January 28, 2021- Possession of Drugs

On January 28, 2021 a non-resident was charged with possession of drugs resulting from a traffic stop for a headlight that was not functioning.     

January 28, 2021- Theft

On January 28, 2021 a business on Route 313 reported theft of used cooking oil by an unknown person who produced documents claiming to be employed by a company that was hired to remove it.  

January 29, 2021- Drug Trafficking Interdiction 

A routine traffic stop by an observant Bedminster Township patrol officer led to a drug investigation that took nearly $4 million worth of suspected cocaine, heroin and fentanyl off the streets.  A Jeep was pulled over for swerving and the driver consented to a search, which led to the seizure of one kilogram of suspected heroin/fentanyl and nine kilograms of suspected cocaine with a street value of $1.2 million. Additional investigation led to a search of a tractor trailer Wednesday night at a truck stop in Lehigh County where detectives found nine more kilograms of suspected heroin/fentanyl valued at $2.7 million. In addition to the large amount of drugs, the two searches led to the recovery of more than $43,000 in cash, a handgun. six cellphones, additional drugs, including almost $29,000 in Percocet pills, and four Jesus Malverde candles, known as the Patron Saint of narco-traffickers, according to District Attorney Matt Weintraub.  The DA described the incident as "great instinctual police work, some hard work and collaboration among law enforcement." Weintraub said the investigation revealed Christian Ochoa, 28, of Laredo, Texas, drove the drugs across the country, which were likely headed to New York. He was likely just "passing through" Bucks County when he was stopped, Weintraub said.  "We saved somebody else a lot of heartache and pain," he said. Edith Tomasa Rodriguez Cardenas, 27, of Huntington Park, California, was a passenger in his car during the traffic stop.  Weintraub said the arrests were likely part of a much larger narco-trafficking organization and he will utilize partnerships with federal agencies to track the source of the drugs. Ochoa and Rodriguez Cardenas were charged Friday night in the initial traffic stop with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, conspiracy to commit possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a small amount of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Ochoa was also charged with a lane violation.  Both were arraigned by District Judge Michael W. Petrucci and were sent to Bucks County Correctional Facility under $1 million bail each. 

Media Contact for this case is the DA’s Office Media Relations: Manuel Gamiz Jr., 215.348.6298, mgamiz@buckscounty.org

January 30, 2021- Possession Instrument of Crime, Threats, and Assault

On January 30, 2021 a resident was arrested resulting from a domestic dispute after they threatened their father with a large kitchen knife.  

January 31, 2021- Suspicious Occurrence 

On January 31, 2021 the Bedminster Township Police investigated a bullet hole that was shot through the window of a residence in the 6300 block of Easton Rd.  It is believed this was an act of negligent hunting. Anyone with information should contact Ofc. Virnelson at nvirnelson@bedminsterpd.com.     

February 2, 2021- Possession of Drugs

On February 2, 2021 a non-resident was arrested for possession of drugs resulting from a traffic stop for an equipment violation. 

February 6, 2021- DUI

On February 6, 2021 a non-resident was arrested for DUI resulting from a traffic stop after a reported road rage incident on Rt. 313. 

February 9, 2021- Fraud

On February 9, 2021 a resident received a phone call from an unknown person advising their friend was in prison and requested bail money.  Fortunately, the victim did not provide any information or send money.  The victim contacted their friend who denied being incarcerated or having anyone call on their behalf.  

February 10, 2021- Community Policing

On February 10, 2021 the Bedminster Township Police officers continued their partnership with the Bedminster Elementary School by reading books to the children and having follow up discussions with the students about policing in their community.