The Hopewell Township Police Department reported the following incidents from Aug. 27 through Sept. 3, 2016.
The charges are no more than an accusation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
James T. Ellis, of Morrisville, was taken into police custody on Aug. 27 with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana charges during a speeding stop on Route 546. According to police, Officer George Peterson stopped Mr. Ellis’ Hyundai near Scotch Road just after 10 p.m. During his investigation, the officer allegedly found a glass pipe with a substance suspected to be marijuana in it. Mr. Ellis was subsequently placed under arrest and taken to headquarters, where he was processed before his release. Along with the drug charges, he was also charged with speeding, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle and having inoperable brake lamps.
Police arrested Shane Skelly, 22, of Newtown, Pennsylvania, on the morning of Sept. 2 on his outstanding warrants out of Riverton. Police said Officer Kevin Koveloski stopped Mr. Skelly after he was observed speeding along North Greenwood Avenue in a 2005 Ford. While speaking with Mr. Skelly, police said the officer was handed a suspended driver’s license. Upon running his information, police said the officer also learned of the warrant for the driver’s arrest. Mr. Skelly was then taken into custody and processed at police headquarters. He was later released after being cited for speeding and driving without a license. His case will be heard in municipal court.
Phillip A. Rusher, 31, of Highland Park, was arreested by Officer Christopher Vaccarino at 9 p.m. on Sept. 2, for allegedly driving while intoxicated. According to police, Officer Vaccarino stopped Mr. Rusher’s 2007 Honda after seeing it allegedly weaving in and out of traffic on Route 546. During his investigation, police said Officer Vaccarino smelled alcohol on Mr. Rusher’s breath and person. After conducting a roadside sobriety test, Mr. Rusher was taken into custody, processed at police headquarters and released pending a municipal court date.
Mark A. Commiso, 40, of Hamilton, was taken into police custody just after midnight on Tuesday, Sept. 3 for an alleged physical altercation that escalated at the Patriots Crossing Bar on Route 29. According to police, Mr. Commiso was allegedly involved in a fight with another bar patron. During the scuffle, officials claim the Hamilton man brandished a knife. There were no injuries as a result of the altercation. Responding Officer James Klesney’s investigation resulted in Mr. Commiso being charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and assault. Mr. Commiso was subsequently transported to police headquarters, where he was processed and released after posting bail. The case will be forwarded to the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office.