July 19, 2023

LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–On Monday, July 17, 2023, Lawrence Township Police Detective Dean Sawasky was conducting surveillance in the area of the United States Post Office (Circle Branch) located at 2601 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville, NJ. Surveillance was being conducted as a result of the recent uptick of mail theft incidents occurring from U.S. Postal mailboxes in the area.

At approximately 2:35 a.m., Detective Sawasky observed a white sport utility vehicle drop off a passenger along Brunswick Pike in front of the Post Office. The SUV then proceeded into a nearby business parking lot. The passenger of the vehicle that was dropped off was observed by Detective Sawasky attempting to enter the Post Office mailbox in the parking lot of the post office.

As Detective Sawasky approached the suspect at the mailbox, the suspect fled on foot and out of sight of the Detective. Prior to the suspect fleeing, evidence of the attempted burglary to the mailbox was left behind and recovered by police.

Detective Sawasky and assisting Lawrence Township Police Offices then approached the suspect white SUV. Yefry Hernandez-Martinez (30-year-old male, 1200 block of Woodycrest St, Bronx, NY) was arrested and charged with criminal attempt burglary. Hernandez-Martinez was released from custody on a criminal complaint summons.  

The investigation is continuing and anyone with information regarding the theft of mail is asked to contact Detective Sawasky at 609-844-7125 or dsawasky@lawrencetwp.com.

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