HOBOKEN, N.J. (1010 WINS) — An alleged scammer from Brooklyn was busted last week after ringing the doorbell of a Hoboken police officer.
Matthew Van Putten, 26, was arrested for the second time in nine days on May 4 after sneaking his way into a residential building and assaulting the off-duty officer who confronted him, city spokesperson Marci Rubin told NJ.com.
Officer James Barbro was at home when Van Putten rang his doorbell and claimed to be from FedEx, the spokeswoman said. Barbro found Van Putten knocking on apartment doors, asking residents about their energy bills.
Van Putten cursed at Barbro and continued to knock on other homes after being told he was trespassing. Van Putten shoved the officer and attempted to flee before becoming combative and resisting arrest, according to Rubin.
A struggle occurred, and Van Putten allegedly grabbed the officer by the throat while being told he was under arrest.
Uniformed officers arrived and arrested Van Putten on charges of aggravated assault, resisting arrest, criminal trespass and obstruction.
He was issued a summons and released with a May 18 court date. Barbro was treated for his injuries.
On April 25, Van Putten was arrested in Hoboken for a similar incident in which he threatened a homeowner after being asked to leave. Van Putten was charged with making terroristic threats in that case, Rubin said.
"We are thankful for Officer James Barbro’s quick thinking and swift action, even on his time off, to prevent this suspect from potentially taking advantage of his neighbors," said Hoboken Police Chief Steven Aguiar. "This can serve as a reminder to our residents and business owners to be vigilant and be on the look-out for potential scams involving fake utility workers."
The Hoboken Police Department advises that utility workers almost never need to be inside your home, so if someone comes to your door and you have not been contacted in advance, do not let them in.
If a resident suspects a utility worker is a fraud and/or potentially dangerous, they should ask them to wait while they close their door, lock it and call the Hoboken Police Department at (201) 420-2100.
Residents should refrain from engaging or calling them out as fake, as this could put them in further danger. These scams often target senior citizens, so residents should make sure their elderly loved ones are aware of this type of crime, what to watch out for, and how to respond. If a resident ever feels like they, their family, their neighbors, or their property are in imminent danger call 9-1-1.
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