In Cedar Grove: Attempted Forced Home Entry / Car Hits Deer / Vehicle Theft / Warrants

Editor’s Note: The following incidents are reprinted directly from the Cedar Grove police blotter, a listing of selected incidents which may not include the full scope of police activity in the area. All of the following incidents are accusations, and all persons should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.

On Monday, July 27, at 7:53 p.m., Ptl. Jason Wolfstirn initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed violation. A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of the 50-year-old vehicle operator, Donna J. Wisniewski of Verona, after a check of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission computer revealed her NJ driving privileges were under suspension. A check of the Automated Traffic System revealed Wisniewski was also wanted on an outstanding traffic warrant issued by the Verona Court. The defendant was processed on all charges and released pending a Municipal Court appearance, after posting the required bail.

On Monday, July 27, at 10:20 p.m., police responded to Fairview Avenue on a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a deer. Upon arrival, officers determined the involved vehicle had left the scene leaving the badly injured deer in the roadway. Due to the severe injuries suffered by the deer, it was necessary for police to destroy the animal. Due to the large deer population in the area, motorists are urged to use caution when operating near wooded areas, especially between dusk and dawn.

On Tuesday, July 28, a resident of 50 West Lindsley Road reported an attempted forced entry to his condominium. The victim reported sometime during the previous day, an unknown person attempted to unlock the deadbolt lock on his front door with an unknown tool. No entry was made to the unit and nothing appeared to be missing.

On Tuesday, July 28, a Chestnut Court resident reported his parked vehicle had been forcibly entered and items inside the car stolen. The unknown suspect apparently punched out a door lock to make entry into the 2014 Buick and removed a pair of sunglasses and several suits. A review of a nearby surveillance camera showed what appeared to be a male subject walking the area of the victim’s vehicle at 5:17 a.m. that morning. Any person observing suspicious activity in the area in asked to contact detectives at 973-239-4100.

On Tuesday, July 28, at 8:33 p.m., Ptl. Jason Wolfstirn initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed violation. A subsequent check of the NJMVC computer revealed the operator’s NJ driving privileges were under suspension. The 49-year-old operator, Wayne Walker of Haskell, was cited for the violation and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

On Friday, July 31, at 3:51 a.m., Ptl. Nicole O’Halloran initiated a motor vehicle stop for observed violations. A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of the 60-year-old vehicle operator, Joseph M. Malit of Laurel Point Lake Ariel, PA, after it was determined his driving privileges were suspended both in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. A check of the ATS computer revealed Malit was also wanted on an outstanding warrant issued by the Florence Township Court. The defendant was processed on all charges at police headquarters and released pending court appearances in Florence and Cedar Grove.