TRENTON – ROBBINSVILLE – ALLENTOWN, NJ — The National Weather Service forecast states a chance of snow showers between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Partly sunny, with a high near 37F. Breezy, with a west wind of 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%. Little or no snow accumulation expected.
Tonight, will be mostly clear, with a low around 22F. West wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Snow falls in the Allentown – Robbinsville, New Jersey area the moring of November 28, 2023
Good morning! The cold air has arrived and some flakes of snow may soon follow! It will be a blustery day with highs mostly in the 30s but winds gusting 25 to 35 mph making it feel a good 10-15 degrees colder. Also, lake effect flurries and snow showers have been ongoing across portions of central and western PA and as we head into the day today, some of these are likely to make it into eastern PA beginning this morning. It’s even possible some of these could briefly be on the heavier side especially across portions of Chester County north through the Lehigh Valley into the southern Poconos. Be alert for rapidly changing visibility and slippery roads!
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Area firefighters were in Cranbury for a small fire at 61 Maplewood Ave at the Elms of Cranbury that was extinguished and just started to clear the scene as multiple 9-1-1 calls were received for a fire on Broad Street in Hightstown at 8:10 a.m. Firefighters confirmed a column of smoke in the air and called a 2nd-Alarm enroute to the scene. Upon arrival firefighters found a shed type structure at a moving and storage facility well involved in fire. At least four hose lines were used to knock down the fire and a 5″ supply line was used to connect to a hydrant near corner of Franklin and Broad Streets. The firefighters. At the time of this report firefighters have the fire extinguished but will remain on scene for extensive overhaul.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–At 11:37 p.m. last night August 14, 2023, Hightstown Fire Company and Robbinsville Fire Department responded to a fully engulfed van fire on the NJ Turnpike south bound inner roadway by mile post 65 near Old York Road, South of Exit 8. Firefighters arrived and quickly extinguished the fire. The small work/utility type van that was said to be carrying HVAC Parts. The fire was completely extinguished in about 10 minutes. There was no information available about the cause of the fire. The New Jersey State Police is investigating.
Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone and Captain Michelle Pilch, Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the Piscataway Police Department announced today that a Hightstown man has been charged in connection with a home invasion that occurred on Thursday afternoon, July 6, 2023.
On Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 1:24 P.M., authorities responded to a residence in Piscataway after receiving a 911 call reporting an assault. Upon their arrival the Piscataway Police Department located the victim, an adult female, who had sustained injuries and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
An initial investigation by the Piscataway Police Department revealed that the victim was sexually assaulted. Further investigation by Detective Sean Morelli of the Piscataway Police Department and Detective Daniela Castro of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit determined that Justin Surofsky, 26, of Hightstown was the assailant.
On Thursday, July 6, 2023, Surofsky was arrested in East Windsor without incident and charged with two counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, first- degree Criminal Attempt-Murder, second-degree Burglary, third-degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, second-degree Kidnapping, third-degree Criminal Restraint, second-degree Aggravated Assault, and first-degree Robbery. Surofsky presently is lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of a pre- trial detention hearing in Superior Court.
The investigation is active and continuing. Anyone with information or surveillance footage is asked to call Detective Morelli of the Piscataway Police Department at (732) 562-2355 or Detective Castro of the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office at (732) 745-3652.
As is the case with all criminal defendants, the charges against Surofsky are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Justin Surofsky, 26, of Hightstown. On Thursday, July 6, 2023, Surofsky was arrested in East Windsor without incident and charged with two counts of first-degree Aggravated Sexual Assault, first- degree Criminal Attempt-Murder, second-degree Burglary, third-degree Aggravated Criminal Sexual Contact, second-degree Kidnapping, third-degree Criminal Restraint, second-degree Aggravated Assault, and first-degree Robbery. Surofsky presently is lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correctional Center pending the results of a pre- trial detention hearing in Superior Court.
NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ (MIDDLESEX)–Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone announced today that a man charged with Aggravated Manslaughter, Vehicular Homicide, and Assault by Auto has been sentenced to 6 years in prison.
