New Hope and Lambertville police blotters: alleged thefts, CDS possession, several DUIs

New Hope Police Department

December 24, 2014 – At 9:34 a.m., the owner of a West Bridge Street business reported to police that at some time during the overnight hours, two decorated Christmas trees, each two feet in height, and decorated with lights and ribbons, had been removed from in front of the store.

January 2, 2015 – At 5:35 p.m., an employee of a West Bridge Street establishment reported to police that the business had been the victim of a fraud, in that she had paid in excess of $900 via MONEYPAK cards, to an individual who phoned the business, and identified himself as an employee of a public utility. The individual who had phoned claimed that unless the money was paid within 20 minutes a utility to the business would be disconnected. When another employee of the business later phoned the utility, he was advised that the phone call had been a scam.

January 3, 2015 – A resident of Eden Roc, Village 2, reported to police that at some time after mid-October 2014, someone had entered her home, and had removed approximately $14,000 from a safe. There was no evidence of forced entry to the residence, and police are continuing their investigation.

January 13, 2015 – Police have charged Joseph Sobatka Jr., 29, of Warwick, Pennsylvania with Access Device Fraud, and Theft By Deception, following an investigation into an incident which took place between February 27, 2013 and March 14, 2014.

January 16, 2015 – At 1:44 a.m., police arrested Kenneth Ciarlone, 67, of Southampton, Pennsylvania, for Driving Under The Influence Of Alcohol, after he was observed operating his vehicle in an unlawful manner in the area of Riverwoods Drive and South Main Street.

January 17, 2015 – At 11 p.m., police arrested Seth Payne, 30, of New Hope for Terroristic Threats, Theft of Services, Disorderly Conduct, and Public Drunkenness as a result of an incident which occurred in a West Bridge Street parking lot. Payne was arraigned before Magisterial District Judge Mark Douple, and was sent to the Bucks County Correctional Facility after failing to post bail.

Lambertville Police Department

Case #15000742:

Shawn T. Dutcher, 29 of Hopewell, NJ was arrested for CDS on February 8.

Ptl. Bast responded to the Wells Fargo Bank on Bridge Street after an anonymous caller reported observing Dutcher using CDS in a parked motor vehicle at 5:46 p.m.. Upon arrival, Ptl. Bast observed Dutcher slumped over in the driver’s seat. Subsequent to investigation, Dutcher was found to be in possession of synthetic marijuana, a glass pipe, and four (4) syringes. Dutcher was placed under arrest and charged with possession of CDS and Paraphernalia. Dutcher was later released with a pending court date.

Case #15000752  

Michael E. Mertzman, 44 of New Hope was arrested for DUI on February 9.

Lt. Brown observed a disabled vehicle in the area of South Union Street and Swan Street at 12:51 a.m. Upon further investigation, the driver, Mertzman, was found to be under the influence of alcohol and subsequently arrested. Mertzman was charged with DUI and Careless Driving. Mertzman was later released with a pending court date.

Case #1500849:

William B. Kommalan, 35, of Trenton, NJ was arrested for DUI on February 14.

Ptl. Gramlich observed Kommalan driving erratically at 1:21 a.m. After conducting a motor vehicle stop, Kommalan was found to be under the influence of alcohol and placed under arrest. Kommalan was charged with DUI, Refusal to submit to breath testing, failure to signal turn and failure to keep right. Kommalan was later released with a pending court date.

Case #15000867:

Cheyenne E. Delia, 37 of Lambertville was arrested for DUI on February 15.

Lt. Brown observed Delia driving erratically in the area of North Union Street at 2:12 a.m. After conducting a motor vehicle stop, Delia was found to be under the influence of alcohol and placed under arrest. Delia was charged with DUI and Careless Driving. Delia was later released with a pending court date.

Case #15000710:

Reginald L. Ross, 42 of Trenton was arrested on February 7 for outstanding warrants.

While on patrol within the City Of Lambertville, Ptl. Abani observed Ross’s vehicle traveling at 55 mph in a 35 mph zone. Ross was stopped in the area of North Franklin Street and Church Street at 11:13 a.m. Subsequent to investigation, Ross was found to have two outstanding traffic warrants from Ewing Twp. for $1,185 and Wall Twp. for $500. Ross was placed under arrest and processed for his arrest. Ross was able to post bail on both warrants. Ross was issued a summons for speeding and obstructed view. Ross was later released with a pending court date.

(Information is provided by law enforcement officials, and is assumed accurate. All suspects and arrested persons are presumed not guilty unless proven guilty in a Court of Law or until such rights are waived by the accused.)