Category: Bergen County

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FAIR LAWN, MAN CHARGED WITH MATRICIDE

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July 11,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Fair Lawn NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of ERIC D. KAPLAN (DOB: 9/20/1986; single; and unemployed) of 20-06 Halstead Terrace, Fair Lawn, New Jersey on charges of Murder and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted 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 Michael Saudino, and the Fair Lawn Police Department under the direction of Chief Glen Cauwels.

On Sunday, July 8, 2018, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office received information that a domestic violence assault had occurred at 20-06 Halstead Terrace in Fair Lawn, which resulted in the death of ANN KAPLAN. An investigation revealed that Eric KAPLAN assaulted the victim with a knife. The victim was able to dial 911 during the assault but was unable to communicate with the dispatcher. The Fair Lawn Police Department responded to the abandoned 911 call and found the home secure. Officers observed, through a window, the victim lying on the floor. Officers forced entry into the home and treated the victim’s injuries. The victim was later pronounced dead at St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey.

As a result of the investigation, Eric KAPLAN was arrested and charged with one count of Murder, N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3A(2), a crime of the 1st degree, and Unlawful Possession Of A Weapon, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4D, a crime of the 3rd degree. KAPLAN was remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing on Friday, July 13, 2018.
Acting Prosecutor Calo states that these 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 and the Fair Lawn Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.

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JOSEPH LABOSCO OF STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK CHARGED WITH 38 YEAR OLD MURDER

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July 10,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Teaneck NJ, Bergen County Acting Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of JOSEPH LABOSCO (DOB: 12/12/1946; single; unemployed) of Staten Island, New York, today, July 9, 2018, on a charge of Murder after the case went cold for 38 years.

The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cold Case Homicide Unit, which is a collaboration with the New Jersey State Police under the direction of Acting Superintendent Colonel Patrick J. Callahan, and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.

On October 1, 1980, the lifeless body of Wayne Eckhart (DOB: 01/24/1930; single; of Manhattan) was found in a remote area off Teaneck Road in Teaneck, New Jersey. An investigation revealed that Wayne Eckhart had been shot to death. After an extensive investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Squad and the Teaneck Police Department, no arrests were made and the case went cold for 38 years.

The newly formed Cold Case Homicide Unit reopened the case in 2018 and identified Joseph LABOSCO as one of the suspects. After multiple interviews with witnesses and the submission of evidence to the New Jersey State Police Forensic Laboratory, Joseph LABOSCO was charged, with one count of Murder, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a, a 1st degree crime. Joseph LABOSCO is in the custody of Manhattan Detention Center, a federal prison in Brooklyn, New York where he is serving a sentence for an unrelated crime.

Joseph LABOSCO’s first appearance in New Jersey has not been scheduled but will be announced once it is confirmed.

The other suspect was identified as George King (DOB: 7/24/1931) of New York, New York, who died on June 30, 2007.

Bergen County Acting Prosecutor Calo states that this charge is merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and would also like to thank the Teaneck Police Department for its assistance in this investigation.

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Casey at the Bat

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photo courtesy of Bergen County Historical Society

Ernest Lawrence Thayer

The outlook wasn’t brilliant for the Mudville nine that day:
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play,
And then when Cooney died at first, and Barrows did the same,
A pall-like silence fell upon the patrons of the game.

A straggling few got up to go in deep despair. The rest
Clung to the hope which springs eternal in the human breast;
They thought, “If only Casey could but get a whack at that—
We’d put up even money now, with Casey at the bat.”

But Flynn preceded Casey, as did also Jimmy Blake,
And the former was a hoodoo, while the latter was a cake;
So upon that stricken multitude grim melancholy sat,
For there seemed but little chance of Casey getting to the bat.

But Flynn let drive a single, to the wonderment of all,
And Blake, the much despisèd, tore the cover off the ball;
And when the dust had lifted, and men saw what had occurred,
There was Jimmy safe at second and Flynn a-hugging third.

