october, 2018

Police and Fire Archive Page

POLICE AND FIRE Week of Sunday, Oct. 7 2018

cedar grove police announce
​the arrest of
michael reid, 25,
of irvington,
wanted for
purse theft from
church parking lot

Wednesday, Oct. 10
​
Cedar Grove Police Department arrested Michael Reid, 25, of Irvington in connection with a purse theft from St. Catherine's parking lot. 

​On Monday, Oct. 1, at 8:23am, Patrolman Raymond Cassella investigated a report of purse reported stolen from a parked car in the Saint Catherine of Siena church parking lot. The victim had left her purse in the locked vehicle while walking her child to the school.

Apparently, a credit card was inside the purse and there was then reportedly an attempt by the thief to use the credit card in Newark.

Police report that video footage showed a company-owned vehicle at the scene, which was operated by Reid, the company's employee.


It was discovered that Reid was also involved in a similar incident in Edison. Additionally, South Orange Police are also investigating Reid in connection with a similar theft.

​Cedar Grove Police initially charged Reid with: 
  • Burglary
  • Theft
Picture
Michael Reid, 25, of Irvington PHOTO: Cedar Grove Police Department
On Wednesday, Oct. 3, Cedar Grove Detective John Smigelsky attempted to arrest Reid at a residence in East Orange. There was a brief foot pursuit after Reid fled from his moving vehicle and he eluded capture.


As a wanted person, Reid was then additionally charged with: 
  • Resisting arrest 
  • Criminal mischief

​On Wednesday, Oct. 10, Reid turned himself into East Orange Police and he was taken to Essex County Jail to await a bail hearing.
“I would like to congratulate the entire Cedar Grove detective bureau on the successful outcome of the case, noting their perseverance and professionalism," stated Smigelsky.
ROUTE 80 EAST, FAIRFIELD, CRASH WITH ENTRAPMENT
1:56am Thursday, Oct. 11
​
FAIRFIELD - Crash with Entrapment
  • Route 80 East
  • Car, Dump Truck involved

Fairfield Police and Fire responded
West Essex First Aid responded.
SAMUEL LASALA, 47, OF CEDAR GROVE, PLEADS GUILTY TO DISTRIBUTING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Wednesday, Oct. 10

US Attorney, District of New Jersey:
"Samuel LaSala, 47, of Cedar Grove, today admitted distributing images of child sexual abuse over the internet, U.S. Craig Carpenito announced.
​
LaSala pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Susan D. Wigenton in Newark federal court to an information charging him with one count of distributing child pornography.

According to documents filed in this case and statements in court:
  • LaSala, who was employed as a computer programmer at a New Jersey university, admitted that between May 2017 and January 2018 he possessed videos of child sexual abuse on his laptop computer and made those videos available for others to download via an online peer-to-peer file sharing network.

  • LaSala admitted possessing approximately 100 videos, which included images of prepubescent children.

The count of distribution of child pornography to which LaSala pleaded guilty carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years, and a maximum fine of $250,000.

As part of his guilty plea, LaSala agreed to forfeit the computer he used to commit the offense. He will also be required to register as a sex offender. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2018.

U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Child Exploitation Group, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Brian Michael in Newark, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Suchorsky and Vera Varshavsky of the Criminal Division in Newark.
Defense counsel: Joseph D. Rotella Esq., Newark."
DUMP TRUCK ACCIDENT SHUTS DOWN BLOOMFIELD AVENUE AT PASSAIC, WEST CALDWELL
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PHOTO: Lorrie Pinal Gautieri
Wednesday, Oct. 10

At about 12pm, West Caldwell Police responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a dump truck opening and becoming entangled in overhead wires. The accident also caused a utility pole to come down. 

Bloomfield Avenue was closed at Passaic Avenue near the Essex Mall. The repairs were finally completed by 5:30pm.  
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PHOTO: DJ Schmertz
VERONA PBA LOCAL 72 DONATE TO MINETTE'S ANGELS FOR BREAST CANCER
AWARENESS MONTH
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PHOTO: Verona PBA
Monday, Oct. 8 

Verona PBA:
"The members of the Verona PBA Local 72 presented the members of the Verona High School Volleyball Team with a donation for Minette’s Angels, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. 

The event took place at the team's Dig Pink Fundraiser at the High School. The check was presented by Vice President Chris Scheper, Brother Giovanni DeSomma, Brother Joel Martin and Sister Alyssa Kirby."
FAIRFIELD POLICE FINE TUNES
​TACTICAL MEDICAL SKILLS 
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PHOTO: Fairfield Police Department
Tuesday, Oct. 9

Fairfield Police Department: 
"Members of the Fairfield Police Department were able to take their tactical medical training to a new level today with the help of Shawn, Scott, and Tony from Medicine in Bad Places Org.

