Press Release- Pedestrian struck

On Thursday, December 29, 2016 at approximately 5:31 pm, a pedestrian was struck by a motor vehicle while crossing S. Front St. / W. Clinton Ave. The pedestrian was crossing S. Front St., in a marked crosswalk at the time of the accident. The vehicle, a 2007 Honda Accord was stopped at the traffic light, facing northbound on S. Front St. The traffic light turned green at which time the vehicle proceeded and struck the pedestrian.

The pedestrian, identified as Lilian Cupa, age 57 of Bergenfield, NJ, sustained a lower leg injury. Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance responded and transported the pedestrian to Englewood Hospital.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as Lali Thomas, age 37, of Englewood, NJ was not injured and was issued two summonses, one for careless driving and one for Failure to yield to pedestrian.                              

Press Release Interrupted burglary / suspicious incident

On Tuesday 12/27/2016, at approximately 3:06 pm, a call was received from a neighbor of the victim, stating that a house invasion just occurred. Officers responded, secured the scene and rendered aid to the victim. The victim is a 71 year old male resident of Bergenfield. He was transported to the Hospital for his injuries which consisted of a gash on top of his head.

The victim stated that he was walking up the steps to his bedroom when he observed a tall, thin white male, wearing a gray sweater with a black winter cap walking down the steps. The victim reported that the male struck him with an object, tied his hands together before fleeing the home. It was reported that $10 and a debit card were stolen from the victim. A search of the area was conducted for the actor with negative results.

Bergen County Sheriff’s Dept. K-9 unit responded to assist. The victim’s statements and investigation has not confirmed or ruled out the incident as an interrupted burglary or any other incident. This is an active investigation and Detectives are following all potential leads. This is the first and only press release submitted by the Bergenfield Police Department. As the investigation unveils more details, updated press releases will follow.

The male victim has since been released from the hospital.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Bergenfield Police Department's Detective Bureau at 201-387-4000. ext. 4011

Press Release- Barricaded Subject / Arrest

On 11/2/2016, at approximately 2:04 pm, a call was received from a third party that there was a male threatening suicide with a gun inside of the residence. Officers responded but were unable to make contact with the male. The male along with the third party caller were in contact with each other while the incident was unfolding. Unable to directly make contact or visualization with the suicidal male, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Swat team was notified. Mutual aid was requested from Tenafly and Dumont PD’s for traffic control. The area was secured and awaiting the arrival of the SWAT team when the suicidal male exited his residence and surrendered. The suicidal male was transported to Bergen Regional Medical Center.

 Officers secured the residence and obtained a search warrant. The search of the home resulted in the finding of numerous weapons. The resident, who is not the suicidal caller, is identified as Edward Obertlik, age 42, of Bergenfield, NJ was subsequently arrested and charged with the following:

1.  2C:39-5b(1) Possession of a handgun

2.  2C:39-7B(1) Certain persons not to have weapons.

3.  2C:39-5J Possession of an assault firearm

4.  2C:39-5C(1) Possession of a rifle

5.  2C:39-5C(1)  Possession of a shotgun (4 counts)

Superior Court Judge Langan was contacted and set bail at $120,000 with 10% option to post bail.  Mr. Obertlik was remanded to BCJ in lieu of bail.

"Meet Our Officers", introducing Officer Eugenio Estevez

Eugenio was born in Jersey City, NJ and raised in Union City and Moonachie, NJ.  He attended Wood-Ridge High School and graduated in 2000.  Eugenio served in the United States Marine Corps from 2003 to 2007.  He graduated from Bergen Community College with an associates degree in 2013 and is currently seeking a Bachelor's degree from FDU.  

Eugenio began his law enforcement career in 2012 with the Hudson County Sheriff's Office as a Sheriff's Officer.  He then transferred to South Hackensack PD in 2014, and eventually hired by the Bergenfield Police Department off of the NJ Civil Service Law Enforcement List in 2015. Eugenio is currently serving in the patrol bureau for the PD and participating in the 4th Grade Program.  

When not at work, Eugenio likes to spend time with his friends and family, and preparing for an additional family member come 2017.  Eugenio looks forward to continuing to provide guidance to the youth of Bergenfield.