On June 28, 2022, at approximately 11:50 P.M., on Route 130 in North Brunswick Township a 2016 Toyota Highlander driven by Egrevel Vasquez-Garcia, 28, of Hightstown, struck a Jeep Patriot driven by Levelt Alexis, Jr. at a high rate of speed causing Mr. Alexis’ death. The Highlander then crossed into oncoming lanes of travel where it struck other vehicles. Investigation revealed that Vasquez-Garcia was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.
On February 21, 2023, Vasquez-Garcia pled guilty to second-degree Vehicular Homicide and Driving While Intoxicated. Superior Court Judge Thomas
J. Buck, J.S.C., sentenced Vasquez-Garcia to 6 years in state prison pursuant to the No Early Release Act. Vasquez-Garcia must serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole and his driver’s license will also be suspended for ten years upon his release from prison.
Hightstown Police Department, Lt. Benjamin L. Miller reports that the missing 14-Year-Old has been located safe.
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–The Hightstown Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance with locating a 14-year-old missing juvenile.
On Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at approximately 7:32 p.m., a parent reported that their daughter, 14-year-old Emily Montenegro-Ortiz, missing. Emily was last observed at Hightstown High School, on the same date, June 21, 2023, at 12 p.m. Emily was carrying a black, Nike backpack and wearing a gray sweatshirt, black/red checkered sweatpants, and white/black Converse shoes, at the time Emily went missing.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the detective bureau at 609-448-1234 x 540 or may leave a tip on the department’s tip line at 609-448-1234 and press option #2. Anonymous tips are welcome, which may also be provided via the department’s website at: www.hightstownpolice.com under the “Information” tab. Thank you for any and all assistance.
Author Cameran Sassman signing her book at Randy Now’s Man Cave in Hightstown on June 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m.
June 21, 2023
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–A graduate of Steinert High School (Class of 1990), Sassman grew up in Hamilton Square.
She recently published a book about her life as a teenager growing up during the 80s in central suburban NJ and framing the story around the punk rock/alternative music shows that she went to while in high school. The book, In Between Shows, The A Sides, is semi-autobiographical, captures her love of the music scene as well many adventures and misadventures in love and friendship.
“My book also pays loving homage to my hometown and beloved Garden State” says Sassman. “I included so many references to past and present-day New Jersey icons from Little King Deli, Rock Dreams Records, Golden Dawn Diner, Mastori’s Diner, Vito’s Pizza, Thomas Sweet Ice Cream, The Princeton Record Exchange, Princeton Marketfair, Italian Peoples Bakery to the Seaside Boardwalk and Island Beach State Park and most importantly the iconic City Gardens in Trenton.
My book is not only a love letter to the people in my life from those formative teenage years, but a love letter to my hometown and the place that shaped the person that I have become.” Soul food for people of a certain age, In Between Shows, The A Sides will speak to anyone touched deeply by the intoxicating, enchanting world we enter when the venue doors swing open. “Even though my experiences are from a different time, I truly believe my story is timeless and universal” says Sassman. “Being a teenager at any point in time is not for the faint of heart. It wasn’t easy to go back and relive some of the moments I wrote about, but I hope that sharing my story may help some people feel less alone.” In a sweaty rock club, we shed the trappings of workaday life. There are no cliques, no politics. Just a sea of humanity, joined together by shared euphoria.
Author Cameran Sassman signing her book In Between Shows, The A Sides Saturday, June 24 th 2pm – 4pm Randy Now’s Man Cave 119 W Ward St, Hightstown, NJ 08520
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Rise, a nonprofit organization that assists local families and individuals in recovering from setbacks and achieving their full potential, has been named a 2023 Champion in Action® by Citizens in the category of Youth Summer Workforce Programming. The award includes $35,000 in unrestricted funding as well as significant promotional and volunteer support in recognition of the organization’s critical work.
