The Ridgewood Blog Brings a Free Market Laissez-faire Point of View to Local, New Jersey State and National Issues.
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Twp. of Washington NJ, on February 20 2024 at approximately 4:20 AM, Township of Washington Police responded to the Northeast Side of the Township to assist Hillsdale Police Department who had multiple vehicles entered in their town, on our border.
Continue reading Township of Washington Police Busts Suspect in Multiple Car Break-ins
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hillsdale NJ, according to the Hillsdale Police Department but this could apply to any town in Bergen County ,”Parents, we get it, it’s a beautiful day outside and you have had enough of the kids inside the house, so you agree to let them go shoot hoops for a little while at the park. Problem is, they have probably spoken to all of their friends, whose parents have joyfully agreed to let their kids air out by shooting hoops at the park as well, not knowing that a group has been formed and is meeting up.”
Continue reading Maintaining “Social Distancing” even on Basketball Courts and Play Grounds
SIX ARRESTS MADE ON DAY ONE
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hackensack NJ, Sheriff Anthony Cureton has launched the Bergen County Fugitive Task Force through a partnership with the Bergen County Chiefs Association. The task force is charged with locating and arresting individuals who have outstanding criminal warrants and are fugitives from justice from Bergen County Superior Court. The following police agencies have participated in new task force to date:
Continue reading BERGEN COUNTY SHERIFF LAUNCHES REGIONAL FUGITIVE TASK FORCE
February 23,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hillsdale NJ, On February 21, 2018, the Hillsdale Police Department was made aware of a suspicious incident that took place on Bedford Road, near the Ann Blanche Smith School. The incident involved a nine-year-old student of the school that was walking home after school was dismissed. As the student approached Bedford Road a vehicle that was being driven by a middle-aged, white man with a crew cut said: “hey, come here”. The student described the vehicle as a smaller, black, four-door vehicle.
Despite our efforts, our follow-up investigation did not reveal any further details other than those provided by the student.
Please take this incident as an opportunity to discuss stranger safety with your children and remind them of the following:
• An adult does not need help from a child — not to find a puppy, not for anything. If an adult is asking you for help, that’s a warning sign;
• Don’t walk away with anyone other than a parent, or the person who was already arranged to take care of you that day;
• Always stay at least an arms distance away from any strangers or strange vehicles;
• Avoid walking places alone, use the buddy system;
• Point out places children can go for help when walking places like school and the park;
For further information on keeping your children safe check out
https://www.kidsmartz.org/ParentTips
February 22,2018
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Hillsdale NJ, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo announced the arrests of BRYAN ORTIGOZA (DOB: 01/25/1999; single; unemployed) of 152 Milton Avenue, Nutley, NJ; ALEX JUAREZ (DOB: 10/18/1998; single; unemployed) of 705 Centre Street, Nutley, NJ; and a 17-year-old JUVENILE from Nutley, NJ. The arrests are the result of an investigation conducted by members of the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit under the direction of Chief Robert Anzilotti, the Hillsdale Police Department under the direction of Chief Robert Francaviglia, and the Nutley Police Department (Essex County) under the direction of Chief Thomas Strumolo.
On Tuesday, February 13, 2018, the Hillsdale Police Department received a 911 call from a resident of Catherine Court reporting an injured male lying in the roadway. The investigation revealed that the victim had been physically assaulted by several actors then dragged over 250 yards by their vehicle from the area of Beechwood Drive in Hillsdale. The victim was subsequently thrown from the vehicle in the cul-de-sac of Catherine Court. The vehicle and actors then fled the scene. The victim suffered severe, life-threatening injuries, including a broken neck and a cerebral hemorrhage. The victim was transferred to an area hospital via helicopter in critical condition, where he remains.
On Wednesday, February 14, 2018, law enforcement officials arrested Bryan ORTIGOZA after searching his residence and a vehicle used by him during the assault.
On Friday, February 16, 2018, law enforcement officials arrested the 17-year-old JUVENILE after conducting a search of his residence.
On Tuesday, February 20, 2018, law enforcement officials searched Alex JUAREZ’S residence. He was later located and taken into police custody.
As a result of the investigation, Bryan ORTIGOZA, Alex JUAREZ, and a 17 year-old JUVENILE were identified as actors who assaulted the victim. Ortigoza and Juarez were each charged with one count of Attempted Murder, N.J.S.A. 2C:5-1a(1) and N.J.S.A. 2C:11-3a(2), a crime of the 1st degree, and one count of Aggravated Assault, N.J.S.A. 2C:12-1b(1), a crime of the 2nd degree. The JUVENILE was charged with Juvenile Delinquency complaints based on conduct which would also constitute attempted murder and aggravated assault if he were an adult. Bryan ORTIGOZA and Alex JUAREZ were remanded to the Bergen County Jail pending a detention hearing on February 26, 2018 at 9:00 A.M. The 17-year-old JUVENILE was remanded to the Bergen County Juvenile Detention Center pending a detention hearing on March 6, 2018 at 9:00 AM.
Acting Bergen County 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. He would also like to thank the Hillsdale Police Department, the Westwood Police Department, the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, and the Nutley Police Department for their assistance with this investigation.
