Cedar Grove Police Blotter

The following reports were prepared by the Cedar Grove Police and do not necessarily indicate convictions.

On Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 10:54 p.m., Ptl. John Smigelsky initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed violation.  A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of the 22 year-old vehicle operator, Christopher M. Riepe of Butler, on charges that he was operating with suspended NJ driving privileges, in addition to being wanted on numerous outstanding warrants from multiple jurisdictions.  The defendant was processed on the charges at police headquarters and turned over to the Wayne Police Department on their warrants. 

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On Wednesday, Jan. 25, police investigated two motor vehicle thefts that occurred in the morning hours.  The first report was received at 7:38 a.m., when a Rugby Road resident reported that her 2011 Lexus, which had been idling in her driveway, had been stolen.  A short time later a Devonshire Road resident reported that a 1999 Lexus SUV had been stolen from the driveway.  Police conducted an area search for suspects with negative results.  Both vehicles were entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Stolen Vehicle File.  Following an activation of the vehicles internal tracking system by the manufacturer, the 2011 Lexus was recovered parked and unoccupied in Elizabeth at 9:10 a.m.  As of Monday, Jan. 30, the 1999 Lexus has not been located.  The detective bureau is conducting a follow-up investigation into the thefts.  Residents are cautioned not to leave running vehicles unattended.  Vehicles should be locked and alarmed when unattended and all valuable should be properly secured. 

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On Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 11:15 p.m., Ptl. Carolyn Zajack initiated a motor vehicle stop for observed violations.  A subsequent check of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) computer revealed that the operator’s driving privileges were under suspension.  The 22 year-old operator, Kimberly Z. Bradley of Union, was arrested on the charge and transported to police headquarters for processing.  A check of the Automated Complaint System (ACS) revealed that Bradley was also wanted on an outstanding warrant issued by the Belmar Court.  The defendant was processed on all charges and released pending court appearances in Cedar Grove and Belmar.

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On Friday, Jan. 27 at 6:35 p.m., police investigated a four car motor vehicle crash that occurred in the area of Pompton Avenue & Cedar Grove Parkway.  The investigation revealed that all involved vehicles had been traveling south on Pompton Avenue when the first three vehicles stopped in traffic.  At this time, the fourth vehicle rear-ended the vehicle stopped in front of him resulting in a chain reaction collision.  Three of the four vehicles sustained significant damage and needed to be towed from the scene.  A passenger in the vehicle that caused the collision was evaluated by the Cedar Grove Ambulance & Rescue Squad for complaints of neck and chest pain, but refused further medical treatment.  The operator of that vehicle, a 51 year-old North Caldwell man, was cited for careless driving.  The two southbound lanes of Rt. 23 were shut down and traffic was detoured for approximately an hour until the crash scene could be cleared.          

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On Friday, Jan. 27, a Township resident reported that she had been the victim of an attempted Internet fraud.  The victim reported receiving an e-mail from the Digital Shopper Co., Inc. asking her to work for the company as a Mystery Shopper (a Mystery Shopper is a person who buys items from a retailer and then rates the product and the retailer under the premise of improving customer service and satisfaction).  The company subsequently sent the victim two money orders for a total of $1,840.00.  with instructions to deposit the money in her bank account, take $200.00 for herself as salary, spend $30.00 at Wal-Mart as a Mystery Shopper, and send the balance of the money via Western Union to another alleged Mystery Shopper in Texas.  At this point, the victim became suspicious, feeling the company was attempting to defraud her, and contacted police.  The money orders were subsequently confirmed as fraudulent and it was evident that sender had intended to defraud the victim of her cash.  The matter was referred to the detective bureau for follow-up investigation. The Mystery Shopper Scam is a common scheme used to defraud victims.  Residents are advised to be wary of unsolicited job offers such as Mystery or Secret Shoppers.  All checks and/or money orders received, especially those in large amounts, should be considered suspect.  Remember that legitimate job offers do not require payments upfront or require you to wire money to a third party.  If you are uncertain of the legitimacy of any such offer, please contact the police department for assistance.                        

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On Monday, Jan. 30 at 1:21 a.m., Ptl. John Smigelsky initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed moving violation.  A subsequent check of the NJMVC computer revealed that the operator’s driving privileges were under suspension.  The 56 year-old operator, Gregory S. Moore of Verona, was arrested on the charge, processed at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

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The 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.