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POLICE, FIRE
and EMS

friDAY, Jan. 24

CALDWELL - PEDESTRIAN INCIDENT

 

Friday, Jan. 24
11:45am 
  • Bloomfield Avenue at Brookside Avenue

  • Caldwell Police, West Essex First Aid at scene

  • Minor injuries reported

FAIRFIELD - ATTEMPTED CAR BURGLARY

 

  • area of Johns Street and Sand Road, 1:30am tonight

  • Fairfield Police are investigating video alert of individual attempting to break into cars in a driveway

  • Black male wearing beige pants blue sweatshirt who then ran into the passenger seat of a grey SUV

​Anyone in the area should check their own videos and alert police if they have any information

Friday, Jan. 24

SUNDAY, Jan. 12

IGNORE TONIGHT'S FAKE NIXLE ALERT ​

 

Sunday, Jan. 12
​10pm

Fairfield Police Department:
​
"PLEASE NOTE: Contrary to rumor, there was not, and is not, any police investigation, helicopters, or drones on Big Piece Road in Fairfield. It appears that a fake Nixle-type message was distributed earlier this evening that was meant to cause alarm in the community. We assure you there is no problem at this time. Thank you."

FRIDAY, Jan. 10

CALDWELL
​TRUCK FIRE​

 

Friday, Jan. 10
8:16am 
  • Bloomfield Avenue near Elm Road

  • Caldwell Police and Caldwell Fire Department responded to a fully engulfed with fire Verizon truck
    ​
  • Kiddie Kampus building evacuated and children removed safely to inside of nextdoor building
Picture
IMAGE: Daniel Fitzpatrick

SATURDAY, Jan. 4

FAIRFIELD - ACTIVE ROOF and INTERIOR FIRE​

 

Saturday, Jan.4

Fairfield Police Update on Tonight's Fire:
▪️ Fairfield Police responded tonight at 9pm to the Animal Hospital of Fairfield at 428 Fairfield Road

▪️ Police found heavy smoke inside the building and forced entry; no humans or animals were inside

▪️ Fairfield Fire Department arrived and were also assisted by fire departments from North Caldwell, West Caldwell, Cedar Grove, Verona, Pine Brook, and Lincoln Park

▪️ West Essex First Aid Squad were on scene if needed
​
▪️ The blaze took about 2 hours to knock down

"The cause of the fire is under investigation by the
Fairfield Fire Prevention Bureau."

UPDATE:
No animals were ever on scene.

11:50pm - Firefighters leaving scene; road reopening.
******
9pm
  • Animal Hospital, Fairfield Road

  • Fairfield Police, Fairfield Fire Department on scene
    ​
  • All staff and animals EVACUATED
▪️ Mutual aid requested


Picture
IMAGE: Fairfield Police
Picture
IMAGE: Fairfield Police

TUESDAY, Dec. 31

MISSING DOG​

 

UPDATE: Dog was reunited with family

Tuesday, Dec. 31
🔺
  • Chester got out tonight from Forest Avenue home near Hatfield

  • He is microchipped, but not wearing collar

  • Contact: Laura Oldroyd :
    973-228-1238 / 973-768-6059

CALDWELL -
​TRUCK INTO TREE / WIRES DOWN​

 

Tuesday, Dec. 31
7:50am
  • Gould Place near Lincoln Terrace

  • Caldwell Police at scene

  • Caldwell Fire Department, Caldwell DPW responding

  • Cable wires on top of truck
Picture
IMAGE: Sandra Martins Kraemer
Picture
IMAGE: Sandra Martins Kraemer

MONDAY, Dec. 30

CALDWELL: PEDESTRIAN-INVOLVED
​HIT AND RUN​

 

Monday, Dec. 30
5:40pm
  • Bloomfield Avenue at Westover

  • Caldwell Police investigating

  • Unconfirmed report Pedestrian was involved in accident and driver left scene.

