In Cedar Grove: Burning Volvo / Red Bull Shoplifting / Deer Crash / Suspicious Vehicle

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

On Monday, August 24, at 5:09 p.m., police responded to the area Pompton and Stevens Avenues on a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a deer. Upon arrival, police discovered a badly injured deer in the roadway. Due to the animal’s severe injuries, it was necessary for police needed to destroy the deer. The involved vehicle left the scene prior to police arrival. 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, August 25, at 8:31 p.m., police responded to the CVS Pharmacy at 387 Pompton Avenue on a report of a shoplifting. A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of 51 year-old Christopher J. Romano of Newark on a charge he attempted to steal $106 worth of store merchandise by concealing it on his person and attempting to leave the store without paying. During processing, it was also determined Romano was wanted on an outstanding warrant issued by the Bloomfield Court in relation to a prior shoplifting incident. The defendant was processed on all charges and released pending court appearances in the involved courts. Ptl. Jason Wolfstirn was the investigating officer.

On Wednesday, August 26, police arrested 26 year-old Michael A. Collins of Verona in connection with a shoplifting incident that occurred at the Pompton Avenue Foodtown Supermarket on August 25. On that date, store management reported the theft of 12 cases of Red Bull energy drink valued at $268. Following a review of store surveillance equipment, images of the suspect committing the theft were obtained and circulated to other NJ police agencies by detectives. Collins was recognized as the suspect by a Montclair Police detective and subsequently charged following an interview with Detective Michael Tower. Collins was processed on the shoplifting charge at police headquarters and turned over to West Orange Police where he was wanted on an outstanding warrant relating to a prior shoplifting incident.

On Saturday, August 29, at 11:14 p.m., Ptl. Christopher Heck stopped to investigate a suspicious occupied vehicle parked in a remote area of the Foodtown Plaza lot. A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of one of the vehicle occupants, Angela Quispe, 18, of Montclair, after she was found to be in possession of CDS Marijuana (under 50g) and drug paraphernalia. Quispe was processed at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance. A second vehicle occupant, Johneric L. Gadon, 19, of Verona, was also arrested after it was determined he was wanted on an outstanding warrant issued by the Clifton Court. Gadon was processed at police headquarters and turned over to the Clifton Police on their warrant. Ptl. Jason Wolfstirn assisted in investigation.

On Sunday, August 30, at 10:20 p.m., police and fire departments responded to 100 Cedar Ridge Drive on multiple 9-1-1 reports of a car on fire in the rear parking lot. Upon arrival, officers discovered the vehicle, a 2002 Volvo, fully engulfed in flames. The fire department was able to quickly extinguish the fire and there was no additional damage reported. The vehicle owner reported he had been involved in an earlier motor vehicle crash and had just pulled into the lot when he saw smoke coming from the engine compartment. He stated that upon exiting the vehicle he observed it was on fire. The Volvo was later towed from the scene.