June 21, 2016

At approximately 10:12 a.m., Patrolman Anthony Rodriguez conducted a motor vehicle stop on West 1st Avenue and Grove Street in Roselle on a 2008 Dodge for a cell phone violation. The driver of the vehicle, Ashley D. Poff, age 29 from Roselle, was found to be in possession of suspected heroin and possession of drug paraphernalia. Ms. Poff was placed under arrest and transported to Roselle Park Police Headquarters where she was processed and charged with possession of c.d.s., two (2) counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and motor vehicle summonses. She was served with summonses and released with a future court date.

June 22, 2016

At approximately 7:55 p.m., Patrolman Dean Khallaf conducted a motor vehicle stop on East Westfield Avenue on a 2012 BMW for an equipment violation. The driver of the vehicle, Hector Santana-Sanchez, age 36 from Brooklyn, New York was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Jersey City Municipal Court for $120. After being placed under arrest, he was found to be in possession of suboxone. Mr. Santana-Sanchez was transported to Roselle Park Police Headquarters where he was processed and charged with possession of c.d.s. He was served with summonses and released with a future court date after posting cash bail.

On Saturday, June 25th, at approximately 11 o’clock in the morning, Roselle Park police officers responded to 100 block of West Colfax Avenue for a report of burglary and theft.

After an investigation, it was determined that on Friday (the previous day), June 24th, at approximately 11 a.m., an unknown male had arrived at the residence of an elderly resident claiming to be from the water company. Once inside the house, the resident reportedly lost sight of the individual who was allegedly checking the water meter. After a few minutes, she observed the male leave the residence in a hurry. She stated that later she discovered her personal belongings missing including jewelry and cash.

This case is under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) at (908) 245-2300.

Yesterday, a 25-year-old Roselle Park resident went to police headquarters to report that he was a victim of a scam.

He stated that he received a phone call from an unknown telephone number at approximately 6 p.m. that same day when a male caller with a heavy Hispanic accent claimed that he was involved in a motor vehicle accident with the resident’s father. The caller then stated that he was holding his father hostage until $500 was paid in exchange for his father’s safe return.

The resident wired a money gram – addressed to a fictitious name – to the caller. The caller then stated that something went wrong with his father and $600 more needed to be wired. A second money order was sent.

The caller advised that he received the money and hung up the call.

The resident then called his father and found out that he was never in any accident nor was he kidnapped.

The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) at (908) 245-2300.

Yesterday at approximately 1:21 p.m., Detective Sgt. Dominick Frino, along with Patrolmen Harold Breuninger, Anthony Rodriguez, and Joshua Medrano approached two (2) males who were in the lobby of the Roselle Park Municipal Court. It was reported that both individuals had a strong odor of raw marijuana coming from their person that had the entire police lobby smelling of the controlled dangerous substance.

One of the individuals who was identified as Andrew Bratcher, age 18 from Roselle Park, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and arrested without incident.

The second individual, identified as Derrick Thomas, age 21 from Elizabeth, reportedly failed to comply with officers and fled on foot toward Westfield Avenue in an attempt to evade police.

Officers were able to catch up to Mr. Thomas where he was brought to the ground. While on the ground, he allegedly continued to resist officers as he was being taken into custody. Mr. Thomas and three of the Roselle Park police officers sustained minor injuries as a result of the incident.

Further investigation revealed that Mr. Thomas was in possession of four (4) ounces of suspected marijuana, a digital scale, and packaging material.

Both Mr. Bratcher and Mr. Thomas were arrested, handcuffed, and escorted into police headquarters where they were processed.

Andrew Bratcher was also found to have an outstanding criminal warrant out of Roselle Park Municipal Court for $1,500. He was subsequently charged with possession of c.d.s., served on a warrant, and lodged into the Union County Jail on an additional $3,500 bail.

Derrick Thomas was charged with possession of c.d.s. with intent to distribute, possession of c.d.s. over one ounce, possession of c.d.s. with intent to distribute on public property, resisting arrest, obstruction, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to turn over c.d.s. to police. Bail was set at $50,000. He was also lodged into the Union County Jail without further incident.

