Midland Park NJ, Two (2) victims of a Thursday afternoon, 12/20, two (2) vehicle collision at the intersection of Goffle Road and Lake Avenue in Midland Park were transported by ambulances to The Valley Hospital with non life threatening crash related injuries. Midland Park Police, Midland Park Fire Department, Midland Park EMS, Wyckoff Police, Wyckoff EMS, and Ridgewood Police units responded to the incident. A flatbed tow truck removed both wrecks from the scene. A railroad crossing signal belonging to the New York Susquehanna & Western Railway was obliterated in the crash.
Cliffside Park NJ, A Bergen County, New Jersey, man who was arrested with three kilograms of heroin, a loaded, stolen Glock 22 pistol with a high-capacity magazine, and tens of thousands of dollars in cash in his possession made his initial court appearance today in Newark federal court, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
Jose Pena, a/k/a “Gucci,” 31, of Cliffside Park, New Jersey, is charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin. He appeared in court today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Steven C. Mannion and was detained.
According to the complaint:
On Dec. 17, 2018, law enforcement observed Pena driving into a public garage near the Botanical Gardens in Bronx, New York, where law enforcement suspected that Pena stored substantial quantities of narcotics in a minivan for distribution.
On Dec. 18, 2018, Pena drove from Cliffside Park to the garage, parked next to the minivan and entered it. When officers approached, they saw a brownish beige powdery substance at various places inside the minivan, including numerous softball-sized bags of suspected heroin. A field test of one of the bags was positive for heroin.
Law enforcement officers found the stolen pistol, loaded with 13 bullets in a large capacity magazine, in a backpack within reach of where Pena had been sitting. They also found tens of thousands of dollars in cash in a secret compartment behind the radio and temperature controls of the minivan.
The heroin distribution conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life imprisonment, and a $10 million fine.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the DEA, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Valerie A. Nickerson in Newark, as well as the DEA New York Strike Force, with the investigation leading to the charge.
Hawthorne NJ, Hawthorne Police Department personnel investigate a serious accident involving a pedestrian on Goffle Road near the southbound exit ramps for Route 208 in Hawthorne on Wednesday evening, 12/19. The victim, an adult male, was rushed to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center by a Hawthorne EMS ambulance. His condition was reported to be extremely critical.
Upper Saddle River NJ, the Upper Saddle River Police remid us to drive carefully during the holidays. As Americans hit the road this holiday season to celebrate with family and friends, it’s important that we all drive safely—and safe driving means sober driving. That’s why The Upper Saddle River Police Department will be participating in the NHTSA annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday campaign (December 13-31) to raise public awareness of the dangers of drunk driving.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over drives home why it is so critical to always drive sober. Over the past 5 years, an average of 300 people died in drunk-driving crashes during the Christmas through New Year’s holiday period. In December 2016 alone, 781 people lost their lives in drunk-driving crashes.
To support Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, NHTSA released a new advertisement called “No Big Deal,” which vividly illustrates the destruction caused by a drunk driver. This ad is accompanied by a 360-degree virtual reality (VR) web experience of a drunk driving crash scene, nhtsa.gov/crash, that allows the viewer to interact with first responders and understand how one selfish choice to drink and drive can affect others.
The “No Big Deal” VR experience also highlights another consequence of drinking and driving: getting arrested. Law enforcement around the country will be making a special effort during Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over to find and arrest drunk drivers. The average arrest, including attorney fees, fines, court costs, and other expenses, can set you back $10,000. About one-third of all drivers arrested or convicted of drunk driving are repeat offenders.
Protect yourself and others this holiday season by always driving sober. For many, the holidays and holiday parties involve alcohol. Be honest with yourself about how you celebrate, and make a plan to get home without getting behind the wheel. Designate a driver, take public transportation, use a ridesharing service, or use NHTSA’s SaferRide app to call a taxi or a friend to pick you up. The app is available for Android devices on Google Play and Apple devices in the iTunes store.
This is the season of giving, so give yourself and all your neighbors the gift of safer roads by driving sober over the holidays. Carry that safer driving habit into the New Year by making a resolution to always drive sober. If we all do that, we will celebrate the holidays safely and ring in a better and safer 2018.
Trenton NJ, Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor today announced that a Bergen County man has been charged with insurance fraud and theft by deception in an alleged scheme to collect $17,048 in temporary total disability payment from his insurance company.
Ramdeo Ramsaran, 54, of Teaneck, was indicted on charges of second-degree insurance fraud and third-degree theft by deception in an indictment handed up by a state Grand Jury in Trenton on December 12.
According to the indictment, between August 2016 and July 2017 Ramsaran collected temporary total disability payments from Hudson Insurance Company by falsely claiming he was unable to work when, in fact, he was working.
