December 30, 2000
Ridgewood Resident Arrested for D.W.I. after being stopped for Speeding

While on patrol at 2:48 AM, Lieutenant Ralph Molinaro observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on Lincoln Avenue in the area of Grandview Terrace. Lieutenant Molinaro stopped the car and while interviewing the driver, he detected a strong odor of alcohol on his breath.  

The operator was asked to undergo several field sobriety tests, but was unable to successfully complete them.  The 30 year-old male driver was arrested for Driving while Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs and transported to Glen Rock Headquarters for processing.  After taking the Breathalyzer test, it was determined that his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit in New Jersey. He was also issued summonses for speeding and not wearing a seatbelt. He was released with an appearance in Glen Rock Municipal Court.

December 17, 2000
Haledon Resident Arrested for D.W.I.

While on patrol at 11:40 PM, Officer Adam Pyatak observed a vehicle that was weaving over the double yellow line and brushing up against the curb as it was traveling North on Lincoln Avenue towards Ridgewood.  The officer stopped the car on Rock Road and in speaking with the operator, he smelled alcohol on his breath.  The operator was asked where he was coming from and he told the officer that he had been in Ridgewood and was heading home on Broad Street. 

After having the operator take several field sobriety tests, the 31 year old male was arrested and transported to Headquarters for processing.  After taking the Breathalyzer test, it was determined that his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit in New Jersey.  In addition to being issued a summon for the D.W.I., he was also issued summonses for careless driving and operating and unregistered vehicle. He is scheduled to appear in Glen Rock Municipal Court. 

December 8, 2000
Car Crash on Harding Road Leads to Discovery of Stolen Car

At 10:00 PM Officer's John Mastick and Sgt. Tom McCrea responded on a report of a motor vehicle crash on Harding Road by Hamilton Ave. According to reports by the driver of the car that was struck and witnesses, a black pickup truck passed her vehicle and, as a second vehicle attempted to pass her,  it struck her SUV, but continued on without stopping.   The car that struck the SUV, a Dodge Aries station wagon, drove only a short distance because of front end damage.  The driver of the car then fled the area on foot.  He is described as a thin, white male wearing a yellow type coat. The Dodge was impounded by officers while they conducted an investigation.

At 11:16 PM the registered owner of the station wagon contacted the police to report his vehicle, that was parked in the Borough Hall Train Station lot since 6:00 AM, missing or stolen.  Officers interviewed the vehicle's owner and obtained a statement from him.  The investigation has been turned over to the detective bureau for follow-up.

An person with information on this motor vehicle crash or about the driver of the reported stolen car, are asked to contact the Detective Bureau at (201) 652-3800.

December 8, 2000
Burglary & Theft to Residence on Grove Street

At 3:40 PM patrols responded to a home in the 300 block of Grove Street for a reported break and entry. Investigation revealed that the home was entered sometime during the day when the actor pushed or shouldered open the front door.  The actor targeted the second floor master bedroom were numerous drawers were opened and ransacked. The contents of several jewelry boxes were spilled onto the floor and it appears that only jewelry was taken.

The scene was examined for fingerprints, with assistance from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department Bureau of Criminal Identification.

As the home is on a highly traveled roadway that boarders Ridgewood, and the actor entered the home through the front door, police detectives are hoping that a passerby can offer more information. Any person with information about this burglary is asked to contact the Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (201) 652-3800

November 23, 2000
Motor Vehicle Stop Leads to Arrest on Drug Charges

While on patrol at 12:32 AM, Officer Eric Reamy noticed a vehicle on Rock Road being driven without its headlights on. When he was approaching the car, he observed the back seat passenger attempting to stuff something under the seat.  While checking the area where this individual was sitting, the officer found several packets of fireworks.  Further investigation revealed that the 18 year old Glen Rock resident was not only attempting to hide the fireworks, but had a knife stuffed in his sock.  Also found was an empty liquor bottle and what is believed to be a marijuana cigarette. He was charged with possession of narcotics paraphernalia and released with a court date of 12/19/00.

The driver was summonsed for not using his headlights and released to his parents as he is a juvenile.  The other passenger in the car was also released to his parents without any charges.

November 22, 2000
Glen Rock Resident Arrested for D.W.I.

While on patrol at 12:16 AM, Officer Adam Pyatak observed a vehicle that failed to come to a complete stop at the intersection of Harristown and Maple Ave.  As the officer followed the car, he observed it weaving from the center line to the curb and twice, hit the curb.  Believing he had a driver that may be intoxicated, he activated his emergency lights, however the driver failed to pull over until he entered his driveway.  After performing badly on several field sobriety test, the individual was arrested and transported to Headquarters for processing.  After taking the Breathalyzer test it was determined that his blood alcohol level was above the legal limit in New Jersey.  He was issued several summonses and transported home.  He is scheduled to appear in Municipal Court on 12/19/00. 

November 20, 2000
Five Offices Burglarized in Complex

At 9:17 AM officers responded to a call from Fiat USA, Inc. located within the office complex at 266 Harristown Road. The office manager pointed out pry marks on the doors where the actor(s) entered and told the officers that they were missing two laptop computers.  While investigating this crime, officers were approached by employees of four other businesses that are also located within the office building. They each  reported that a similar burglary and theft had occurred in their offices.  Officers  determined that the crimes took place between Friday evening and early Monday morning.  However, because there was no visible damage to the exterior of the building,  it appears that the actor(s) may have had a key or were let into the building to commit the burglaries. At this time a total of $15,000 in computer equipment was taken.

Police are asking for anyone who may have seen anything to contact the Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (201) 652-3800.