Last Wednesday, July 20th at before 3 o’clock in the afternoon, Patrolman Richard Gaylord attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop on a black motorcycle with no license plate visible.

Upon activating the patrol car’s overhead lights and siren, the driver of the motorcycle ignored the police signals and refused to pull to the side of the road. Instead, according to the report, the driver accelerated and conducted several unsafe maneuvers to elude police – disregarding his safety and that of the public.

The driver eventually traveled into the city limits of Elizabeth where he was apprehended by Roselle Park Police at the intersection of West Grand Avenue and Grove Street.

The driver, Jashar Banks, age 21 and reported as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) in Roselle, was arrested and charged with 2nd Degree Eluding, and the 12 other motor vehicle summonses:

• 39:3-33 – Improper display of plates
• 39:4-81 – Failure to observe traffic signal
• 39:4-82 – Failure to stop for emergency vehicles
• 39:4-85 – Improper Passing
• 39:4-88(b) – Failure to maintain lane
• 39:4-96 – Reckless Driving
• 39:4-97 – Careless Driving
• 39:4-98 – Speeding
• 39:4-115(b) -Failure to stop before making a right turn on red
• 39:4-125 – Improper U-Turn
• 39:4-126 – Failure to signal
• 39:6B-2 – No Insurance

Mr. Banks was transported to Union County Jail in Lieu of $50,000 bail.

The Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) continue to investigate this incident as well as several others involving reckless motorcycle drivers in the area. Anyone with information on any of these incidents is asked to contact RPPD Headquarters at (908) 245-2300.

The photograph above was distributed by RPPD identifying the person as Jashar Banks.

In a proactive measure, the governing body – on April 21st – passed Resolution 110-16 which establishes a “Safe Zone” for face-to-face transactions from online purchases at Municipal Complex parking lot. The parking, which is right in front of the Roselle Park Police Station, has been designated an internet exchange zone to provide a safe location for individuals who wish to complete a sale made online in person.

This week it was announced that the sign has been installed. The location is monitored by 24-hour video surveillance system. In the event of cold or inclement weather, the parties can enter the lobby of Police Headquarters, which is also under 24-hour surveillance.

Police Chief Paul W. Morrison advises residents to try to complete their transactions locally, in person, during daylight hours and to avoid any transaction that involves a wire transfer service or receiving funds in the form of a check or money order in excess of your sale price.

Anyone needing more information can contact the Roselle Park Police Department at (908) 245-2300.

The resolution is available below for review:

WHEREAS, ensuring the safety and security of Borough residents is a critical concern for the Borough of Roselle Park’s Mayor, Council and Chief of Police; and WHEREAS, in recent years, in-person sales, transactions and exchanges originating from on-line marketplaces have experienced an increase in violence and fraud; and

WHEREAS, in an effort to promote safer transactions between strangers, municipalities across the country have encouraged residents to use local police department parking lots and lobbies as a
meeting place for the in-person transactions to occur; and

WHEREAS, at the recommendation of the Borough’s Police Chief, the Borough’s Mayor and Council believe it to be in the best interest of the health, safety and welfare of the Borough’s residents to
establish a “Safe Zone” in the Roselle Park Police Department’s parking lot and lobby to facilitate a safe and neutral location for making in-person transactions; and

WHEREAS, the parking lot outside of the Borough of Roselle Park Municipal Complex is well lit and under 24 hour video surveillance and the lobby is also open seven days a week 24 hours a day,
which provides for a safer area for such transactions to be conducted.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the Borough of Roselle Park, County of Union, State of New Jersey, that:

