Snow anticipation for 12/9/17

 

A possible snow event is anticipated for Saturday, December 9 which may result in 3-5” of accumulation. Please be aware for your personal safety and to avoid receiving summonses, we ask that you make sure your vehicle(s) are not parked on the street. If you have family or friends visiting for the weekend, please ask them not to park on the street as well.

Therefore, if you will be away or unable to move your vehicle, make arrangements for someone to move your vehicle(s) off the street until all snowfall has ended, the roadways are clear, and parking permission on the street is resumed.   

Recovery of stolen vehicle involved in a pursuit

On 12-4-17, the Bergenfield Police Department assisted the Dumont Police Department attempting to locate a vehicle, described as a 2016 Honda SUV, which was stolen from the corner of Sunnyside Avenue and Washington Avenue in Dumont. The stolen vehicle was involved in a pursuit with several jurisdictions and was last seen traveling back towards Bergenfield. Officer Gregory Slater was in the area of Liberty Road and Howard Drive, when he heard screeching tires and smelled burning rubber. A search of the area was conducted and Officer Slater located the stolen vehicle in the parking lot of 66 Howard Drive. The vehicle was located unoccupied at that time.

 

A search ensued for the driver of the stolen vehicle, Teaneck Police and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department responded to assist. Officer Jose Portorreal responded to Walgreens, located at 406 S. Washington Avenue, and inquired, if any suspicious individuals recently entered the store. Officer Portorreal was advised that an unknown, suspicious male entered the store and asked to use the restroom. Officer Portorreal also was advised that the male was in fact still in the restroom.

 

Officer Portorreal and other officers approached the restroom and prior to making contact with the male, the officers heard what appeared to be excessive flushing of the toilet and what sounded like the cover to the toilet bowl tank being moved. The male, identified as Edward Arnold, a 29 year old male from Bergenfield, exited the restroom and was met by the officers. After further investigation, two gold rings, valued at approximately $1200.00, which were confirmed to have belonged to the victim and had been located in the stolen vehicle, were located hidden in the toilet bowl in the Walgreens restroom. Mr. Arnold was placed under arrest and charged with Theft on a complaint warrant. There was also an outstanding $433.00 warrant for Mr. Arnold from the Fair Lawn Police Department.

 

Mr. Arnold was lodged in the Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.

 

Press Release- Burglary arrest

On 7-22-17, Officers from the Bergenfield Police Department were dispatched to a residence on Malden Court on a report of a Burglary to Auto that took place sometime between 7-21-17 and 7-22-17. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that approximately 11 vehicles that were parked at 9 different locations, were entered during the night in the area of Malden Court, Greenwich Street, and Judith Place. It appeared at the time that the actor walked down the street and targeted any vehicle that was left unlocked.

The actor managed to retrieve a combination of approximately $1600.00 worth of merchandise and cash from the vehicles.

The Bergenfield Police detectives began to investigate the Burglaries and Thefts, and after nearly two months of investigating, ultimately led to the arrest of Sebastian Nino-Lopez on 9/12/2017. Mr. Nino-Lopez is a 21 year old male from Bergenfield. Mr. Nino-Lopez was charged with (11) eleven counts of Burglary and (5) five counts of Theft and released on a summons pending an appearance in the Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court.

The Bergenfield Police Department would like to remind all residents to be vigilant in watching for suspicious persons and to remember to lock the doors to all vehicles and residences to avoid being an easy target.

Press Release- Burglary arrest

On 6-8-17, the Bergenfield Police Detective Bureau arrested William K. Muller, 19 years old, of Bergenfield. The Bergenfield Police Department received several reports of residential burglaries and thefts between June of 2016 and February of 2017 and during this time, Mr. Muller was identified as a suspect. During this 8-month period, an approximate combined value of $95,000 worth of merchandise was reported as stolen.

 After an extensive investigation, Probable cause was found that Mr. Muller was the actor in each of these incidents and he was arrested and charged with the following complaints:

Burglary (2 counts), Theft (4 counts), Receiving Stolen Property (3 counts), Attempted Burglary (1 count), Fencing (1 count), Identity Theft (2 counts).  