November 17, 2000
13 year old Assaulted after School-Wrist Fractured

At 5:04 PM Officer John Mastick was dispatched to a Romary Court residence to investigate a report that a juvenile had been assaulted after school.  The officer spoke to the juvenile (and his parents) who stated that he had been walking down Hamilton Ave. at around 3:00 PM because there were rumors (at the school) that there was going to be a fight in the Public Service right-of-way.  As he was walking in a large group of 30-40 juveniles, he was tackled from behind and repeatedly punched and kicked.  He never saw who attacked him or has any idea why he would be the target of an assault.  When the juvenile went home, his mother checked his injury and believed it to be a fracture and took him to the hospital for treatment.  Because of the seriousness of the injury, it is considered an aggravated assault and carries a higher penalty.  The matter has been turned over to the Detective Bureau for investigation.

Any person with information about this assault is asked to contact the Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (201) 652-3800.

November 16, 2000
Shoplifting Attempt at Rock Ridge Pharmacy turns into Assault & Robbery

At 9:11 AM patrols were dispatched to the Rock Ridge Pharmacy on Rock Road (in the central business district) for a reported disturbance.  When officers arrived the manager informed them that she had noticed a black female placing items into a blue denim handbag which had a red pocket in the front. When the she confronted the individual, a fight took place. The manager stated that she was bitten on her left hand and sustained a possible broken finger on her right hand when the suspect attempted to free herself. The individual then dropped the handbag and fled out the store through the rear exit. The suspect then ran onto Rock Road and entered a maroon colored Oldsmobile that was parked in front of 201Rock Road.  She fled West on Rock towards Lincoln Avenue.  A partial plate number with the characters J & 41 was observed.  

The manager was taken to the Valley Hospital in Ridgewood, NJ for treatment of her broken finger and for a human bite.  Through the manager's description, detectives put together a photo lineup of possible suspects and a positive identification was made of the actor. (See Wanted Persons for a photo and description.)  Criminal complaints have been signed against her and will be served when she is apprehended.  

If you have any information regarding the location of this wanted person, DO NOT take any action yourself. Please call 9-1-1 or the Glen Rock Police Department at (201) 652-3800.

November 6, 2000
Motor Vehicle Stop Leads to Arrest on Drug Charges

At 3:55 PM detectives arrested a 34 year old Waldwick man on drug possession charges after receiving information from an informant that there was drug activity in the 500 block of Broad Street.  The arrestee, who works in Ridgewood, was stopped shortly after he left the Glen Rock residence where the drug activity was reported.  Officers smelled a strong odor of marijuana and after being interviewed, he produced a bag of marijuana.  He was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams and has a court date scheduled in Glen Rock Municipal.

November 4, 2000
$25,000 in Jewelry Stolen from Automobile 

At 12:25 PM patrol officers and detectives were dispatched to the 800 Block of Prospect Street when a local merchant and jewelry dealer called 9-1-1 claiming that someone had just broken into his parked car and removed approximately $25,000 in various gold necklaces and other assorted pieces of jewelry.  The victim told investigators that he had parked his car outside his store around 12:15 PM before leaving for a jewelry show.  While the car was unattended for several minutes, unknown actors smashed the driver's side window,  released the trunk lock and removed the cases holding the jewelry.  

Although witness accounts put a dark colored sedan in the area at the time of the incident, police are asking for anyone who may have seen anything to contact the Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (201) 652-3800.

At 4:42 PM, Patrol Officer John Mastick and Lt. Ralph Molinaro were dispatched to the Bottle King Liquors on Prospect Street for a reported shoplifter that was in custody.  While in route, officers were updated by dispatchers that the suspect had fled the store and her description was broadcasted.  Lt. Molinaro located the suspect inside the Krausers Food Market and detained her.  Officers and Det. Sgt. Stahman interviewed the store manager who claimed that he observed the suspect conceal, by placing into a large shoulder bag, 3 boxes of Remy Martin, valued at $29.99 per/bottle, and one bottle of E&J Brandy at $17.99. She was stopped at the register by the manager but, denied any intent and stated she was bringing the bottles to the register for a price check.

The manager had recognized the suspect  from a prior incident in another Bottle King Store where she was barred from entering into any store in the Bottle King chain. She was placed in custody and charged with Defiant Trespassing.  A Glen Rock Municipal Court date was scheduled.

October 26, 2000
Police, Fire and Ambulance Join Forces to Purchase Public Safety Complex Sign

In June of this year, leaders of the Borough's emergency services got together to discuss creating a sign that would advise motorists of the location of the Police, Fire and Ambulance headquarters.  After little discussion, all agreed it was a long overdue project and William Miller of Miller Signs was contracted to create the Glen Rock Public Safety Complex sign. 

The sign, shown here, clearly shows travelers where to go for assistance, what number to call in an emergency and shows the Borough's main web address.  It also features each agencies patches across the top.

The sign is located at the main entrance to Harding Plaza on the Maple Avenue side of the complex.

At 8:40 PM,  while Auxiliary Police Chief Jim Winters was assigned to traffic duty for an event at the park, two juveniles approached him and claimed that they had been threatened by two other juveniles. The youths provided a description and reported that the two males had threatened to kill them.  Lt. Ralph Molinaro, and Officers McInerney, Reamy and Calaski enter the park looking for the suspects.  Officer Reamy located the suspects in the park, however they did not immediately see him and he had the opportunity to observe one of them attempt to conceal a baggie that appeared to contain a greenish, leafy vegetation.  Officer Reamy then approached the juveniles and had them remove what they had put away.  The officer found that each boy had a "nickel" bag of what is believed to be marijuana. Also found was a silver colored metal pipe that was wrapped in plastic.  

One of the juveniles, a 16 year old Glen Rock resident was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.  He was released to his parents.  The other juvenile, a 17 year old Ridgewood resident was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams.  He was released to his mother.  Both juveniles must appear in Superior Court, Family Division in Hackensack, NJ.

At 9:59 AM,  officers Dan Dour, Adam Pyatak and Sgt. Gary Merselis were dispatched to investigate a serious motor vehicle accident in front of 541 Prospect Street (area of Rock & Prospect).  Officers, along with Glen Rock EMS and Valley Hospital Paramedics responded and found that a two car, head-on collision had occurred.  The victim and her husband (the driver), were traveling north on Prospect Street (towards Ridgewood) when the accident occurred.  All three victims of the crash were transported to The Valley Hospital, where the female passenger died a short time later.  Her husband and the 45 year old driver of the second vehicle, were treated and released. The Bergen County Medical Examiner determined her death was due to "Multiple Blunt Force Injury."  Through investigation, it was learned that neither driver observed the other prior to the crash occurring.   Investigative assistance was also provided by Glen Rock Det. Dean Ackermann and the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Fatal Accident Investigation Unit.  Prospect Street was closed to all traffic for over four hours.  No criminal or motor vehicle charges have been filed.

At 10:42 PM, Glen Rock patrol units were dispatched to the area of the Prospect Street stores (Century 21 Real Estate Office), for a report of a male that had just exposed himself to a 31 year old female employee who was working late.  The actor is described a white male, approx. 30-40 years-of-age,  medium build, dark hair, wearing a white T-shirt and black jeans.  She observed him playing with the zipper on his jeans and as she entered her vehicle and  turned on her lights, she observed the male walk by her vehicle with his genitals exposed.  Glen Rock, as well as Fair Lawn officers checked the area, but were unable to locate anyone.

Any person with information about this act of lewdness is asked to contact the Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (201) 652-3800.

At 4:50 PM patrol officers Adam Pyatak & Chris McInerney observed a car parked at the rear of 240 Rock Road (in the Central Business District) with a smashed out window on the driver's side rear door.  As they investigated, the officers located the owner of  the car who is a salesman for an eyeglass company.  The victim told the officers that he had been parked there for only 30 minutes and had between $3000.00 and $5,000.00 worth of designer eyeglass in the car.  All the cases containing the glasses were missing.  

Officers checked the area, but were unable to located any witnesses.  Police are asking for anyone who may have seen anything to contact the Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (201) 652-3800.

September 5, 2000
Joint Investigation with Federal Authorities leads to Drug Arrest

Glen Rock detectives were notified by the U.S. Customs Service in California about a shipment of illegally obtained narcotics that was slated to be delivered to the home of a 46 year old Glen Rock resident,  from an undisclosed location overseas.  

When the package reached the U.S. Customs' inspectors, it was seized and held until Glen Rock detectives could coordinate with the U.S. Postal Police and the Bergen County Narcotics Task Force.  Arrangements were then made to have the package delivered while the house was under surveillance.  Once the resident accepted the package, officers from all three agencies, armed with a search warrant, arrested the homeowner and searched the home.  The package containing the narcotics and two computers were seized when it was learned that the resident used the computers to purchase the drugs through the internet.  The resident was processed at Police Headquarters, and after making a first appearance before the Honorable Judge Paul Thornwall in Glen Rock Municipal Court, was released with the matter being referred to the Superior Court and a Grand Jury hearing.

In July the police department began the first phase of a long awaited uniform change. Chief Steven Cherry, along with a committee of PBA representatives (P.O. Eric Reamy, P.O. Chris McInerney & Sgt. Tom McCrea), designed a lightweight, golf-type shirt that can be worn by patrol officers in the hot & humid summer months. These gray shirts feature the Glen Rock Police logo on the front, along with officer’s name and rank. On the back, in large block letters, is the word POLICE. The shirts are not intended to replace the traditional short sleeve, summer police shirt, but are a welcome change from the dark blue shirts because they are lighter and cooler. The new style shirts were unveiled at the High School Graduation to rave compliments and they still keep coming in. 

Chief Cherry stated that,  "officer comfort along with clear identification as a police officer were of paramount importance in designing the shirts. Police uniforms and materials have undergone great changes over the years and it is important that we adapt to these improvements."

In addition to the gray short sleeve shirt, the department has purchased the same customized golf-type shirt, only in yellow, that officers will now wear when working traffic control at road construction sites. These shirts offer the officer high visibility to motorists while also being lighter and cooler.

The committee also introduced a new style hat to the department. Officers will now wear a navy blue "trooper" style hat. The hat replaces the "Western" style hats worn by Glen Rock officers for over twenty years. In addition, a water resistant, baseball style cap has also been added for use in inclement weather or while working special assignments.

Finally, the committee added changes to the traditional style police shirts by replacing the metal collar insignias with small sewn on patches and changing the color of the tie to navy blue from the current French blue.

August 22, 2000
Officers Assist in Motor Vehicle Pursuit from Fair Lawn

At about 9:30 AM Officer Eric Reamy monitored a police broadcast from the Fair Lawn, NJ police department that they were attempting to stop a vehicle that had fled the area after committing several shopliftings in local stores.  The fleeing vehicle was traveling Northbound on State Highway 208 when it entered Glen Rock where Reamy was waiting. Being the department's K-9 Unit and aware of the fact that the suspects might bail out of their automobile when it is finally stopped, Reamy followed the pursuing patrol units northbound and at one point found himself next to the suspects vehicle.  The operator of the suspect vehicle attempted to ram the officer's patrol unit, however that caused their vehicle to spin around and stop.  The suspects ran from the car, but were quickly apprehended by officers.  The occupants, two men and one woman, all from Paterson, were arrested and charged with various complaints by both Fair Lawn and Glen Rock.  One of the suspects was just recently arrested in Glen Rock (See the story from July 16th, below) on similar shoplifting charges.

August 21, 2000
Motor Vehicle Crash at Broad Street and Ackerman Ave. Leads to D.W.I. Arrest

At about 7:00PM patrols were dispatched to motor vehicle crash near the intersection of Broad Street and Ackerman Ave.  Investigating Officer, Mike Taylor, discovered that the vehicle had traveled over 300 feet on the sidewalk before stopping.  The driver, a 43-year-old resident of Glen Rock, complained of an injury related to the accident and smell of alcohol.  He was transported to Bergen Regional Medical Center for care after being advised he was under arrest for Driving while under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs.  At the hospital blood was drawn to determine the amount of alcohol in his system.  After being released from the hospital, an appearance was scheduled in the Glen Rock Municipal Court to answer the charges.