sUNDAY, Dec. 29

SHOPLIFTER ARRESTED AFTER ASSAULTING FAIRFIELD OFFICER AND FLEEING POLICE​

 

Afamefuna Nwandu, 33, of Mount Vernon, NY

Update from Fairfield Police Department:

  • Yesterday, 5:17pm, Fairfield Officers responded to Target to assist store security attempting to detain Nwandu for suspected shoplifting of about $664 worth of items

  • As Fairfield officers were arriving, Nwandu ran inside towards the rear of the store and exited outside again through emergency door. He was observed leaving by Fairfield Officer Michael Tilton who was already in the back parking lot.

  • As Tilton was opening his car door, Nwandu reportedly pushed the door closed on Tilton's leg. Nwandu continued to run across Route 46 towards Two Bridges Road.

  • A large scale search was quickly started including assistance from the West Essex area police, New Jersey State Police and Fairfield Police's drone.

  • Fairfield officers investigated and located Nwandu's car in Target's parking lot, which led to determining his identity.

  • Within hours Nwandu was located walking in the Willowbrook parking lot
    ​
  • Nwandu was charged with:
    • Aggravated Assault on police officer

    • Resisting Arres

    • Shoplifting

  • Nwandu was transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility in Newark
    ​
  • The extent of the officer’s injuries was minimal

FAIRFIELD - POLICE SEEKING SUSPECT WANTED FOR ASSAULTING OFFICER​ 

 

Sunday, Dec. 29
  • Black male on foot

  • Suspect was in the process of being arrested at Target for Shoplifting when he assaulted a Fairfield Police Officer and then fled on foot

  • Suspect wearing black jacket, black pants, white shoes and may be carrying a bag
    ​
  • Last seen in vicinity of Sand and Two Bridges Road

FAIRFIELD - 2 ACCIDENTS INVOLVING NEW DRIVERS

  • 5-Car Crash, 3pm Friday Dec. 19, Greenbrook and Passaic, 5 injured
    • Cause: 17-year old Male driving 2015 Maserati
▪️
  • Car into Parked Car and Wall, 9:30pm, Friday Dec 27, Sand Road
    • Cause: 17-year old Female driving 2018 BMW

DETAILS:
🔺 5-Car Crash - 3pm Friday Dec. 19
  • intersection of Greenbrook Road and Passaic Avenue
  • Maserati traveling west in right lane on Greenbrook Road ▪️ changed lanes to pass car in front and back to right lane
  • attempted to turn right onto Passaic, and hit car waiting to make left onto Greenbrook, and then 2 more cars on Passaic
  • 5 injured (3 of those treated at hospital, not severe)
  • 17-year old Male driver issued 11 summonses

DETAILS
🔺 Car into Parked Car and Wall - 9:30pm, Friday Dec 27
  • Unmarked police car about to make left onto Stag Trail
  • BMW tried to wrongly pass police car on the left
  • Police car steered to right, BMW went onto lawn of 115 Sand Road
  • BMW then hit 2020 Audi parked driveway
  • Audi pushed into stone wall and then into home’s foundation
  • No one was injured / no structural damage to home
  • 17-year old Female driver issued 3 summonses

From Fairfield Police Chief Anthony G. Manna
"Over the last few weeks, the Fairfield Police Department investigated two separate motor vehicle crashes involving young, inexperienced drivers from Fairfield
allegedly operating vehicles in both fast and careless manners. This has prompted the police department to request that parents once again have conversations with their children in order to remind them about the importance of operating a motor vehicle in a safe and responsible manner, especially those with provisional licenses.

The driver of the Maserati was issued eleven summonses to include careless and reckless driving, failure to observe a traffic control device, violating passenger restrictions for provisional drivers and violating decal requirements for provisional drivers. The driver of the BMW was issued summonses for improper passing, careless driving and for not displaying a reflectorized provisional driver decal.

