Cedar Grove Police Blotter

On Thursday, Sept. 8, police arrested 19 year-old James E. Gorman of South Plainfield on outstanding warrants issued by the Cedar Grove Court on Sept. 5 for trespassing, obstruction of the administration of the law and resisting arrest. Gorman had been part of a group of individuals discovered trespassing on the old Essex County Hospital Center property and warrants were issued when he fled from officers into a wooded area and refused to turn himself in to police. The defendant was ultimately located and arrested by the Marlboro Police Department and transported to police headquarters. Gorman was processed on the charges and released after posting the required bail which had been set at $5,000.00 bond/10 percent cash alternative.         

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On Thursday, Sept. 8 at 8:29 p.m., Sgt. Edward Conlon initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed violation.  A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of the vehicle operator after he was found to be wanted on outstanding traffic warrants issued by the Bloomfield and Montclair Courts.  The 26 year-old defendant, John R. Esposito of Cedar Grove, was processed at police headquarters and released after posting the required bail.

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On Friday, Sept. 9 at 4:03 a.m., Ptl. Jason Wolfstirn initiated a motor vehicle stop after observing a vehicle pass through a red traffic signal.  As the officer secured the operator’s credentials, he detected the odor of an odor of an alcoholic beverage on the man’s breath, along with other signs of impairment.  Following a series of standardized field sobriety tests, the officer arrested the 21 year-old operator, Frank A Richardson of Freehold, on a charge of driving while intoxicated.  The defendant was processed on the charge at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

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On Friday, Sept. 9 at 6:38 a.m., police responded the Cedar Grove Exxon at 379 Pompton Avenue on a report of a burglary.  A subsequent investigation revealed that sometime during the overnight hours, some unknown person(s) forcibly entered the front door leading to the convenience store.  Upon entry, the actor(s) removed a small safe containing cash from behind the counter.  The detective bureau also responded, processed the scene for physical evidence and is now conducting a follow-up investigation.  Any person that may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact detectives at 973-239-4100.

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On Friday, Sept. 9 at 9:44 p.m., Ptl. Eileen O’Toole stopped to investigate two vehicles parked in the Mills Reservation parking lot after the posted curfew. Subsequent investigation revealed that one of the individuals was ill and vomiting, reportedly after smoking CDS marijuana. The subject, identified as Noah J. Fontana of Bloomfield, was found to be in possession in CDS marijuana (under 50g) and drug paraphernalia (a pipe).  Fontana, who was transported to Mountainside Hospital for treatment, was charged with the described drug offenses and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

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On Friday, Sept. 9 at 10:35 p.m., police responded to the area of Fairview Avenue & Beech Street on a report of a motor vehicle crash involving a deer.  A subsequent investigation revealed that the involved vehicle, a 2007 Chevrolet, had been traveling north on Fairview when a deer ran into the roadway resulting in a collision.  The vehicle sustained reportable property damage and the deer was killed in the crash.  *  Due to the large deer population in the area, motorists are advised to use caution when operating near wooded areas, especially between dusk and dawn.

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On Sunday, Sept. 11 at 9:03 a.m., an Old Quarry Road resident reported a motor vehicle theft.  The victim reported that some unknown person(s) had stolen her 2008 Jeep Cherokee from her driveway sometime during the overnight hours.  The vehicle was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer stolen vehicle file.  *  Residents are urged to lock and alarm their motor vehicles at night.  Vehicle keys along with other valuables should never be left in vehicles when unattended. 

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On Sunday, Sept. 11 at 12:43 p.m., police responded to the Staples Store on Pompton Avenue on a report of a shoplifting.  The store manager reported that a male subject had just exited the store without paying for merchandise (3 scanners valued/aggregate value $900.00) and left the scene in a waiting vehicle.  The male subject was described as being thin with olive skin and the suspect vehicle was described as being a teal colored SUV.  Officers conducted an area search with negative results.  The matter was forwarded to the detective bureau for follow-up investigation. 

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On Sunday, Sept. 11 at 4:31 p.m., police investigated a report of criminal mischief to playground equipment in the Community Park.  The investigation revealed that unknown actor(s) had damaged several pieces of equipment in the lower playground with an unknown cutting object.  The cost to repair the damage was unknown at the time of report.  Any person having information on this incident is asked to contact detectives at 973-239-4100.

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On Sunday, Sept. 11 at 9:19 p.m., Ptl. Dominick Buscio initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed speeding violation.  A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of the vehicle operator after she was found to be wanted on an outstanding traffic warrant issued by the Montclair Court.  The 26 year-old defendant, Caroline A. Barreto of Pompton Lakes, was processed at police headquarters and released after posting the required bail.

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Cedar Grove Police Department requests that the public report all suspicious activity observed, as it occurs.  The police department telephone number is 973-239-4100 and in case of emergency 9-1-1.  All reports are investigated and all assistance is appreciated.

All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty.