Criminal Mischief, Fraud, DWI And Drug Arrests Reported In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — Criminal mischief, fraud, and arrests for driving while intoxicated and drug possession were reported recently in Westfield.

Westfield Police Blotter – Aug. 25 to 31:

On Aug. 25 at 7:52 p.m.: An individual who wished to remain anonymous reported possible damage to the "Father and Son Fishing" statue located in Mindowaskin Park. Upon further inspection, the fishing rod that was in the son's hand appears to have been broken off just prior to the reel. A canvass was made in the area looking for the missing portion, but the item was not able to be located.

On Aug. 26 at 9:43 a.m.: A resident in the 100 block of N. Cottage Pl. area reports that they were the victim of identity theft. Specifically, an actor created a loan at a financial institution in their name. The resident stated the loan was opened without their authorization. The victim reports no financial loss at this time regarding this incident. However, the resident reports that an actor also improperly cashed multiple checks from their account without their authorization. The victim has suffered a monetary loss of more than $5,000 regarding this matter.

On Aug. 26 at 6:25 p.m.: Kelli Crowley, 36, Plainfield, was placed under arrest for shoplifting from a business located on the 1100 block of West South Avenue. Crowley was stopped nearby by responding Officers after fleeing the scene. Crowley was later charged with CDS offenses including possession of fentanyl, and drug paraphernalia which was found during a search following her arrest. After processing, Crowley was committed to the Middlesex County Jail on the strength of a Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office no bail NCIC warrant, with additional detainers from South Plainfield Municipal Court, Plainfield Municipal Court, Watchung Municipal Court, and Edison Township.

On Aug. 27 at 2:16 a.m.: Officer Martinez located a stolen vehicle in the 100 block of Elm Street after Westfield Police Dispatch received an alert of a stolen vehicle by a license plate recognition camera in the area of Elm Street by East Broad Street. The occupants of the vehicle, Sarah Harrell, 19, Reno, NV, and Jared Winkey, 29, Fayetteville, NC, were placed under arrest for receiving stolen property and taken to Westfield Police Headquarters. At Headquarters both parties were processed and released pending a Union County Superior Court Date.

On Aug. 29 at 9:34 p.m.: Westfield Police Officers responded to the 900 block of Summit Avenue on a report of a motor vehicle crash into a parked vehicle with the suspect vehicle leaving the scene. Officers responded to the area and Officer Bace located a vehicle matching the description given by witnesses on Central Avenue near Clover Street. A motor vehicle stop was performed, and a roadside investigation was initiated. The driver, Paul Denigris, 44, Scotch Plains, was subsequently placed under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Denigris was given multiple motor vehicle summonses with a Westfield Municipal Court date pending.

On Aug. 31 at 12:02 p.m.: Steven Jandersits, 64, Rahway, was placed under arrest in the area of the 400 block of West North Avenue on the strength of two active warrants. Jandersits had an active warrant from Rahway Municipal Court for $10,000 and released on his own recognizance on scene. Jandersits also had an active warrant from Secaucus Municipal Court for $100 and released on his own recognizance on scene.

On Aug. 31 at 1:27 p.m.: Westfield Police took a report of criminal mischief to a statue located on the 200 block of East Broad Street. An anonymous individual reported he saw what appeared to be black marker on the back of the statue. Westfield Police Officers confirmed these markings and no time frame of when this occurred at this time.

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