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                          Press Release



TWO MEN ARRESTED FOR COMMERCIAL BURGLARY AND THEFT

Case # 10-10569                                                      Prepared By: Det. David Van Dalinda                            

Date:             8/31/2010                                            Released By: Det. David Van Dalinda

Time:             8:42am                                             ____________________________________

 

 Juvenile Charged with Burglary and Theft to local business

    

On August 25 at 1:34 a.m. the West Milford Police were notified of an activated burglar alarm at the S&S Deli located at 574 Macopin Rd.  When Patrol Officers arrived on scene they found the side door window damaged.  Further investigation revealed that an outside security camera was disabled and several packs of cigarettes stolen.  A follow up investigation by Det. David Van Dalinda identified a local juvenile as the suspect.  He was charged with Burglary, Theft and Criminal Mischief and released to his parents on a juvenile petition.
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Case #            10-10034                                                             Prepared By: Det. Frank Elia

Date:               Aug.30, 2010 

Time: 16:00                                                     ________________________________________

 

 

Two charged in connection with Gas Station Robbery

 

Two township residents were charged in the connection of a gas station Robbery that occurred on Aug. 10 at 21:09 hrs. Nicholas Pizza, 19 and Jaclyn Brunda, 20 were charged by West Milford Police Detective Frank Elia with the assistance of Det. Mike Malfetti for the Robbery of the Luke Oil Gas Station which is located at 1367 Union Valley Rd.

Nicholas Pizza was charged with Robbery by Force, which is a 2nd degree crime, after he physically assaulted a gas station attendant and demanded money from him. After the attendant handed over $251.00 in small bills, Nicholas Pizza fled south on foot towards Union Valley Rd. A Passaic County Sheriff Canine Unit responded to the scene and tracked a scent down behind the gas station, but lost it on Stowaway Rd.

Jaclyn Brunda was charged with Conspiracy to Commit Robbery, which is also 2nd degree crime for her part in the incident.

Nicholas Pizza was apprehended on a Robbery warrant and is being held at the Passaic County Jail on $75,000.00 full bail, while Jacklyn Brunda was released on her own recognizance. If both parties are found guilty, they could face up to 10 years in prison and up to $150,000.00 in fines.

The gas station attendant suffered only a minor head contusion and was released at the scene by West Milford EMT’s.   
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Case:10-8795                                                        Prepared By: Det. David Van Dalinda
Date: July, 16 2010                                              Released By: Det. Davis Van Dalinda
Time: 1700 hrs                                                  ________________________________________

Case #            10-10024                                                         Prepared By: Det. Frank Elia

Date:   August 30,2010                                                          Released By: Det. Frank Elia
Time: 16:00                                                     ________________________________________

 

Juvenile charged with gas station Robbery

 

A township juvenile was charged with Robbery after he assaulted a gas station attendant, who caught the juvenile attempting to take several packs of cigarette’s from the business.

On Aug. 10 at 17:19hrs. the juvenile entered the  SBP Gas Station which is located at 555 Warwick Tpk. and took several packs of cigarette’s, but was confronted by the gas station attendant. During this time, the juvenile assaulted the attendant and fled on foot only to be followed by a witness who saw the incident and brought the juvenile back to the incident location.

The gas station attendant positively identified the juvenile who was charged by West Milford Police Sgt. John Matarese with Robbery and later released to a parent pending a juvenile petition.

A 2nd degree crime is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $150,000.00 in fines.

The gas station attendant suffered only a minor facial abrasion and refused any medical treatment.  
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On July 15, 2010 at 7:40 am West Milford Police officers James Devore and Suzanne Novakowski responded to a report of a buglary at Town Tire 1374 Union Valley Rd.  The initial investigation revealed that unkown actor(s) tried to make entry through the front door.  When that attempt failed they broke a side window where they made entry to the building. Once inside, the actor(s) took an Acer Laptop computer, $150.00 dollars in cash and a case of budweiser beer.  Based on information provided from Officer James Devore, a follow up investigation conducted by West Milford Detectives resulted in  the arrest of two indivuals.