This training helped us to work on and fine tune our tactical medical skills that we presently use on the road right now. Fairfield Officers are all trained in using tourniquets and QuikClot, and have used both in the past to help injured people."
​
Website

passaic Avenue, west caldwell, water main break

​5:30am - Sunday, Oct 7

  • Passaic Avenue near Glenwood Way
  • Water Department responding

POLICE AND FIRE Week of Sunday, Oct. 14 2018

FAIRFIELD POLICE PROMOTE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

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From Left: Fairfield Patrol Officer Daniel Moran, Detective Sgt. Jeff Didyk, Patrol Officer RJ Casendino, Patrol Officer Brian Holzmann, Lieutenant Daniel Dias and Patrol Officer Stacy Chiarolanza PHOTO: Fairfield Police
Tuesday, Oct. 16

Fairfield Police Department: 
"Like many police departments throughout the country, Fairfield will be changing its uniform for the month of October. Instead of wearing their traditional blue uniforms trimmed in yellow lettering and patches, officers instead will be wearing blue uniforms with pink patches and lettering as a way of doing their part for breast cancer awareness month."
​“For a very long time, our department has been trying to find a way to do our part for breast cancer awareness. Because our officers mostly wear a utility uniform for daily duty, which does not include a badge, for the last few years we have worn breast cancer ribbons. But they often came off and we felt it just was not enough.” said Chief Anthony G. Manna.

“This year, our police foundation assisted us and bought every officer a new shirt. The response in the community was great. It was so well received that I recently purchased additional uniforms for two visiting police officials from Italy who were here for the Columbus Day celebration.”

roseland Avenue, Caldwell, Parking lot partially open

Wednesday, Oct. 17

Caldwell Police Department: 
On Thursday, Oct. 18, at 2pm, Roseland Avenue/Firehouse Lot will be partially re-opened for day and night time parking. 

  • GENERAL PARKING
    Parking during the day
    6am to 6pm
    Permit and regular

  • NIGHT PARKING
    6pm to 6am
    Permit parking only

A new traffic pattern for the entrance/exit driveway has been established, so please follow the markings accordingly. Traffic cones and barricades are in place for your safety. Please do not move and/or go around these traffic devices. 

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding. Any questions please contact the Caldwell Police Department.

fairfield police charge Brandol Vargas, 18, of New York, NY, with second degree robbery . 

Tuesday, Oct. 16

Fairfield Police Department:
"On Thursday, Oct. 11, Fairfield Police arrested Brandol Vargas, 18, of New York, NY, for second degree robbery .

CHARGES
Fairfield Police have charged Vargas with Robbery. He was brought to the Essex County Correctional Facility where his case will be referred to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office for prosecution. ​
​The circumstances that led to the arrest are as follows:
Tuesday, Sept. 25
Vargas reportedly agreed to meet a Male Victim at 10:30pm at the Quick Check, located on Passaic Avenue in Fairfield. Vargas and the Male had apparently been in contact through Instagram. 

Vargas allegedly agreed to meet to purchase several items valued at $5500:
  • (3) Northface jackets
  • (1) pair of matching gloves
  • (1) matching hat​

10:30pm​
Allegedly, Vargas arrived together with another individual at the QuikCheck meeting location.

According to the Male Victim, Vargas examined the merchandise, agreed to buy the items, and together they walked back towards the car in which Vargas arrived.

Reportedly, Vargas then ran to that vehicle with the bag of merchandise and jumped into the backseat. 

The Male Victim ran after him and attempted to retrieve the bag by reaching into the open rear window.

The vehicle then began to accelerate and flee the scene; the resulting motion caused the Male Victim to fall and injure his left arm and leg.​
Picture
Brandol Vargas, 18, of New York, NY PHOTO: Fairfield Police

Thursday, Sept. 27
The Male Victim was advised by friends that his jacket was being advertised for sale on Instagram at a store in New York City.

The Male contacted Fairfield Detectives who responded to the store and recovered one of the stolen jackets.

Reportedly, at time same time, Vargas contacted the Male by text and asked to meet him in order to return the rest of the items he had taken. Vargas explained to the Male that he didn’t want to have a bad reputation among the tightly-knitted group of individuals who often buy and sell merchandise over social media.

Vargas informed the Male that he would meet him as long as he did not involve the police. The victim, however, immediately contacted Fairfield Detectives concerning the offer.

