In Cedar Grove: Shoplifting Foot Chase, Suspicious Vehicle, Marijuana Arrest, Multiple DWI Cases

Editor’s Note: The following incidents are taken directly from the Cedar Grove police blotter, which may not include the full scope of police activity in the area. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

On Monday, July 20, at 1:47 p.m., police responded to Devonshire Road on a citizen’s report of a suspicious vehicle. Responding officers located the described vehicle and subsequently arrested the operator after it was determined he was operating while his NJ driving privileges were under suspension. The 54 year-old defendant, Richard E. Menagh Jr. of Stanhope, was processed on the charge at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance. Ptl. Joseph Russomanno was the arresting officer.

On Monday, July 20, at 9:14 p.m., Ptl. John Smigelsky initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed violation. As the officer secured the operator’s credentials, he detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the car. A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of a vehicle passenger after he was found to be in possession of CDS marijuana (under 50g). It was also determined the defendant, 22 year-old Michael Nunez of Kearny, was wanted on an outstanding traffic warrant issued by the Newark Court. Nunez was processed on all charges at police headquarters and released pending court appearance after posting the required bail.

On Tuesday, July 21, at 8:30 a.m., Ptl. Jose Rodriguez initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed violation. A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of the 38-year-old vehicle operator, Segundo W. Morocho-Morocho of Orange, after a check of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) computer revealed he was both unlicensed and had suspended NJ driving privileges. The defendant was processed on the charges at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

On Tuesday, July 21, at 10:10 p.m., Lt. John Kennedy initiated a motor vehicle stop after observing a vehicle being operated at a low speed on Ridge Road, delaying the flow of traffic. As the officer secured the operator’s credentials, he detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage on the man’s breath, along with signs of impairment. Following a series of standardized field sobriety tests, the officer arrested the 59-year-old operator, Daniel Benaksas of Verona, on a charge of driving while intoxicated. The defendant was processed on the charge at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

On Wednesday, July 22, at 10:50 a.m., police responded to the CVS Pharmacy at 1041 Pompton Avenue on a report of a shoplifting in progress. A store employee reported a second employee was following the suspect on foot south on Pompton Avenue. Officers located the 38-year-old suspect, David A. Munjee of Bloomfield, and subsequently arrested him on a charge he had shoplifted $239 worth of store merchandise. Munjee was processed on the charge at police headquarters and released pending a Superior Court Arraignment in Newark. Ptl. Carolyn Zajack was the arresting officer.

On Wednesday, July 22, at 2:17 p.m., Ptl. Carolyn Zajack initiated a motor vehicle stop after observing a motorist utilizing a cell phone while driving. A subsequent check of the NJMVC computer revealed the operator’s NJ driving privileges were under suspension. The 34 year-old operator, Kelli A. Mills of Cedar Grove, was arrested on the charge, processed at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

On Thursday, July 23, at 8:01 p.m., Ptl. Jason Wolfstirn initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed violation. A subsequent check of the NJMVC computer revealed the operator’s NJ driving privileges were under suspension. The 50 year-old operator, Richard W. Peck of West Orange, was cited for the violation and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

On Friday, July 24, at 11:49 p.m., Lt. John Kennedy initiated a motor vehicle stop after observing a vehicle being operated in an erratic manner. As the officer secured the operator’s credentials, he detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage on the woman’s breath, along with signs of impairment. Following a series of standardized field sobriety tests, the officer arrested the 62-year-old operator, Cheryl Venezia of Cedar Grove, on a charge of driving while intoxicated. The defendant was processed on the charge at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

On Monday, July 27, at 1:15 a.m., Ptl. Dominick Buscio initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed violation. A subsequent check of the NJMVC computer revealed the operator’s NJ driving privileges were under suspension. The 42 year-old operator, Lional J. Lewis of Bloomfield was arrested on the charge, processed at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.