Then from five thousand throats and more there rose a lusty yell;
It rumbled through the valley, it rattled in the dell;
It pounded on the mountain and recoiled upon the flat,
For Casey, mighty Casey, was advancing to the bat.

There was ease in Casey’s manner as he stepped into his place;
There was pride in Casey’s bearing and a smile lit Casey’s face.
And when, responding to the cheers, he lightly doffed his hat,
No stranger in the crowd could doubt ‘twas Casey at the bat.

Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt;
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his
     shirt;
Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance flashed in Casey’s eye, a sneer curled Casey’s lip.

And now the leather-covered sphere came hurtling through the
     air,
And Casey stood a-watching it in haughty grandeur there.
Close by the sturdy batsman the ball unheeded sped—
“That ain’t my style," said Casey. “Strike one!” the umpire said.

From the benches, black with people, there went up a muffled
     roar,
Like the beating of the storm-waves on a stern and distant shore;
“Kill him! Kill the umpire!” shouted someone on the stand;
And it’s likely they’d have killed him had not Casey raised his
     hand.

With a smile of Christian charity great Casey’s visage shone;
He stilled the rising tumult; he bade the game go on;
He signaled to the pitcher, and once more the dun sphere flew;
But Casey still ignored it and the umpire said, “Strike two!”

“Fraud!” cried the maddened thousands, and echo answered
     “Fraud!”
But one scornful look from Casey and the audience was awed.
They saw his face grow stern and cold, they saw his muscles
     strain,
And they knew that Casey wouldn’t let that ball go by again.

The sneer is gone from Casey’s lip, his teeth are clenched in hate,
He pounds with cruel violence his bat upon the plate;
And now the pitcher holds the ball, and now he lets it go,
And now the air is shattered by the force of Casey’s blow.

Oh, somewhere in this favoured land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light;
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children
     shout,
But there is no joy in Mudville—mighty Casey has struck out.
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TEVA Ditches Woodcliff Lake and heads to Democrat Controlled Parsippany

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July 8,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Parsippany-Troy Hills N.J. , just days after New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy  rams through an enormous tax increase on New Jersey taxpayers,  Teva Pharmaceuticals USA will move its headquarters and consolidate top managers from North Wales, Montgomery County, to its facility in Parsippany-Troy Hills, N.J.

Gov. Phil Murphy, who announced the move Thursday , New Jersey lured the firm with a $40 million package of tax breaks. Teva USA, an arm of an Israel-based firm that is the world’s largest manufacturer of generic drugs, has seen its stock price fall nearly in half as its main moneymaking drug lost its patent protection, and multibillion-dollar acquisitions left it mired in debt. Its latest chief executive, Kare Schultz, has announced a $3 billion plan to cut 14,000 jobs, a quarter of its global workforce.

In essence the State of New Jersey taxpayers are paying TEVA to relocate to Parsippany .

Our friend Carolee Adams‎ gave us the inside story for Bergen County in a Facebook book note she said , “HERE’S THE TRUTH ABOUT THIS DEAL from Mayor Rendo of Woodcliff Lake: “Teva Pharmaceuticals was a presence in Woodcliff Lake until last year when it closed its doors leaving us with an empty building, unemployed area residents, and our area businesses hurting from the patrons that they lost. Now Murphy come in claiming that his administration lured Teva to NewJersey when it already had a presence in Woodcliff Lake. So here’s the shell game. Teva closes, moves to Parsippany with Murphy giving them tax credits and making it look like they never had a presence in the State. Was it to reward the New Democratic Mayor of Parsippany? Hmmmm.”

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Former Bank Employee Charged with Theft from the Bank Accounts of a Deceased Teaneck Resident

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July 8,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Teaneck NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of SHANNELL GRIGGS (DOB: 04/16/1990; single; and employed as a receptionist) of 354 Bryant Avenue, Syracuse, NY and GIVONNI BUTLER (DOB: 08/21/1989; single; and unemployed) of 27 Pine Street, Passaic, NJ on charges of Computer Related Theft, Theft By Deception, Impersonation, Money Laundering, Receiving Stolen Property, and Conspiracy. The arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti and the Teaneck Police Department under the direction of Chief Glenn M. O’Reilly.