Seeking assistance with Hit and Run Motor Vehicle Crash involving a pedestrian

The Bergenfield Police Department is investigating a Hit and Run Motor Vehicle Crash involving a pedestrian that occurred on 10-10-16 at approximately 5:10 pm at the intersection of S. Washington Avenue and Bedford Avenue.

The victim, a 73 year old female from Westwood, was crossing S. Washington Avenue westbound, when a vehicle, described as a black Nissan SUV, made an illegal left turn onto S. Washington Avenue from Bedford Avenue, striking the victim. The Nissan SUV immediately reversed and left the scene traveling the wrong way on Bedford Avenue.

With the assistance of local surveillance video and the Bergenfield Nissan dealership, the fleeing vehicle is described as a Black 2013 Nissan Rogue SL with tinted windows. There is no further description for the driver of the vehicle. The vehicle possibly sustained front end damage or damage to the hood.

The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries as a result of the crash and was transported to Pascack Valley Hospital.

Anyone with information regarding the crash, please contact the Bergenfield Police Department at 201-387-4000.

Press Release- Stabbing incident / arrest

On Saturday, 9-17-16 at approximately 8:36 pm, Officers were dispatched to the area of 202 Howard Drive on a report of a stabbing. Upon arrival at the scene, officers located a 36 year old male victim of Bergenfield, who had sustained a stab wound to his abdomen.  The victim reported that he was involved in a physical altercation with the suspect prior to being stabbed.  The suspect fled the scene and discarded the weapon prior to police arrival. The Bergen County Sheriff’s K9 unit was summoned to assist.

The victim was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he underwent emergency surgery. The victim sustained non-life threatening injuries and is expected to survive and make a full recovery.

The suspect was identified a short time later after he returned to the scene as Emmens Forges, 34 year old male of Phillipsburg, NJ.  Mr. Forges was placed under arrest and transported to Englewood Hospital by the Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corp. for injuries he suffered during the physical altercation with the victim. Mr. Forges was treated and released to the custody of the Bergenfield Police Department.

Mr. Forges was charged with Aggravated Assault, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Tampering with Evidence. Bergenfield Municipal Court Judge Herbert set bail at $50,000.00 with no 10% option. Mr. Forges was transported to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of posting his bail.

Press Release- Eluding arrest

On Saturday, 9-3-16 at approximately 1:19 am, Officer Christopher Brugger observed a black Chevy driving recklessly in the area of Sylvan Avenue and Beechwood Street. Officer Brugger attempted to initiate a motor vehicle stop, but the vehicle failed to stop and continued traveling southbound into Teaneck on S. Washington Avenue. Officer Brugger pursued the vehicle into Teaneck. Due to the high rate of speed of the fleeing vehicle and the potential for injury, Officer Brugger terminated the pursuit.

The vehicle continued traveling southbound, and shortly thereafter, crashed into another vehicle that was also traveling southbound on Teaneck Road. Officer Brugger responded to the Motor Vehicle Crash. Teaneck PD, along with the Teaneck Volunteer Ambulance Corp responded to assist. The condition of the driver of the vehicle that was struck is unknown at this time, but any injuries are not considered life threatening.

The driver of the black Chevy, identified as Harry Allen, a 53 year old male from Bergenfield, was placed under arrest after attempting to walk away from the scene. Mr. Allen was also observed throwing a Newport cigarette pack, which was later found to contain marijuana.

Mr. Allen was transported to Holy Name Hospital by the Teaneck Ambulance Corp. for treatment for his injuries.

Upon his release, Mr. Allen was charged with Eluding, 2C:29-2B and Possession of CDS, 2C:35-10A(4) along with being issued several motor vehicle summonses for Reckless Driving, Operating an Unregistered Motor Vehicle, Driving while Suspended, Possession of CDS in a Motor Vehicle, and Failure to Stop.

Bail was set at $25,000, no 10% option, by Bergenfield Municipal Court Judge Helene Herbert. Mr. Allen was transported to the Bergen County Jail in lieu of posting his bail. Mr. Allen also had outstanding warrants for Failure to Appear from Englewood, NJ $600.00 bail, and a No Bail Warrant from Columbia South Carolina for Illegal Use of Credit Cards. 