August 19, 2000
Hawthorne Woman Arrested for D.W.I. After Going Through a Red Light & Speeding

While on patrol at 6:00AM, Officer Adam Pyatak observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed.  As he followed the car, he watched it go through the red light at the intersection of Maple and Ackerman Avenues traveling at approximately 50 MPH.  The officer immediately stopped the car and while interviewing the driver, detected a strong odor of alcohol on her breath.  

After performing several field sobriety tests, the 37 year-old woman was arrested for Driving while under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs and numerous other violations of motor vehicle law.  She was released with an appearance scheduled for Glen Rock Municipal Court.

August 8, 2000
Juveniles Arrested after causing upwards of $20,000 in Vandalism to Coleman School

While on patrol at 3:21AM, Officer William Van Dyk observed a suspicious car parked on Elmwood Ave., near the Coleman School.  While checking this vehicle, he noticed a male on the property of the school.  The male, a 17 year old resident of Fair Lawn, was interviewed by the officer and appeared nervous and could not provide a good reason for being on the school property.  The officer also detected an odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath.  When back-up units arrived, they checked the school and found a door propped open, with damage to the building clearly visible.  The building was then searched by Glen Rock officers with the assistance of the Bergen County Police Department's K-9 unit. As of a result of this search, two individuals, a 17 year old Lodi male, along with a another 16 year old Fair Lawn male were apprehended.

Officers learned that the juveniles broke into the school through the Nurse's Office.  Once inside they caused extensive damage to her office, the principal's, the computer room and damaged almost half of the classrooms in some form.  School Officials estimate the damage to be between $15,000.00 to $20,000.00.

In addition to the three juveniles arrested at the scene, detectives learned of a fourth (a 15 year old Garfield), juvenile who was involved.

All the juveniles were charged with Burglary, Theft, and Criminal Mischief and turned over to their parents. The 15 year old Garfield juvenile was remanded to the Bergen County Juvenile Detention Center in Paramus due to other charges.  The juveniles will appear in Family Court, Hackensack, NJ to answer the charges.

August 7, 2000
Pursuit of Armed Robbery Suspects from Bergenfield Ends in Glen Rock

At 2:51AM, Sgt Paul Weber and Officers Mike Taylor, Chris McInerney and Jim Calaski assisted officers from the Teaneck, NJ Police Department with the apprehension of two armed robbery suspects in the parking lot of the CVS (175 Rock Road).  The actors had held up a gas station in Bergenfield, NJ and then fled towards Route 4 in Teaneck.  Officers from the Teaneck Police Department spotted the car and pursed it to Glen Rock where the suspects were taken into custody.  Police are still attempting to recover the handgun that was apparently tossed from the car during the course of the five town chase.

August 2, 2000
Residents Victims of Home Improvement Scam

A Glen Rock couple reported being the victim of a home improvement scam after being paying a Union County contractor $3,800 as a deposit for work that was never done.  Investigating detectives found that the money was used to help support his $500.00 a day drug habit.  With assistance of the Cranford, NJ Police, the actor was located in the Union County Jail where he is currently being held on other charges.  Complaints charging Theft by Deception have been filed in the Glen Rock Municipal Court and will be served upon the actor in jail.

August 2, 2000
Motor Vehicle Crash at Maple and Ackerman Aves. Leads to D.W.I. Arrest

At 3:21 AM patrols were dispatched to the intersection of Maple Ave and Ackerman Ave for a report of motor vehicle crash. When officers arrived they found a two car crash with one of the cars upside down.  After calling for ambulances, paramedics, fire and rescue support, they found there was one person trapped in the vehicle (a 1992 Jeep) that rolled over, and another person that was ejected from that same vehicle.  The driver of the other vehicle (a 2001 Acura) was located and officers found him stumbling and smelling from alcohol.  The driver was arrested, however due to the seriousness of the crash, he was transported to the hospital where blood could be taken to determine the level of alcohol in his system.

A witness to the crash informed officers that the Acura passed him, crossing over the solid double yellow lines, at a "high rate of speed" and entered the intersection of Maple and Ackermann, against the red light, without even slowing down as it crashed into the Jeep.

The driver of the Acura, a resident of Hawthorne, NJ was charged with Driving while under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs and improper passing.  He is scheduled to appear in Glen Rock Municipal Court.

August 2, 2000
Hood Ornament Thefts end with the Arrest of two G.R. Juveniles

At 2:06 PM Officer Michael Ciaramella ended a spree of criminal mischief and the thefts of hood ornaments to cars parked in and around the Glen Rock commuter lots when he arrested two 14 year old juvenile boys.  The officer arrested the juveniles just as they removed the hood ornament off of a Lincoln Continental parked in the Main Street commuter lot. 

With the cooperation of the boys parents, numerous hood ornaments and specialty chrome parts were recovered since the thefts began, at the end of June.

Both boys were charged with criminal mischief and theft on juvenile complaints.

July 16, 2000
Pair Arrested for Shoplifting leads to Narcotics Charges

At 4:40 PM patrol officers were dispatched to the area of Bottle King Liquors on Prospect Street on a reported shoplifting that had just occurred.  Officers were given a description of the fleeing vehicle, as well as the actors.  Lt.Ralph   Molinaro, who was in the immediate area, observed the vehicle pass by him and stopped the car.  The actors were interviewed and during the course of the conversation, back-up Officer Reamy observed the driver attempt to conceal a brown bottle under his shirt.  The concealed bottle turned out to be Hennessy Cognac.   Shortly thereafter, officers observed the passenger hiding two bottles of Remy Martin Champagne Cognac.  The two actors, both Paterson, NJ residents, were arrested, handcuffed and patted down for the officer's safety.  While checking the actors, a homemade pipe was found (commonly used to smoke "crack" cocaine) was discovered.  

When officers checked the car for additional proceeds of the shoplifting, they discovered a case of Hennessy Cognac, four bottles of Remy Martin Champagne, two bottles of Moet Champagne, and six additional bottles of Hennessy Cognac.

The actors were processed at Police Headquarters and after making a first appearance before the Honorable Judge Paul Thornwall in Glen Rock Municipal Court, they were transported to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of $1,000.00 bail.

July 4, 2000
Resident Arrested on Drug Related Charges

At approximately 6:00PM Glen Rock officers were contacted by the Bogota (NJ) Police Department to request assistance in the execution of a search warrant at a Windham Place address for a unknown type of handgun. Officers in Bogota had arrested the Glen Rock resident, in their jurisdiction, on terroristic threats and possession of narcotics paraphernalia charges stemming out of a domestic violence incident. Through the course of their interviews with the female victim of the domestic violence, the officers were told that the boyfriend had threatened to use a handgun against her and that the gun was in the home on Windham Pl.

Armed with a search warrant, Bogota and Glen Rock officers entered the home and while searching for the weapon, came across drug paraphernalia used for smoking marijuana, as well as a glass vial used to contain "crack cocaine." No handgun was discovered in this room.

While checking a second room in the home, a zip lock bag was discovered containing 20 smaller plastic bags. Within those bags was vegetation believed to be marijuana. The packaging of the marijuana was done in such a manner that officers believed it to be packaged for sale. Through the course of the investigation, it was determined that a houseguest, and not a family member, was using the room that the marijuana was located in. Also located in this room was the gun the victim was referring to, however it was a paintball gun and not subject to seizure under the domestic and firearms laws. The guest, a Mr. Nelson Perez-Romero, who had been living with the family on Windham Place for 5 years, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute.

After making a first appearance before the Honorable Judge Paul Thornwall in Glen Rock Municipal Court, Mr Perez-Romero was transported to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of $1,500.00 bail.

June 27, 2000
Suspect Arrested in Giannella's & King II Wok Burglaries - Admits to several others

On June 27, 2000 Glen Rock detectives in cooperation with the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office, as well as other police agencies, arrested Michael S. Moran, age 31 of River Dale, NJ charging him with eight counts of burglary and eight counts of theft to commercial businesses in Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Midland Park, Mahwah and  including the four in Glen Rock.  

Moran was arrested by the Wayne, NJ police on June 16, 2000 at 10:00PM after he was caught breaking into the North Jersey Animal Hospital.  After being processed in Wayne, his fingerprints were submitted to the Automated Fingerprint Identification System and identified as matching those prints taken from the Ridgewood burglary.  Further interviews with Moran lead to his admission of committing the other burglaries.  Moran told police detectives that in the Giannella's burglary (see the story-June 11, 2000), he was still inside the store when Officer Art Faber initial discovered the smashed out front door, but ran out the back and onto a waiting bicycle to make his escapee before the officer even entered the store. He is currently being held in the Passaic County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.

June 26, 2000
Officer James Calaski Graduates from Bergen County Police Academy - Ranked #1 in his Class

On June 26, 2000, Glen Rock Police Department's newest officer hit the streets to begin his Field Training Program after having graduated number one in his class from the Bergen County Public Safety Training Academy on June 23, 2000.  Officer Calaski will begin his on-the-street training by working with Officer Dan Dour (a 11 year GRPD veteran with 5 additional years as a NJ Transit Officer) and Officer Chris McInerney (a 3 year GRPD veteran with an additional 6 years as an NYPD Officer) for three months.  Once he completes this aspect of his training he will be ready to ride alone and augment the force.  Congratulations Officer Calaski & best of luck!

June 23, 2000
Motor Vehicle Crash on State Highway 208 Leads to D.W.I. Arrest & Criminal Charges

At 8:52 PM patrols were dispatched to State Highway 208 North in the area of Harristown Road for a report of motor vehicle crash. When officers arrived they found that two vehicles were involved and the operator of one of the cars was injured. While Glen Rock EMS responded to treat the one victim, officers learned that the driver of the other car had attempted to leave the scene immediately after the crash had occurred, causing a large quantity of motor oil to spill over a large portion of the roadway. Officers Eric Reamy and Mike Ciaramella caught up with the driver & began to interview him when they detected an odor of alcohol on his breath. The driver, a Christopher Ottlinghaus, of Ramsey, NJ, was given several field sobriety tests and after failing the tests, was arrested and secured in the rear of a patrol car, as officers continued to investigate the crash.

At this same time, tour commander Sergeant Gary Merselis, was notified of a domestic dispute in-progress and a medical emergency call in other parts of town. The Sergeant left the crash site and mutual aid was requested from surrounding police agencies to assist with these calls, however this necessitated leaving the prisoner alone for a short period of time.

When officers went to check on the prisoner, they found that he had escaped through a small opening in the side window of the car. A local alarm was broadcast and Fair Lawn, Hawthorne, as well as the Bergen County Police sent officers to look for the escapee. Within several minutes of the alarm, the escapee was located, still handcuffed behind his back, walking south on the northbound shoulder of the highway and taken back into custody. While transporting the prisoner to headquarters for processing, he became highly agitated and began to slam his head on the metal partition separating him from the officer driving the car. This caused several lacerations to his head and scalp necessitating treatment at the Bergen Regional Medical Center, where blood samples were also drawn to determine the amount of alcohol and/or drugs in his system.

A passenger in Ottlinghaus’s vehicle was arrested and transported to headquarters after it was learned that he had active warrants out of Paterson, NJ. He was processed and released after posting bail.

Ottlinghaus was charged with Driving while under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident and with Escape from Custody. He was unable to post the $10,000 bail and was transported to the Bergen County Jail until his court appearance.

June 21, 2000
Burglary and Theft to Glen Rock Athletic Club

At 11:14 AM, patrols along with Detectives responded to the Glen Rock Athletic Club on Main Street to investigate a report that the building had been burglarized overnight.  The investigation revealed that an unknown actor had thrown a brick through a rear office window to gain entry.  Once inside the actor removed seven cartons of cigarettes, some raffle money and unknown amount of petty cash that was in a box.  

Any person with information about this burglary is asked to contact the Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (201) 652-3800.

June 21, 2000
Motor Vehicle Crash Lead to D.W.I. Arrest

At 9:25 PM, Sgt. Gary Merselis was dispatched to a motor vehicle crash on Hamilton Ave. near Clinton Place.  While investigating the crash, he detected a strong odor of alcohol on the breath of the driver.  He also observed her swaying and leaning for support on the police car.  Believing that she may be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he administered several field sobriety tests.  The operator, a Glen Rock resident, failed the tests and was arrested for Driving under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs and transported to headquarters  for processing.  She was issued a summons for D.W.I. and released to a friend pending her Municipal Court appearance.

June 16, 2000
Erratic Driving on Maple Ave. Leads to Crash and D.W.I. Arrest

At 3:24 PM, Officer Chris McInerney was assigned to a school crossing post at Maple Ave. and Rodney Street when several passing motorist began honking their horns to alert the officer to a Southbound vehicle that was swerving all over the road.  Officer McInerney observed the vehicle swerving from the curb to the center yellow line, veer across the roadway into the opposing lane of traffic, veer back to the proper lane only to jump the curb and sidewalk, drive across a lawn and then turn back onto the roadway.  Officer McInerney had his emergency lights and siren activated not only to attempt to stop the erratic driver, but also to warn other motorists.  When the vehicle reached the busy intersection of Maple Ave. and Harristown Road, it again, veered to the left and entered the intersection in a horizontal manner, almost colliding head-on with another vehicle.  The car finally stopped when it crashed into several signs at the front of a commercial building.  The driver, a Wallington resident, who appeared uninjured, was arrested for Driving under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs. However, due to the fact that he was unable to stand and appeared to be slipping into unconsciousness, officers had him transported by Glen Rock EMS to the Bergen Regional Medical Center, in Paramus, for medical care and so that blood and urine could be taken to determine if there was any alcohol or drugs in his system.  He was issued motor vehicle summonses for Reckless Driving, as well as for the D.W.I. offense. A Glen Rock Municipal Court appearance is scheduled.

June 15, 2000
Phone Tip of a Possible Intoxicated Driver Leads to D.W.I. Arrest

At 5:40 PM Glen Rock Patrols were notified through an anonymous tip to the Dispatch Center, that a vehicle had just pulled out of the Kilroy's Super Market on Maple Ave. and that the operator may be intoxicated.  A vehicle fitting the description of the radio broadcast was observed by Lt. Ralph Molinaro.  He followed the vehicle and observed it being operated in an erratic manner, making wide turns and weaving from curb to the center yellow line.  The vehicle was stopped on Harristown Road, by Perry's Florist, and a strong odor of alcohol was detected on the driver. Believing that he may be intoxicated, he was asked to perform several field sobriety tests.  The driver, a resident of Glen Rock, failed the tests and was arrested for Driving under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs.  He was transported to headquarters, processed and released with a summons for D.W.I.  A Municipal Court date is scheduled.

June 15, 2000
G.R. Stolen Vehicle Recovered in the City of Clifton - 3 Arrested

Clifton Police Department contacted the Glen Rock Police at 1:00AM and reported the apprehension of two adults and one juvenile from Alabama Ave, Paterson, NJ in a 1984 Oldsmobile that they believed was stolen out of the Borough.  Contact was made with the Dean  Street resident who confirmed the fact that his car was not in the driveway where he parked it.  The three individuals will be charged with receiving a stolen motor vehicle, as well as other charges out of the City of Clifton.

June 12, 2000
Burglary & Theft to King II Wok Restaurant on Maple Ave. - Second Time in less than 1 Month

Patrols responded back to the King II Wok Chinese Restaurant located at 1014B Maple Ave on a report of a commercial burglary.  Investigation showed that the actor(s) gained entry to the store through an opening above the rear door that had not been repaired since the last burglary.   Once inside, the actor opened the cash register and removed an undetermined amount in cash and rolled coins.  

Any person with information about this burglary is asked to contact the Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (201) 652-3800.

June 11, 2000
Burglary & Theft to Giannella's Bakery & Deli on Rock Road

While Officer Art Faber was checking the stores in the Central Business District at approx. 2:58AM, he observed that the front door to the bakery had been smashed out.  After radioing for back-up, he and Sgt. Jon Miller checked the store's interior and discovered that it had been burglarized, and that a theft of cash had taken place.  Since it appeared that Officer Faber may have interrupted the actor while he was still in the store, the Department's K-9 unit was requested to the scene in an attempt to located him.  Ridgewood Police officers were also requested to assist  while the K-9 unit checked the area.  Since no extended track could be detected by the dog, it was determined that the actor had a car waiting for him near the rear door of the store.  

The scene was examined for fingerprints, with assistance from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department Bureau of Criminal Identification and several prints were discovered.

As this business is on a highly traveled roadway near the CVS (as well as the Main Line Railroad Station), and the actor entered the business through the front door, police detectives are hoping that a passerby can offer more information. Any person with information about this burglary is asked to contact the Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (201) 652-3800

June 1, 2000
9-1-1 call from School Staff Leads to D.W.I. & Child Endangerment Arrest

At approx. 3:30PM patrols were dispatched to the Coleman School on Pinelynn Road to investigate a report that a parent had just picked up their 7 year old child and possibly was intoxicated.  The school provided a description of the vehicle, as well as a possible destination.  The vehicle was observed by Officer Eric Reamy as it pulled into it's Glen Rock driveway.  The driver was interviewed at his home and it was determined that he had operated his vehicle under the under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs  He was arrested and brought into headquarters for processing.  He's 7 year old daughter was also brought to headquarters by Sgt. Merselis, until her mother could be contacted.  

Because the daughter was in the car at the time it was being driving by an apparently intoxicated operator, the father was also criminally charged with child endangerment.  After being processed, he was released to his attorney with a scheduled municipal court date.