“Congratulations to Rise on being selected as Citizens’ inaugural Champion in Action in New Jersey. Your exceptional summer workforce program provides local youth with valuable training and the necessary skills to be successful business leaders. We are proud to support Rise and its dedication to developing the workforce of the future,” said Domenick Cama, President, New York and New Jersey Metro Region, Citizens.
By teaching young people how to approach challenges with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, entrepreneurship education at Rise helps them develop important life skills and increases their chances of success in whatever they choose to do. The Champions in Action funding will be used for summer youth entrepreneurship learning opportunities to help build business skills for local at-risk youth by providing salary for instructors and motivational speakers, trips to colleges and other special destinations, and supplies to keep the program running and activities interesting.
“We are incredibly grateful for Citizens generous contribution of $35,000 to support our Champions in Action project, focusing on youth entrepreneurship,” said Leslie Koppel, Executive Director of Rise. “I can’t wait to see this program’s positive impact on our students as they build confidence, develop their creativity, and learn essential business skills. Thank you for your support and helping us make a difference in our community by empowering and nurturing the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs.”
Citizens created the Champions in Action program in 2002 to address the unique social challenges faced by communities it serves. The initiative rewards established nonprofit organizations, to help them reach the next level. Citizens has expanded its signature Champions in Action program to include the New Jersey market, with Rise being the inaugural Champion this year. Over more than 20 years, the program has awarded upwards of $10 million in contributions and promotional support to more than 370 nonprofits across the bank’s footprint.
CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ (CAPE MAY) – Cape May County Prosecutor Jeffrey H. Sutherland, and Chief Robert Regalbuto of the Wildwood Police Department announce the arrest of DaJohn L. Taylor, 18 years old from Hightstown, NJ for first degree murder charges.
On June 11, 2023, at approximately 2:23 a.m., the Wildwood Police Department received an emergency 911 telephone call for a disturbance in the area of Magnolia and Atlantic Avenue. Shortly thereafter, officers from the Wildwood Police Department responded to the scene and discovered Kaiden Braithwaite, 20 years old from Cliffwood, NJ deceased from numerous stab wounds.
On this same date, detectives from the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and the Wildwood Police Department responded to the scene and immediately initiated a homicide investigation. The initial investigation revealed that one (1) group of individuals were walking by 307 East Magnolia Avenue at approximately 2:15 a.m. and had a verbal argument with a 2nd group of individuals standing on the porch of the above-mentioned residence. The verbal dispute escalated to physical altercation at which time, DaJohn Taylor stabbed Braithwaite and two other individuals multiple times. Taylor then fled the scene.
Detectives from the Prosecutor’s Office and Wildwood Police Department with the assistance of the East Windsor and Hightstown Police Departments, continued this homicide investigation. On the evening of June 11, 2023, 1st degree murder charges, along with Possession of a Weapon for Unlawful Purpose, a crime of the 3rd degree and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, a crime of the 4th degree were filed against Taylor.*
On the afternoon of June 12, 2023, DaJohn Taylor turned himself into the Wildwood Police Department at which time additional charges of Attempted Homicide, a crime of the 1st degree and (2) counts of Aggravated Assault, crimes of the 2nd degree were filed against Taylor. * Taylor was then processed and lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Facility pending Court proceedings.
According to Prosecutor Sutherland, an individual convicted of the crime of first-degree murder can be sentenced to 30 years to life in New Jersey State Prison. Other first-degree crimes can carry a sentence between 10 and 20 years in State Prison and second-degree crimes can carry a sentence of between 5 and 10 years.
Prosecutor Sutherland commends the cooperation and the intensive investigative efforts of all the law enforcement agencies who assisted with this homicide investigation.
”This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges may be filed.” Prosecutor Sutherland urges anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact the Major Crimes Unit of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office at 609-465-1135, the Wildwood Police Department at 609-522-0222, or anonymously on the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office website at cmcpo.tips. Information can also be anonymously sent to the Cape May County Sheriff’s Tip line at cmcsheriff.net and click on anonymous tip, or though the Cape May County Crime Stoppers at 609-889-3597.
Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri wants to warn the public of a telephone scam where a caller falsely claimed to be a law enforcement Officer employed by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.
On April 20, 2023, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, Cyber Crimes Unit, was contacted by the Cranbury Township Police Department in Middlesex County and advised that a victim reported that they received a call from a number purporting to be the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the caller falsely claimed to be “Sergeant Whitlock” with the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office. The scammer claimed the resident had a warrant for their arrest and directed the victim to drive to a drugstore to purchase gift cards.
As a reminder, law enforcement will never ask for payment of any type over the phone, nor will they ask for personal identifying information that could be used for fraudulent purposes. Law enforcement, government agencies, and courts will never ask you to pay by unusual methods, such as gift cards, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency.
Scammers often research their potential victims on the internet and social media. Scammers will call and deceive their victims into thinking the callers are law enforcement officers, prosecutors or police employees. Scammers may spoof a law enforcement telephone number, falsely showing on the victim’s caller ID. Spoofed phone numbers are typically done through a VPN (Virtual Private Network) making it difficult for law enforcement to track the actual caller. The scammers may threaten their victims with arrest for outstanding warrants or other legal issues.
Should you receive a call from a police department within Mercer County and/or the Prosecutor’s Office, please confirm with whom you are speaking. If you believe you received a scam telephone call, hang up and call the main phone number to the police department or Prosecutor’s Office (609-989-6351). If legitimate, you’ll be connected with a Police Dispatcher or receptionist who can verify the caller’s identity. Report any scam calls to your local law enforcement agency.
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Firefighters from Hightstown and Robbinsville responded to a vehicle fire just south of New Jersey Turnpike Exit 8 at mile post 66.5 south bound inner roadway for a car fully engulfed in flames at 11:01 a.m. Firefighters arrived and found a van well involved in fire and quickly extinguished the fire. Traffic at the time of the fire had a 1 mile delay according to Google Maps. No additional information is available.
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–Hightstown Engine Company # 1 announced the passing of Past President , Chief , and Life Member Neal M. Glackin. Neal has over 50 years of service with the fire department and has held every fire line position, multiple executive line positions, chaired multiple committees, built numerous apparatus and served as the past two years as company President.
Neal was a longtime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Msgr. Crean Div. 1, having served as a parade marshal of the Trenton/Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day for the past 37 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, and a longtime member of Hightstown/East Windsor Lions Club and the Hightstown American Legion. Neal was very instrumental each year in organizing the Youth Fishing Derby at Peddie Lake.
Neal was also a supporter of MidJersey.news for covering local news and Hightstown.
See statement from Hightstown Engine Company #1 and obituary below:
It is with heavy hearts that the Hightstown Engine Company # 1 announces the passing of Past President , Chief , and Life Member Neal M. Glackin badge # 196.
Brother Neal was a pillar not only in the firehouse but within the community. In his 50 plus years of service Neal has held every Fire line position, multiple executive line positions, built numerous apparatus, chaired multiple committees and for the last two (2) has lead the company as our president.
Weekend mornings you would find him at the Hightstown diner getting the town news and later in the afternoon he would be sitting at the station reading a firehouse newspaper, watching the Fighting Irish, Jets, Yankees or sitting on the bench near his favorite piece (Engine 41) watching over his beloved Hightstown.
Neal leaves very big shoes to fill and a legacy that will live on in the Mercer County Fire Service Community. Neal may you rest easy brother, we have it from here.
“May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand”
Services and arrangements are as follows:
Viewing:
Sunday March 12, 2023
2pm-5pm
Firefighters Service at 5pm
Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Services at Glackin Chapel
136 Morrison Ave
Hightstown, NJ 08520
Funeral:
Monday March 13, 2023
10:30am Mass
St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church
156 Maxwell Ave,
Hightstown, NJ 08520
A procession will depart from St. Anthony’s to Cedar Hill Cemetery
385 Mercer St
Hightstown, NJ 08520
Neal was a longtime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Msgr. Crean Div. 1, having served as a parade marshal of the Trenton/Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day for the past 37 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, and a longtime member of Hightstown/East Windsor Lions Club and the Hightstown American Legion.
