Ridgewood Police Investigation

Ridgewood Police Investigation:

November 2, 2013

Dear Parents/Guardians/Staff:

On Friday 11/01/2013 at approximately 3:15pm,  a student was walking home from school on North Monroe Street in the area of Sheridan Terrace (G.W. / Ridge School area) when she was approached by an unknown male.  The male grabbed the female student who was able to break free and run for help.  The male party was observed by other witnesses committing the crime.  He is described as a white male in his 50’s or 60’s about 6’ 2” tall and heavyset.  He has grey or light colored “wavy” hair medium in length.   He was described as wearing jeans and a grey or greenish t-shirt with stains on it.  He was also wearing dark sunglasses.

A separate suspicious incident occurred in the same area of the Village earlier in the week.  On Friday 10/25/2013 at approximately 5:00pm, two students were walking west on Godwin Avenue near Garfield Place.   A blue vehicle, described as an older model 4 door sedan, with rust on the exterior, black tape on the seats of the interior, pulled up behind the students.  They reported that an older male party, approximately 60-70 years of  age had his passenger window open and stop his vehicle next to them.  The students reported that the male then stated, “Hey girls, do you want to…” at which point they became scared and took off running through a yard.  The students described the male as having thick gold glasses with large frames, a short scruffy beard, and balding grey hair.

These incidents are actively being investigated by The Ridgewood Police Detective Bureau with assistance from The Bergen County Prosecutors Office and other surrounding agencies.  At this time there is no evidence linking the two.  Police patrols around schools will be increased, however teaching your child specific street-savvy skills is one of the best ways to protect them.  Make sure you tell your child to be alert and report to their teacher, principal or trusted adult any suspicious cars or strangers loitering near the school.  If your child walks to and from school and/or after-school activities, ensure they walk with a friend – especially after dark.  Determine the safest path to and from school for your child.  Teach them the names of the streets that they use.  You should walk or bike with them several times until they feel comfortable with the route.  If your child carries a cell phone, ensure they know when and how to dial 9-1-1.  If approached by a stranger, your children should be instructed never to engage in any conversation and to run away to a safe location while yelling for help.  We ask that students, parents and teachers be extra vigilant the next few weeks and report any suspicious incidents to the police through our 9-1-1 center or by calling 201-652-3900.

Thank you for your attention to this serious matter.

Daniel Fishbein, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools