photo Montvale Police Lt. Chris Hawken
Suspect Felipe Ortiz-Martinez Faces Multiple Charges After Bergen County Incident
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Woodcliff Lake NJ, a 29-year-old Bronx man, Felipe Ortiz-Martinez, was arrested after allegedly stealing a $3,500 Canon camera from a Bergen County liquor store, dragging the victim with his car while fleeing the scene, and injuring a police officer in the process, authorities confirmed.
High-Speed Getaway Ends in Arrest
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at approximately 12:09 p.m., Woodcliff Lake police officers were alerted to a vehicle with stolen New Jersey license plates near the Whole Foods shopping center, according to Captain Chad Malloy. Officers, with assistance from Montvale police, located the suspect’s vehicle driving recklessly in the parking lot. Law enforcement quickly stopped the car and detained both Ortiz-Martinez and his female passenger for further investigation.
Camera Theft at Cambridge Wine Liquor Store
Police determined that Ortiz-Martinez had stolen a Canon camera worth $3,500 from Cambridge Wine liquor store. The store’s victim reported that they had seen the suspect conceal the camera under his sweatshirt before exiting the store.
When the victim followed Ortiz-Martinez into the parking lot, the suspect jumped into the driver’s seat and sped away, authorities said. The victim attempted to stop him but was dragged several feet, suffering minor hand injuries.
Montvale Police Lt. Chris Hawken Injured
During the suspect’s apprehension, Montvale Police Lt. Chris Hawken was injured. While officials did not immediately disclose how he sustained his injuries, Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali later provided an update, confirming that Lt. Hawken underwent successful Achilles surgery and is now recovering at home.
Suspect Faces Multiple Charges
Both Ortiz-Martinez and his female passenger, also from the Bronx, were transported to Woodcliff Lake Police Headquarters for processing. The passenger was charged with receiving stolen property and released on a complaint summons pending a future court appearance.
Ortiz-Martinez faces multiple charges, including:
- Assault with a motor vehicle
- Theft
- Receiving stolen property
Following his arrest, Ortiz-Martinez was taken to Bergen County Jail, pending further legal proceedings.
Mayor’s Statement on Lt. Hawken’s Recovery
Montvale Mayor Mike Ghassali shared an update on Lt. Hawken’s condition, stating:
“I spoke with Lt. Chris Hawken this afternoon. He underwent successful Achilles surgery last night and is currently resting at home. He appreciates all the well wishes and requested that I post this update on his behalf. We wish Lt. Hawken a speedy recovery.”
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, ensuring justice is served for both the victim and the injured police officer.
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories
Have we had enough diversity yet?
It must have seemed like a good idea at the time.
Felipe Ortiz-Martinez belongs *under* the jail.