Police charge masked man wearing goggles after reports of suspicious behavior around homes in Somerset County town

BERNARDSVILLE BOROUGH, N.J. (Somerset County) — The Bernardsville Police Department has charged a man following several reports from residents about a person wearing a mask and goggles and shining a flashlight into car windows.

Police said they have identified the individual and responded to every call received about his behavior. While most encounters involving the man did not rise to the level of a crime, a recent report led officers to determine that charges were warranted.

According to police, on Sept. 23, officers received a report of a masked person wearing goggles who had walked onto a resident’s porch. Responding officers located the suspect, identified as Edwin Perez-Perez, 20, of Bernardsville, who was charged with disorderly conduct.

Authorities are asking residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity immediately. Police urged residents not to approach or confront anyone acting suspiciously but instead to contact the department’s non-emergency line at 908-766-0037 or call 911 if a crime is in progress.

“When you call, provide the most accurate description possible, including the person’s last known location and direction of travel,” police said in a statement.

“The Bernardsville Police Department takes all reports of suspicious activity seriously and is committed to ensuring the safety of our community,” the department added. “We thank you for your cooperation.”