1. Effective immediately, the parking lot of the Roselle Park Municipal Complex is open and available to the public as a “Safe Zone” for conducting in-person transactions that have been facilitated through online marketplaces;
2. Effective immediately, the lobby of the Roselle Park Police Department is open and available to the public as a “Safe Zone” 24 hours a day, seven days a week for conducting in-person transactions that have been facilitated through online marketplaces;
3. The Borough of Roselle Park makes no guarantees, assurances, or promises as to the safety or security of any in-person transactions that may take place on Borough property;
4. It is not the intent of the Borough officials to provide police personnel or Borough staff to witness any transaction in person, but the video surveillance by and proximity to police personnel is meant to increase the public’s peace of mind when engaging in such transactions with unfamiliar individuals at the Roselle Park Municipal Complex; and
5. Borough officials encourage residents to engage in such transactions in daylight hours, only; to bring a cell phone along in case of an emergency; to notify friends and/or family of the intention to meet to conduct such a transaction; to never invite strangers to the home or agree to meet at a stranger’s home; and to reconsider any transaction with someone who refuses to meet at the police station/municipal complex.

On Friday, July 29th, at approximately 4:36 p.m., Roselle Park Police responded to a report of an act of lewdness in the area of East Lincoln Avenue.

The juvenile victim reported an unknown white male in his early 20s with dark-colored crew-cut style hair and a clean-shaven face stop his vehicle in front of the victim. The male was reportedly driving a black 4-door newer sporty model vehicle, possibly a Honda or Hyundai. The man then shouted in the victim’s direction while exposing his genitals. The vehicle then fled westbound on East Lincoln Avenue.

Roselle Park Police are actively investigating this crime and ask anyone with information or security cameras in the area that may be able to provide assistance to call Roselle Park Police at (908) 245-2300.

This morning at approximately 7:20 in the morning, a Roselle Park resident reported that their vehicle was stolen. A subsequent police investigation – which included contacting LoJack and the vehicle owner’s finance company – resulted in identifying the vehicle’s location.

Sgt. Michael Wielgus responded to the address provided by GPS and LoJack on East 3rd Avenue just over the border in Roselle. Sgt. Wielgus located the vehicle parked stationary with a male sitting in the driver’s seat.

The driver was ordered out of the car by Sgt Wielgus. Initially, the suspect complied but then fled on foot and over several fences in the residential area according to the police report.

With the assistance from the Roselle Police Department and the Union County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit, the suspect was located hiding under a landscaping trailer.

Kendjy Phillipe, age 21 with last known addresses in Edison and Linden, was arrested and charged with NJSA 2C:20 (Receiving Stolen Property) and 2C:29-2(3) (Resisting Arrest).

Two (2) Roselle Park police officers were reportedly injured as a result of the foot pursuit.

Mr. Phillipe was remanded to Union County jail in lieu of $25,000 bail.

Below is a photograph (provided by the Roselle Park Police Department) identified as Kenjy Phillipe.

Last night at approximately 10:30 p.m., Elizabeth Police were searching for a burglary suspect who attempted to enter a residence on the Elizabeth-Roselle Park border near Galloping Hill Road and Colonial Road.

The Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) also responded to assist in the search on the Roselle Park side.

The suspect was not located but a Roselle Park resident who had security cameras captured a photograph of a possible suspect who was recorded trespassing on the Roselle Park homeowner’s property.

RPPD asks any individual or agency who can help identify the suspect to contact Roselle Park Police headquarters at (908) 245-2300 or via e-mail at police@roselleparkpd.org. Residents are not to approach or interact with anyone they believe to be the person photographed above and should contact the police immediately.

A transformer pole at Woodside Gardens fell on a vehicle this morning at Woodside Gardens Apartments. No injuries were reported at this time.

Residents are urged to keep a safe distance from this area while work is being done to rectify the situation. If a transformer pole falls on a vehicle, no attempt should be made to move or enter the vehicle. The police should be contacted immediately.

Photographs courtesy of Roselle Park Police Lieutenant Manuel Jimenez.

Roselle Park Police arrested an East Orange man for allegedly having approximately 3,750 individually packaged glassine folds of suspected heroin and 20 grams of suspected marijuana.

The arrest was a result of an initial traffic stop for a red light violation on Friday, August 5th, at around 7:41 in the evening. Patrolman William Hannon stopped a 2016 Chrysler minivan for running a red light. The driver of the vehicle, Lucius L. Randleman, age 33, was found to be driving with an expired Virginia driver’s license. A search of the vehicle was conducted after Patrolman Hannon reportedly detected the odor of marijuana. It was then that the narcotics were discovered. The street value, according to Roselle Park Police, is estimated to be approximately $37,000 dollars.