Press Release-Attempt to identify vehicle / driver

On Thursday, 8-25-16 at approximately 1:06 pm, the Bergenfield Police Department received a 911 call regarding a Motor Vehicle Crash, with injuries, in the area of W. Clinton Avenue and Melrose Avenue. Upon the arrival of Officers, it was determined that one of the vehicles was seen fleeing the scene Eastbound on W. Clinton Avenue. The 78 year old female driver of the vehicle who was struck, sustained non-life threatening injuries as a result of the crash.

Witnesses described the fleeing vehicle as an older model, blue/green Subaru hatchback, possibly an Outback. Video surveillance provided an additional description of the fleeing vehicle and it is described as having front, driver’s side damage, as well as a flat, front driver’s side tire and a spare donut tire for the front passenger side tire.

The driver of the vehicle who was struck was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center for treatment for her injuries.

Anyone with information regarding this crash, please contact the Bergenfield Police Department Detective Bureau at 201-387-4000 x4011.

 

Press Release- Drug arrest

On Wednesday, 7/27/2016, at 11:24 am, while on patrol, Officers Peter Morano and Eric Lind observed an occupied vehicle parked in the Fire Zone in front of 425 S. Washington Ave.(Rite Aid) Officers Morano and Lind approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver. While speaking to the driver, officers Morano and Lind detected a raw odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.

The driver was instructed to exit the vehicle. When questioned about the odor of raw marijuana emanating from the vehicle, the driver, now identified as Danielle Sproviero, age 22, of Fair Lawn, NJ  admitted to possessing marijuana in her pocketbook at which time, officers retrieved a medium sized zip lock baggie containing the marijuana.  She was placed under arrest and transported to Headquarters for processing. The vehicle was left parked legally in the lot while Ms. Sproviero was transported.

Ms. Sproviero was charged with the following complaint summons. 2C:35.10a(4) for possession of CDS, summons for Parking in a fire zone and M.V summons, 39:4-49.1 for CDS in a Motor Vehicle.  Upon being served the Complaint Summons, Ms. Sproviero was released and given a court date of 8/03/16 at Bergenfield Municipal Court.

Prayers for Dallas Police Department

Please join the members of the Bergenfield Police Department in sending our deepest condolences to the officers who lost their lives protecting others in Dallas, to their families, the Dallas PD, and their community.

This was a horrible attack on law enforcement.  We ask our residents to assistance us in keeping our community safe by being vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity, vehicles, or persons in their areas.  

Our officers have been urged to be even more vigilant than normal due to this horrific event.  

The members of the Bergenfield Police Department are committed to protecting and serving the residents and all who travel through our Borough.   

We hope and pray the Dallas Police Department and their Community bands together in this time of darkness.  

Chief Madalone

Press Release- Walgreen's theft

On 7/1/2016, at approximately 6:19 pm, officers were dispatched to 406 S. Washington Ave (Walgreen’s) on a report of a theft. Upon arrival, officers were met by the employees of Walgreen’s. Officers were advised that an employee who works in the cosmetics area of the store left her station and returned soon after to find that the cash register drawer was missing.  Officers reviewed surveillance video of the incident and observed an adult male, in his late 20’s, wearing a black t shirt, black pants and white Air Jordan sneakers with a sweatshirt on his shoulder enter the store and proceed to go behind the counter. The male is observed removing the cash register drawer and placing it in the sweatshirt and walking out of the store.

The amount of money in the cash register is believed to be a minimum of $100.00. If anyone has any information, please contact the Bergenfield Police Department at 201-387-4000.

"Meet Our Officers" introducing Sgt. Daniel Brizek

Dan is the youngest of 11 children, and was born and raised in Fair Lawn, NJ.  He attended Fair Lawn High School and is a graduate of the class of 1985.  He attended William Paterson University for 2 years, before enrolling at the Computer Processing Institute.  He completed a 6 month course of study and received certification as a Computer Programmer. Over the course of the next 14 years, he went on to be employed by several fortunate 500 companies, moving up the ladder, and eventually becoming a Senior Systems Analyst with Prudential Financial.  Shortly after 9/11, he felt compelled to make a difference, and so he decided to change careers and pursue law enforcement.

            Initially, he took a job with Homeland Security as a TSA Security Screener at Newark airport from 2002 to 2003.  During this time, he took the Law Enforcement Exam.

He was hired by the Human Services Police Department in June of 2003 and was assigned to the Greystone Psychiatric Facility in Parsippany-Troy Hills, NJ.  He attended the Morris County Police Academy, where he was President of his academy class.  Shortly thereafter, he received a call from, the Bergenfield Police Department and interviewed for a position.  In February of 2004, he left Human Services and was hired by Bergenfield where he was assigned to the Patrol Division.

