At about 1:30am, the victim and the others in his party
exited the bar and began to walk to their car
which was parked on Fairfield Avenue
when he noticed a gray Chrysler 300
circling the Thatcher’s parking lot," Manna expressed.
"This car then pulled up to the victim
and Mr. Cardella and two other individuals
got out of the vehicle,
all allegedly holding baseball bats.
The victim told police that the last thing he remembers
was Cardella allegedly swinging the bat
​and striking him in the head. 

I am encouraging these individuals
to come forward and
speak with our detectives," said the Chief,  
"as it will only be a matter of time before
we identify them and potentially charge them. 

The scam involves a caller stating he or she is with the Sheriff's Office and utilizes technology that
falsely impacts the potential victim’s caller ID to
show that the call is legitimate,” Fontoura expressed.

“The caller says that a warrant has been issued for
the victim’s arrest but the warrant
may be resolved either ‘criminally’ or ‘civilly’
by paying a fine which would negate an arrest.

The scam artist then follows with instructions
for the victim to use a pre-paid debit card from a major bank. The scammer then provides a call back phone number
​where payment can be paid.

Scam artists are extremely creative and inventive,” cautioned Fontoura.
“We can not stress enough that
legitimate law enforcement agencies
​do not ask for money card information to avoid arrest. 

Credit: Fairfield Police

Vincent Weaver Credit: Fairfield Police

Weaver was asked to exit the vehicle
and allegedly told the officer that
he did not have a valid driver’s license and that
there was also a small amount of marijuana in the vehicle
that belong to him for his personal use,"
​Chief Manna explained.

Weaver allegedly told the officers that he and the passengers of the car were on their way to Times Square in New York City and that his purpose of having the gun was to
shoot it off at that location when the ball dropped,"
Manna related, "apparently in celebration."

This is the second handgun that Officer Sickles
has recovered in less than a week," the Chief expressed.
"These arrests show how prevalent
illegal handgun possession is in our state. 
These individuals were transient through New Jersey
but both did not adhere to either
Federal or state laws regarding their possession
and will now have to face justice for doing so."

Credit: Carolyne Volpe Curley

The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Patrick Grigway, 21, of Norridegewock, Maine, for use of a controlled dangerous substance and for possessing drug paraphernalia on July 13.

On that date, at approximately 10:45pm, Officer David Lagan was on patrol in the parking lot of the LaQuinta hotel, located on Two Bridges Road, when he came upon a man that was lying on the ground outside of the hotel, in an area where guest commonly allow their pets to relieve themselves.

The officer approached the individual, who was later identified as Grigway, and attempted to wake him by shining his flashlight into his face and by trying to speak with him. It is alleged that Grigway did not immediately respond. He finally began to move and slowly come around. It is further alleged that he appeared disoriented and confused.

It is alleged that during the contact, Grigway continually kept putting his hands in his pockets after being told repeatedly not to do this. At this point, officers checked and allegedly recovered two pipes and a small tin, all with marijuana residue. Grigway was then placed under arrest without incident.

After being charged, he was released on his own recognizance pending a July 16 appearance in the Fairfield Municipal Court.

The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Joshua Petrozzino, 19, of Clifton, for possession of synthetic marijuana and drug paraphernalia and for being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance on July 14.

On that date, at approximately 3:17am, Officer James High Jr. was on patrol on Route 46 West when he observed a 2007 Dodge stopped in the driveway of the Houlihans restaurant with all of the vehicle’s lights off. The vehicle was observed to be occupied. This condition appeared suspicious to the officer and he decided to investigate further. At this time he was assisted by Officer Jeffrey Dean.

Upon making contact with the occupants of the vehicle, it is alleged that Officer High Jr. observed both a grinder and package of rolling papers in the passenger side door handle near where Petrozzino was sitting. It is further alleged that Petrozzino was displaying signs and symptoms consistent with being under the influence specifically by having bloodshot and watery eyes and dilated pupils. He was eventually arrested without incident. 

Petrozzino was eventually released on his own recognizance pending a July 23, appearance in the Superior Court in Newark.

The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of David Cucolo, 25, of Cedar Grove, for possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of hypodermic syringes, and for being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance on July 14. 

On that date, at approximately 5:09pm, Officer David Chabay was dispatched to the intersection of Fairfield Road and Tobia Place on a report of a single car motor vehicle crash. Upon arrival, it was determined that Cucolo was the operator of a 2008 Honda. It is alleged that Cucolo told the officer that he wanted to turn around to make a phone call when he misjudged the turn and struck the pole. He stated he then tried to back out and the car got stuck in reverse causing him to strike a curb. When asked to produce his driver’s license it is alleged that Cucolo first handed the officer two credit cards.

During the course of the investigation, it is alleged that Cucolo was displaying signs and symptoms consistent with being under the influence to include having pinpoint pupils, being unsteady on his feet and shaking. This prompted Officer Christopher Nicholas, a state certified drug recognition expert to be called to the scene and assist in evaluating Cucolo. Based upon the totality of the circumstances, Cucolo was arrested. Allegedly found contained within the vehicle were nine hypodermic syringes.

While at headquarters, it is alleged that Cucolo was observed acting suspiciously while in the processing room by continually reaching into his pants. Officers responded and conducted an extensive search of Cucolo which allegedly resulted in the recovery of 15 glassine envelopes containing suspected heroin from his person.

In addition to the criminal charges, Cucolo was also charged with:
driving under the influence,
careless driving
and possessing a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle.

He was eventually released on his own recognizance pending a court appearance on July 23 in the Superior Court in Newark.

The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Trishia Trautvetter, 40, of Wayne, and Jesse Vance, 31, and Frank Wesoly, 34, both of Clifton, all for possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia on Saturday, July 18.

On that date, at approximately 8:35pm, Officer James High Jr. was on patrol in the parking lot of the LaQuinta hotel, located on Two Bridges Road, when he came upon an occupied suspicious vehicle. The officer then made contact with the occupants when it is alleged he observed items of drug paraphernalia in plain view inside of the vehicle.

High ordered the driver, Wesoly, out of the vehicle. While getting out of the vehicle, it is alleged that a glass crack pipe fell to the ground outside of the car. Wesoly was then placed under arrest. At this time, other officers arrived to assist.

It is alleged that while asking Trautvetter to exit the vehicle, officers observed her concealing a folded item in her shirt. The item was eventually turned over and found to contain suspected cocaine. Trautvetter was then arrested. As the investigation continued, it is alleged that the officers recovered additional cocaine and paraphernalia from within the vehicle resulting in Vance’s arrest. It is further alleged that while sitting in the rear seat of the police car, Trautvetter attempted to destroy cocaine that was secreted on her person. A woman from the Verona Police Department assisted and additional cocaine was recovered.

In addition to being charged with possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia, the following charges were also filed;
Wesoly was also charged with driving with a suspended license and for possessing a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle,
Trautvetter was charged with possession of heroin, obstruction of law by attempting to destroy evidence and hindering apprehension.

All of the individuals were eventually released from custody on their own recognizance pending an initial appearance in the Superior Court in Newark on July 29.