The Readington Township Police Department was investigating a series of suspicious incidents that occurred over the last several weeks. On multiple occasions, residents reported that a black male approached their house and engaged in conversation with the resident, which often led to him asking to enter the home. The description of the male and the vehicle he was operating, a small silver or gray car, was similar in all of the incidents as was the time of day that the incidents occurred. On one occasion, the male reportedly hugged the woman and exposed his genitals before leaving the property.

On May 14, 2018 a male matching the description of the previous incidents approached residence on Cornfield Lane and asked for gas but was turned away. Police later learned that a similar looking male was seen stealing a gas can from the driveway of another residence in the area. The can was located nearby, emptied of gasoline.

Later the same day, the suspect was identified and on May 15^th, an arrest was made. Tre Thigpen, 19, of Bridgewater NJ was arrested by Readington Township detectives with the assistance of the Somerville Police Department. Thigpen was charged with lewdness and theft. He was processed and released pending a future court appearance in Readington Township Municipal Court.

This investigation is ongoing and similar incidents should be reported to the Readington Township Police Department. In this case, help from the community was paramount and residents are encouraged to call the police to report suspicious activity.

All suspect are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law