Ramsaran allegedly made false statements and submitted, or caused to be submitted, fraudulent documents in support of that claim.
Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $150,000; third-degree crimes carry a sentence of three to five years in state prison and a criminal fine of up to $15,000. The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Menjivar presented the case to the Grand Jury. Detective Wendy Berg coordinated the investigation.
Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Thompson thanked Hudson Insurance Company for referring the matter to OIFP.
Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Thompson noted that some important cases have started with anonymous tips. People who are concerned about insurance cheating and have information about a fraud can report it anonymously by calling the toll-free hotline at 1-877-55-FRAUD, or visiting the Web site at www.njinsurancefraud.org. State regulations permit a reward to be paid to an eligible person who provides information that leads to a conviction for insurance fraud.
Mahwah NJ, Friday, December 14, U.S. Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5) hosted his third Hometown Hero Awards, honoring North Jersey residents who have made outstanding contributions to our community. Fifth District Hometown Heroes Awards were presented to community leaders, first responders, veterans, members of the business community, students, and seniors to recognize their dedication to improving the lives of their neighbors, families, and all Jersey residents.
Congressman Gottheimer (NJ-5) said, “Today’s awardees are bound by a shared sense of duty – to their families, their communities, and their country. They are our veterans, our firefighters, our first responders, our educators, and our family – our brothers and sisters and our sons and daughters. None of these people stood up because they sought recognition, they did it because they wanted to do what was right. That’s what Jersey Values are about and that’s what makes me certain that we live in the greatest country in the world. On behalf of the Fifth District, I couldn’t be more proud to honor these Hometown Heroes today.”
Mark and Amy Steppe were honored as 5th Congressional District Hometown Heroes for their military service and their Unbridled Heroes Project. The Steppes founded The Unbridled Heroes Project as a way of helping other veterans. The organization rescues abused mustangs and pair them with veterans in need of healing at their Allendale facility.
Glen Rock NJ, from the Glen Rock Police department ; We received word that the Hawthorne Police Dept has received many telephone calls at their Police Headquarters reporting that residents are receiving calls from people claiming to be from Social Security, stating there is a problem with thier accounts and they need to contact SS Office, or a Police Officer will call them. This is a SCAM, Social Security is not calling asking for info.
Never provide INFO, please advise friends, family and neighbors especially the elderly as they may be easy target.
Bogota NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of TALEK T. LAWSON (DOB: 7/9/1995; single; construction worker) of 827 Rock Creek Terrace, Englewood, NJ, on charges of Murder, Unlawful Possession Of A Weapon, and Possession Of A Weapon For An Unlawful Purpose; and the arrest of JUSTIN DULA (DOB: 4/21/1998; single; unemployed) of 684 Rock Creek Terrace, Englewood, NJ, on a charge of Aggravated Assault. The arrests are the result of an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Anthony Cureton, the Bogota Police Department under the direction of Chief Daniel Maye, and the Englewood Police Department under the direction of Chief Lawrence Suffern.
On Wednesday, December 12, 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information that a shooting had occurred on Leonia Avenue, in the area of Buddy’s Place bar, in Bogota, NJ. Responding officers and EMS treated Dakota Johnson, who had suffered an apparent gunshot wound. Johnson was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.
An investigation revealed that, during a fight among numerous individuals, DULA assaulted one individual in an attempt to cause serious bodily injury. During the incident, LAWSON fired a handgun, striking and killing Johnson.
As a result of the investigation, Talek LAWSON was arrested and charged with one count of Murder, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3A(1),(2), a 1st degree crime; Unlawful Possession Of A Weapon, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5B(1), a 2nd degree crime; and Possession Of A Weapon For An Unlawful Purpose, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4A(1), a 2nd degree crime. DULA was arrested and charged with one count of Aggravated Assault, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1B(1), a 2nd degree crime. LAWSON and DULA were remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack.
Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would also like to thank the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, the Bogota Police Department, and the Englewood Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
Fair Lawn NJ, Unspecified threats resulted in the evacuation of at least two (2) public schools in Fair Lawn on Thursday afternoon, 12/13. Units from Fair Lawn Police, Fair Lawn Fire, and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office were all called into service. This is the second threat since December 3rd when police presence was added after a threat was made to Thomas Jefferson Middle School .
Dear Parents/Guardians,
This afternoon, both Radburn and Memorial Middle School received a bomb threat, via spam email. Both schools were evacuated to their evacuation sites. Students will be dismissed from there at their regular dismissal time. Students who receive transportation will be picked up from the evacuation site and transported, as usual. If you pick your son/daughter up, please report to the evacuation site address below:
Memorial:
Fair Lawn Jewish Center 10-10 Norma Ave
Radburn: Radburn Association Grange Hall 29-20 Fair Lawn Ave
Fair Lawn Police is investigating the situation at both schools. We will update you with more information, as it becomes available.