Mr. Randleman was placed under arrest and transported to Roselle Park Police Headquarters where he was processed.

He was formally charged with one (1) count of Possession Of C.D.S. With Intent To Distribute (1st degree), Possession With Intent To Distribute Within 1,000 Feet Of A School (3rd degree), and Possession of C.D.S. (3rd degree).

Bail was set at $200,000.

Motor vehicle summonses were also issued for driving while suspended, failure to observe a traffic control device, possession of an open container of an alcoholic beverage, and operation of a motor vehicle while in possession of CDS. Mr. Randleman was subsequently lodged in the Union County Jail.

Today at around 11:10 in the morning, Roselle Park Police Officers responded to the area of Warren Avenue on a report of a lewd act.

Once on the scene, they were met by two female juvenile victims, ages 7 & 9, and their relatives. The girls stated that while walking their dog on Warren Avenue they were approached by a passing vehicle described as a dark-colored, older model, four-door vehicle that was driven by a white male, approximately 20-years-old, that was clean-shaven and had crew-cut styled hair, wearing a dark colored shirt.

They were called over to the vehicle where the driver reportedly exposed himself to the juveniles while making inappropriate comments. The girls ran off and advised a family member. The vehicle fled the area in an unknown direction.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or who has had any suspicious activity similar in nature is encouraged to call the Roselle Park Police Department at (908) 245-2300.

August 14, 2016
At approximately 12:54 a.m., Patrolman Angelo Marino conducted a motor vehicle stop on Locust Street on a 2002 Infiniti for a moving violation. The passenger of the vehicle, Moises R. Mejia, age 20 from Elizabeth, was found to have an outstanding traffic warrant out of Elizabeth Municipal Court in the amount of $500. Further investigation revealed Mr. Mejia to be in possession of suspected marijuana as well as drug paraphernalia. He was placed under arrest and transported to Roselle Park Police Headquarters where he was processed. Mr. Mejia was charged with Possession Of CDS and Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia. He was served with summonses and released with a future court date. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

August 16, 2016
At approximately 10:34 a.m., Patrolman Athony Rodriguez conducted a pedestrian stop on East Westfield Avenue on a suspicious male. The individual was identified as Matthew G. Rome, age 34 from Cliffside Park. Mr Rome was found to be in possession of suspected prescription pills and suspected marijuana. It was also discovered,according to the police, that Mr. Rome was asking other pedestrians in the area where he could obtain other narcotics. He was placed under arrest and transported to Roselle Park Police Headquarters where he was processed. Mr. Rome was charged with two (2) counts of Possession Of CDS and Loitering To Obtain A Controlled Dangerous Substance. He was served with a summons and released with a future court date.

August 20, 2016
At approximately 1:15 a.m., Patrolman Brian Swick conducted a motor vehicle stop on West Westfield Avenue on a 2002 Mercury for an equipment violation. The driver of the vehicle, Adam S. Bilal, age 31 from Newark, was found to be driving while suspended as well as in possession of suspected marijuana. He was placed under arrest and transported to Roselle Park Police Headquarters where he was processed. Mr. Bilal was charged with Possession Of CDS on a summons and released with a future court date. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

August 22, 2016
At approximately 02:01 a.m., Patrolman Angelo Marino responded to a residence on Sheridan Avenue following a report of a verbal dispute. The police made contact with Ronald F. Perry Jr. who was found to have an outstanding warrant out of Elizabeth for $100. A subsequent Search revealed Mr. Perry to be in possession of suspected marijuana. He was arrested and transported to Roselle Park Police Headquarters where he was charged with Possession Of CDS. He was released on a summons with a court date for Roselle Park and Elizabeth Municipal Court.

The Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) invite residents to an informal get together on Wednesday, September 7th at 8:30 at the Sunrise Diner.

