Somerset County authorities announced the arrests of Mr. Deleon Hutchenson, 25, of Sayreville, Ms. Rebecca Burlew 43, of Keyport, and Mr. Lemar Lodge 37, of East Orange, for numerous offenses which included aggravated assault on a police officer, theft by deception, and resisting arrest that occurred in Warren Township.
Prosecutor Roberston stated on Tuesday, January 5, at approximately 2:45 p.m., an employee of Bank of America (Mountain Boulevard, Warren Township) contacted police headquarters after observing two suspicious persons (one male, one female) earlier in the afternoon in the bank that may have committed a fraudulent withdrawal of $10,000 cash.
Preliminary investigation revealed the withdrawal was, in fact, fraudulent, according to police.
Officials said while officers were still on scene, the female, defendant Burlew, returned to the bank, at which time she was taken into custody by Warren Township officers.
Defendant Hutchenson was located in a parked vehicle adjacent to the bank, and when approached by Warren Township officers, he became belligerent and combative.
Police said Hutchenson proceeded to ram an unmarked police vehicle three times before striking an officer in the face and fleeing on foot, initiating a pursuit on Mountain Boulevard. He was quickly apprehended and placed under arrest.
The third suspect, Lodge, was located in a business parking lot near the bank and was also arrested without incident.
Prosecutor Roberston stated that defendant Hutchenson was charged with second-degree Aggravated Assault of a Police Officer, third-degree Aggravated Assault of a Police Officer, third-degree Theft by Deception, third-degree Resisting Arrest, third-degree Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception, fourth-degree Criminal Mischief, and fourth-degree Obstruction of Justice.
According to police, Burlew was charged with third-degree Theft by Deception, third-degree Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception, and third-degree Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.
Police say Lodge was charged with third-degree Theft by Deception and third-degree Conspiracy to Commit Theft by Deception.
Defendants Hutchenson and Burlew were lodged in the Somerset County Jail pending a bail detention hearing. Defendant Lodge was released on his own recognizance.