 

West Milford Police Detectives Michael Malfetti and Detective Frank Elia arrested Travis Marazo, 21 years old, 25 Fox Borrow Lane, West Milford and Richard Mathews 18, 16 Maple Shade Road, West Milford. Marazo and Mathews were both charged with 1 count of burglary, 1 count of theft, and 1 count of conspiracy.  If convicted of these crimes, they face up to fifteen years in prison. Marazo and Mathews are currently being lodged in Passaic County Jail after failing to post bail. Bail was set at $25,000 with no 10% option by Hon. Judge Perconti of the West Milford Twp. Municipal Court.

 

 

Most of the stolen items were recovered by Det. Malfetti, Police Officers Joe Nevin and James McDaniel after conducting a search in the woods along Warwick Tpke.

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Case:10-5107                                                           Prepared By: Capt. Andrew Russo

Date: May 1, 2010                                                    Released By: Capt. Andrew Russo

Time: 1200                                                      ________________________________________

 

 

Single Motor Vehicle Collision

 

 

 On May 1st at approximately 3:58 am West Milford Police received a call of a motor vehicle collision on Route 23 North in the area of Old Route 23.  Responding police officers, Carol Stelmach, Lewis Rose and John Pesenti found a red 2001 Ford Focus on its roof facing south in the northbound lanes.  The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was lying in the roadway along the right shoulder.  Patrick Linfante, 24 years of age of Highland Lakes, New Jersey was flown to Morristown Memorial Medical Center by State Police helicopter NORTHSTAR medivac.  The West Milford First Aid Squad, Paramedics, Community Fire Company #2 and Apshawa Fire Company #1 also responded.  The vehicle was traveling northbound when it left the roadway and overturned.  The exact reason for the crash is still undetermined and the incident is currently under investigation by the West Milford Motor Vehicle Crash Unit.  The highway was closed for approximately 4 hours with the assistance of the New Jersey Department of Transportation.

 

Mr. Linfante sustained injuries to his neck and arm.  As of this writing he is stable and in fair condition.
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Case #     10-4601                                                                             Prepared By: Det/Lt. P. Van Gilst

Date:        04/27/2010                                                                        Released By: Det/Lt. P. Van Gilst

Time:       16:00                                                  


West Milford Police Arrest Two Juveniles in Deli Burglary 

 

On April 19th at approximately 03:55am West Milford Police received a call from a newspaper deliveryman who was dropping off papers at the S&S Deli located at 574 Macopin Rd.  The caller reported that  the glass in the side entrance door of the deli had been broken out. Ptl. Anthony Parrello and Ptl. Laura Paul responded to the deli and ascertained that the premises had been entered. Further investigation revealed that  the unknown actors entered the deli after breaking out the glass in the side entrance door with a rock. The actors fled with several packs of cigarettes and tins of chewing tobacco.  Det. Monroe of the Passaic County Sheriff’s Dept. CSI Unit processed the burglary scene.


On April 23rd, Det. Frank Elia arrested a sixteen year old juvenile male for the burglary. A second sixteen year old male was arrested on April 26.  Property taken in the burglary was recovered from one of the juveniles. The arrests were made based on leads developed by Det. Elia and information supplied by Ptl. Parrello.

 

Both of the juveniles were charged with Burglary and Theft. The case will be heard at a later date in the Passaic County Family Court.

 

This incident is not connected in any way to the armed robbery that occurred at the S&S Deli on March 30th.
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Case #     10-3689                                                                             Prepared By: Det/Lt. P. Van Gilst

Date:        April 8, 2010                                                                     Released By: Chief Paul R. Costello


West Milford Police Arrest Man for Armed Robbery

 

On Thursday, April 8, 2010 at 5:45am the West Milford Police Department Detective Bureau and the Special Operations Unit executed arrest warrants and search warrants at 21 Poplar Grove Terrace in the Shady Lake Community of West Milford and arrested Michael L. Michalowski, age 20.