Born in Plainfield, NJ, he was a lifelong resident of Hightstown. Neal was a graduate of Hightstown High School. He began his career at Glackin Funeral Home on Morrison Avenue in Hightstown, NJ, a family-owned funeral home which his late parents founded in 1957 and ended his career with Glackin/Saul Funeral Home. Neal was a life member of Hightstown Engine Co No 1. He served as Past Chief and most recently Company President. Neal was a longtime member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Msgr. Crean Div. 1, having served as a parade marshal of the Trenton/Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day for the past 37 years. He was a lifelong member of St. Anthony of Padua Church, and a longtime member of Hightstown/East Windsor Lions Club and the Hightstown American Legion. Neal was very instrumental each year in organizing the Youth Fishing Derby at Peddie Lake. He enjoyed blue fishing out of Point Pleasant, watching NASCAR races, Notre Dame Football, and New York Jets football
“J!-E!-T!-S!…………………..Jets, Jets, Jets”.
Son of the late William F. and Patricia Glackin; he is survived by his daughter Samantha Glackin and her husband Steve Barclay, his son Corey Glackin; his beloved grandson Liam Barclay; his former spouse and friend Elly Glackin; his sister and her fiancé Barbara Glackin and Frank Myernick, his brother and sister-in-law Timothy and Gwyn Glackin; his godson Mario Lanzetta; and a very large extended family.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, March 13, 2023 at 10:30AM at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church 251 Franklin Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520. All funeral attendees are asked to arrive to the church no later than 10:15AM.
Interment will be held at Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hightstown, NJ.
Visitation will be held on Sunday afternoon from 2-5PM at Simplicity Funeral and Cremation Services at Glackin Chapel, 136 Morrison Ave., Hightstown, NJ. Fire company services will begin at 5:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hightstown Engine Co No 1, 140 N. Main Street, Hightstown, NJ 08520 or to Fox Chase Cancer Center http://www.foxchase.org
The company donated $25,000 to Habitat and provided volunteers for new home construction and home repair projects in Mercer County
March 8, 2023
Hamilton, NJ – A volunteer group from Freedom Mortgage, a top mortgage lending company, lent their hearts, hands, and hammers to Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey to build and repair homes for local women in need of a safe place to call home. Their work in the community was part of Habitat’s “Women Build Week” and amplified by a donation of $25,000 to support Habitat SCNJ’s affordable housing initiatives.
Freedom Mortgage has been a longstanding partner of Habitat SCNJ. They not only provide financial contributions to our project, but take it a step further by coming out to our builds and putting in the dirty work, even with a crisp chill in the air and a blanket of snow covering the ground. In the past, Freedom Mortgage has supported Habitat SCNJ’s Veterans Build, so this was an exciting first for the partners as they set out to work together for Women Build Week. Volunteers focused their work on two construction sites; one, framing a new home under construction in Hightstown, and the other, refurbishing basement doors and replacing the stairs to the cellar, building a shed roof, and repairing soffits around a home in Hamilton.
“The team at Freedom Mortgage is so invested in uplifting members of the community, and we’re so glad to have them out on the work site during Women Build Week so that we may empower local women together. The impact of their volunteer and financial support will last beyond today and this event, and we are so thankful to have partners like this who help us continue our work of building homes, community, and hope,” shared Habitat SCNJ Chief Development Officer, Annie Fox.
Women Build is an annual Habitat event that seeks to empower women and help them achieve stability, security, and independence with hands-on learning experiences, financial education, affordable homeownership, and home repairs. The event invites members of the community to devote their time to help families build strength, stability, and self-reliance through permanent housing solutions. Women Build takes place during the first week of March, which coincides with Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day on March 8th. By spotlighting the homeownership challenges faced by women and providing opportunities for skills training and homeowner education during this time, Habitat and Women Build participants aim to send the message that every woman can empower themselves and others through learning and using construction skills.