In August of 2011, Dan was reassigned from the Patrol Division to the Traffic Bureau.  While in Traffic, he represented the department as a member of the Police Traffic Officer’s Association of Bergen County and sat on the board of the Barrier Free Committee.

Dan is currently a member of the Honor Legion, the Honor Guard, the Motorcycle Squad and is the department’s Radar Instructor.  Formerly, he participated in the 4^th Grade program, he was the department’s PBA Delegate for 3 years and was a member of the Rapid Deployment Force of Bergen County for 7 years.  Dan was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in March of 2013.

When not at work, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife Pamela and his two daughters Alexandra and Isabella.

Press Release- Drug arrest

On 6/15/2016, at 3:50 pm, Officers Ramon Cruz and Peter Morano were traveling in a marked police vehicle in the area of S. Front St., and observed an individual known to them as Joseph Marsilio, riding his bicycle. Officers approached Joseph Marsilio and began speaking to him, Joseph Marsilio was extremely nervous during the encounter. While continuing their conversation, Joseph Marsilio kept placing his hands in his pants pockets. After several times of being advised to remove his hands from his pockets, Joseph Marsilio then confessed and reached into his front pants pocket and provided the officers with a napkin which contained 7 clear plastic baggies with suspected crack cocaine.

Joseph Marsilio, age 48, of Bergenfield, NJ was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters. He was charged with the following: Possession of crack cocaine, Possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine within 500 feet of a park (Bridge St. Park), Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine within 500 feet of Bergenfield library, and Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine within 1000 feet of Roy Brown Middle School.

Bergenfield Municipal Court Judge Herbert was contacted and issued the warrants with bail set at $75,000 with no 10% option allowed. Joseph Marsilio was transported to Bergen County Jail in lieu of bail.

Press Release- Threat to School

On 6/14/2016, at approximately 08:53 am, Officers responded to 115 Highview Ave (Lincoln Elementary School) on a report of a lockdown. Upon arrival, officers met with the school employee. It was reported that a Hispanic male in his 50’s with salt and pepper hair, wearing a black pants and a black shirt approached a teacher in the parking lot and stated that he wanted to “blow up the school”. The male then left the area on foot. As a precaution, all Bergenfield Schools were placed on lockdown.  Officer Daynel Ozorio located the male on New Bridge Rd / Greenbriar St. Upon further investigation, the male was arrested and identified as Edgar Perez, age 48, of Bergenfield, NJ.

Officers searched the area of the school and did not observe anything suspicious. Officers also responded to Mr. Perez’s residence and were given permission by Mr. Perez’s mother to conduct an interior search of the home. The search yielded negative results.

The Bergenfield Police Dept. in conjunction with the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office handled the case. Edgar Perez was charged with the following:  2C:33-2a(1), disorderly conduct and 2C:12-3A, Terroristic threats. Bergenfield Municipal Court Judge Herbert was contacted and bail was set at $20,000 with no 10% option. In lieu of bail, Edgar Perez will be transported to Bergen County Jail.

Funeral Arrangements

The funeral arrangements for retired Lt. Brian Monaghan are as follows:

Viewing will be held on Wednesday 6/15/2016 at Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main St., Sparta Township, NJ. The times of the viewing will be from 2-4 pm , and 7-9 pm

The funeral service will be held on Thursday 6/16/2016 at St. Kateri Church, 427 Stanhope Sparta Road, Sparta Township.  The service will start at 10:30 am.

All are welcomed to come and pay their respects.

Press Release - Drug Arrest

On 6/7/2016, at approximately 5:08 pm, plain clothes officers Ramon Cruz and Peter Morano were conducting surveillance in the area of Murray Hill TC / Sylvan Ave when they observed a male pacing back and forth on Sylvan Ave., attempting to flag down cars as they drove by. Officers, with the assistance of Detective David Tortora, approached the male on foot at which time, he threw a clear medium sized plastic bag in the driveway of a home. Officer Cruz immediately retrieved the bag, which contained 15 individually packaged in aluminum foil, a white powdery substance, suspected crack / cocaine.

