Blotter: SP Police Arrest Irvington Man for Fraudulent Credit Cards

The Scotch Plains Police Department arrested Harold Stephens, 27, of Irvington, Tuesday, March 8, for possession of fraudulent credit cards. Officers received a call that afternoon from the manager of a Park Avenue bank, who stated that Stephens was trying to cash a check with a fraudulent document. Officers responded to the bank and, after further investigation, placed Stephens under arrest. They transported him to police headquarters, where he was processed and then transported to the Union County Jail on a no-bail warrant.

Here are the rest of the week's police reports:

Monday, March 7:

• A resident of Country Club Lane reported being a victim of fraud. he stated that he received a call from his bank notifying him that an unknown suspect or suspects had tried to open a credit card in his name.
• A resident of Rose Street reported being a victim of criminal mischief. He stated that sometime overnight, and unknown suspect or suspects slashed the rear tire of his vehicle, which was parked in front of his residence.

Wednesday, March 9:

• A resident of Woodland Terrace reported being a victim of fraud. She stated that she received a call from her credit card company notifying her than an unknown suspect or suspects made a $900 purchase without her authorization. 

Thursday, March 10:

• A resident of Hill Road reported being a victim of fraud. She stated that she received a call from her credit card company, notifying her than an unknown suspect or suspects made a $1,300 purchase without her authorization.
• A resident of Cook Avenue reported being a victim of criminal mischief. She stated that an unknown suspect or suspects damaged the fence in her backyard.
• Police arrested Malcolm Pearson, 18, of Linden, for a $150 outstanding warrant issued by the Scotch Plains court. Officers stopped person for a motor vehicle violation on Park Avenue and discovered the warrant. They transported him to police headquarters, where he was processed and released. 

Saturday, March 12:

• Police arrested Carlos Mercado, 44, of Dunellen, for a $114 outstanding warrant issued by the Watchung court. Officers stopped Mercado for a motor vehicle violation on Route 22 and discovered the warrant. They transported him to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.

Sunday, March 13:

• Police arrested Anthony Araneo, 18, of Glenwood Place in Fanwood, for possession of drug paraphernalia. Officers responded to Concord Road on a report of a suspicious person and, after an investigation, found Araneo in possession of the paraphernalia. They transported him to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.