Blotter: Maplewood Police Make Two Arrests This Week

Maplewood Police made two arrests during the past week, as a South Orange man was arrested for weapons possession, and a Maplewood man was arrested on two outstanding criminal warrants.

On Feb. 27, Officers James DeFazio and Brian Rodrigues arrested Gabriel Hidalgo, 32, of South Orange, when they responded to the area of Academy Street and Beach Street on a suspicious person report from a resident. Upon arrival, officers observed an individual matching the description provided by the caller and conducted a field investigation.

The man, later identified as Hidalgo, told officers that he was in possession of two knives. Police then recovered an eight inch carving knife concealed in Hidalgo’s waistband area. Hidalgo was placed in custody, and during a search, officers also recovered two small baggies of suspected marijuana. Hidalgo was subsequently processed on charges of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose and Possession of Marijuana under 50 grams.

On March 3,  Officer Tom DiMaggio was patrolling the area of Jacoby Street when he observed a man acting suspiciously. When the man entered a waiting vehicle, DiMaggio conducted a motor vehicle stop and subsequently identified the subject as Dion L. Cruz, 27, of Maplewood. Police determined that there were two active criminal warrants for his arrest. Cruz was additionally charged with Hindering Apprehension for providing false information to a law enforcement officer.

Two other items are on this week's Maplewood Police blotter, provided by Lt. Dean Naddeo:

February 27, 2012: Theft from Vehicles. The police department received four separate reports of theft from an unlocked vehicle in the southeast area of the township. The thefts occurred on Jacoby Street, Menzel Avenue, and Van Ness Terrace and are each believed to have occurred during the overnight hours. Residents are reminded to keep their vehicles secured, and asked to notify the police immediately if suspicious activity is observed.

February 27, 2012: Attempt Burglary. A Florida Street resident reported that an unknown suspect had apparently tried to gain entry to his home by damaging the front and rear doors to the residence. The incident reportedly occurred between 2/25/12 and 2/27/12 at approximately 2:00 pm. The Detective Bureau is investigating.