May 28, 2000
Motor Vehicle Crash on State Highway 208 Leads to D.W.I. Arrest

At 9:00PM patrols were dispatched to  investigate a single vehicle motor vehicle accident that occurred on State Highway 208 North by Lincoln Ave. Glen Rock officers, assisted by the Hawthorne Police Department, found a small Toyota pick-up truck had run off the road and struck a utility pole.  Investigating Officer's Eric Reamy and John Mastick smelled an odor of alcohol on the operators breath and with further testing determined him to be under the influence.  The vehicle's operator, a 24 year old male from Fair Lawn ,was not injured but was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated and careless driving.  He was released pending an appearance in Glen Rock Municipal Court. 

May 25, 2000
Burglary & Theft to Rock Sweet Shop on Rock Road - NYC Man Charged

Patrols responded to a commercial burglary located at the Rock Sweet Shop, a newspaper & coffee store, at 240 Rock Road.    Investigation revealed that the store was entered through the front door when the actor forcible removed the lock.  Once inside the store, the actor rifled through the cash register and removed approximately 20 cartons of cigarettes and some coins.   The total value of the theft was $620.00.  While attempting to flee the scene of the crime, the actor was spotted by a local store employee who phoned in the suspicious activity to the police, along with a description of the actor, his license plate and vehicle type.

On May 30, 2000, Glen Rock detectives along with detectives from the New York City Police Department's 24th precinct,  arrested a 74 year old resident of Central Park West in Manhattan and charged him with the crime, after the witness was able to make a positive ID.  The suspect was arraigned before Judge Paul Thronwall and bail was set at $2500.00. 

May 18, 2000
Church Aide is Charged with Sexual Assault to several Pre-School Girls

Glen Rock detectives, along with investigators from the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Sex Crimes unit, teamed up to investigate allegations that a 22 year old teacher's aide had fondled a four year old Ridgewood girl who attended the All Saint's Church Pre-School program.  The aide, Ira Jones, of Englewood, had been working at the school for six years, initially only part-time, and more recently he had been made a full time staff member.

School officials learned of the assault when the girl told her parents what had happened to her.  Jones was immediately fired and school officials notified the police.

Through the course of the investigation it was learned that at least two other girls had been assaulted by Jones.   He was arraigned before Judge Paul Thornwall and was remanded to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.

May 18, 2000
Burglary & Theft to King II Wok Restaurant on Maple Ave.

Patrols responded to a commercial burglary at the King II Wok Chinese Restaurant located at 1014B Maple Ave.  Investigation showed that entry was gained to the store when the actors used a homemade wooded ladder to reach a small opening above the rear door.  The opening was covered in light screen material & was easily pushed aside giving access to the store.  Once inside, the actor opened the cash register and removed $700.00 in cash and rolled coins.  

Any person with information about this burglary is asked to contact the Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (201) 652-3800.

May 17, 2000
Theft of $12,000 from Library - Ex-employee Charged

Police detectives arrested a former Glen Rock Library employee for official misconduct, theft by deception, and forgery.  The 3 week, joint investigation, with the Bergen County Prosecutors Office, began when library officials discovered irregularities in various trustee accounts.  Detectives, along with Borough auditors, then reviewed accounts going back to 1997 and were able to put the pieces together and develop a suspect.  The suspect, who worked at the Library for 3 years as an administrative assistant is married with three children and used the $12,000 to pay for such personal bills as her rent, utilities and insurance.  She made a first appearance before Judge Paul Thornwall and posted $2500.00 bail, pending action by a Bergen County Grand Jury.

May 10, 2000
Police Seek Male that Exposed himself  to a Female Store Owner in the Central Business District

At 11:52 PM, Glen Rock patrol units were dispatched to the area of The Mall at Glen Rock (Rock Road & Glen Avenue), in the Central Business District, for a report of a male that had just exposed himself to a female store owner who was working late.  The actor is described a white male, approx. 38-40 years-of-age, 6' tall, and of average build.  He was wearing blue jogging shorts when he went past the store & exposed his genitals to the victim.

Any person with information about this act of lewdness is asked to contact the Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (201) 652-3800.

May 9, 2000
Serious Motor Vehicle Crash Leads to Three Injuries

      
Photos courtesy of Nick Messina

Officer Mike Taylor investigated a motor vehicle crash that occurred at 8:50AM in front of 385 Maple Ave (at the Ridgewood boarder) where the driver of an Isuzu sport utility truck (top left) was unable to stop in time and collided into the rear of a Chevy Blazer (bottom left) that was slowing down for traffic.  The Isuzu  pushed the Blazer into a Ford Windstar (top right) van that also was slowing for traffic.  The resulting chain-reaction crash, caused serious injuries to the driver of the Isuzu, (who was not wearing a seatbelt).  Also injured was the driver of the Blazer and a young child in the Ford. The Isuzu's driver and the child in the Ford were treated by Glen Rock EMS, as well as paramedics from the Valley Hospital and transported to Hackensack University Medical Center and The Valley Hospital.  The driver of the Blazer was treated by Ridgewood EMS and transported to the Valley ER.  The Glen Rock FD was requested for vehicle stabilization and manpower to help EMS  remove the patients.

         
Photos courtesy of Nick Messina

The driver of this Chevy Blazer walked away from a motor vehicle accident at the intersection of Harristown and Ackerman Aves., with no apparent injuries. His car was struck on the side, causing it to rollover and then land, upright, on its wheels. Although the vehicle suffer major damage, the driver, who could have been ejected from the car through the smashed out front windshield, was wearing his seatbelt, and walked away from the crash.  He was examined by Glen Rock EMS and released.

April 10, 2000
Burglary Suspect Arrested

On April 10, 2000 at approximately 11:15 AM, Glen Rock detectives along with Ridgewood police and detectives responded to Ridgewood residents’ report of a suspicious person in her neighborhood. Officers observed Ronald O. Kennedy, age 30, of Dean Street, Glen Rock, and upon questioning him, learned of an active warrant issued out of Paramus for shoplifting. A search of Kennedy’s person subsequent to arrest produced stolen property and a small amount of a controlled dangerous substance (suspected to be marijuana) in his possession. The stolen property was later determined to have been taken during the course of a burglary and theft from a nearby Ridgewood residence, which occurred shortly before Kennedy’s arrest.