Mr. Muller was processed as per the new bail reform law and resulted in him being served with a complaint summons and released pending a court date at the Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack on 6-28-17.

The Detective Bureau under the supervision of Det. Sgt. William Duran and Det. David Tortora worked tirelessly to solve these incidents. There may be further charges pending.

Active Shooter Drill

There will be another active shooter training drill at 115 Highview Ave, Lincoln School starting today at 8 am and conducted throughout the day. The Police department will be utilizing all resources as if this was an actual incident. Police, Fire, EMS and many others may be called onto the scene. Police radios will be used to reach out to other first responders while stating, “This is a drill” prior to calling out for them. Once again, this is only a drill.

 

BPD would also like to thank the Board of Education for giving us the opportunity to utilize the school in training for an active shooter. This drill will allow us to better prepare and streamline resources should an incident ever occur. Due to the sensitivity of the training, we ask for non-essential personnel to please refrain from responding to the area and to refrain from contacting the police desk in regards to this drill.

Press Release- Multiple drug arrests

On 4/27/2017, at approximately 2:00 pm, Bergenfield Police along with members from the Bergen County Regional SWAT, Bergen County K-9, Teaneck PD, and the DEA arrested the following individuals after an ongoing investigation. The arrests were conducted in two separate residences in Teaneck with the following individuals being arrested and charged accordingly.

 

Hasan Carter, age 30 of Hackensack NJ, Jalleel Jones, age 34 of Teaneck NJ, Davon Creighton, age 31 of Englewood NJ were all charged with Possession of over 50 grams of Marijuana, Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana, Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana within 500 feet of a park, Possession with intent to distribute Marijuana within 1000 feet of a school,  Possession of cocaine, Possession with intent to distribute cocaine, Possession with intent to distribute cocaine within 500 feet of a park, Possession with intent to distribute cocaine within 1000 feet of a school.

Launey Alexander, age 39 of Teaneck NJ received the same charges as the other three defendants with an additional charge of Possession of Prescription / legend drugs and Possession with intent to distribute Prescription / legend drugs.

 

All four defendants were transported to Bergen county jail awaiting a detention hearing.

 

The following items were confiscated as a result of the arrests:
Over 700 grams of Marijuana
Crack cocaine
Cocaine
Crystal Meth
Digital scales
Cellphones
Over $5000.00 in currency
Two vehicles were also impounded. A 2011 grey Honda Accord and a 2003 Chevy Suburban.

 

This is an active investigation with additional charges forthcoming.

Press Release- Aggravated Assault on Police Officer

    On 4/22/2017, at approximately 12:28 am Officer Adam Fingeroth was patrolling on Howard Drive and observed a vehicle double parked in the roadway.  Officer Fingeroth stopped his vehicle to investigate and observed several males in the area. While investigating, the males attempted to disperse in different directions while one male who was near the vehicle refused to cooperate and attempted to move the vehicle. Officer Fingeroth requested the male’s driving credentials but the male refused. While trying to maintain visual of the other males, the driver, later identified as Junior Jimenez-Mariano, age 21 of Bergenfield, NJ exited the vehicle and a physical altercation ensued. Officer Fingeroth and the driver were engaged in a physical altercation on the ground when another male, later identified as Daniel Jimenez-Villanueva, age 20 of Bergenfield, NJ attacked the officer. Officer Fingeroth was now engaged with both males on the ground.

 Bergenfield Officers along with Teaneck, Englewood and Tenafly PD responded to assist. As responding officers arrived, the second male fled the scene while the first male was handcuffed and secured. Bergen County Sheriff’s K 9 unit responded to assist. A search of the area was conducted for the second male. While investigating the incident, officers observed the male who fled in the scene was now standing in the crowd. It was determined that the male changed his clothing and returned in order to avoid detection. He was subsequently arrested as well.

Both males who are brothers were charged with Aggravated Assault on a police officer and resisting arrest. Junior Jimenez-Mariano was also charged with Obstructing a governmental function and transported to the Bergen County Jail. Daniel Jimenez-Villanueva was additionally charged with hindering apprehension and issued a complaint summons and released. This is still an active investigation and further charges may be forthcoming.

 Officer Fingeroth sustained bruising to his facial area and upper body and was transported to Holy Name Medical Center by Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance and later released.

