N.J. Man Arrested After Pretending to Help Crash Victim and Stealing His Credit Cards

In Mahwah, New Jersey, police arrested a 49-year-old man for stealing a victim’s credit cards and other things while trying to be a Good Samaritan during a severe vehicle accident. On August 26, a Suffern, New York, driver lost control during a medical emergency and drove into Curley’s Corner. He was found unconscious and sent to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. According to Mahwah police, assailant Daniel Santos jumped inside the victim’s car to help. According to witnesses, Santos stole the victim’s credit cards and $3,000 watch. Fake card activity was reported to the victim’s relatives 15 minutes after the crash. The police saw Santos use the stolen credit cards on security footage. Mahwah police stopped Santos driving on September 4. Cocaine, a scale, packing supplies, and the victim’s stolen watch and credit cards were located in his house. Santos is accused of receiving stolen items, using a stolen credit card, possessing cocaine for sale, and having drug tools. Natalie Sarkissian, his 34-year-old partner, was accused with narcotic and cocaine possession at home. Both were detained for drug offenses in July. Santos awaits a Superior Court hearing in Bergen County Jail. This example worries me about trusting others in distress and the risks of people taking advantage of weak people instead of assisting them.

Sources
Mahwah Police statements and report by Captain Michael Blondin
Patch report on the case
Monsey Scoop coverage of the incident