Cedar Grove Police Blotter

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

On Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 8:54 p.m., Ptl. Robert McDermott initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed violation.  A subsequent check of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) computer revealed that the operator’s driving privileges were under suspension.  The 32 year-old operator, Rocco M. Cuoco of Cedar Grove, was arrested on the charge, processed at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

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On Thursday, Jan. 5 at 2:43 p.m., police arrested a Paterson man on charges that he was operating an unregistered motor vehicle while his NJ driving privileges were under suspension.  The 30 year-old defendant, Sheldon Ricketts, was processed on the charges at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.  Ptl. Jose Rodriguez was the arresting officer.

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On Thursday, Jan. 5 at 4:23 p.m., police investigated a motor vehicle crash involving a deer.  The investigation revealed that the involved vehicle, a 2006 VW, was traveling south on Pompton Avenue near Grissing Court when a deer ran into the roadway and into the driver-side door of the car, shattering the window.  The vehicle operator, a 45 year-old Montclair woman, complained of pain in her shoulder and was transported to Mountainside Hospital for treatment.  The deer ran from the scene following the collision.

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On Friday, Jan. 6 at 4:03 a.m., police responded to the Bagel Café 23 on Pompton Avenue on a report of a burglary and theft.  The business manager reported that upon arriving at the business, the front and back doors were found to be unlocked and money that had been in the cash register was missing.  The incident is believed to have occurred sometime between the close of business on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. and Friday morning.  The detective bureau processed the scene for physical evidence and is now conducting a follow-up investigation.  Anyone that may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area of the business is asked to contact detectives at 973-239-4100.  The business owner is attempting to determine the amount of cash that was in the register.

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On Friday, Jan. 6 police investigated several burglaries to parked motor vehicles that occurred during the overnight hours.  Residents of Daniel Drive, Old Quarry Road and Young Avenue all reported that unlocked vehicles had been entered and ransacked.  A number of items, including a cell phone, wallet, and credit cards were stolen.  In an incident believed to be related to the vehicle burglaries, police responded to the Mountainview Drive/Hillsdale Road area at 3:08 a.m. on a citizen’s report of suspicious persons in a dark Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) stopping and looking into parked vehicles.  Upon arrival, the described vehicle had left the area and could not be located.  Verona Police subsequently observed a vehicle matching the description.  The vehicle, a 2011 Acura SUV that had been reported as stolen in Newark, would not stop and was last seen traveling east on Bloomfield Avenue into Montclair.  * Residents are urged to lock and alarm their motor vehicles when unattended, especially during the overnight hours.  All valuables should be properly secured and left in motor vehicles.         

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On Friday, Jan. 6 at 1:42 p.m., police arrested a Paterson man after he was found to be wanted on an outstanding warrant issued by the Rockaway Court.  The 30 year-old defendant, Haitham J. Basuf, was processed at police headquarters and released after posting the required bail.  Ptl. Joseph Filippello was the arresting officer.

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On Saturday, Jan. 7 at 3:25 a.m., police arrested a New Brunswick woman on charges that she was operating an unregistered, uninsured motor vehicle while her NJ driving privileges were under suspension.  The 20 year-old defendant, Sheree D. Kemp, was processed on the charges at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.  The defendant’s vehicle, a 2008 Hyundai, was impounded.  Ptl. Jason Rivers was the arresting officer.

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On Saturday, Jan. 7 at 5:23 p.m., police responded to Fairview Avenue in the old Essex County Hospital Center on a report of an injured deer in the roadway.  Upon arrival, officers discovered a badly injured deer that had apparently been struck by a motor vehicle that left the scene.  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.

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On Saturday, Jan. 7 at 11:25 p.m., Ptl. Jason Rivers initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed violation.  A subsequent check of the NJMVC computer revealed that the operator’s driving privileges were under suspension.  The 22 year-old operator, Dominique J. Files of Newark, was arrested on the charge and transported to headquarters for processing.  A check of the Automated Traffic System (ATS) revealed that Files was also wanted on an outstanding warrant issued by the Newark Court.  The defendant was processed on all charges and released after posting the required bail.

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On Sunday, Jan. 8 at 1:05 a.m., Ptl. Jason Wolfstirn investigated a motor vehicle stopped in the traffic lane on Pompton Avenue near the intersection of Beech Street.  Upon inspection, the officer observed that the operator appeared to be asleep.  The officer, who initially had difficulty awakening the operator, detected the 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 46 year-old operator, Gabriel C. St. Fleur of West Orange, 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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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.