Thursday, October 11
The Male, through the guidance of the Fairfield Police led by Detective Robert Sanger, set up another meeting between himself and Vargas at the QuikCheck. After Vargas arrived by Uber, Fairfield Police took him into custody. The department ultimately recovered the other stolen items
VERONA PBA CONTRIBUTES TO CEREAL DRIVE 
Picture
Pictured is Brother Brendan Huber and Brother Joel Martin PHOTO: Verona PBA Local 72
Tuesday, Oct. 16

Verona PBA Local 72:
"The members of the Verona PBA Local 72 are excited to team up with the students, faculty and staff of the Verona High School to help fight hunger! The Verona PBA proudly donated healthy cereal to help contribute to this food drive.
​
This event will be going on throughout the week of October 15-19 at the Verona High School. Anyone who wishes to contribute, please drop off any unopened Healthy boxes of cereal to the Verona High School or at the Verona Police Department by Friday, October 19."
PAUL AGUILAR, 47, OF CALDWELL, CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF ASSAULT WEAPONS AND DRUG PARAPHERNALIA
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Paul Aguilar, of Caldwell PHOTO: Essex County Prosecutor's Office
Monday, Oct. 15

Aguilar's home on Hatfield Street was searched on Tuesday, Oct. 2. and he was charged the following day. 

CHARGES: 
Possession of 
  • assault rifle with an extended magazine exceeding 15 rounds

  • assault rifle with a large magazine

  • violation of regulatory provisions related to firearms

  • drug paraphernalia.

WEAPONS: (All seized)
  • (1) illegal Blow Magnum replica 9mm handgun

  • (1) Smith & Wesson MP-15 rifle

  • (1) Rugger .22 caliber rifle

  • (1) Remington .22 caliber long rifle

  • (1) Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun

  • (1) Champion 12 gauge single shot shotgun

The Caldwell Police Department and Essex County Sheriffs Department Tactical Response Team, along with Newark, East Orange and Rutgers Police detectives worked together in this investigation.

fairfield police sweep all categories at special olympics plane-pull

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PHOTO: Fairfield Police Department
“The success of our department in both fundraising and participation over these many years can truly be credited to one man, our team captain, Detective Robert Sanger” said Manna. “While this is a team event, it is Rob who has been the catalyst and driving force behind our success.”
I​n addition, the department would like to thank all those businesses and individuals who helped with financial contributions and to specifically acknowledge the following Fairfield businesses for their generous and continued support:
Collision Restoration 

Ned Stevens Gutter Cleaning

Seven Seas Trading 

Tremature Heating and Plumbing 

Donate
Monday, Oct. 15

On Monday, representatives from Special Olympics New Jersey presented the Fairfield Police Department team with three first-place trophies for each category in the Sept. 29 plane-pull competition.

According to Fairfield Chief Anthony Manna, this year was the first time that any single team:
- Captured the fastest pull time: 6.96 seconds

- Had the lowest combined weight during a separate pull: 6 people with a combined weight of 1292 lbs

- Raised the most money for the event: $14,685

Led by Team Captain Fairfield Detective Robert Sange, the team is made up of both Fairfield officers and private citizens.

​Over the last seventeen years, the Fairfield Police Department has participated in the Newark Airport plane-pull event raising over $100,000 for this extremely worthwhile charity.
VERONA PBA SUPPORTS AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION DURING OUT OF DARKNESS WALK
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Donation presented by Brother Joel Martin, Vice President Chris Scheper and President Mike Barone. PHOTO: Verona PBA Local 72
Sunday, Oct. 14

Verona PBA Local 72:
"The members of the Verona PBA Local 72 proudly presented the organizers of the Out of the Darkness Community Walk with a donation to help support their cause. This event helps raise awareness and funds that allow the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to invest in new research, create educational programs, advocate for public policy and support survivors of suicide loss.
​
This years event was a tremendous success and the members of the Verona PBA are honored to be able to help our community in anyway we can.

Also present at the event- Brother Chris Kiernan, Brother Michael Ruglio and Brother Brendan Huber.
Donate

NEW FIRE ENGINE HEADS TO ROSELAND

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PHOTO: Roseland Fire Department
Monday, Oct. 15

The Roseland Volunteer Fire Department welcomed a new fire truck over the weekend: 
  • 2018
  • 107 foot
  • Pierce Ascendant Aerial 🚒

Thank you all and stay safe 

POLICE AND FIRE Week of Sunday, Oct. 21 2018

Med-Care of Fairfield CONTINUES TO DONATE EpiPenS to fairfield police

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Fairfield Police Department and Dr. John Scolamiero, of Med Care PHOTO: Fairfield Police Department
Wednesday, Oct. 24

Fairfield Police Department:
"In 2012, The Fairfield Police Department and its members became certified by the New Jersey Department of Health to be able to administer EpiPens to people having allergic reactions.

Since then,  Med-Care of Fairfield  has graciously donated every EpiPen we have had in both adult and pediatric doses. To date, we have used EpiPens on two occasions to save people having medical emergencies due to allergic reactions.

Today, members of the Fairfield Police Department and Dr. John Scolamiero posed for a photo outside of Med Care with a set of EpiPens. 
"Dr. Scolamiero, we cannot thank you enough for your generosity to our department and the community for these invaluable pieces of equipment that have proven to save lives right here in Fairfield."

west caldwell police: National dea Take-Back day:
​Saturday, Oct. 27

Monday, Oct. 22

​West Caldwell Police Department:
"This Saturday, Oct. 27, is DEA National Take-back day.

Bring in your expired or unused prescription medication to our lobby:
  • 21 Clinton Road
    West Caldwell
    ​
  • 10am to 2pm

Essex Fells and Cedar Grove Police will also be participating. 

POLICE AND FIRE Week of Sunday, Oct. 28 2018

David Lutter, 69, of Verona, Sentenced to 22 Months for ILlegal Possession of Multiple Guns, Including Replica He Turned into a Machine Gun

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David Luther, 69, of Verona
US Attorney's Office:
NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 22 months in prison for possessing three guns as a previously convicted felon, including a replica Thompson submachine gun that he modified into a working automatic firearm, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.
David Lutter, 69, of Verona, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Esther Salas to an indictment charging him with one count of possessing three firearms as a previously convicted felon. Judge Salas imposed the sentence today in Newark federal court.
According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:
In January 2017, Lutter met with an undercover agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF-E) and negotiated the sale of a functioning Thompson submachine gun. The gun had originally been a replica, but Lutter had modified it with real gun parts to convert it into a functioning automatic firearm, which, according to Lutter, could fire 20 to 25 bullets per second. Lutter had also equipped it with what he called a “rock-and-roll switch,” which could toggle between semi-automatic and automatic mode.
Lutter sold the undercover agent the submachine gun, a .32-caliber revolver, and 100 rounds of ammunition for $525. A few months later, in May 2017, Lutter sold the undercover agent a .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol, bullets, and gun parts for $500. When Lutter was arrested in June 2017, law enforcement searched a storage facility he rented and recovered several hundred additional bullets and firearm parts. All three firearms and the recovered ammunition are in the possession of law enforcement.
At no time was Lutter licensed to sell firearms and was prohibited from possessing them due to his 1993 felony conviction for sexual assault of a minor.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Salas sentenced Lutter to two years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Carpenito credited special agents of the ATF Newark Field Division, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge John B. DeVito, with the investigation leading to today’s sentencing.
The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason S. Gould of the Opioid Abuse Prevention and Enforcement Unit of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Newark.
Defense counsel: Kevin Carlucci Esq., Assistant Federal Public Defender, Newark
Friday, Nov. 2

Lutter is a registered sex offender and is prohibited from possessing guns due to his 1993 felony conviction for sexual assault of a minor.
​
Jan. 2017
  • Lutter met with undercover ATF Agent and sold the Agent a Replica which Luther had turned into a functioning Thompson submachine gun which could fire "20 to 25 bullets per second."
  • Lutter had equipped the gun with a “rock-and-roll switch,” that toggled between semi-automatic and automatic mode
  • Lutter also sold the Agent a .32-caliber revolver, and 100 rounds of ammunition - all for $525

May 2017
  • Lutter sold the Agent a Colt .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol, bullets, and gun parts - for $500

June 2017

  • Lutter was not permitted to possess, or licensed to sell firearms and was arrested
  • Police searched a storage facility he rented and discovered several hundred additional bullets and firearm parts

July 2018
  • Luther pleaded guilty

Nov. 2018
  • Luther was sentenced to 22 months in jail and two years of supervised release.

Verona pba celebrates
​90th year

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From Left: President Mike Barone, Vice President Chris Scheper, Treasure Brendan Huber, and State Delegate Ed Carattini Jr. PHOTO: Kathleen Seubert / Verona PBA
Sunday, Oct. 28

Verona PBA:
"On October 3, 2018 the Verona PBA Local 72 celebrated it's 90th "Birthday."

​The Verona PBA was established on October 3, 1928 and has continued to grow each year. Since then, the members of the Verona PBA have continually supported its community through various means such as annual donations, Scholarships, Charity events and much much more.

The Verona PBA prides itself in being able to help our community in anyway we can. In 2018 alone, the members of the Verona PBA were able to contribute more than $23,000 in donations and support.

We would like to thank all of the active and retired members of our local who have made our Union what it is today. Additionally, we would like to thank each and everyone of our supporters who have consistently supported the Verona PBA throughout the years. 
VERONA: AVOID BLOOMFIELD AVENUE / MT PROSPECT AVENUE
8:43am ~ Wednesday, Oct. 31
9:50am - Mt. Prospect OPEN
10:40am - Bloomfield OPEN

Verona Police Department:
"Mt. Prospect Avenue into West Orange is CLOSED at Sunset Avenue due to fire in West Orange.

Bloomfield Avenue Eastbound CLOSED due to a serious motor vehicle accident just over the township line closed going into Montclair. There will be no access to Montclair.

Avoid the area and expect traffic delays."

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