The event will allow residents to stop in, ask questions, present concerns, and provide feedback. It will also give residents the opportunity to better know those who serve and protect the community.

There will complimentary coffee.

Sunrise Diner is located at 61 West Westfield Avenue on the corner of Locust Street. Coffee With The Cops is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. till 10 o’clock.

Anyone requesting more information can contact RPPD Lt. Manuel Jimenez at (908) 245-2311.

On Saturday, August 27th, 2016 the Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) took reports of approximately 12 car burglaries that occurred earlier that morning between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Pershing Avenue and Sherman Avenue.

In all of the instances, vehicle owners all reported that their vehicles were left unlocked while parked in the street and/or in their driveways.

During this time it was discovered that Union Township Police Department (UTPD) had arrested an individual for two (2) car burglaries in their jurisdiction that same morning. Following an investigation by Detectives Edward Nortrup and Joshua Medrano it was discovered that the individual arrested by Union Township police reportedly had in his possession several items related to six of the 12 Roselle Park burglaries.

As a result of the investigation with the assistance of Union Township Police, Dylan J. Torres-Dorgans, age 23 from Elizabeth, was charged with six (6) counts of motor vehicle burglary. His bail was set at $30,000. Mr. Torres-Dorgans remains housed in the Union County Jail.

Yesterday, September 6th, the Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) took reports of approximately eight (8) car burglaries that occurred in the West Colfax-Ashwood-Myrtle Avenue area.

In all of those incidents, vehicle owners reported that their vehicles were left unlocked while parked in the street or in their driveway.

These motor vehicle burglaries are currently under investigation by the Roselle Park Police Detective Bureau.

As of now, it is known that there were three unknown individuals who were in the area burglarizing these vehicles at approximately 3 a.m. that same morning. Residents are reminded to secure their vehicles and remove any valuables from view whether parked in the street or their driveways.

Anyone with any information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact Detective Edward Nortrup at (908) 245-2306 or (908) 245-2300.

This morning at approximately 9:19 a.m., Roselle Park Police responded to a call from a residence on the 100 block of Jerome Street. An alert neighbor reported a suspicious male who was attempting to gain entry to a first-floor rear window. The caller advised the police that the individual did not live at that location.

Upon arrival, police reportedly discovered a 17-year-old male from Hillside attempting to exit the residence from a side door. He was placed under arrest without incident. No one else was located at the scene. The actor had in his possession jewelry allegedly belonging the homeowner that was later identified to be taken from the residence.

The suspect was later charged with burglary, theft, criminal mischief, and possession of burglary tools. He was served with a summons and released into the custody of his parent awaiting court.

This morning, Roselle Park Police took reports of approximately 17 car burglaries that occurred on the following six (6) streets:

• Amsterdam Avenue
• Colfax Avenue West
• Maplewood Avenue
• Oakwood Avenue
• Roosevelt Ave
• Seaton Avenue

In all of the incidents, vehicle owners reported that their vehicles were left unlocked while parked on the street or in their driveway.

These motor vehicle burglaries are currently under investigation by the Roselle Park Police Detective Bureau.

The incidents appear to be occurring in the early morning hours. Residents are reminded to secure their vehicles and remove any valuables from view where ever parked.

Anyone with any information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact Detective Joshua Medrano at (908) 245-8103 or (908) 245-2300.

September 2, 2016
At approximately 10:09 p.m., Patrolman Angelo Marino conducted a pedestrian stop on a suspicious male who was observed tampering with a bicycle near Galloping Hill Road. The individual – identified as Ronald F. Perry Jr., age 43 from Roselle Park – was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana. The bicycle he was tampering with was not reported to be stolen and held for safe keeping. Mr. Perry was placed under arrest and served with a summons for Possession of CDS. He was released with a future court date.

September 7, 2016
At approximately 3:36 a.m., Patrolman Angelo Marino conducted a motor vehicle stop on Locust Street on a 2000 Mitsubishi for an equipment violation. The passenger of the vehicle, Andrew Bratcher, age 18 from Roselle Park, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana. He was placed under arrest and transported to Roselle Park Police Headquarters where he was processed. Mr. Bratcher was charged with Possession of CDS, served with a summons, and was released with a future court date. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued to the driver of the vehicle.