As a result of further investigation with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, the Maywood Police Department, the Ridgewood Police Department and the Glen Rock Detective Bureau, Kennedy was charged with seven counts of burglary and theft in Ridgewood, two counts of burglary and theft in Glen Rock and one count of burglary and theft in Maywood. These burglaries occurred between mid-February, 2000 and April 10, 2000.

Kennedy was release from state prison in January 1997 after serving less than two years of a five year sentence for burglary. He had been living in Glen Rock on Dean Street, with his mother.

Ronald Kennedy was arraigned by Glen Rock Municipal Court Judge Paul Thornwall and bail was set at $50,000.00. Kennedy was remanded to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of bail.

March 30, 2000
Burglary & Theft to Residence on Harristown Road

Patrols responded to a home in the 300 block of Harristown Road for a reported break and entry. Investigation revealed that the home was entered sometime between 11 AM and 2:30 PM when the actor open a front porch storm window and then lifted the unlocked interior window, to climb into the home.  The actor targeted the second floor bedrooms and removed jewelry, a VCR, Nintendo 64 game and placed them in two pillowcases that were found missing from the bedrooms. A resident reported to police observing a "beat up" gray vehicle in the area.  

The scene was examined for fingerprints, with assistance from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department Bureau of Criminal Identification and several prints were discovered.

As the home is on a highly traveled roadway and the actor entered the home through the front, police detectives are hoping that a passerby can offer more information. Any person with information about this burglary is asked to contact the Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (201) 652-3800

March 30, 2000
Burglary to Residence on Doremus Ave.

Patrols, along with detectives, responded to a home in the 200 block of Doremus Ave, near the Ridgewood boarder, for a reported break and entry. Investigation revealed that the home was entered sometime between 10:30 AM and 2:00 PM through an unlocked rear door.  It appears that the actor was scared off when a family friend stopped by the house and interrupted the burglary.  Investigators found two pillowcases left behind that were stuffed with a VCR, jewelry and $40.00 in quarters. A 2-door gray car was seen parked in the area prior to the burglary.

The scene was examined for fingerprints, with assistance from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department Bureau of Criminal Identification and several prints were discovered.

Any person with information about this burglary is asked to contact the Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (201) 652-3800

March 21, 2000
Glen Rock Juvenile Arrested for Selling Narcotics

After a four month joint investigation between Glen Rock officers and the Bergen County Narcotics Task Force, a local resident (who was under 18 at the time of his arrest) was arrested for selling narcotics to other juveniles and adults.  The individual was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance (C.D.S.), as well as two counts of distribution of C.D.S.  He has a scheduled court appearance in the Hackensack Juvenile Court System.

February 9, 2000
Glen Rock Police Hires New Officer

On February 9^th, Mayor Dick Hahn swore in James Calaski as the Department’s newest police officer. James was hired after undergoing a lengthy selection and interview process with the members of the Public Safety Committee, the Mayor and the Chief of Police.

James has served the Borough of Glen Rock for three years  as a member of the Auxiliary Police Department. He also worked extensively with the department to design and implement its web page. He is a graduate of William Paterson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology / Criminal Justice Administration.

With this new addition to the Department, the number of sworn police officers will increase to twenty. While still falling below the FBI’s recommended level of police officers for a population the size of Glen Rocks’, the addition of this new officer should help ease the scheduling burden and aid the department to better serve the community. The cost of Officer’s Calaski’s salary will be offset for his first three years thanks to a $75,000 grant from the Community Oriented Policing (COPS) Universal Hiring Program under the Department of Justice. 

Officer Calaski begins his basic training at the Bergen County Police Academy in Mahwah, NJ on February 14^th and will graduate in mid-June. Upon his graduation, he will be certified by the Police Training Commission in such areas as community policing, firearms, RADAR, handling of domestic violence situations, criminal laws, and motor vehicle statues. He also will be certified as an emergency medical technician and able to use the automated defibrillators. After his graduation, he will complete his training by being assigned to ride with a field training officer prior to being allowed to work on his own.

The Glen Rock Police Department welcomes it’s newest officer and wishes him the best of luck in his training and new career.

Patrol officers Art Faber and Mike Ciaramella responded to investigate an activated panic alarm at a Thornbury Road address at approximately 1:00AM. While checking the home, they detected a strong odor of smoke and gunpowder coming from a neighbors rear yard. As the officers investigated further, they found that some type of homemade bomb had been detonated on the rear deck. The blast caused damage to a sliding glass door, two windows and the exterior siding of the home. The bomb contained steel pellets that were found throughout the area. Had anyone been in the kitchen area of the home when the bomb went off they would have sustained serious injuries from the flying pellets. 

This is the third and most serious act of criminal mischief that has occurred to this residence over the past 14 months. The last incident involved an extensive amount of red paint that was splashed all over the siding of the home.

Any person with information concerning this incident is asked to contact the Detective Bureau at (201) 670-3948.

January 12, 2000
Police Department to Receive $75,000 Grant to Hire a New Officer

Congresswoman Marge Roukema recently announced that the Glen Rock Police Department will receive a federal grant to help pay for the hiring of a new police officer.

The funds were made available under the Justice Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing (COPS) Services program.  It covers up to seventy-five percent of the cost of salaries and benefits for each new officer for up to three years.

Glen Rock detectives arrested three juveniles, ages 14 to 15 years old, in connection with the Christmas week burglary, theft and bias crime that occurred at the school. One of the actors was charged as a juvenile with burglary, theft, criminal mischief, possession & consumption of alcohol in a school building and possession, use and being under the influence of marijuana in a school building. Two other juveniles have additional charges of including desecrating public property and bias harassment.

Two of the three juveniles attend the Glen Rock Middle school and the third, while having ties to Glen Rock, lives in New York.

The case has been referred to the Juvenile Intake Unit at the Superior Court in Hackensack, NJ.