In December 2017, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Financial Crimes Unit received a complaint of theft from the bank accounts of a recently deceased Teaneck resident. The executor of the decedent’s estate reported that the decedent’s bank accounts had been accessed by an unknown party and that approximately $375,000 had been stolen between 2015 and 2016.

During the course of the investigation, it was determined that Shannell GRIGGS, a bank employee, had unlawfully used the bank’s computerized account and customer service systems to access and take over the victim’s bank accounts. Shannell GRIGGS and her boyfriend, Givonni BUTLER, then stole approximately $375,000 through a combination of illicit debit card purchases, cash withdrawals, wire transfers, and cashier check purchases.

Shannell GRIGGS was arrested on June 29, 2018 in Syracuse, NY and charged with one count of Computer Related Theft, in an amount greater than $250,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-25c, a 1st degree crime; one count of Impersonation For The Purpose Of Obtaining A Benefit, in an amount greater than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17a(1), a 2nd degree crime; one count of Theft By Deception, in an amount greater than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4a, a 2nd degree crime; and one count of Financial Facilitation Of Criminal Activity, in an amount greater than $75,000 but less than $500,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:21-25b(2), a 2nd degree crime. GRIGGS was taken into custody in Syracuse, NY on the New Jersey warrant and is awaiting extradition proceedings.

A warrant for the arrest of Givonni BUTLER was issued on July 3, 2018 and served on July 5, 2018 as a detainer, since BUTLER is currently serving a prison sentence in Pennsylvania on an unrelated matter. He was charged with one count of Receiving Stolen Property, with a value greater than $75,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:20-7a, a 2nd degree crime; and one count of Conspiracy To Commit Computer Related Theft, in an amount greater than $5,000, in violation of N.J.S.A. 2C:5-2a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:20-25c, a 2nd degree crime.

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. Acting Prosecutor Calo would like to thank the Teaneck and Syracuse Police Departments and the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office for their assistance with this investigation.

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Many taxpayers have encountered individuals impersonating IRS officials

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July 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Washington DC, Many taxpayers have encountered individuals impersonating IRS officials – in person, over the telephone and via email. Don’t get scammed. We want you to understand how and when the IRS contacts taxpayers and help you determine whether a contact you may have received is truly from an IRS employee.
The IRS initiates most contacts through regular mail delivered by the United States Postal Service.

However, there are special circumstances in which the IRS will call or come to a home or business, such as when a taxpayer has an overdue tax bill, to secure a delinquent tax return or a delinquent employment tax payment, or to tour a business as part of an audit or during criminal investigations.

Even then, taxpayers will generally first receive several letters (called “notices”) from the IRS in the mail.
Note that the IRS does not:
Call to demand immediate payment using a specific payment method such as a prepaid debit card, gift card or wire transfer. Generally, the IRS will first mail a bill to any taxpayer who owes taxes.
Demand that you pay taxes without the opportunity to question or appeal the amount they say you owe. You should also be advised of your rights as a taxpayer.
Threaten to bring in local police, immigration officers or other law-enforcement to have you arrested for not paying. The IRS also cannot revoke your driver’s license, business licenses, or immigration status. Threats like these are common tactics scam artists use to trick victims into buying into their schemes.

If you owe taxes:
The IRS instructs taxpayers to make payments to the “United States Treasury.” The IRS provides specific guidelines on how you can make a tax payment at irs.gov/payments.
Here is what the IRS will do:
If an IRS representative visits you, he or she will always provide two forms of official credentials called a pocket commission and a HSPD-12 card. HSPD-12 is a government-wide standard for secure and reliable forms of identification for federal employees and contractors. You have the right to see these credentials. And if you would like to verify information on the representative’s HSPD-12 card, the representative will provide you with a dedicated IRS telephone number for verifying the information and confirming their identity.