September 15, 2016
At approximately 9:54 p.m., Patrolman William Hannon conducted a motor vehicle stop on Chestnut Street on a 2014 Honda for an equipment violation. The driver of the vehicle, Francisco J. Rodriguez, age 20, and the passenger, Edwin A. Cruz, age 20 from Elizabeth, were found to have outstanding warrants for their arrest out of East Windsor and Union Township Municipal Court. Mr. Rodriguez was also found to be in possession of suspected marijuana along with drug paraphernalia. Both were placed under arrest and transported to Roselle Park Police Headquarters where they were processed. Mr. Rodriguez was charged with Possession of CDS and drug paraphernalia. He was served with a summons and released with a court date after posting $500 bail. Mr. Cruz was released after posting $500 bail. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued to the driver and passenger of the vehicle.

September 16, 2016
At approximately 1:15 a.m., Patrolman Angelo Marino conducted a pedestrian stop on a male riding a bicycle on Locust Street for moving and equipment violations. The individual – identified as Brian G. Keffel, age 46 from Roselle Park – was found to be in possession of suspected cocaine. He was placed under arrest and served with a summons for Possession of CDS. He was also issued summonses for the violations and released with a court date.

September 17, 2016
At approximately 3:29 a.m., Patrolman William Hannon conducted a motor vehicle stop along Locust Street on with a 2007 Nissan for an equipment violation. The driver of the vehicle, Paulo H. Dossantos, age 22 from Newark, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana. He was placed under arrest and transported to Roselle Park Police headquarters where he was processed. Mr. Dossantos was charged with Possession of CDS. He was served with a summons and released with a court date. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

September 18, 2016
At approximately 1:08 a.m., Patrolman William Hannon conducted a pedestrian stop on a suspicious female on East Colfax Avenue. The individual – identified as Melinda S. Dercole, age 26 from Roselle Park – was found to be in possession of 19 glassine folds of suspected heroin. She was placed under arrest and served with a summons for Possession of CDS. Ms. Dercole was released with a future court date.

September 20, 2016
At approximately 12:21 a.m., Patrolman Sam Sukool conducted a motor vehicle stop along East Webster Avenue on a 2014 Dodge for an equipment violation. The driver of the vehicle, John P. Teran, age 21 from Roselle Park, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was placed under arrest and transported to Roselle Park Police headquarters where he was processed and charged with Possession of CDS and Drug Paraphernalia. He was served with a summons and released with a court date. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

September 23, 2016
At approximately 9:08 p.m., Sergeant Harold Breuninger conducted a pedestrian stop along West Westfield Avenue on Tommy Figueroa, age 45 from New York, for jay walking. Mr. Figueroa was found to have numerous outstanding warrants out of Bridgewater, Newark, and Roselle Park in the amount of $3,855. A search incident to the arrest revealed he was in possession of suspected suboxone as well as drug paraphernalia. He was placed under arrest and transported to Roselle Park Police headquarters where he was processed. Mr. Figueroa was charged with Possession of CDS and Drug Paraphernalia. He was served with a warrant with an additional bail set at $7,500 and lodged into the Union County Jail.

On Saturday, September 24th, at around 7:10 in the evening, Roselle Park Police were dispatched to the area of Ashwood Avenue on a report of a bicycle theft. It was reported that the witness to the bicycle theft was detaining the individual that allegedly committed the theft.

Once on scene, Patrolman Sam Sukool arrested Eduardo Cacha, age 39 from Roselle Park, for the theft of the bicycle.

The bicycle was reported to be stolen from Oak Street minutes earlier. Mr. Cacha was also found to be in possession of a second stolen bicycle that matched the description of a theft that occurred three weeks ago in Roselle Park.

He was charged with receiving stolen property and theft. He was served with a warrant where bail was set at $15,000. He was also found to have an outstanding warrant out of Elizabeth Municipal Court for $250. Mr. Cacha was lodged into the Union County Jail.