In Cedar Grove: Seeking iPhone Thief / DWI / Foodtown Shopliftings / Providing False Name

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 17, an employee of the Verizon Wireless store on Pompton Avenue reported the theft of an iPhone 6 cell phone that occurred on Sunday, August 16, around 1:25 p.m. Upon discovering the phone missing from a counter, the employee reviewed store surveillance video and discovered a customer had taken the phone and left the store while he was helping a second customer. The theft suspect was described as being a black male with a beard wearing a white Nike baseball hat and green hospital scrubs. The iPhone, valued at $665, was entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer as stolen. The detective bureau is conducting a follow-up investigation in an attempt to identify the suspect.

On Monday, August 17, at 9:58 p.m., Ptl. Raymond Cassella initiated a motor vehicle stop after observing a speeding vehicle being operated in an erratic manner. As the officer secured credentials, he observed the female operator was exhibiting signs of impairment. Following a series of standardized field sobriety tests, including field testing by a Department Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), the officer arrested the 33 year-old operator, Tiffany L. Johnson of Towaco, on a charge of driving while intoxicated. Johnson was additionally charged with being under the influence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. She was processed on all charges at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

On Tuesday, August 18, at 7:40 p.m., police responded to the Foodtown Supermarket on Pompton Avenue on a report of a shoplifting incident. The store manager reported a subject had put store merchandise into a plastic bag and attempted to leave the store without paying. After being confronted, the subject turned over the bag to the manager and left the store walking north on Pompton Avenue. Ptl. Dominick Buscio located the described person near Young Avenue and subsequently arrested him on a charge he had concealed $380 worth of store merchandise with the intent to steal it. The 46 year-old defendant, Richard A. Burwell of East Orange, was processed on the charge at police headquarters and released pending a Superior Court Arraignment in Newark on August 26.

On Wednesday, August 19, at 2:58 p.m., police responded to the Pompton & Ozone Avenues on a report of a motor vehicle crash. A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of one of the involved operators after it was determined her NJ driving privileges were under suspension. The 29 year-old defendant, Katherine M. Pastorino of Hoboken, was processed on the charge at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance. Ptl. Christopher Heck was the investigating officer.

On Saturday, August 22, at 5:26 p.m., police responded to the Foodtown Supermarket on Pompton Avenue on a report of a shoplifting in progress. A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of 42 year-old Tequaryn T. Warren of Montclair on a charge he had concealed $60 worth of store merchandise in his backpack and was attempting to leave the store without paying. During processing, it was also determined Warren was wanted on outstanding warrants issued by the Montclair and East Orange Courts for prior shoplifting offenses. The defendant was processed on all charges and turned over to the Montclair Police on their warrants.

On Saturday, August 22, at 8:06 p.m., Ptl. Raymond Cassella initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed violation. A subsequent check of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) computer revealed the operator’s driving privileges were under suspension. The 24 year-old operator, Gerard R. Smallstey Jr. of Belleville, was arrested on the charge and transported to police headquarters for processing. A check of the Automated Traffic System (ATS) revealed Smallstey was also wanted on outstanding warrants issued by the Cedar Grove and Verona Courts. The defendant was processed and released pending court appearance, after posting the required bail.

On Sunday, August 23, at 7:50 p.m., police arrested an Oxford man on charges he provided police with a false name following a motor vehicle stop in an attempt to prevent discovery he was unlicensed with suspended driving privileges and wanted by multiple jurisdictions (Fairfield, Orange, Jersey City, Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, and Union Township) on outstanding warrants. The 46 year-old defendant, Anthony A. Farina, was processed at police headquarters and turned over to Passaic County on their warrant.