The male was placed under arrest and identified as Kenneth Harding, age 50 of Bergenfield, NJ. Kenneth Harding was transported to headquarters and charged with the following: 2C:35-10A(1), Possession of crack/cocaine. 2C:35-5A(1), Possession with intent to distribute crack/cocaine.

2C:35-7.1A, Distribution of crack/cocaine within 500 feet of John Lafferty Park. 2C:35-7.1A, Distribution of crack/cocaine within 500 feet of a public housing (293 Murray Hill TC). 2C:35-7A, Possession with intent to distribute crack/cocaine within 1000 feet of a school (Hoover Elementary School).

Bail was set by Bergenfield Municipal Court Judge Herbert in the amount of $100,000. With no 10 % option on two warrants and $45,000 with 10 % option on three additional warrants. Total bail of $145,000. Kenneth Harding was unable to post bail and transported to Bergen County Jail.

Press Release- Burglary Arrest

On Sunday, 5/29/2016, at approximately 6:30 am, a caller in the area of Quincy Lane reported seeing a male running out of a neighboring home. The male was described as Hispanic, wearing a black t-shirt, and green pants. Officers Rick Tauber and James Acito located the male fitting the description walking north bound on Rector Ct. Officers detained the male while additional officers responded to the location of the incident.

Upon further investigation, it was determined that the male gained entry to a home on Quincy Lane by smashing the window of the rear door. The homeowners were awakened by the sounds of the smashed glass and the alarm system. Upon awakening, the homeowner observed the male run out of the residence and was able to give police the clothing description of the male.

The male was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters. The male originally presented an expired N.J provisional driver’s license and identified himself as Steven Mayisoglu. While officers were continuing their investigation, the male actor confessed to using the fake identification in order to avoid an outstanding probation warrant from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department which had a condition of no bail allowed. The male was then identified as Antonio Bowen, age 22, formerly of Lodi, NJ.

Antonio Bowen was charged as follows: 2C:18-2A(1) for Burglary, 2C:20-3A for theft,  2C:28-4A for giving false information to a law enforcement officer to implicate another person, two counts of 2C:21-2.1C for false government documents, and two counts of 2C:29-3 for Hindering his apprehension. The additional counts of hindering his apprehension and giving false government documents were due to an earlier call of service for a possible theft. Antonio Bowen presented the same Identification to investigating officers during that call of service which resulted in not locating his outstanding warrant.

Bergenfield Municipal Court Judge Herbert was contacted and issued three warrants for Antonio Bowen. Bail was set at $30,000 with 10% allowed on one warrant, $30,000 with 10 % allowed on another warrant and 37,500 with no 10 % option for the third warrant. Antonio Bowen was unable to post bail and transported to Bergen County Jail in lieu of bail.

The Bergenfield Police Department would like to thank all the neighbors for being our eyes and ears in the community. Their quick thinking and actions resulted in the arrest of Antonio Bowen. We encourage all residents to report any suspicious activity, regardless of how minor it may seem at the time of the call.

Antonio Bowen

Retirement-Carol Parker

Join us in celebrating the retirement of Records Clerk, Carol Parker.  The members of the Bergenfield Police Department thank Carol for her 16 years of service to the Borough.  Carol has done a great job for the police department over the years.   We wish her good luck, good health, and good fortune in her retirement.

Bergenfield Fire Dept. Training exercise

From: Bergenfield Fire Department

Subject: Training exercise Sunday May 15, 2016

To our neighbors,

The Bergenfield Fire Department will be hosting a training exercise on West
Clinton Avenue the morning of Sunday, May 15, 2016. There is no cause for alarm if you
see numerous fire apparatus in the area. The training area will extend from the front
entrance of the Bergenfield High School down to the dead end cul-de-sac. In addition to
the members of the Bergenfield Fire Department, we expect to have seven (7) area
departments participating in the training exercise. The training will begin at about
10:00 a.m. and last until approximately 12:00 p.m. The Bergenfield Fire Department will
allow and arrange for local residents to enter and exit with their vehicles while the
training is being conducted. We ask that residents do not drive over any hose lines that
may be in the street. If you need to enter or exit the area we will assist you. The fire
department also asks that you refrain from parking any vehicles on the street from 9:00
a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The goal and focus of this training exercise is to judge the
capabilities and effectiveness of our mutual aid system to provide a water relay operation
in the event of a major fire or train incident that could occur within the borders of
Bergenfield. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to stop by Prospect
Firehouse located at 238 West Clinton Ave. and speak to one of the Fire Chiefs. We
thank you for your advanced cooperation

