In Verona: Woodpile Fire / Unwanted Texts / DWI / Property Damage / Warrant Arrests

Editor’s Note: The following incidents are reprinted directly from the Verona 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.

8/28/2015

4:23 AM - Officer Ed Ruff conducted a motor vehicle stop on Derwent Avenue for an observed violation. While checking the driver’s license it was determined that there were active warrants from the Verona and East Orange Municipal Courts. The driver, Veronica Gaines of Newark, was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters for processing. A check of the passenger’s identification revealed warrants from the East Orange and Verona Municipal courts. She was placed under arrest and transported to headquarters. After processing both subjects posted bail and were released.

8:58 AM - Officer Bill Frazee arrested Steven Salerno of Caldwell on an outstanding warrant from the Verona Municipal Court. After processing he was released on bail.

12:07 PM - Officer Justin Nielsen took a report of lost property from a Little Falls resident. The resident reported losing her purse while at the Pilgrim Plaza. The purse was black in color and contained a wallet, driver’s license, health insurance cards and cash.

8:07 PM - Officer Chris Scheper took a report of property damage from a Bloomfield Avenue business. The business owner reported damage to the side of the building which appears to have been caused by a truck making a delivery to the store. Value of the damage is unknown at this time.

11:27 PM - Officer Ed Ruff responded along with the Verona Fire Department to a reported fire on Overlook Parkway. Upon arrival fire was seen on a woodpile outside of the home. The fire was extinguished and the value of any damage is unknown at this time.

8/29/2015

8:05 AM - Officer Ruff took a report of a theft form a Morningside Road resident. The resident reported a bicycle was taken from their garage sometime during the overnight hours. The value of the bicycle is approximately $100.

10:41 AM - Officer Anthony Condorelli took a report of a theft from a Linn Drive resident. The resident reported a computer was stolen from his garage sometime in the past several weeks.

8/30/2015

7:58 PM - While on patrol Officer Robert Juliano was advised of an open door at a Bloomfield Avenue business. Officers responded and checked the building discovering a second door was also open. Several desks were observed to have drawers open. An emergency contact was notified and responded. After checking the building it appears that nothing is missing at this time.

8/31/2015

12:35 AM - Officer Alyssa Kirby conducted a motor vehicle stop on Pompton Avenue after receiving a report of an erratic driver in the area. While speaking with the operator a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage was detected. The operator was asked to step from the vehicle to preform field sobriety tests. After the tests the operator, Willie Brown of Irvington was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. He was transported to police headquarters for processing. After processing he was turned over to Edison Police on outstanding warrants.

9/1/2015

12:07 AM - Officer Ruff took a report of harassment from a Claremont Avenue resident. The resident reported receiving several unwanted text messages from an unfamiliar number. She advised the person to stop contacting her and blocked the phone number.

8:18 AM - Officer McGarrity took a report of found property. A Douglas place resident reported finding a set of keys in the roadway.

10:53 AM - Officer Erin McGarrity took a report of criminal mischief from a Grove Avenue resident. The resident reported that her vehicle was damaged and the driver’s side mirror had been pried from the vehicle. Value of damage is unknown at this time.

9/2/2015

12:05 AM - Officer Brendan Huber conducted a motor vehicle stop on Bloomfield Avenue for an observed violation. While checking the operators credentials a warrant from the Verona Municipal Court was located. The operator, Keun Blessing of Roselle was placed under arrest and transported to police headquarters. After processing he posted bail and was released.

8:32 AM - Officer McGarrity took a report of a theft form an Afterglow Avenue resident. The resident reported that an item that she ordered was never received. She believes the item was delivered and then taken from her porch. The value of the missing items is approximately $200.