Resident Reports Items Worth Nearly $10K Missing From Home

Township police say a Church Street resident reported the apparent theft of approximately $9,750 in cash, jewelry and gift cards. The thefts are believed to have occurred some time between January and the beginning of October, according to police.

Police said they were contacted after the resident supposedly noticed two gift cards missing from the home's kitchen on Oct. 6. The resident told police the cards were valued at about $350. The resident had not been away from home, but had last seen the cards in January, police said.

The resident decided to check the rest of the residence and discovered a piggy bank containing approximately $450 was missing from a bedroom, along with various pieces of jewelry, including a diamond engagement ring, according to the police report. No forced entry to the residence was detected, police said.

Police said they believe that the theft apparently was committed by someone with access to the house. An investigation has been initiated, police said.

Police also report the Oct. 10 arrest of John Baker, 42, of City Island, N.Y., on charges of possession of under 50 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle and driving with a suspended drivers license, suspended registration, and unregistered vehicle.

Police said that Officer Alex McKnight ran a license plate inquiry Honda CRX headed westbound on Interstate 78 that evening at about 5 p.m., and received notification that the registration on the vehicle was suspended. McKnight reportedly stopped the vehicle.

According to police, further inquiry revealed that Baker's New Jersey driving license was suspended, and that he faced an active warrant for $140 out of Newark.

While speaking to Baker, police said McKnight observed Baker fumbling with something below the driver's seat. Police said McKnight then asked Baker to exit the vehicle, and observed aluminum foil, marijuana and a marijuana pipe on the floor board of the vehicle near the driver's door.

Baker was placed under arrest, transported to headquarters, processed and released on his own recognizance after contacting the Newark police department.