 The new bail reform system enabled Daniel Jimenez-Villanueva to be released to go home while my officer went to the hospital. This is troubling and deeply disturbing. The system is flawed when an officer lands in the hospital and the actor is released the same day. This is an issue that does not sit well with any law enforcement member.

 Thank you to all the towns that assisted us during this incident.

 

 

Active Shooter Drill

There will be an active shooter training drill at 115 Highview Ave, Lincoln School starting today at 7 am and conducted throughout the day. The Police department will be utilizing all resources as if this was an actual incident. Police, Fire, EMS and many others may be called onto the scene. Police radios will be used to reach out to other first responders while stating, “This is a drill” prior to calling out for them. Once again, this is only a drill.

 

BPD would also like to thank the Board of Education for giving us the opportunity to utilize the school in training for an active shooter. This drill will allow us to better prepare and streamline resources should an incident ever occur. We ask for non-essential personnel to please refrain from responding to the area and to refrain from contacting the police desk in regards to this drill.

Press Release-Pedestrian struck

On Tuesday, 3-21-17 at approximately 5:41 pm, the Bergenfield Police Department received a 911 call reporting a Motor Vehicle Crash involving a pedestrian struck at the intersection of New Bridge Road / Rector Court. Upon arrival, officers located the 66 year old female victim, Nea Vignoli of Cliffside Park, NJ who was struck by a 2009 red Ford F150, which was driven by a 45 year old male, Norman Hoyt Jr. of Bergenfield.

The investigation revealed that the victim was crossing New Bridge Road, walking southbound in an unmarked crosswalk, when she was struck by the vehicle, which was traveling northbound on Rector Court and attempting to turn right onto New Bridge Road.

The victim was dragged approximately 30 feet before the driver felt resistance from the vehicle and realized he may have struck “something”. Upon stopping, the driver noticed the female victim and police were notified. The victim sustained a bloody face, a gash on her left hand and complained of pain throughout her body. The Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corp transported the victim to Hackensack University Medical Center. The injuries are not considered life threatening.

The driver of the Ford F-150 was issued two summonses, Careless driving and Failure to Stop for a Pedestrian in an unmarked crosswalk.

Snow Emergency

Snow emergency is in effect starting tonight at 12:00 am until further notice. We urge all residents to remain indoors due to the impending storm. If you have to travel, please remove snow / ice from the vehicle. There is no parking permitted on ANY street.




§ 299-12. Snow emergency.

A snow emergency shall exist whenever snow has fallen and the accumulation
is such that it covers the street or highway. In addition to this, when weather
conditions cause a state or condition of the street that is hazardous or dangerous to
vehicular or pedestrian traffic even if the entire street or highway is not covered by
snow shall constitute a snow emergency when declared by the Chief of Police or, in
his absence, the ranking police officer in charge.

A. Definitions. As used in this section, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:

SNOW — Any precipitation depositing any accumulation and shall be deemed to
include snow, sleet, hail, ice, freezing rain or any combination thereof.

SNOW TIRES — Tires with or without studs and having treads designed for use in
snow which tread shall be of sufficient depth to accomplish the purpose for which
the tire was designed.

B. Snow emergency declared. Upon the occurrence of a snow emergency as
hereinabove defined, the Chief of Police or, in his absence, the ranking police
officer shall have the authority to declare such emergency. Within one hour after
such declaration, no person shall cause, permit, allow or suffer any vehicle owned
or driven by him to become stalled or immobile on any portion of any street in
the Borough of Bergenfield because of the failure of the vehicle to be equipped
with snow tires or chains. The Chief of Police or the ranking police officer shall
immediately inform the public of said snow emergency by issuing a press release to
the local and metropolitan radio, television and news services.

