MANALAPAN – Police are warning residents to be alert to telephone scammers who have targeted the area.
In a press release, Manalapan Police Capt. Thomas Barstow said that on May 31, the Manalapan Police Department received two calls within an hour from individuals who provided the following details about a phone call they had received:
An unknown male with a Spanish accent called a resident and claimed to have a family member held hostage after the family member was allegedly involved in a motor vehicle collision with the male caller. The caller then demanded that the individual being called respond to a location where he would be able to wire money to the caller in order to secure the family member’s release.
The individuals who received the call were led to believe they would be watched during the transaction and were told not to contact police. During both incidents, the individuals who received the calls were able to make contact with the family member in question to ensure that person was not in any danger.
Barstow said residents should not send money to anyone who makes a call such as the one described in this incident and to contact police immediately if they receive a call of this nature.
In other incidents reported by police:
• On June 4 at 4:11 p.m., Patrolman Philip Accatatta was dispatched to a Wickatunk Road home for a report of a burglary. The officer determined that unknown individuals had forced entry into the residence, resulting in damage to the door frame. It is unknown when the incident occurred, as the home is currently under foreclosure proceedings. The damage to the structure is estimated at $100.
• On June 3 at 9:58 p.m., Patrolman Jared Coupland conducted a motor vehicle stop on Pension Road after observing a motor vehicle violation. During the stop, the driver, David M. Reilley, 60, of Manalapan, was found to have an outstanding traffic warrant out of Helmetta in the amount of $201. Further investigation revealed Reilley to be in possession of what were believed to be controlled dangerous substances. Reilley was charged with possession of heroin, possession of oxycodone and possession of drug paraphernalia.
