Glen Rock NJ, A mini van collided with a utility pole at the intersection of Heather Lane and Maple Avenue in Glen Rock on Thursday morning, 03/15. The vehicle’s driver was transported by an ambulance from The Valley Hospital to St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center in Paterson with non life threatening injuries. A flatbed tow truck removed the wreck. Glen Rock Police and Glen Rock Fire Department responded to the incident. A portion of Maple Avenue remained closed for an extended period while crews from PSE&G worked at the scene.
Paramus NJ, The Paramus Police Department is endeavoring to locate a missing person with a concern for her personal welfare. She is Paige Lattimore, a 27 year old white female, 5’7″, approx. 160-180lbs, no known clothing description. She operates a 2016 white Acura RDX with a NJ Registration of N84FPE. She was last seen around 8 am on 03/14/2018 at her residence in the southeast section of Paramus. Anyone with information is asked to call the Paramus Police Department at 201-262-3400
Rivervale NJ, Assemblywomen Holly Schepisi , voiced her concerns on accidents involving pedestrians, “Lately our communities have been plagued by pedestrians being hit by vehicles. Please remind those who drive in your family how important it is to obey speed limits in our communities. The difference between a 20 MPH hit of a pedestrian and a 40 MPH hit of a pedestrian is the difference between that victim surviving or likely dying. Drivers — watch your speed and do not drive distracted. Pedestrians — put down your cell phone when you wish to cross the street. Do not assume a car sees you just because you may be in a crosswalk. Never start walking until a vehicle has come to a stop.”
We picked this up from the Hillsdale police , but former Ridgewood Police Chief often shared the same thoughts with the Ridgewood blog .If a pedestrian is struck by a car going 20 mph or slower, the odds of survival are good. Above 35 mph, the impact is likely to be fatal. Obey speed limits!
Hackensack NJ, contrary to the insanity in Trenton , Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco , “This evening I introduced my 2018 proposed budget to the Board of Chosen Freeholders at their work session. I am excited to announce that this year, there will be NO COUNTY TAX INCREASE and Bergen County will continue to have the second lowest county tax rate in New Jersey. This budget exemplifies my administration’s commitment to continue building a better Bergen County by investing in important programs and services while exercising fiscal responsibility.”
Hackensack NJ, The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (“BCPO”) is issuing this advisory to inform the public about phantom debt scams. A phantom debt scam involves criminals impersonating law firms, judges, court officials, or debt collectors who send out threatening letters, or make threatening phone calls about phantom debts, or a non-existent debt, to try to convince people to send them money.
The BCPO received information from a Bergen County resident who reported that she received a phone call she believed was a scam. A female caller who identified herself as “Ms. Jackson,” called the resident’s home phone and knew the resident’s first and last names. As part of the scam, “Ms. Jackson” stated that she was a detective with the Bergen County DA’s Office, Restitution and Hot Checks Section, and that the resident owed the DA’s office $300.00 for not appearing in court. The caller also stated that since the resident missed her court date, interest and court fees were added, which brought the total owed to just under $600.00. Finally, the caller stated that a warrant would be issued for her arrest if the debt was not paid in full. The resident, believing this was a scam, ended the phone call and immediately contacted our office, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, not the Bergen County DA’s Office that does not exist.
To avoid becoming a victim of a phantom debt scam, follow these tips:
Be suspicious of callers making threatening claims requiring you to pay money that you do not owe.
Be wary of anyone who asks you to wire money or load a rechargeable money or gift card as a way to pay back debt.
Add your phone numbers, home and cellular, to the National Do Not Call Registry. This will not stop all unsolicited calls, but it will stop most.
If your number is on the registry and you still get calls, hang up and report them at donotcall.gov.
If you receive an unsolicited phone call and suspect it is a fraud, or if you are the victim of a scam, report it to your local police department.
Paramus Police, Fire Department, and EMS personnel responded to a Wednesday evening, 03/14, crash on Route 17 northbound near Kalisa Way, Paramus, in which an SUV hit a utility pole head on. The vehicle’s driver was transported by ambulance to Hackensack University Center’s main campus. A paramedic unit from The Valley Hospital assisted Paramus EMTs with patient care. The force of the collision caused a pole mounted electric transformer to fall into a nearby parking lot. Traffic on Route 17 in both directions was slowed considerably until the wrecked vehicle was removed from the roadway by a flatbed tow truck. A PSE&G Electric Division employee was observed on the scene assessing damage to the electric distribution system equipment.