 

The arrest was the result of a weeklong investigation of the armed robbery at the S&S Deli located at 474 Macopin Rd, which occurred on March 30th.  At the time of the robbery, the deli owner was behind the counter when a white male wearing jeans, a black hooded sweatshirt and a bandana obscuring his face walked up to him and brandished a black semi-automatic handgun demanding money from him.  The owner took a quantity of money out of the register, approximately $250 in cash, and placed it on the counter.  The actor took the money and exited the deli through a side door.  The Deli owner ran to the door and observed a car speeding southbound on Macopin Road but was not able to get a description.

 

West Milford Police Detectives and Patrol Officers canvassed the area imediatley after the robbery, speaking with potential witnesses and reviewing security video from the deli, which lead to a description of a vehicle seen at the time of the robbery. The investigation subsequently resulted in identifying the suspect, Michael L. Michalowski after he was observed on security video footage.

 

Police charged Michael L. Michalowski, age 20, of 21 Poplar Grove Terrace. Michalowski, with Robbery (1st deg.), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (2nd deg.), Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (2nd deg.) and Possession of Weapon by One Who is not allowed to have Weapons (2nd deg.).

 

If convicted of the offenses he is charged with, Michalowski faces up to fifty years incarceration and up to $400,000 in fines. Bail was set by the Hon. Joseph Perconti at $200,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 15th in the West Milford Twp. Municipal Court.

 

West Milford Police Chief Paul Costello credits the successful outcome of the investigation as a direct result of a cooperative effort between the Patrol and Investigative Divisions, as well as assistance from Investigators from the Passaic County Prosecutors Office.
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Case #    10-3498                                                                                     Prepared By: Det/Lt. P. Van Gilst

Date:       03/29/10                                                                                    Released By: Det/Lt. P. Van Gilst

Time:   16:00                                                   ________________________________________

 

  

                                             Two Men Arrested for Intent to Distribute Heroin 

 

On March 26th at approximately 5:30pm, West Milford Police arrested Michael A. Dellapena, 22, of 39 Magnolia Rd., Hewitt, and Raymond Bruno, 21, of 117 Leo Place, Lodi, NJ.  Both individuals were charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin) With Intent to Distribute (3rd deg.), Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Heroin) With Intent to Distribute Within 1000 ft. of a school (3rd deg.), Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (3rd deg.), Use of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Disorderly persons offense) and Possession of Hypodermic Needles (Disorderly persons offense).  In addition, Bruno was charged with several motor vehicle offenses.

 

P.O. Gary Yarnall and P.O. Stephen Braikovich stopped a 2001 Grey Ford Focus in the area of 1866 Union Valley Road after observing that the driver of the vehicle and the passenger were not wearing seat belts. The vehicle also had a non-functioning taillight. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Raymond Bruno. The passenger was identified as Michael Dellapena. Subsequent investigation by the officers and Det. Malfetti ascertained that there were seventy-seven bags of heroin in the vehicle. The drugs were recovered as well as three hypodermic needles. Both Bruno and Dellapena were placed under arrest and conveyed to the West Milford Police Department for processing. Both subjects were released on their own recognizance with an initial court date of 04/08/10 at 5:00pm in the West Milford Township Court.

 

If found guilty of the charges against them, both Bruno and Dellapena face up to 15 years incarceration and in excess of $20,000 in fines.
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Case #: 10-862                                                                  Prepared By: Det/Lt. P. Van Gilst
Date: January 26, 2010                                                     Released By: Det/Lt. P. Van Gilst
Time: 16:00                                                      ________________________________________


West Milford Police Arrest Three for Robbery of Pizza Delivery Man 

 

 On January 25th at approximately 7:20pm West Milford Police received a report of a robbery of an 18-year-old Pizza Delivery Man, which had just occurred on Woodland Dr. in the Hewitt section of the Township. Sgt. Robert Congleton, Ptl. Joseph Walker, Ptl. Eric Darnsteadt and Ptl. Carol Stelmach immediately proceeded to the scene. While enroute, the officers were made aware of the fact that the victim of the robbery had been assaulted with some type of stick.

