SOMERVILLE BOROUGH, NJ (Somerset County) –Three men are facing criminal mischief charges after they allegedly placed stickers on parking and traffic signs in Somerville Borough Saturday night, according to Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson.
On Saturday, November 27, at around 10:06 p.m., a Somerville police officer while on routine patrol observed three men in the area of Veteran’s Memorial Drive near the Somerville Train Station area hanging stickers on the rear of designated posted parking and traffic signs, Robertson said.
The Patrol Officer along with additional Somerville police officers approached the three individuals who were identified as Claudino G. Petruccelli, 22, of Wyckoff, Steve V. Koshlyak, 34, of Delanco, New Jersey, and Zackerji I. Ivanovic, 41, of Union Beach. All three men were arrested for criminal mischief for placing stickers on borough and state property, Robertson said.
Multiple sheets of stickers were found in the possession of all three men. Koshlyak was wearing blue latex gloves in an attempt to conceal his fingerprints while placing the stickers, Robertson said.
Prosecutor Robertson said that a search incident to arrest of Petruccelli’s backpack found him to be in possession of a 12 ounce can of Phoenix pepper spray with dye in violation of the legal limit to possess which is listed at .75 ounce, Robertson said.
Petruccelli was charged with fourth-degree possession of a weapon and Criminal Mischief. Koshlyak was charged with criminal mischief and hindering apprehension. Ivanovic was charged with criminal mischief. All three men were released on their own recognizance pending a Somerville Municipal Court Appearance, Robertson said.
Anyone with information relating to the investigation to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office at 908-231-7100 or the Somerville Police Department at 908-725-0331 or via the STOPit app. The STOPit app allows citizens to provide anonymous reports including videos and photos. STOPit can be downloaded to your smart phone for free at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, access code: SOMERSETNJ. Information can also be provided through the Somerset County Crime Stoppers’ Tip Line at 1-888-577-TIPS (8477). All anonymous STOPit reports and Crime Stopper tips will be kept confidential.
