Cedar Grove Teens Charged In Potato-Throwing Incidents

Four Cedar Grove teens have been charged for their alleged involvement in a potato-throwing spree in Verona, Cedar Grove and Caldwell in late March that damaged several properties, police said.

The teens, ages 16 and 17, were charged on Wednesday, May 1, with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct following an investigation by Cedar Grove police. Their names were not released because of their ages.

“The juveniles were processed and released to the custody of their guardians pending juvenile court proceedings,” police said.

Police in the towns reported three incidents between Thursday, March 28 and Sunday, March 31 involving broken house windows and a damaged car where a potato was later found.

In mid-April Caldwell Police charged a 16-year-old Cedar Grove boy with criminal mischief for allegedly throwing a potato through the window of a home at the corner of Hillside Avenue and Hatfield Street in that township.

A Verona resident reported damage to a car parked in front of a Lynwood Road home on Friday, March 29.

“The tail light of the car was smashed in with the potato still inside,” said Verona Police Capt. Mitchell Stern. “After checking the area, a potato was found on Cyprus Avenue across the street.”

Cedar Grove Police were unable to comment whether the teens were involved in any of the other potato incidents but did say the teens were allegedly responsible for throwing potatoes at at least two of the homes.