 

Upon arriving on Woodland Dr., the officers found the deliveryman of a local pizzeria seated in his vehicle, speaking to his employer on his cell phone. The deliveryman advised the officers that he had been attempting to make a delivery on Woodland Dr. While he was driving down Woodland Dr. he noticed a black male with a hooded sweatshirt pulled over his head, standing on the side of the roadway. He drove to the end of Woodland Dr. and then turned around when he was unable to locate the address for the delivery. On the way back out he stopped and asked the black male if he had ordered a pizza delivery. The subject said that he did. The deliveryman got out of his car and placed the order on the trunk of the vehicle. The black male asked the deliveryman if he could make change for a fifty. As the deliveryman was attempting to make change, he noticed two other subjects exit the wooded area next to the roadway. The two subjects approached him and one of them struck him in the face with some type of stick. He fell to the ground and was repeatedly punched and kicked about the head and body by the three subjects. The subjects took approximately forty dollars in cash along with the pizza order and fled on foot.

 

Detective Michael Malfetti responded to the scene and initiated a follow up investigation. Det. Malfetti’s investigation ascertained that one of the suspects involved in the robbery was a 17-year-old juvenile who resides in the immediate area. The suspect was located and placed under arrest.

 

Further investigation by Det. Malfetti on January 26th ascertained that the two other suspects involved in the robbery were adults. They were identified as Jasten Devon Adams, 19, of 526 Ringwood Ave., Wanaque, NJ and Devon J. Holmes, 18, of 40 Second St., Clifton, NJ. Adams and Holmes were arrested by Dets. Michael Malfetti and Frank Elia at 1 Woodland Dr. where they had been staying with a female acquaintance. The Detectives were assisted by Ptl. James McDaniel and Ptl. Robert Tomaschek.

 

The juvenile suspect was charged by Det. Malfetti with Robbery and Conspiracy. He was released to his parent pending a juvenile hearing on the charges in the Passaic County Family Court.

Jasten Devon Adams and Devon J. Holmes were both charged with the following offenses: Robbery (1st deg.), Conspiracy (2nd deg.), Aggravated Assault (2nd deg), and Conspiring With a Juvenile to Commit a Criminal Offense. If found guilty of these offenses, Adams and Holmes face up to sixty years in prison and $400,000 in fines.

 

Bail was set by the Hon. Joseph Perconti  at $100,000 with no 10% option for both Adams and Holmes. They were arraigned in the West Milford Municipal Court and transported to Passaic County Jail when bail could not be made.

 

The victim of the robbery sustained contusions about his face, head and body. He also sustained a concussion. He was treated at Chilton Memorial Hospital and released.
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Date: November 14, 2009                                                      Released By: Capt. Andrew Russo 
Time: 1430                                                       ________________________________________


Drunk Driving Enforcement Crackdown

Conducted Locally as part of Statewide Campaign

 

 

Law Enforcement officials from West Milford are cracking down on drunk drivers as part of the annual holiday season “Over the Limit, Under Arrest” statewide campaign.  Since December 7, 2009 and running through January 3, 2010, local and state law enforcement officials have been conducting saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints, looking for motorists who may be driving while intoxicated.

 

As a concentrated national effort, the campaign helps to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking and driving through high visibility enforcement and public education tools, including posters, banners and mobile video display signs.  Launched nationally in 1999, the program works to combat drunk driving during some of the busiest travel times of the year.

 

Impaired drivers kill nearly 18,000 people on our nations roadways each year.  In 2008, 152 people were killed as a result of alcohol-related crashes in New Jersey.  That number represents 26 percent of the 590 traffic fatalities reported in the State.