Aftercare is still available at The Grange at 29-20 Fair Lawn Avenue, but we encourage you to pick up your son or daughter.
Bogota NJ, Acting Prosecutor Dennis Calo announces the following information:
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the Bogota Police Department, and other local agencies are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early this morning, December 12, 2018, in Bogota, NJ.
At approximately 1:43 a.m., the Bogota Police Department received a 9-1-1 call of shots fired outside Buddy’s Bar, 13 East Fort Lee Road, Bogota, NJ. Officers from the Bogota, Teaneck, and Ridgefield Park Police Departments responded to the scene, where they found a 28-year-old male on the front lawn of a nearby house, 286 Leonia Avenue, Bogota, suffering from a single gunshot wound. The victim was transported to Hackensack University Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
The suspects fled the scene. The investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released at a later time.
New Milford Police Press Release: MISSING JUVENILE
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
New Milford NJ, The New Milford Police Department is looking for the public’s assistance with locating a missing 16 year old juvenile who ran away from her residence on 12/08/2018. The juvenile’s name is Cynthia Frank and she is described as being 5 feet tall, 120 pounds, brown hair and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a purple zip-up jacket, black pants, and Ugg style books. Anyone with information of her whereabouts can contact the New Milford Police Department at 201-261-1400.
Westwood NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of DUSTIN VAN RIPER (DOB: 12/22/1995; single; unemployed) of 150 Sunset Lane, Old Tappan NJ on charges of Attempted Armed Burglary, Possession Of A Weapon For An Unlawful Purpose, and Resisting Arrest in Old Tappan, NJ; as well as Possession Of A Weapon For An Unlawful Purpose and Resisting Arrest in Westwood, NJ. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.
On Friday, December 7, 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information that Dustin VAN RIPER attempted to break into a residence in Old Tappan, NJ and then fled the scene after the Old Tappan Police arrived at the scene. After fleeing the scene, VAN RIPER was located in the backyard of 201 Mill Street, Westwood, NJ, holding a weapon. When officers from the Westwood Police Department approached VAN RIPER, he disregarded their instructions to drop the weapon. A Westwood Police Officer fired one shot from the officer’s service weapon in the direction of VAN RIPER. VAN RIPER was not struck by the gunshot. VAN RIPER immediately dropped the weapon, and the Westwood Police Department placed him into custody.
As a result of the investigation, Dustin VAN RIPER was arrested on Friday, December 7, 2018, by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and charged with the following offenses for conduct that occurred in Old Tappan: one count of Attempted Armed Burglary, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1/2C:18-2b, a 2nd degree crime; one count of Possession Of A Weapon For An Unlawful Purpose, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4D, a 3rd degree crime; and one count of Resisting Arrest, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2a, a 4th degree crime. For conduct that occurred in Westwood, VAN RIPER was charged with one count of Possession Of A Weapon For An Unlawful Purpose, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4A-1, a 2nd degree crime; and one count of Resisting Arrest, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:29-2A-3b, a 3rd degree crime.
Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely accusations and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would like to thank the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance with this investigation.
Paramus NJ, a single engine plane made an emergency landing at the Paramus Municipal Golf Course, 314 Paramus Road, Paramus late Sunday morning, 12/09. Three (3) occupants of the aircraft sustained non life threatening injuries during the landing and were transported by ambulances to local hospitals. No one on the ground was injured. Paramus Police, Paramus EMS, and Paramus Fire Company #3 responded to the incident.
Paramus NJ, the Paramus Police report that a small airplane just made an emergency landing at the Paramus Golf Course. 4 people on board 3 minor injuries. Emergency responders are on scene. Nobody was seriously injured. Paramus Foam Unit, HazMat and Rescue were on scene .
Ridgewood NJ, according to the Cato 2017 Free Speech and Tolerance Survey, a new national poll of 2,300 U.S. adults, finds that 71% Americans believe that political correctness has silenced important discussions our society needs to have. The consequences are personal—58% of Americans believe the political climate prevents them from sharing their own political beliefs.
We have gotten to the point that 65% of Americans (and 54% of college and graduate students) say college students should discuss which halloween costumes might be seen as offensive without the involvement of college administrators.
Democrats are unique, however, in that a slim majority (53%) do not feel the need to self-censor. Conversely, strong majorities of Republicans (73%) and independents (58%) say they keep some political beliefs to themselves
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