. Mr. Evans was turned over to the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office on a warrant issued by that agency.
January 23, 2019 @ 12:16 P.M. – An employee of ColorCoat Inc., 207 Pond Avenue, reported the theft of a purse and its contents. The purse, which was said to have contained a Samsung Galaxy Note 9 phone and some items of food, was reportedly left atop a microwave oven in a dining area within the business. The value of the purse and phone was reported as $935.00. Officer Robert Dangler investigated.
January 23, 2020 @ 2:32 P.M. – John H. Keiser IV, 30, of Middlesex was arrested and charged with Possession of Heroin and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe. Officers investigating a disturbance at a Lynn Avenue residence encountered Mr. Keiser and determined that he was in possession of heroin and a syringe. Mr. Keiser was released on his own recognizance. Officer Robert Dangler investigated.
January 24, 2020 @ 11:47 P.M. – a residence of Foxhall Condominiums reported the theft of a 2005 Cadillac SRX. The vehicle, with a value reported at $7,000.00, was reportedly parked in the lot of the condominium complex when it was taken. Officer James Morley 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.
Two Arrested for Arson of Commercial Building
Middlesex County Acting Prosecutor Christopher L.C. Kuberiet and Chief Matthew P. Geist of the Middlesex Police Department said two men from Middlesex Borough have been arrested and charged in connection to the arson and burglary of a commercial building in the Borough late yesterday evening.
Ryan Deahl, 18, of Middlesex was arrested today and charged with arson, conspiracy to commit arson, burglary, and conspiracy to commit burglary; all third-degree crimes. In addition, Deahl was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia; both disorderly person offenses.
Eric Mejia-Vides, 18, also of Middlesex was arrested today and charged with conspiracy to commit arson, burglary, and conspiracy to commit burglary, all third-degree crimes.
On January 15, 2020, at approximately 11:53 pm, the Middlesex Police Department and the Middlesex Fire Department were dispatched to the area of the 800 block of Lincoln Boulevard on the report of a smoke condition.
Responding to the fire were also members of the Dunellen Fire Department, the Middlesex County Fire Marshal’s Office, the Robert Wood Johnson Emergency Medical Services, and the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
One firefighter was injured in the fire.
Deahl and Mejia-Vides were arrested and charged during an investigation by Detective Sean Flanagan of the Middlesex Police Department and Detective Kevin Schroeck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office.
Acting Prosecutor Kuberiet commends the quick response of the Middlesex Police Department which determined that the cause of the fire was of a criminal nature.
Middlesex Police Chief Geist remarked, “The Middlesex Fire Department quickly and efficiently extinguished the fire, preventing damage to nearby buildings,” he added, “Our police officers did an outstanding job of quickly determining that the fire resulted from criminal activity, then identifying and apprehending those responsible.” “I’m very proud of our officers and I’m proud of our fire department.”
The investigation is active and is continuing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Flanagan of the Middlesex Police Department at (732) 356-1900 ext. 313, or Detective Schroeck of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-4194.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Deahl and Mejia-Vides are merely accusations and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
News Release for Fatal Train Accident
STATEMENT FROM NEW JERSEY TRANSIT
At approximately 8:12 a.m. Raritan Valley Line train 5711, which departed Newark Penn Station at 7:21 a.m. and was scheduled to arrive in High Bridge at 8:52 a.m. struck a motor vehicle at the Cedar Ave. grade crossing in Middlesex. Two adult female occupants of the motor vehicle are deceased. No injuries were reported to the crew or approximately 30 customers on board at the time. Currently, Raritan Valley Line Rail Service is suspended in both directions between Plainfield and Raritan. New Jersey Transit Police are on scene leading the investigation.
STATEMENT FROM MIDDLESEX BOROUGH MAYOR JOHN MADDEN
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life that resulted from this morning’s crash”, commented Mayor Madden. “We will assist our partners at New Jersey Transit as they work to determine the cause of the crash. Our thoughts and our prayers are with the victims and their families.”
UPDATE
The vehicle’s occupants were identified as Florence Obado, 73, of New Brunswick and Susan Mazurek, 44, of Middlesex. Ms. Obado was operating the vehicle at the time of the crash. Rail service on the Raritan Valley Line was restored shortly before 2:00 p.m.