Thankfully, it appears that only by the grace of God that neither of these incidents resulted in serious injury or death. We are hoping that by thoroughly reporting these two accidents to the public it will provide parents with a good opportunity to speak with their children about how they operate their cars and will allow young drivers to also reflect on how they drive. Most importantly, we are hopeful it averts a tragedy in the future.

The police department is also reminding the public about the following conditions placed on New Jersey provisional licensed drivers:
🔺 Provisional drivers must display a reflectorized decal on each license plate
🔺 No driving after 11:01 PM and before 5:00 AM
🔺 Parent(s), guardian(s) or dependent(s) are allowed as passengers. A dependent is a permit or probationary driver’s child, not siblings.
🔺 ​Only one additional passenger is allowed unless accompanied by a parent or guardian

“While there are some who may not agree with the restrictions placed on provisional drivers it is state law and the Fairfield Police Department will have zero tolerance for provisional driver’s license violations and vehicles operated in a careless or reckless way. In addition, our police department intends on meeting with the administration of West Essex High School and with police department representatives from the other sending districts in
January to see if more can be done to educate high school level drivers about the dangers of operating a car carelessly."

sATURDAY, Dec. 28

WEST CALDWELL - SPLIT POLE / SMOKE CONDITION 

 

Saturday, Dec. 28
6:20am
  • Starbucks, Passaic Avenue near Bloomfield Avenue

  • West Caldwell Police and West Caldwell Fire on scene

thursDAY, Dec. 26

FAIRFIELD - ACTIVE ELECTRIC BOX FIRE

 

Thursday, Dec. 26
8:50am
  • Eldridge Road / Parker Laboratories

  • Reports of heavy smoke and flames coming from electrical socket

  • Fairfield Police and Fairfield Fire Department responding

  • West Essex First Aid Squad dispatched

  • Mutual Aid: Verona Fire Department, West Caldwell Fire Department

  • UPDATE: 9:10am - Electrical Fire knocked down

sUNDAY, Dec. 22

ESSEX FELLS - ATTEMPTED CAR THEFT

 

Sunday, Dec. 22
1:15am

Check area video cameras:
  • Avon Drive - leaving towards Windsor
    ​
  • Ring Video: 1:15am shows Male dropped off and then picked up again by same vehicle and fled

  • Suspect Vehicle: High end with loud exhaust

  • Suspect: Dressed in jeans, wearing black hoodie 

ESSEX FELLS - ATTEMPTED CAR THEFT

 

Sunday, Dec. 22
1:15am

Check area video cameras:
  • Avon Drive - leaving towards Windsor
    ​
  • Ring Video: 1:15am shows Male dropped off and then picked up again by same vehicle and fled

  • Suspect Vehicle: High end with loud exhaust

  • Suspect: Dressed in jeans, wearing black hoodie 

saturDAY, Dec. 21

WEST CALDWELL - ROLLOVER CAR ON SIDE WITH ENTRAPMENT

 

Saturday, Dec. 21
8:25am
  • Smull Avenue at Washington Avenue

  • West Caldwell Police, West Caldwell Fire Department, West Essex First Aid Squad dispatched

WEDNESDAY, Dec. 18

Update from Essex Fells Police Chief William Theilacker

 

Picture
IMAGE: Carolyne Volpe Curley
Wednesday, Dec. 18

As of 7:30pm, the work crews were still on the scene endeavoring to remove the crane and "the patient is reportedly in good condition."

  • At about 1:15pm, the Essex Fells Police responded to the Stocker Road residence on reports of an overturned tree service crane.

  • Officers and the Essex Fells Fire Department and West Essex First Aid Squad worked to free a 34-year-old worker trapped underneath. He was freed in about 40 minutes and transported to University Hospital by West Essex FAS with assistance from Atlantic Paramedics

  • Mutual aid crews came from Caldwell, North Caldwell, Roseland, Verona, Montclair, Milburn and Newark Fire Departments which used special equipment to stabilize the crane
    ​
  • The cause of the incident is currently under investigation by the Essex Fells Police Department and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

ESSEX FELLS - OVERTURNED CRANE WITH TRAPPED WORKER / MUTUAL AID ALERTS INCLUDING MEDIVAC

 

Wednesday, Dec. 18
1:05pm
  • Stocker Road near Fells Road

  • Essex Fells Police, Essex Fells Fire Department at scene

  • West Essex First Aid responding

  • Mutual Aid requested from West Essex Police and Fire Departments

  • Medivac Helicopter Dispatched
    • ​Helicopter unable to fly due to weather

FAIRFIELD - WATER MAIN REPAIR

 

Wednesday, Dec. 18
9:45am

  • near Hollywood Avenue at Vine Street

  • DPW and Fairfield Police at scene

CALDWELL - ACCIDENT WITH INJURY

 

Wednesday, Dec. 18
8:55am
  • Bloomfield Avenue at Provost Square

  • Caldwell Police, West Essex First Aid Squad at scene

ROSELAND - BRUSHFIRE DUE TO LIVE WIRES DOWNED OVERNIGHT 

 

Wednesday, Dec. 18
8:40am​
  • Holmehill Lane near Ford Lane

  • Roseland Police, Roseland Fire - on scene ​

WEST CALDWELL ROADS CLOSED DUE TO ICE DAMAGE

 

Wednesday, Dec. 18
8:10am

from West Caldwell Police Department

"The following roads are closed due to downed trees and wires:
  • Sanderson Avenue - between Forest and Gates

  • Highland Road - between Park and Brookwood

  • Smull Avenue - between Oakland and Hickory

ICY CONDITIONS / FALLING BRANCHES
​/ WIRES 

 

Wednesday, Dec. 18
6am
​
  • The freezing rain stopped by 5pm but the frozen branches continue to fall on wires and property even throughout the night and this morning. Many homes experienced power outages.

From Verona Police Department

"Ice has weighed down numerous power lines and tree branches. Be alert and use caution. PSEG & DPW are working to clean up. Stay away from all downed lines and report any dangerous conditions to Police - Be safe."

TUESDAY, Dec. 17

ROUTE 280 EAST - OVERTURNED VEHICLE / INJURY

 

Tuesday, Nov. 17
11:10pm
  • near exit 4A / Eisenhower Parkway

  • Roseland Police, Roseland First Aid responding

  • NJ State Police assisting

  • reports that Ramp is icy​

NORTH CALDWELL BRUShFIRE AFTer tree falls

 

Tuesday, Nov. 17
4pm

  • The North Caldwell Fire Department responded with North Caldwell Police to Sunset Drive.

  • A tree caused a pole to snap, took down live wires, and caused a blown transformer.

  • The incident then caused an active brushfire in the road area.

CALDWELL- TREE ONTO CAR

 

Tuesday, Nov. 17
11:45am

  • Bloomfield Avenue near Prospect Street

  • Caldwell Police, Caldwell DPW responded

  • no injuries reported 

WEST CALDWELL / ROSELAND - TRUCK INTO WIRES

 

Tuesday, Nov. 17
11:10am
🔺 
  • Dillon Road at Passaic Avenue

  • Roseland and West Caldwell Police responded

  • Tractor trailer reportedly took down wires

WEST CALDWELL - TREE DOWN / 2 POLE DOWNS / LIVE WIRES

 

Tuesday, Dec. 17
8:30am ​ 
​
  • Forest Avenue near Sanderson Avenue

  • West Caldwell Police, West Caldwell Fire Dept at scene

  • PSEG notified

MONDAY, Dec. 16

UPDATE ON AUGUST'S SUSPECTED ARSON

 

from West Caldwell Police Department
  • Jose Rodriguez-Beco, 36, of Paterson, has been arrested

