WEST AMWELL: Yardley man charged with criminal mischief

Police discovered that several businesses had been vandalized along Route 179

   Hunterdon County Prosecutor Anthony P. Kearns III, Chief of Detectives John J. Kuczynski and West Amwell Township police Capt. Stephen Bartzak announced the arrest Tuesday of Brandon S. Wetzel, 20, of Yardley, Pennsylvania, on criminal mischief and theft charges.
   On April 17, a West Amwell Township police patrol discovered that several businesses had been vandalized along Route 179. Electrical wires supplying power to the building were cut and swastikas and curse words were spray-painted on the building’s exterior.
   West Amwell Township police were able to obtain a description of the vehicle used during the commission of the crime. It was later determined that a vehicle fitting the description was stopped in neighboring Hopewell Township on the night in question,” according to Prosecutor Kearns.
   The investigation resulted in the arrest of Mr. Wetzel on one count of fourth-degree criminal mischief and two counts of third-degree criminal mischief for damage to the buildings. He also was also charged with theft, a disorderly person’s charge, for stealing licenses plates from a vehicle parked in the parking lot.,” according to the prosecutor.
   Bail was set at $15,000 by the Honorable Ray Barson, J.M.C. Mr. Wetzel posted bail and was released pending a first court appearance.
    The filing of a criminal complaint is merely a step in the criminal justice process. The defendant is presumed innocent until the matter is resolved in a court of law.