Hammer-Wielding North Jersey Man Smashes Windows, Undergoes Mental Health Evaluation: Cops

TEANECK, NJ — A Teaneck man faces multiple charges after police said he smashed in windows at two separate businesses in the township, including a doctor's office where employees and patients were forced to barricade themselves inside. Police said the Teaneck resident showed signs "indicative of mental illness."

Teaneck police responded to multiple 911 calls on Sunday around 12:03 p.m. on reports of a "man wielding a hammer" that had entered an office complex at 870 Palisades Ave. in Teaneck.

According to police, the man, Camwren Cole, of Teaneck, entered the complex and began smashing windows at Riverside Pediatrics. When officers arrived, they found patients and medical staff barricaded inside the doctor's office. A receptionist at the office sustained an injury to her nose when a shard of glass struck her in the face, causing a laceration.

Officers couldn't locate Cole at the office complex, but police received another call shortly after reporting a man with a hammer smashing the front window of Parisian Cleaners at 429 Cedar Lane.

Officers responded to the business, where Cole was apprehended without incident.

According to police, officers said Cole showed "indications indicative of mental illness," and was transported to a local hospital for treatment and evaluation.

He is charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon, criminal mischief and harassment. Cole remains in custody while he receives treatment at Holy Name Medical Center, police said Monday.

Once treatment, and a medical evaluation, is completed, Cole will be transferred to the custody of the Bergen County Sheriff Department pending a first appearance in Superior Court.

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