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10/26/2024 - A Joint Statement from Mayor Corigliano and Police Chief Ferrante
Dear Residents of Peapack and Gladstone,
The Chief and I wish to bring to your attention a criminal incident that occurred in the Borough a few days ago. From Chief Ferrante:
On Thursday October 10, 2024 at 2:42pm, Peapack & Gladstone Police Officers responded to the area of Mosle Rd. for the report of a burglary to a motor vehicle that was currently in progress. Officers were advised by a Borough resident that they witnessed a male wearing all black rummaging through a landscape vehicle. The suspect then fled the area on an electric scooter travelling east on Mosle Rd. Officers were able to locate the individual on Sheephill Dr. The individual initially provided a fake name but was later identified as Marquis Mitchell of West Palm Beach Florida.
Peapack & Gladstone Detectives Adam Caruso and Nicholas Ortiz questioned Mitchell while Sgt. Thomas Scanlon and Corporal Paul Morris secured the vehicle. Further investigation revealed that the occupant of the landscape vehicle reported approximately $350 in cash was taken from his wallet. The suspect, Mitchell, stated he was canvassing for a political candidate.
Upon concluding an initial investigation Mitchell was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters. Mitchell was charged with 3rd degree Burglary, 4th degree theft, hindering apprehension (disorderly persons) and violation of the Borough’s Safety Ordinance. Defendant Mitchell was transported and lodged at the Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Note: The charges above are merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Coincidental with these events, I, Mayor Mark Corigliano was on a semi-weekly Safety Committee reoccurring call with the Mayors of the other Somerset Hills towns reviewing our collective actions on such crime. While Peapack and Gladstone has not nearly been touched by theft recently, some of our neighboring towns have. In particular, those towns closest to the major highways. Combating this as a group is what the Mayors Committee seeks to do through advocacy, education and working with our respective Police Departments.
We do not wish to alarm anyone as P&G remains a very safe community and our Officers do superb work keeping it that way. However, we are not immune to theft and crime and this letter is a friendly reminder to always remain vigilant about your property, home, automobiles and surroundings. Keeping your car(s) locked with valuables out of site and keeping your home secure are the simplest and most effective ways to avoid crime. Further, always remain watchful. Our residents and businesses are the eyes of our Community. If you “see something, say something” and immediately dial 911 to report any suspicious activity.
While we are always working to keep the Borough the safe place it is, doing so requires your participation and compliance.
Very truly yours,
Mark A. Corigliano, Mayor and Stephen Ferrante, Chief of Police