November Police Blotter

November 3, 2024

Patrol was dispatched to a local residence for a report of a domestic violence complaint. A female victim reported that during the night, she and her boyfriend engaged in an argument which led to a physical altercation. A domestic violence simple assault complaint summons was issued for the 29 year-old male and he was served at a later date.

November 4, 2024 2:36 p.m.

Patrol conducted a motor vehicle stop for numerous traffic violations. It was determined the driver, Russell Wachterhauser (61) of Manville, NJ, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. He was processed and released on his own recognizance with a future court date.

November 4, 2024 8:40 p.m.

Police responded to a local residence and spoke to a father who wished to report his juvenile son missing. He advised police that his son had been gone for approximately two days and wouldn’t tell him where he was. Police then entered the juvenile in the national database for missing persons. He was later located that night and returned to his parents. 

November 6, 2024

Police were dispatched to a local residence on the report of a possible domestic violence restraining order violation. After speaking with the victim and conferring with a local Municipal Court Judge, it was determined there was a restraining order violation. A warrant was issued for the suspect, a 48 year-old male, and he was taken to Somerset County Jail.

November 7, 2024 9:38 a.m.

Police were contacted by Union County Jail to report that they currently had Shaquille Copeland (28) of Plainfield, NJ in their custody. They further related that he had an active Manville Warrant for his arrest. Police responded to Union County Jail, took custody of the male, and brought him to Somerset County Jail in lieu of bail.

November 7, 2024 12:02 p.m.

Police responded to Reading Cinemas for a report of a theft that occurred a few days prior. It was reported that a male entered the theater, purchased popcorn, stole the employee tip jar and left the business. Police are investigating the theft.

November 9, 2024 4:07 p.m.

Police responded to Walmart for a eport of a hit and run accident that occurred in the parking lot. Police were given a description and the license plate of the fleeing vehicle. After investigating the incident, the police were able to ascertain the identity of the driver, and they were issued the appropriate summonses.

November 10, 2024 2:33 p.m.

Police were dispatched to Kids Empire on the report of a theft of services complaint. Police arrived and spoke with staff who advised that three women attempted to enter to business without paying for their children to play. The women were located and advised of the complaint. They left the store with their children with no further issues.

November 10, 2024 10:57 p.m.

Police conducted a motor vehicle stop for traffic violations. It was determined the driver, Ladohn Courtney (43) of Hillsborough, NJ, had an active warrant for his arrest. He was subsequently placed under arrest, processed and taken to Somerset County Jail.

November 11, 2024 7:28 p.m.

Police were dispatched to a local residence on the report of a 1-year-old female choking. Upon arrival, the 1-year-old was blue in the face, her body was limp and she was unresponsive. Police immediately began utilizing the appropriate lifesaving measures by conducting back blows and chest compressions. The 1-year-old eventually showed signs of recovery, and her airway was no longer restricted. She was later taken to a hospital for further evaluation.

November 11, 2024 10:30 p.m.

Police arrested Melissa Stani (48) of Bridgewater, NJ for an active Manville arrest warrant. She was processed and released on her own recognizance with a future court date.

November 13, 2024 2:45 p.m.

A female victim responded to Manville Police headquarters to report fraudulent activity to one of her banking accounts. She reported that nine fraudulent withdrawal transactions from a credit card account had been completed totaling over $29,000 without her knowledge. Police are investigating the incident.

November 13, 2024 10:11 p.m.

Police responded to McDonald’s for a report of a disorderly customer who had just left the store. Patrol spoke with the manager who advised that the male patron had gotten into an argument with an employee and made a mess inside of the restaurant. The male was located and given a verbal trespass notice. He was advised not to return to the restaurant.

November 20, 2024 10:07 a.m.

A female resident responded to Manville Police Headquarters to report that she had been the victim of a motor vehicle burglary. The female stated she parked her vehicle overnight in front of her residence and when she returned to it the next morning, numerous credit cards were missing from her wallet. Police are investigating the burglary.

November 20, 2024 10:07 p.m.

Police responded to a local convenience store for a report of a disorderly customer. Patrol spoke with an employee who advised that a male was attempting to buy cigarettes and store policy requires employees to ask for identification. The male refused to give his identification and made disparaging remarks to the employee. Police asked the male to leave the store and there were no further issues.

November 24, 2024 12:40 p.m.

A male, Willinton Cuevas-Garcia (32) of Manville, NJ, turned himself in on two outstanding warrants for his arrest. He was able to post bail for both warrants. He was subsequently processed and released with a future court date.

November 25, 2024 11:19 a.m.

Patrol responded to a local residence for a report of a credit card fraud complaint. Police spoke with the victim who advised that while he was out of the country, someone used a credit card belonging to him. He further related that he ordered the credit card prior to leaving the country, however, he never received it in the mail. Police are investigating the incident.

November 26, 2024 4:39 p.m.

Police were dispatched to the CSX railroad tracks on the report of a male drinking alcohol on the train tracks. Police located the male and escorted him off the train tracks. The male, Joseph Rojas-Otoya (38) of Manville, NJ, was issued a Borough Ordinance for consuming alcohol in public and sent on his way with a future court date.

November 29, 2024 2:17 p.m.

Police spoke with a female at Manville Police Headquarters regarding a fraud complaint. The female advised that while looking at her Venmo account she located numerous Uber Eats charges that she did not make. The female contacted her bank and was reimbursed for the charges.

NOTE: The charges are merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.