Collection
IRS collection employees may call or come to a home or business unannounced to collect a tax debt. They will not demand that you make an immediate payment to a source other than the U.S. Treasury.
Learn more about the IRS revenue officers’ collection work.
The IRS can assign certain cases to private debt collectors but only after giving the taxpayer and his or her representative, if one is appointed, written notice. Private collection agencies will not ask for payment on a prepaid debit card or gift card. Taxpayers can learn about the IRS payment options on IRS.gov/payments. Payment by check should be payable to the U.S. Treasury and sent directly to the IRS, not the private collection agency.
Learn more about how to know if it’s really an IRS Private Debt Collector.

Audits
IRS employees conducting audits may call taxpayers to set up appointments or to discuss items with the taxpayers, but not without having first attempted to notify them by mail. After mailing an official notification of an audit, an auditor/tax examiner may call to discuss items pertaining to the audit.
Learn more about the IRS audit process.

Criminal Investigations
IRS criminal investigators may visit a taxpayer’s home or business unannounced while conducting an investigation. However, these are federal law enforcement agents and they will not demand any sort of payment.
Learn more about the What Criminal Investigation Does and How Criminal Investigations are Initiated.

Beware of Impersonations
Scams take many shapes and forms, such as phone calls, letters and emails. Many IRS impersonators use threats to intimidate and bully people into paying a fabricated tax bill. They may even threaten to arrest or deport their would-be victim if the victim doesn’t comply.

For a comprehensive listing of recent tax scams and consumer alerts, visit Tax Scams/Consumer Alerts.

Know Who to Contact
Contact the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration to report a phone scam. Use their “IRS Impersonation Scam Reporting” web page. You can also call 800-366-4484.
Report phone scams to the Federal Trade Commission. Use the “FTC Complaint Assistant” on FTC.gov. Please add “IRS Telephone Scam” in the notes.
Report an unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, or an IRS-related component like the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System, to the IRS at [email protected].

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Crime Alert from the Upper Saddle River Police Department

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July 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Upper Saddle River NJ, This is an important Crime Alert from the Upper Saddle River Police Department:

Car Thefts/Burglaries
Last week, the Borough experienced multiple vehicle burglaries, vehicle thefts, and a residential burglary. A multi-jurisdictional effort from numerous law enforcement agencies led to the capture and arrest of two suspects for the crimes of vehicle theft and aggravated assault on a Police Officer. These suspects remain in Bergen County Jail. Although these arrests could serve as a deterrent for future acts, unfortunately our past experience has proven otherwise. The greatest deterrent for preventing car theft is the simple act of removing your key fob from your vehicle. Every single vehicle that has been stolen from Upper Saddle River contained a key fob. Remember, after parking your vehicle, “lock it, key in pocket.”
Residential Home Burglaries
Residential Burglaries occurred in Upper Saddle River and Saddle River this past Friday (June 29). These incidents tend to occur during the evening hours before midnight. The advantage to this time frame is that it is more likely to be witnessed by a Good Samaritan. Witness reports are a key asset in Burglary investigations. So, be a good witness!
Here are some things to look for:
• A vehicle idling in a cul-de-sac
• An occupied vehicle parked in a driveway for an extended period
• A slow moving vehicle “casing” the neighborhood
• A person ringing your doorbell to test if the home is occupied. The person will often give a silly excuse if you answer the door (wrong house, lost dog, etc.).
• Any person or vehicle acting suspiciously
• Immediately report all suspicious activity to the Upper Saddle River Police Department. Write down as many details as possible including vehicle description and license plate. This can be done using your cell phone which is usually within reach. Do not be embarrassed to call us! These cases are often solved by a tip provided by a concerned citizen.
• Please, do not try to confront suspicious people or vehicles.
If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the Upper Saddle River Police Department Detective Bureau.

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Bear Sightings in the Boro of Allendale

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July 7,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Allendale NJ, Allendale Police are continuing to get reports of bear sightings throughout the Boro. If you see a bear, remember to keep your distance and keep children and pets indoors.

It’s that time of year when bear cubs will again be passing through our area. The Allendale Police will again be monitoring the situation and encourage residents to continue reporting any sightings to the police by calling 201-825-1900.