 

Law enforcement agencies participating in the Over the Limit, Under Arrest 2009 Holiday Crackdown offers the following advice:

 

*  If you plan to drink, designate a driver

*  Take mass transit, a taxicab, or ask a sober friend to drive you home

*  Spend the night where the activity is held

*  Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.  In New Jersey, drivers may dial #77 on 

   their cell phones to report a drunk driver

*  Always buckle up; it’s your best defense against an impaired driver
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Case #            09-15538                                                                     Prepared By: Capt. Andrew Russo

Date: December 21, 2009                                                                   Released By: Capt. Andrew Russo

Time: 1400                                                

Police Make Arrests in Connection with Motorcycle Thefts

 

West Milford Police charged three individuals with the theft and possession of two motorcycles stolen from Township residents earlier in December.  On December 16th Police took a report from David Vallaro, 51 of 1441 Macopin Road, of a burglary to a shed and the theft of a 1988 yellow Suzuki DR100 dirt bike.  The latch had been broken and the motorcycle removed.  On December 17th Police took a similar report from Albert Kramer, 51 of 75 Kitchell Lake Drive, where a portable garage enclosure was entered and a 1997 red Honda XR200 dirt bike was taken.  The enclosure was closed but not locked.

 

On December 19th at approximately 2:45 pm, Sergeant Robert Congleton was dispatched to the area of Maple Road School on a report of an individual riding a dirt bike in the roadway.  The person reporting the incident stated that he recognized the dirt bike as possibly belonging to his friend and that the bike had been stolen several days earlier.  Sgt. Congleton checked the area and located a suspect in the thefts, Richard J. Mathews, 18 years of age, 114 Coon Den Rd., Highland Lakes, NJ in front of 79 Lindys Drive.  Along with him was Kevin Manzoni, age 18, of 79 Lindys Drive and a male juvenile.  Sgt. Congleton observed a red and white Honda XR200 and a Suzuki DR100 parked in front of the residence.  Sgt. Congleton contacted headquarters and confirmed through the initial burglary report by P.O. John Pesenti that the Honda motorcycle he found at the residence was indeed the one that was stolen from Kitchell Lake Drive, as the unique wear characteristics and damage documented by P.O. Pesenti were identical.  Mr. Mathews’ was placed under arrest at the scene, and both motorcycles were impounded.

 

A follow-up investigation by the those officers and Det. David VanDalinda of the West Milford Police revealed that Mr. Manzoni and a third individual, Timothy G. Owens, age 19 of 38 Post Brook North, West Milford were also culpable in the disappearance of the motorcycles.

 

Mr. Mathews and Mr. Manzoni were charged with burglary and receiving/possessing stolen property, while Mr. Owens was charged with receiving/possessing stolen property.  Burglary is a third degree crime punishable by 3 to 5 years in prison and fines not to exceed $15,000.  Receiving/possessing stolen property is also a crime of the third degree.  All parties were released on summonses to appear in Municipal Court.
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Case # 09-14954                                                                               Prepared By: Det/Lt. P. VanGilst
Date: December 4, 2009                                                                   Released By: Det/Lt. P. VanGilst
Time: 3:00 PM                                                   

                                              
Missing Mans body recovered in Greenwood Lake

On Thursday morning at approximately 7:55am, West Milford Police received a call from a resident of East Shore Rd. The resident reported that he observed a body floating in Greenwood Lake, in front of his home.
Police officers responded to the location and observed the body floating near the shoreline approximately 300 feet south of the state line in water which was 2-3 feet deep.
Ptl. Joe Nevin and Ptl. Bill Pittelko of the West Milford Police Dive Team went in to the lake and recovered the body. The body was brought to shore where it was positively identified as Steven Zaicek of Greenwood Lake, NY. Mr. Zaicek had been reported missing on November 14th after he failed to return home after working on his boat. Mr. Zaicek’s body was removed from the scene by the North Jersey Medical Examiner’s Office. At this time there are no signs of foul play. Further investigation is being conducted by the Greenwood Lake NY Police Department. Any questions should be addressed to the Village of Greenwood Lake Police Department at 845-477-9211. 
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Case #            09-14137                                                         Prepared By: Capt. Andrew Russo 