C. Snow emergency routes. All streets of the Borough of Bergenfield are snow
emergency routes upon which no parking shall be allowed during a snow
emergency, and such parking prohibition shall remain in effect until after the snow
has ceased or until the streets have been plowed sufficiently and to the extent
that parking will not interfere with the normal flow of traffic or until otherwise
terminated by the Chief of Police or, in his absence, the ranking police officer, in
the same manner as declared in above

Press Release: Pedestrian struck

On Tuesday, 1-31-17 at approximately 2:44 pm, the Bergenfield Police Department received several 911 calls reporting a Motor Vehicle Crash involving a pedestrian struck at the intersection of S. Washington Avenue and New Bridge Road. Upon arrival, officers located the 61 year old female victim, Maria Catano of Bergenfield, who had been struck by a 2014 red BMW 328, which was driven by an 86 year old female, Myrna Gillespie of Teaneck.

The investigation revealed that the victim was crossing S. Washington Avenue, walking eastbound in the crosswalk, when she was struck by the vehicle, which was attempting to turn left traveling northbound on S. Washington Avenue from New Bridge Road.

The victim sustained a hip injury, which was not considered life threatening. The Bergenfield Volunteer Ambulance Corp transported the victim to Holy Name Medical Center.

The driver of the BMW was issued a summons for Failure to Stop for a Pedestrian. 

Press Release:Desecrating Human Remains

ADRIENNE SMITH OF BERGENFIELD, NJ AND ORVILLE COUSINS OF BRONX, NEW YORK CHARGED WITH DESECRATING THE REMAINS OF MURDER VICTIM RANDOLPH SMITH OF BERGENFIELD, NJ

 

Bergen County Prosecutor Gurbir S. Grewal announced today the arrests of ADRIENNE SMITH (DOB: 3/22/1973, married; and employed as a surgical technician) of 85 Morgan Street, Bergenfield, New Jersey, and her brother, ORVILLE COUSINS (DOB:12/15/1976; single; and unemployed), of 2854 Bronx Park East, Bronx, New York on charges of the Desecration of the Human Remains of ADRIENNE SMITH’s husband, Randolph Smith, also of 85 Morgan Street, Bergenfield, NJ. The arrest is the result of a joint investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Major Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief of Detectives Robert ANZILOTTI; the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Major Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief of Detectives Darren ANDERSON; the Burlington City Police Department under the direction of Chief Alen SNOW; and the Bergenfield Police Department under the direction of Chief Cathy MADALONE.

 

On Monday, January 2, 2017, ADRIENNE SMITH contacted the Bergenfield Police Department to report her husband missing. The Bergenfield Police Department subsequently notified the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office that they were investigating a missing person and requested the assistance of the Major Crimes Unit. Detectives from both agencies subsequently interviewed family and friends in an attempt to locate Mr.Smith. During the investigation, it was determined that Mr. Smith was last seen at his Bergenfield residence on or about Christmas evening. According to his wife, her husband left the residence and was not heard from again.

 

On January 12, 2017, the Burlington City Police Department and Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office were notified of the discovery of human remains, found within six plastic containers in Burlington City, New Jersey. The remains were later positively identified as those of Mr. Smith. Detectives from the Bergen and Burlington County Prosecutors’ Offices then jointly investigated Mr. Smith’s disappearance and murder. During the investigation, detectives determined that on or about December 26, 2016,ORVILLE COUSINS, along with his sister, ADRIENNE SMITH, purchased materials that were used in connection with the desecration of Mr. Smith’s remains; some of those materials were subsequently recovered from the Bergenfield residence.

 

Burlington County detectives located and apprehended ORVILLE COUSINS in New York on January 15, 2017. On Thursday, January 20, 2017, members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Major Crimes Unit located and arrested ADRIENNE SMITH in North Brunswick, New Jersey at a relative’s home. At the time of this press release, the investigation into the murder of Randolph Smith is ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.

 

As a result of the investigation, ADRIENNE SMITH and ORVILLE COUSINS were both charged with the Desecration of Human Remains, 2C:22-1A(1), a second degree crime; and SMITH was charged with Hindering Apprehension, 2C:29-3B(1), a third degree crime. COUSINS is currently incarcerated in New York pending extradition to New Jersey, and SMITH is currently housed at the Bergen County Jail and is scheduled to appear in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court for a first appearance tentatively scheduled for Saturday, January 21, 2017.

 

Bergen County Prosecutor Grewal states that the above charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would also like to thank the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, Burlington City Police Department, Bergenfield Police Department,

New York City Police Department, as well as the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance in this investigation.