As a general reminder, keep your distance from any wild animals, including but not limited to bears and coyotes. If you see a bear or coyote, bring pets and children inside until the animal leaves the area. Bears are attracted to neighborhoods by garbage odors. Properly securing your garbage is one of the best ways to prevent bears from becoming a nuisance in our community. For more bear safety tips, please visit the NJ DEP Fish and Wildlife website at

https://www.njfishandwildlife.com/bearfacts.htm or contact the Allendale Police.
Here’s some additional info on bear activity in Allendale:

https://www.celeryfarm.net/2018/03/exclusive-bear-pix.htm

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Bergen County Historical Society : Casey at the Bat

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photo courtesy of Bergen County Historical Society

July 6,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, All right all you cranks (19th century fans), the meadow has been mowed the base balls have been ordered, and the temperature will be lowered. Come out and experience vintage baseball in the meadow at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. Featuring the Flemington Neshanocks versus the NY Mutuals.

Experience the crack of wood against leather, the cheers and jeers of the crowd, and baseball the way great-grandpa saw it, when these reenactor teams play with 19th century rules, equipment, and uniforms in an open field. A great way for the family to enjoy America’s game!

Watch for Casey at the Bat at this first big event in The Meadow, make sure to bring a hat, blanket or chair, and sunscreen. Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main Street, River Edge. Admission: $10 adults, $5 students, BCHS members free. Additional food cost.

Between games, watch for Casey at the Bat or take a walk through time on a short tour of Historic New Bridge Landing’s grounds led by one of our interpreters. Be sure to bring a hat, blanket or chair, and sunscreen. Dogs on a leash are welcome outside (please be considerate of other visitors). Enjoy games, ice cream, and hot dogs.

Enter at the corner of Hackensack Avenue & Main Street. Short walking tours by BCHS interpreters available. New Bridge baseball scorecard available with each ticket, limited quantities.

Consider taking the train to HNBL. Trains traveling south & north arrive at the New Bridge Landing Station. Check NJ Transit schedule for updates on the Pascack Valley line.
Event takes place in Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main St, River Edge, NJ 07661.
100% of your donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
Saturday, July 7th 11 am to 2 PM.

 

 

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NORWOOD, PEEPING TOM CHARGED WITH INVASION OF PRIVACY

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July 6,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Norwood NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of PETRO “PETER” BARBOUNIS (DOB: 06/14/1972; married; and employed as a consultant) of 12 Second Street, Norwood, NJ on charges of Invasion Of Privacy. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.

On Friday, June 29, 2018, members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Cyber Crimes Unit executed a court-authorized search warrant at the residence of Petro “Peter” BARBOUNIS during an invasion of privacy investigation. The investigation revealed that BARBOUNIS used a camera to record two victims depicting them nude and/or sexually explicit without their knowledge or consent.

As a result of the investigation, Petro “Peter” BARBOUNIS was arrested on June 29, 2018 and charged with two counts of Invasion Of Privacy, N.J.S.A. 2C:14-9B(1), a 3rd degree crime. BARBOUNIS is scheduled for a first appearance in Central Judicial Processing Court in Hackensack, NJ on July 18, 2018, at 9:00 a.m.

Acting Prosecutor Calo states that the charges are merely an accusation and that the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Acting Prosecutor Calo would also like to thank the Norwood Police Department for its assistance, as well as the Lyndhurst, Hillsdale, and Oradell Police Departments, which participate in the Bergen County Cyber Crimes Task Force.

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Vehicle Rollover Crash at the Intersection of Forest and Warburton Avenues in Hawthorne

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July 4,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hawthorne NJ, Hawthorne Police, Hawthorne Fire Department Company #4, Hawthorne FD Company #5, and Hawthorne EMS responded to a two (2) vehicle rollover crash at the intersection of Forest and Warburton Avenues on Tuesday afternoon, 07/03. Both drivers were evaluated by Hawthorne EMS; they each refused ambulance transportation to a local hospital. The wrecked vehicles were removed from the scene by two (2) flatbed tow trucks.