   

Police Investigate Serious Motor Vehicle Crash

 

West Milford Police were called to the scene of a single car motor vehicle crash Saturday morning, November 14th at 2:20 am on Larsen Drive.  Upon arrival officers found a 2005 silver Pontiac G6, which had impacted large rocks and trees off the eastbound lane of travel.  The driver, Cesar Vanegas, 18 years of age of Upsala Path, and backseat passenger, Jared Fisher, 20 years old, of Broadway, both in West Milford were unconscious and severely injured.  Police summoned two ambulances from the West Milford First Aid Squad and Paramedics from Chilton Hospital, as well as 3 fire companies, West Milford, Apshawa and Macopin to extricate the victims.  A third party Chelsea Connelly, age 16 of Lakeshore Drive in Hewitt had been taken to the hospital by friends.  The vehicle was owned by Janice Taylor of Rock Rd., West Milford.  The person reporting the crash was Shannon Hacker, daughter of the vehicle owner. Shannon was not a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

 

Both Mr. Vanegas and Mr. Fisher were taken to St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson and Ms. Connelly was taken to Chilton Hospital in Pequannock.  Both male patients have head injury, internal injuries and fractures.  Ms. Connelly has lacerations, fractures and internal injuries.  Due to the inclement weather the Medivac helicopter was unable to fly, therefore Mr. Vanegas and Mr. Fisher were transported by ground.

 

An initial investigation by the West Milford Crash Investigation Unit and the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office reveals that speed was a likely factor in the crash.  The vehicle was traveling westbound on Larsen Drive and as it entered a curve in the road left the roadway across the eastbound lane and into a wooded area where it struck a series of boulders and trees before coming to rest against a large tree trunk.  It does not appear that parties were wearing seatbelts at the time of the occurrence.

 

Due to the serious nature of the injuries to Mr. Vanegas and Mr. Fisher, the investigation is being conducted by the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office with the assistance of the West Milford Police.  No charges have been filed at this time. 
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Case  # 09-13904                                                                                           Prepared By: Det/Lt VanGilst

 Date:11/12/09                                                                                                Released By: Det/Lt VanGilst

 Hewitt Woman Charged With Aggravated Assault & Weapons Offenses

 

On November 8th at approximately 01:30 am, P.O. Carol Stelmach, P.O. Joseph Walker and P.O. Jill Brickman responded to 540 Lakeshore Road on a reported stabbing. Upon arrival at that location, James Bocchiaro, 42, was observed standing in front of the premises with a wound to his left leg. He advised the officers that he had been stabbed by Nancy Massaro, 47, of 18 Hewitt Rd. He further advised that Nancy had stabbed him while he was at her residence. Bocchiaro was conveyed by the Upper Greenwood Lake First Aid Squad to Chilton Hospital where he was treated and released.

 

Sgt. Robert Congleton , P.O. Walker and P.O. Anthony Frassa proceeded to 18 Hewitt Rd. where Nancy Massaro was arrested without incident. Investigation revealed that Bocchiaro and Massaro had been involved in a domestic argument. Both had been drinking. Bocchiaro who had been sitting on a couch during the argument, got up to leave the home. At this time Massaro stabbed him in the thigh with a steak knife.

                                                

Nancy Massaro was charged with Aggravated Assault (3rd deg), Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (4th deg) and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose (3rd deg). Bail was set by Judge Joseph Perconte in the amount of $15,000 with a 10% option. She was released after posting bail.

 

Det. Mike Malfetti assisted officers with their investigation.
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Case  # 09-13082                                                                      Prepared By: Det. VanDalinda

 Date:10/30/09                                                                           Released By: Chief Costello      

 

WEST MILFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT to Participate in Operation Medicine Cabinet NJ

 

The WEST MILFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT will be hosting an Operation Medicine Cabinet New Jersey local collection site as part of the first statewide medicine disposal day in the nation. The event will take place at the WEST MILFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT, 1480 UNION VALLEY ROAD, WEST MILFORD between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2009. This initiative, open to all residents, was organized to encourage local community residents to properly dispose of their unused, unwanted and expired medicine.

