September 14, 2022

EWING TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Ewing Township Police report that over the last several weeks, our area has experienced a large increase in the theft of catalytic converters from vehicles. On Sunday, September 11, 2022 at approximately 3:55 a.m., Officer David Massi was on routine patrol on Troy Avenue when he observed a male crouching behind a vehicle that was parked on the street. When Officer Massi attempted to conduct an investigatory stop, the male fled on foot. Officer Massi gave chase and relayed his location to responding officers who were able to set up a perimeter. The male (identified as Anthony Riggins, 49-year-old male from Trenton, NJ) was subsequently located by Officer Massi hiding in tall grass on the lot of 320 Robbins Avenue. After a brief struggle, Riggins was taken into custody. After taking Riggins into custody, a search found him to be in possession of drug paraphernalia as well as a pill bottle containing suspected crack cocaine. Officer Massi then returned to the area where he first encountered Riggins. At that location, officers located a discarded Sawzall cutting tool on the ground by the vehicle where Riggins was initially observed. Officers also located a black backpack which contained an NJ identification card belonging to Riggins, 14 used Sawzall blades, a screwdriver and a Gerber multi-tool.

Riggins was charged with the following offenses: Resisting Arrest by Flight, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing Administration of Law, Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of Burglar’s Tools, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.