Police News: Juvenile Wields a Knife in Montgomery Township, Driver Falls Asleep Crashes on 518

By Barbara A. Preston | January 19, 2022

Montgomery Township police received a 911 call about a juvenile in crisis with a knife on January 13 at 7:46 pm. Police did not give a location for the incident, but they did say they were able to safely de-escalate the situation by slowly building a rapport with the juvenile. After two long hours, the juvenile began to speak with the officers on the scene. Officers convinced the juvenile to safely relinquish the knife and seek medical assistance.

"Working with the family, our officers were able to transport the juvenile for treatment without issue,” said Captain Jim Gill, the Montgomery police director. "This was the best possible outcome for a bad situation for everyone involved. Family members recognized the juvenile was in crisis and acted quickly. I am proud of the work our officers, our support staff, and dispatchers do every day. [This] event highlights the quality of our staff and all of our emergency services in Montgomery Township. It also speaks to the benefits of continued training in the areas of mental health and de-escalation.”

Montgomery police who responded to the scene include: Daniel Balinski, Salvatore Intili, John Colucci, and Connor Chapkowski.

Driver Falls Asleep Behind Wheel and Crashes into Utility Pole on Route 518

A 57-year-old driver from Lambertville sustained minor facial injuries when she feel asleep behind the wheel while driving on Route 518 near Pine Brae Court in Montgomery Township on Tuesday January 18, 1:41 am.

Police said they determined the driver — who they did not identify by name — fell asleep while heading westbound, drifted across the roadway, and struck a mailbox and a utility pole. The roadway was closed for hours so PSE&G could repair the utility wires. The driver was issued a motor vehicle summons for the crash, and is due to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.

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Camden Driver Stopped on Orchard Road for Improper Turn

Montgomery Township police arrested a Camden driver after he made an improper turn on Orchard Road near Route 206 on January 12 at 11:05 am.

Police identifed the driver as Carnel Coles, 34, of Camden. During the stop, police determined Coles was wanted on a bench warrant from Cherry Hill. Coles was placed under arrest, and transported to Montgomery Police Headquarters for processing. He was released on his own recognizance, and given a new court date. Coles was issued motor vehicle summonses and will have to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court.

Somerville Driver Arrested After Crashing Car on Route 206

Sarah Vanselous, 39, of Somerville was involved in a motor vehicle crash on Route 206 and Route 601 on January 12 at 2:05 pm. Montgomery police responded to the scene and found that Vanselous was wanted on a bench warrant from Montgomery Township Municipal Court in the amount of $550.

Police arrested her and transported her to Montgomery Police Headquarters for processing. Vanselous was released on her own recognizance and given a new court date. Vanselous was issued multiple motor vehicle summonses for the crash and will have to appear in Montgomery Municipal Court. Police did not give details of the crash.

Police Find 80-year-old Man with Dementia in ShopRite Parking Lot

Montgomery Police were notified of a missing 80-year-old man diagnosed with dementia on Sunday, January 16. The man was last seen in the early morning hours at his Montgomery Township residence. The reporting party advised that he left in a 2018 gray Honda Civic at an unknown time.

Montgomery police located the subject’s vehicle in the parking lot of the local Wawa, and after a brief search of the area, located the missing person wandering the parking lot of Montgomery Shopping Center safe and in good condition. He was subsequently reunited with his family.