In Cedar Grove: Arcing Power Line, Criminal Mischief and Motor Vehicle Arrest

Editor’s Note: The following incidents are taken directly from the Cedar Grove Police Blotter, which may not include the full scope of police activity in the area. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

On Wednesday, April 21, police investigated a report of criminal mischief to a parked motor vehicle. The victim, an employee at a Pompton Avenue nursing center, reported some unknown person(s) had damaged a tail light on her 2013 Toyota sometime during the overnight hours. The cost to repair the damage was unknown at the time of report.

On Thursday, April 22 at 11:41 a.m., Sgt. Frank Pumphrey initiated a motor vehicle stop for observed violations. A subsequent check of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) computer revealed the operator’s driving privileges were under suspension. The 54 year-old operator, William R. Cauthen Jr. of Paterson, was arrested on the charge and transported to headquarters for processing. A check of the Automated Traffic System (ATS) revealed Cauthen was also wanted on an outstanding warrant issued by the Paterson Court. The defendant was processed and released after posting the required bail.

On Sunday, April 26 at 2:20 p.m., police and fire departments responded to the Pompton and Montclair Avenue intersection on a report of an arcing power line. Upon arrival, sparks were observed falling to the ground. For safety reasons, officers closed the roadway and detoured traffic until PSE&G arrived to initiate repairs. The roadway was reopened to traffic at 3 p.m.