 

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division (DEA), the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General and the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ), is spearheading this statewide effort. WEST MILFORD residents looking for information on the abuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs and local collection location information should visit www.operationmedicinecabinetnj.com.

 

West Milford Police Chief Paul Costello, Superintendent of Schools Bernice Colefield and West Milford Community Against Substance Abuse (CASA) Coordinator Marlene Terhune are endorsing this program as an opportunity to raise public awareness regarding prescription drug abuse and to provide a way for residents to dispose of unneeded and expired prescription medication in a safe manner. The Police Department, School Administration and CASA continue to work cooperatively through drug abuse education programs to target our at risk youth population, however, the Police Department has seen an increase in prescription and hard drug abuse, which often starts with readily available prescription drugs in the home.

 

Gerard P. McAleer, Special Agent-in-Charge of the DEA stated, “We are very excited about the wide spread support and enthusiasm Operation Medicine Cabinet New Jersey is gaining in our coordinated efforts to bring public attention to this issue that is impacting our youth, our families, and our communities. Law enforcement is concerned with the alarming trend in the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs, with potential access to these drugs coming from the medicine cabinets of family and friends.”

 

"This operation will reduce the availability of potent drugs that lead kids down a path to addiction,' New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram said.  "We can't break a cycle of dependence if powerful prescription drugs are stashed in our own homes, tucked away in drawers and cabinets."

 

The 2007 study by the National Study of Drug-Use and Health found 70% of people who abuse prescription pain relievers say they got them from friends or relatives and the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that upwards of 9 million people use prescription medication for non-medical uses. They noted that the 2007 Partnership for a Drug Free New Jersey (PDFNJ) Principals Survey found that half of the principals surveyed said that New Jersey Middle School students abuse prescription drugs more than twice that of ecstasy and cocaine.

 

Residents are encouraged to bring their unused, unwanted and expired prescription drugs to the West Milford Police Department on November 14, 2009 between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.  For further information, residents should go to www.operationmedicinecabinetnj.com or contact the West Milford Police Department 973-728-2802.

 

 






_____________________________________________________________________________

 

 Date:10/30/09                                                                              Released By: Det./Lt Van Gilst   
 

Case    # 09-13460                                                                     Prepared By: Det./Lt Van Gilst

 


Two Local Men Charged With Drug Offenses

The West Milford Police have charged Robert S. Walsh, 21, last known address 47 Ramapo Road, West Milford, with Possession of Heroin With Intent to Distribute, Possession of Heroin and Possession of Hypodermic Needles.

 

Ronald J. Reininger, 20, last known address 19 Banker Road, Hewitt, was charged with Use and Being Under the Influence of a Controlled Dangerous Substance.

 

On October 29 at approximately 11:50pm Ptl. Robert Tomaschek was on patrol when he observed two individuals acting in a suspicious

manner on the property of The Wooden Spoon Deli located at 665 Warwick Tpk. The deli is currently vacant. Ptl. Tomaschek identified the individuals as Walsh and Reininger. After speaking with them he advised them to move on and they began walking north on the Warwick Tpk. Approximately five minutes later, Ptl. Tomaschek passed by the deli again and he observed that Walsh and Reininger were back on the property. Ptl. Tomaschek again approached them to further investigate what they were doing on the property. At this time Walsh was found to be in possession of a hypodermic needle. He was placed under arrest and subsequently found to be in possession of twenty eight bags of suspected heroin and an additional hypodermic needle. Reininger was arrested after observations by Ptl. Tomaschek and other officers indicated that he appeared to be under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance.


Walsh and Reininger were transported to West Milford Police Headquarters for processing. Bail was set on Walsh at $5000.00 with no 10% option. He was transported to Passaic County Jail when he could not make the bail. Reininger was released on a summons.
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