.
Respectfully,
Christopher Naylis
Deputy Fire Chief

Bear Sightings

There have been numerous bear sightings throughout town. A black baby bear, approximately 60 pounds was observed on the Knickerbocker Country Club which backs up to the rear yards of Marcotte Lane. The bear was also sighted in the rear yards of Highland Ave, Pleasant Ave. and Ford Court.  It is believed to be the same bear that is possibly following the brook.  The bear was last observed approximately 10 minutes ago.

The N.J. Department of Environmental Protection, Wildlife Division was contacted and notified. Experts at the Wildlife division recommend that residents tighten up their garbage and bring in their bird feeders as they believe the bear is looking for food. They do not believe the bear is a threat but encourage all residents not to approach the bear as it may become aggressive, if threatened.  They believe the bear will return to his normal habitat within time.

Neighboring Police Departments have been notified.

Sector Supervisor Meetings/ Dates

Bergenfield PD’s Sector Supervisors will hold its meetings for the following sectors and dates: 

SW Sector meeting will be held in the Borough Hall Court on May 13, 2016, from 7-9 pm. 
SE Sector meeting will be held in the Borough Hall Court on May 26, 2016, from 7-9 pm.
NE Sector meeting will be held in the Borough Hall Court on May 31, 2016, from 7-9 pm.

The meeting will be attended by the supervisors of their respective sectors. We urge all residents in their respective sectors to attend and participate. Any issues, concerns, or comments are welcomed. We look forward to engaging with the community in hopes of extending our already great relationship.

Press Release- Custodian Death

On 5/3/2016, at approximately 07:08 am, police were dispatched to Bergenfield High school on a report of an unresponsive and unconscious male. Upon arrival, officers observed a male, later identified as David Zatta, age 59 of Dumont, NJ, inside the second floor leisure room. Mr. Zatta was pronounced dead by Paramedics on scene at 07:30 am. Mr. Zatta is a custodian for the Bergenfield High School and was working the overnight shift. The Bergen County Medical Examiner’s office responded to the scene and took custody of Mr. Zatta. At this time, the death is not deemed suspicious in nature.

Mr. Zatta’s family was notified by Bergenfield officers with the assistance of Dumont PD. Our deepest condolences go to Mr. Zatta’s family, friends, and the Bergenfield High School staff.

Operation Take Back New Jersey April 30, 2016

On Saturday, April 30^th, 2016, from 10am-2pm, Bergenfield PD in conjunction with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be participating in “Operation Take Back New Jersey”.  There will be drug disposal boxes present in HQ for the collection of expired, unwanted, new/used medications.

Individuals may dispose of medication either in its original container or by removing medication from its container and disposing directly into the drug disposal box. If the original container is submitted, the individual is encouraged to remove the prescription label if it contains any personal identifying information. Liquid products, such as cough medicine, should remain sealed in their original container. The depositor should ensure that the cap is tightly sealed to prevent leakage. Syringes and other sharp instruments will not be accepted.

Law enforcement officers will by standing by the drug disposal box at all times. However, they will not handle the medications at any time. The depositor will be able to deposit medication freely and independently. 

"Meet Our Officers" introducing PO Joseph Arrigo

     Joseph was born in Passaic, NJ and raised in Garfield, NJ.  He attended Garfield High School and graduated in 1996.  Joseph attended Bergen Community College and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in 1999.  Joseph also attended William Paterson and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in 2001.

     Joseph began his law enforcement career in 2005, for the Morris County Sheriff’s Office as a Sheriff’s Officer.  Joseph was in the Protective Services Division and the Community Services Division where he participated in Project Lifesaver.  Joseph was hired in 2012 by the Bergenfield Police Department as a transfer through the Intergovernmental Transfer Program.  Joseph is involved in many community orientated programs such as the Youth Police Academy and D.A.R.E.  

 When not at work, Joseph likes to read and play basketball.  Joseph also likes to spend time with his friends and family.  Joseph looks forward to continuing to provide guidance to the youth of Bergenfield.