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Vintage Baseball at Historic New Bridge Landing

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photo courtesy of Bergen County Historical Society

July 4,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, Bergen County Historical Society invites you to  cap off your celebrating with us and step back into yesteryear when the Bergen County Historical Society hosts an vintage base ball game in the meadow at Historic New Bridge Landing in River Edge. This year featuring the Flemington Neshanocks versus the NY Mutuals on July 7th from 11 am to 1 pm!

Experience the crack of wood against leather, the cheers and jeers of the crowd, and baseball the way great-grandpa saw it, when these reenactor teams play with 19th century rules, equipment, and uniforms in an open field. A great way for the family to enjoy America’s game!

Watch for Casey at the Bat at this first big event in The Meadow, make sure to bring a hat, blanket or chair, and sunscreen. Historic New Bridge Landing, 1201 Main Street, River Edge. Admission: $10 adults, $5 students, BCHS

Saturday at 11 AM – 1 PM

Bergen County Historical Society
1201-5 Main St, River Edge, New Jersey 07661

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State Police Increase Patrols to Reduce Fatal Crashes during Holiday

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July 4,2018

the staff of the Ridgewod blog

West Trenton NJ,  The New Jersey State Police would like everyone to enjoy their holiday safely. This may include getting together with family and friends at a barbecue, driving to the Jersey shore to enjoy the beach, or going out on the water on a boat.

During the July 4th holiday weekend last year, there were 5 fatal crashes that resulted in 5 deaths, with alcohol as a contributing factor for two of them. These types of tragedies can often be avoided by calling a taxi, using transportation applications such as Uber and Lyft, making plans to stay with friends or family, or having a designated driver.

The New Jersey State Police have planned to significantly increase traffic enforcement details across the state from 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3 to 6:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 6. During this period, more than 70 troopers will be on special details targeting aggressive driving, speed, seatbelt usage, distracted driving, and DWI in addition to regularly scheduled patrols.

Motorists are also reminded that when they see emergency vehicles on the side of the road to move over or be ticketed for the violation. According to New Jersey’s Move Over Law, drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and other highway safety vehicles displaying flashing lights must move over to leave an empty lane next to those vehicles. If it is not safe to move over, drivers must slow down below the posted speed limit.

“Increased patrols serve to reduce crashes and crash-related fatalities,” said Colonel Patrick Callahan of the New Jersey State Police. “Although statewide crash fatalities are slightly down from this time last year, we know we can do much better. We want everyone to get to and from their destinations safely and enjoy the holiday with their friends and families.”

The State Police Marine Bureau will also be patrolling the state’s waterways this weekend, and troopers will be looking for signs of boaters under the influence of alcohol or drugs and reckless operation of boats and personal watercraft.

Marine troopers will also be checking to see that boat operators have obtained the proper licenses to operate watercrafts. A synopsis of boating requirements can be found on the State Police website at www.njsp.org under boating safety.

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Strip Mall Suffers Partial Roof Collapse on Kinderkamack Road in River Edge

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photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook

July 3,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

River Edge NJ, Portions of a protective overhang and facade of a strip mall located on Kinderkamack Road in River Edge collapsed on Tuesday morning, 07/03. River Edge Fire Department called upon the services of numerous area fire departments to assist with the primary search for any trapped occupants/patrons. Bergen County Executive James Tedesco was on the scene personally leading a team of Bergen County OEM representatives. Several blocks of Kinderkamack Road were closed to vehicular traffic while emergency responders worked. No immediate injuries were reported, but the removal of downed building debris had not yet begun at the time of this post.

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Gas Leak Capped by PSEG in Hawthorne

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photo courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page

July 2,2018

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Hawthorne NJ, Hawthorne Fire Department was dispatched to stand by at the scene of a severed 2-inch, high pressure natural gas line on Monday afternoon, 07/02. The incident occurred at construction site on Braen Avenue near Sotnick Street, Hawthorne. No illnesses were reported and the leak was capped by PSE&G within one (1) hour of initial dispatch.