Scotch Plains Police Reports: Feb. 22 to Feb. 28

Several recent Scotch Plains incidents may be reminders to keep your valuables on you at all times.

Scotch Plains police handled two incidents of theft last week. The first, on Feb. 24, involved a resident of Happel Court. The man told police that an unknown suspect took his watch while he was at a business meeting. The watch was valued at approximately $4,000.

The next day, a member of the RWJ Rahway Fitness and Wellness Center also reported being a victim of theft. The woman told police that while she was working out, someone removed her pocketbook from an unlocked locker. The pocketbook was recovered, however approximately $30 in cash was missing.

Also that day, a resident of Valleyscent Avenue was a victim of burglary. The man told police that an unknown suspect entered his apartment by prying open the front door and removed several thousand dollars worth of jewelry.

Here are the rest of the police reports from the past week.

Monday, Feb. 22:

• Jeff Paul, 50, of Scotch Plains, was arrested for an outstanding warrant. An officer stopped Paul for riding his bicycle in an unsafe manner when the warrant was discovered. He was transferred to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.

Wednesday, Feb. 24:

• Christopher Taylor, 34, of Scotch Plains, was arrested for driving while intoxicated after a being stopped for a motor vehicle violation. He was transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.
• Michael Perri, 50, of Staten Island, was arrested for an outstanding warrant after a motor vehicle stop. He was transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.

Thursday, Feb. 25:

• Jordan Keats, 20, of Scotch Plains, was arrested for disorderly conduct. Police responded to a report of an individual who refused to leave a house and was yelling obscenities. When an officer arrived, Keats refused to leave and continued to yell. He was transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.
• A resident of Hunter Avenue reported being a victim of fraud. The man told police that an unknown suspect called him and told him that a relative was in trouble and money needed to be sent. The victim sent approximately $2,700.

Saturday, Feb. 27:

• Carlos Dacosta, 26, of Elizabeth, was arrested for giving an officer a fraudulent insurance card during a motor vehicle stop. He was transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.

Sunday, Feb. 28:

• Jason Newkirk, 29, of Irvington, was arrested for an outstanding warrant after a motor vehicle stop. He was transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released.