Paramus NJ, A hit and run driver struck a Paramus Police marked patrol vehicle in front of 201 Oradell Avenue, Paramus late Sunday afternoon, 03/11. No injuries were reported by the police officer driving the cruiser, who was responding to a medical emergency nearby. The patrol car’s door appeared to have been hit while open, signaling that the officer may have been either exiting or entering the vehicle when it was struck. A plain clothes officer took photographs of the scene and collected crash related debris in bags as evidence. A flatbed tow truck removed the car after all evidence was collected.
Closter, NJ, also known as the “Hub of the Northern Valley,” has just welcomed Gary’s of Closter, to their town. Gary’s Wine & Marketplace began as a small wine shop in Madison, New Jersey in 1987 and has since grown to be one of the largest fine wine businesses in the New York metropolitan area.
Closter, New Jersey is the fifth location and offers the full Gary’s experience — fine wine, craft beer, small-batch spirits, hand-cut cheeses, gourmet delicatessen, barware, gifts and more! We hope you’ll visit Gary’s of Closter soon. Cheers and thank you!
When Gary (CEO & Owner Gary Fisch ) was working toward his B.S. from Rider College in Political Science, he didn’t yet know where life was going to take him. Gary fell in love with wine in his senior year of college while working with his father, a liquor salesman, and decided to become an expert. He educated himself at the Sommelier Institute in New Jersey and at several of Windows on the World’s wine courses. The secret to his success is a passionate love and broad knowledge of his product — and the skill to communicate that delight. That enthusiasm and intelligence served him well when he teamed up with his brother Mark in 1987 and opened his first store in Madison, New Jersey. Two moves later, Gary’s now has stores in Bernardsville, N.J.and on Route 23 North in Wayne N.J. Gary’s expertise has earned him national media attention as “The Wine Guy” on the TV Food Network show Bobby Flay Hot off the Grill. He has made guest appearances on CNN, New Jersey 12 and Bloomberg radio and television. In January 2009, he was profiled in New Jersey Monthly’s “Power Issue” as one of the 101 Most Influential People in the Garden State. Not bad for a guy who simply loves to share his enthusiasm for wine!
The Grand Opening, which is open to the public, is taking place on March 15-17th, and will begin with a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Closter’s Mayor John Glidden.
Gary’s of Closter
67 VerValen Street, Closter, NJ 07624
(In the Closter Plaza Shopping Center – Between Whole Foods Market & Starbucks)
Phone: (201) 297-5000
Wyckoff NJ, Assemblymen Kevin J. Rooney and Christopher DePhillips called out Orange and Rockland Energy Company for its lack of preparation, communication and leadership as thousands of people remain without power following Wednesday’s nor’easter. The assemblymen are demanding answers.
“This is a matter of public safety and public health in our communities and the lackluster response from Orange and Rockland is unacceptable,” said Rooney (R-Bergen). “There are roads that are still impassable for police, firefighters and ambulances because of fallen trees and powerlines. The situation is dangerous. Orange and Rockland needs to explain why and how they have failed their customers with such great incompetence.”
“It is completely evident that Orange and Rockland hasn’t learned its lesson from past storms like Sandy,” said DePhillips (R-Bergen). “I am calling for an investigation by the Board of Public Utilities and the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee into Orange and Rockland’s complete mismanagement and lack of preparation. Not only has the response been insufficient, but it has taken days to even start fixing our communities.”
Wyckoff Mayor Brian D. Scanlan told The Record that the utility company has failed to provide adequate crews to restore power to the town, leaving town hall, the police station, two schools, a sewage pump station and traffic lights dark. He said Orange and Rockland crews were “sitting in trucks watching down lines” while PSE&G crews, who serves the eastern part of the town, were working.
Rooney and DePhillips said “this is nothing new” as each experienced the same poor response to outages from Orange and Rockland as mayor of Wyckoff, calling for the utility company to “get its act together.”
Lodi NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrest of RASHIT PEREZ (DOB: 04/06/1987; single; unemployed) of 358 Westervelt Place, Lodi, NJ. The arrest is the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Squad under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office under the direction of Sheriff Michael Saudino, and the Lodi Police Department under the direction of Acting Chief Donald Scorzetti.
On Sunday, March 4, 2018 at approximately 10:30 P.M., Rashit PEREZ poured a flammable liquid and ignited it inside the vestibule of the Bank of America located 4 Hunter Street, Lodi, NJ. On March 5, 2018, members of the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office located Rashit PEREZ in Paramus, NJ and took him into custody.
Rashit PEREZ was charged with one count of Arson, N.J.S.A. 2C:17-1, a crime of the 3rd degree; and one count of Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose, N.J.S.A. 2C:39-4B, a crime of the 2nd degree. He appeared in Bergen County Central Judicial Processing Court on March 6, 2018 and was released with conditions.
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 also like to thank the Lodi Police Department and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.
Paramus NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrests of HENRY MARTINEZ-DIAZ (DOB: 11/9/1976; married; and Uber driver) and YANERY MARTINEZ (DOB: 9/12/1983; married; and unemployed) both of 486 East 29th Street, Paterson, NJ on charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin and endangering the welfare of a child. These arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti.
On Monday, March 5, 2018, members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Narcotics Task Force conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Route 4 West in Paramus, NJ. A search of the vehicle revealed 5,750 bags of suspected heroin in an electronically operated aftermarket hidden compartment. Additionally, $1,021.00 believed to be the proceeds of criminal activity was also seized during the investigation. The vehicle was occupied by Henry MARTINEZ-DIAZ, Yanery MARTINEZ, and their one-year-old daughter.
This traffic stop occurred only four days after the Bergen County Prosecutor’s office announced that detectives had conducted a motor vehicle stop of a 2007 Jeep Cherokee in Hackensack and seized 3,250 bags heroin from its sole occupant, Ordanny GERMAN.
As a result of the investigation, Henry MARTINEZ-DIAZ and Yanery MARTINEZ were arrested and charged with one count of possession with the intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, namely heroin, N.J.S.A. 2C:35-5B(2), a crime of the 2nd degree; and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4A(2), a crime of the 2nd degree. Henry MARTINEZ-DIAZ and Yanery MARTINEZ appeared in Central Judicial Processing Court on March 6, 2018 and were released with conditions. The juvenile was turned over to the custody of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency.
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.
Ho Ho Kus NJ, A downed electric power line that caught fire resulted in a manhole explosion and power outages near the busy intersection of Hollywood and Sheridan Avenues in Ho-Ho-Kus late Thursday morning, 03/08. Several homes in the area were evacuated as a precaution. Evacuees were offered shelter in the Ho-Ho-Kus School. Ho-Ho-Kus Police and Fire Department personnel responded to the incident. No injuries were reported. PSE&G Gas Division technicians were observed checking for natural gas leaks in the neighborhood closest to the manhole explosion (which blew at least 1 manhole cover completely off).
Franklin Lakes NJ, a downed live wire ignites car leaving a man dead after authorities say he drove his car around a barricade and onto live wires .The vehicle erupted in flames on Summit Avenue and Route 208 in Franklin Lakes just before 9 a.m.
Responding officers arrived finding a vehicle fully engulfed, with a live power line lying in the roadway near the vehicle.The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. He has not been positively identified.
The fire totally gutted the vehicle.The investigation is ongoing. Downed power lines remain a major problem in the wake of the region’s second nor’easter in a week.
Glen Rock NJ, we have had many reports of downed wires today including a death in Franklin Lakes . Just received this message from Glen Rock Police . Do not approach or drive over a downed line and do not touch anything that it might be in contact with. Cones & police line tape has been deployed, it is impossible for officers to remain at these locations.
Heavy, wet snow brought down large trees, branches and wires at numerous locations in town. Electric service crews worked through the night and will continue to work as safely and as quickly as possible. The restoration process will likely take several days given the damage from falling trees that will need to be cleared.
Ridgewood Nj, New Jersey State Police recommend that if for some reason you’ve not already heard, New Jersey is set to get hit by another nor’easter. Much of the state is expected to get several inches of snow, particularly in the north. We strongly recommend you check you local forecast.
It’s been a rough March. We understand that many of you are still without power, using generators to get by. Meteorologists expect this March snow to be heavy and wet, which could cause branches to fall, taking out power lines and causing additional power outages.
Please plan accordingly now before the snow begins. As far as using generators, please make sure you use caution. Here are a few tips:
-Never use a generator inside your home, basement, garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
-When using a generator, use a battery-powered or battery backup CO detector in your home.
-If conditions are too cold, seek shelter with friends or call NJ 2-1-1 to find a warming center.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation, under authority granted to Acting Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti by NJSA Title 27:7-21.9, is requesting the New Jersey State, County and Municipal Police to remove any abandoned or disabled vehicles on State and Interstate Roadways. This request is effective from 12:01AM 03/07/2018 until 12:00PM 03/08/18.
Motorists are advised to be prepared and avoid unnecessary travel today due to winter driving conditions on the roadways. Be alert when approaching bridges and overpasses as they will freeze before the road surface.
For road conditions and travel updates visit 511nj.org.
![Orange-and-Rockland-Featured-compressor[1]](https://theridgewoodblog.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/BESTOrange-and-Rockland-Featured-compressor1.jpg "Rooney, DePhillips decry Orange and Rockland’s lackluster response to power outages, call for investigation")