  

Drug Arrest

On 4/13/2016, at 01:28 am, Sgt. Duran and PO Tauber conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of West Main St / Front St., which led to the arrest of the driver, Esteban Perez, age 22, of Bergenfield, NJ. Mr. Perez was originally stopped for driving while using his cellphone. While questioning him, the officers smelled raw marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Mr. Perez exited his vehicle and was searched. A glass pipe was located in his pocket. A search of the vehicle was also conducted and a large glass jar, containing suspected marijuana was located underneath the driver’s seat.

As Mr. Perez was being handcuffed, he began to resist the arrest at which time necessary force was used by the officers to effect the arrest. Mr. Perez was charged with the following complaint summonses:

1. 2C: 35-10A(1) for possession of marijuana,  2C:36-2 for possession of drug paraphernalia, and 2C: 29-2A(1) for resisting arrest.

Mr. Perez was also issued the following motor vehicle summonses: Use of a cell phone while driving and Possession of CDS in a vehicle. He was released and given a court date of 4/20/2016

Sector Supervisors Meeting

Bergenfield PD’s Sector Supervisors will hold its first meeting for the NW Sector. The meeting will be held in the Borough Hall Court on April 14, 2016, from 7-9 pm. The meeting will be attended by Lt. Hegel and Lt. Maggi. We urge all residents in their respective sectors to attend and participate. Any issues, concerns, or comments are welcomed. We look forward to engaging with the community in hopes of extending our already great relationship.

Future sector meetings will be posted shortly. Thank you all in advance.

Bergenfield Youth Acadmey Class #4 Applications Available April 4

Multiple Credit Card Fraud Arrests

INCIDENT: Multiple Arrests

OCCURRED: 3/25/2016

LOCATION:   ACME, 80 New Bridge Road

On 3/25/2016, at approximately 9:25 am, an employee of ACME reported a female attempting to purchase gift cards using a fraudulent credit card. Upon the employee asking the female to see the credit card, the female became verbally confrontational and left the store. The female then entered a vehicle and fled the scene. The vehicle was described as an older model, four door, Toyota sedan bearing NY registration.

Officers Morano and Cruz who were assisting with traffic on a construction assignment on Woodbine St. observed the vehicle in question traveling north bound on Woodbine St. and ordered it to stop. Additional Bergenfield Officers responded to the scene. Investigation and a consent to search of the vehicle at the scene resulted in the arrest of the three occupants and the confiscation of a stun gun, twenty seven (27) fraudulent credit cards listed in numerous names, six (6) Master Card gift cards valued at $50.00 each, with an additional seventeen (17) Master Card gift cards, unknown denomination at this time, and four (4) US Postal money orders from different jurisdictions with various denominations valued at $900.00.

The three individuals were transported to police HQ. The Bergen County Prosecutor’s office and the US Secret Service were notified. A special agent from the US Secret Service responded and assisted with the investigation.

The three individuals arrested are:

 1. Shaniya Phillips, age 23, of Brooklyn, NY. She was charged on multiple warrants with 2C:20-7B(4), possession of two or more defaced access devices, 2C:21-6H, fraudulent use of credit cards, 2C:21-17A(4), Identity theft and 2C:21-17.3B(2), Trafficking in personal identifying information pertaining to another person.

 2. Kyrieff Carroway, age 23 of Brooklyn, NY. He was charged on multiple warrants with 2C:20-7B(4), possession of two or more defaced access devices, 2C:21-6H, fraudulent use of credit cards, 2C:21-17A(4), Identity theft and 2C:21-17.3B(2), Trafficking in personal identifying information pertaining to another person.

   3. Kareem Hoyte, age 24 of Linden, NJ. He was charged on multiple warrants with 2C:20-7B(4), possession of two or more defaced access devices, 2C:21-6H, fraudulent use of credit cards, 2C:21-17A(4), Identity theft,  2C:21-17.3B(2), Trafficking in personal identifying information pertaining to another person, and 2C:39-5D, Unlawful possession of a weapon. He was also issued a motor vehicle summons for 39:3-40, driving with a suspended D.L. The vehicle driven by Mr. Hoyte was left at the scene and arrangements were made and the vehicle was turned over to the registered owner.

Bergenfield Municipal Court Judge Herbert was contacted and issued the warrants for all three arrestees. Bail was set at $125,000 per arrestee with option of 10% allowed. All three were unable to post bail and were transported to the Bergen County Jail.