Women Build is not just about supporting local women in their efforts to build brighter futures for themselves and their loved ones, but it’s also an opportunity to highlight local businesses that play critical roles in the communities Habitat builds in and serves women in their efforts to achieve and maintain homeownership. Companies like Freedom Mortgage amplify their own work as a mortgage lender as well as Habitat’s through their involvement in Women Build. The company’s support will bring more affordable housing opportunities to the community and provide women with pathways to move onward and upward from substandard living situations.
Be sure to connect with @HabitatSCNJ on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn to see photos from Freedom Mortgage’s volunteering. You can also visit http://www.HabitatSCNJ.org to learn more about Habitat’s events and services, find volunteer opportunities like Women Build, and give the gift of home to families in need.
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Habitat for Humanity of South Central New Jersey (Habitat SCNJ) is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, which operates through independent, local affiliates to ensure that all functions of the organization have maximum relevance and impact on individual communities. In January 2022, the affiliate changed its name to reflect its expanded service area, which covers Burlington, Mercer, Atlantic and parts of Middlesex Counties.
You can find affordable homeownership and home repair projects from the Delaware River to the Jersey Shore, as well as ReStore locations in Egg Harbor Township, Hamilton and Maple Shade. Since its inception, the affiliate has built 286 and repaired 266 homes for low- and moderate-income families, serving 77 municipalities and over 1.1 million residents. Learn more at http://www.HabitatSCNJ.org
Family-founded and operated since 1990, Freedom Mortgage is a top mortgage lender. The company specializes in mortgages that can help people buy or refinance a home regardless of unique circumstances. The company is particularly focused on helping service members realize the American dream of homeownership. For over 30 years, Freedom Mortgage has helped millions of Americans achieve their dreams of homeownership and financial betterment. The wellbeing and improvement of their customers’ lives and the communities in which they live fuels the organization’s ambition. They’re driven by boundless stamina and an unwavering focus on continuous collaboration, relentlessly seeking the right solutions for every customer and loan every day. Learn more by visiting http://www.freedommortgage.com
EAST WINDSOR, NJ (MERCER)–Around 3:05 a.m. Hightstown, Cranbury and Robbinsville Fire Departments were dispatched to the New Jersey Turnpike on the Exit 8 Ramp for a truck fire. Upon arrival it was found that the tractor had disconnected from the trailer and that the rear of the flatbed trailer hauling steel rebar was well involved in fire. Firefighters stretched hose lines and extinguished the fire. There was a partial blockage of the shoulder for cleanup. No additional details are available.
Photos by: Steven Kadir
Tractor trailer fire on New Jersey Turnpike southbound exiting at Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) right shoulder blocked https://t.co/j03nBf0AJj
Tractor trailer fire on New Jersey Turnpike southbound exiting at Interchange 8 – NJ 33 (East Windsor Twp) partial ramp blocked https://t.co/R9EWPljd11
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri reported today this his Cyber Crimes Unit is investigating recent telephone scams where callers spoof the non-emergency telephone numbers for various police departments within Mercer County in an attempt to scam residents. The scammers falsely claim the resident has a warrant for their arrest. As a reminder, law enforcement will never ask for payment of any type over the phone nor will they ask for personal identifying information that could be used for fraudulent purposes. Law enforcement and government agencies will also never ask you to pay by unusual methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
Scammers research potential victims on the internet and social media. Then they call and deceive their victims into thinking the callers are law enforcement officers, prosecutors or police employees. Scammers may spoof a law enforcement telephone number, falsely showing on the victim’s caller ID. They threaten victims with arrest for outstanding warrants or other legal issues.
Should you receive a call from a police department within Mercer County or the Prosecutor’s Office, please confirm who you are speaking with. If you believe you received a scam telephone call, hang up and call the number back. If the call is legitimate, you’ll be connected with a police dispatcher or receptionist who can verify the caller’s identity. Report any scam calls to your local law enforcement agency. Please share this message with your family and friends, especially the elderly, to help prevent phone scams.
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