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.