  • Charges: 2nd degree Arson, 2nd degree Insurance Fraud, and 3rd degree Theft
    ​
  • Since October, Rodriguez-Beco had refused to turn himself in

  • Aug. 13, 2019 suspected Vehicle Arson at Passaic Avenue business parking lot

NORTH CALDWELL - ACTIVE FIRE, BASEMENT

 

Monday, Dec.
16 10:10am ​
  • Arbor Road near Sanitarium Road

  • North Caldwell Police and North Caldwell Fire Dept on scene
    ​
  • all evacuated 

FRIDAY, Dec. 13

ROSELAND - ACCIDENT- TRAFFIC LIGHT DOWN

 

Friday, Dec. 13
9:10pm
  • Eagle Rock Avenue at Livingston Avenue

  • Roseland Police at scene; Roseland First Aid dispatche

  • County notified

  • PSEG notified

FAIRFIELD - BUSINESS SMOKE CONDITION 

 

Friday, Dec. 13
5:45pm
  • Prismatic Development Corporation
    Lehigh Drive off Route 46 East

  • Fairfield Fire Department, Fairfield Police responding

  • West Essex First Aid Squad dispatched 

ROSELAND / FELLS - 2 CAR CRASH WITH INJURY 

 

Friday, Dec. 13
3:25pm

  • Eagle Rock Avenue at Old Eagle Rock

  • Roseland Police, Roseland First Aid responding​

THURSDAY, Dec. 12

ROSELAND - 2-CAR CRASH WITH INJURIES

 

Thursday, Dec. 12
5:20pm
  • Eisenhower Parkway near QuickChek

wednESDAY, Dec. 11

ROSELAND - CRASH WITH INJURIES

 

Wednesday, Dec. 11
5:15pm
  • Harrison Avenue at Eagle Rock Avenue

TUESDAY, Dec. 10

UPDATE CALDWELL MONDAY CRASH / CAR FLIP

 

Tuesday, Dec. 10
 
from Caldwell Police Department Chief James H. Bongiorno

  • Last night, car crash reported 7:22pm

  • One car, with driver only, traveling North on Central Avenue hit unoccupied park car near Ravine

  • Driver transported to local hospital and released after evaluation

▪️ No photos released, crash under investigation

MONDAY, Dec. 9

FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING
VERONA INCIDENT

 

Monday, Dec. 9
1:10pm 

  • In less than 1 hour after Verona Schools received information that an electronic threat to Verona High School was made, the Verona Police located the juvenile and took him into custody

  • SUSPECT: Verona resident High School student (no co-conspirators) and parents are cooperating fully

  • CHARGE: Creating a False Public Alarm, 2nd degree

  • "An exhaustive search was performed of the home and school, both physically and electronically, and there was no firearm located, nor was there any access to a firearm."

  • Verona Police Department assured Verona "schools are safe for students to attend"

  • "There was never any manifesto or planned plot to attack Verona High School or any other school. The alleged electronic statement was made in a private group chat amongst juveniles discussing an apparent previous theft."

  • There is no active threat to any school in Verona.

  • If threat was found credible, different actions would have been taken

"We caution the community to be mindful of what they post and share on social media, as demonstrated last night, which has been known to spread false or exaggerated information, further creating panic and anxiety within the community. Please also keep in mind the potential emotional damage social media posts and rumors may cause."

Full Statement Online Here

 WEST CALDWELL- 2-CAR ACCIDENT, BOTH AIRBAGS DEPLOYED​

 

Monday, Dec. 9 
10:40am ​
  • Washington Avenue at Park Avenue

  • No reported injuries
    ​
  • A traffic light was installed on Thursday at Washington and Central​

SUNDAY, Dec. 8

 VERONA HIGH SCHOOL THREATENING MESSAGE 

 

Sunday, Dec. 8
8:30pm

from Superintendent Dr. Rui Dionisio

  • 8:30pm tonight, the school received a threat referencing a school shooting and Verona Police Department immediately investigated

  • "The Verona Police Department has shared with me that the alleged suspect is currently in custody and it has been confirmed that there is no threat to the Verona Public Schools or the Verona community."
    ​
  • Normal schedule on Monday, with an increased police presence

SATURDAY, Dec. 7

CALDWELL
CAR FLIPPED

 

Saturday, Dec. 7
12:05pm 
  • Bloomfield Avenue near Ace Hardware / Shop Rite Liquors

  • Caldwell Police, Caldwell Fire Department, West Essex First Aid responded
▪️
from Anthony Frangione
"My son and I were in the parking lot of Ace and watched the whole thing. We helped a young couple out of the car. Miraculously they were both fine, minor cuts on their hands and arms!!!! Be careful out there people."
Picture
Image: Kevin Fleming

FRIDAY, Dec. 6

Essex County Sheriff K9 Unit 

 

Friday, Dec. 6
11:30am

I just spoke with the Sheriff's department in regards to information being incorrectly posted online:

Here are the facts:

  • On Jan. 1, the County is disbanding their K9 unit - and any Sheriff Officers involved with the unit will be reassigned to other work

  • The dogs themselves are very healthy and highly trained Police dogs

  • The officers who have been working with their K9 dogs have until Dec. 16 to determine if they would like to adopt them into their own families

  • Any dogs who are not adopted will be available for the upcoming K9 units that will be working under shared services contracts within the county
    ​
  • At no time has there ever been any consideration or discussion regarding euthanization of the K9s or sending them to a shelter, etc. The Sheriff's Department does not "believe that would ever be an appropriate course of action to take."

I expressed my personal support for the excellent work of the K9 unit and my hopes that West Essex police would consider K9s if any are available.

sUNDAY, Dec. 1

RT. 80 W, FAIRFIELD - 3 CAR ACCIDENT WITH INJURY, AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT and fluid spill

 

Sunday, Dec. 1
3:40am🔺 
🔺 
  • Mike Marker 48.8

  • Fairfield Police and Fairfield Fire Department responding

  • West Essex First Aid Squad responding

  • State Police responding 

MONday, dec. 16
Winter weather advisory

RADAR UPDATED 5:20PM,
​MONDAY, dec. 16

WEST ESSEX FORECAST​​
​🔺 WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY
      
🔺 West Essex Total: 2" SNOW / ICE
​
🔺 NO STREET PARKING

WEST ESSEX FORECAST​:

MONDAY

🔷 SNOW ISOLATED
6pm to 9pm

🔺 SNOW and ICE LIKELY
NEW: 1.3" SNOW
9pm to 12am

TUESDAY

🔺 SNOW and ICE LIKELY
NEW: 0.6" SNOW
12am to 3am

🔺 FREEZING RAIN DEFINITE
NEW: 0.2" ICE
3am to 9am

🔺 RAIN DEFINITE
9am to 12pm

🔺 RAIN LIKELY
12pm to 3pm

🔷 RAIN SCATTERED
3pm to 6pm

New Jersey Safe Haven NewBorn Law

Here in NJ - no questions asked -- go to any hospital, police station, first aid squad and (staffed) fire station to safely hand over a newborn.

Here is another really cool idea, and the newborn baby was taken in by Indiana first responders in less than 90 seconds.

Baby Girl Saved by Safe Haven Baby Box the First Month it was Installed

"Less than 30 days after installing a Safe Haven Baby Box, Franciscan Health Hospital in Hammond, Indiana, received a healthy newborn baby girl....An alarm sounded when the baby was placed in the box, and the emergency department of the hospital responded."
West Essex NOW is a hyperlocal news site covering the towns of 
Caldwell, Essex Fells, Fairfield, North Caldwell, Roseland and West Caldwell, 
as well as major stories from the surrounding areas.  ​
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