December 3, 2016
At approximately 1:46 in the morning, Patrolman Mitchell White conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2000 Infinity on West Westfield Avenue at Locust Street. The driver of the vehicle, Phillip A. Soto, age 26 from Elizabeth, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and also was suspected of driving while intoxicated. He was placed under arrest and charged with possession of c.d.s. Mr. Soto was issued summonses for driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, careless driving, and possession of CDS in a motor vehicle. He was released with a court date.

December 4, 2016
At approximately 10:51 p.m., Detective Sergeant Dominick Frino conducted a pedestrian stop on the 500 block of Chestnut Street with a male acting suspicious and hiding himself from passing vehicles. The male who was identified as Timothy J. Angus, age 24 from Roselle Park, was found to be in possession of suspected heroin. He was placed under arrest and charged with possession of CDS. He was released on a summons with a future court date.

December 5, 2016
At approximately 12:09 a.m., Patrolman William Hannon conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2006 Toyota along West Westfield Avenue for an equipment violation. The driver of the vehicle, Jorge W. Salinas, age 28 from Elizabeth, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was placed under arrest and charged with possession of CDS and drug paraphernalia. Mr. Salinas was issued a summons and released with a court date.

December 6, 2016
At approximately 2:17 p.m., Patrolman William Hannon conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2017 Ford along Locust Street for an equipment violation. The passenger of the vehicle, Samad A. Starling, age 19 from Roselle, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was placed under arrest and charged with possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia. Mr. Starling was also found to have an outstanding warrant out of Roselle Municipal Court in the amount of $250. He was served with a summons and turned over to Roselle Police Department to satisfy the warrant.

December 11, 2016
At approximately 11:59 P.M., Patrolman Anthony Rodriguez conducted a motor vehicle stop along West Westfield Avenue on a 2004 Toyota for a moving violation. After speaking to the occupants, the passenger – Kristen Holt age 30 from Newark – was found to be illegally possessing suspected marijuana along with other drug paraphernalia. While being detained, Ms. Holt reportedly resisted arrest and was subsequently charged with the offense. She was also served with a summons for possession of CDS and possession of drug paraphernalia and released pending a future court date. The driver of the vehicle was served with a motor vehicle summons and was released from the scene with a future court date.

December 12, 2016
At approximately 8:23 p.m., Patrolman Gregory Polakoski conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2002 BMW along East Westfield Avenue for a moving violation. The driver of the vehicle, Salomon Picado, age 19 from Elizabeth, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana. He was placed under arrest and charged with possession of CDS. Mr. Picado was served with a summons and released with a court date.

December 13, 2016
At approximately 1:27 a.m., Patrolman Angelo Marino conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2005 Infinity along East Westfield Avenue for an equipment violation. The driver of the vehicle, Mohammad N. Rahami, age 20 from Elizabeth, was found to have an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Westfield Municipal Court in the amount of $363. He was placed under arrest and ultimately turned over to Westfield Police Department. The passenger of the vehicle, Andrew Bratcher, age 19 from Roselle Park, was found to have warrants for his arrest out of Roselle Park and Elizabeth Municipal Court in the amount totaling $2,500. Upon arrest, Mr. Bratcher was also found to be in possession of suspected marijuana. He was charged with possession of CDS, served with a summons, and lodged into the Union County Jail.

On Monday, December 12th, at approximately 10:43 a.m., Roselle Park police officers responded to the area of Chestnut Street at Sumner Avenue on a report of a three-car accident with one of the vehicles stated to be resting upside down with entrapment and possible injury.

An investigation revealed a 2002 Honda driven by a 25-year-old male from Elizabeth was traveling eastbound on West Sumner Avenue and allegedly entered the intersection of Chestnut Street without stopping or yielding for the stop sign or oncoming traffic.

A 2007 Cadillac that was traveling southbound struck the Honda pushing it into the northbound traffic, striking a 2002 Ford, and causing it to roll over. The driver of the Cadillac, 57-year-old male Roselle Park resident was transported to University Hospital with no significant injury reported after he was extricated from the vehicle by first aid professionals.

The driver of the Honda was issued several motor vehicle summons and released from the scene with minor injury.

Photograph courtesy of Roselle Park resident Jeannette Palacios.

December 15, 2016
A little after midnight, Patrolman Sam Sukool conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2014 Chevy along West Westfield Avenue at Chiego Place. The passenger, who was the registered owner of the vehicle, Xiomar J. Carroll, age 19 from Maplewood, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was placed under arrest and charged with possession of c.d.s. and possession of drug paraphernalia. Mr. Carroll was issued a summons and released with a future court date. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

December 18, 2016
At approximately 9:12 p.m., Patrolman Gregory Polakoski conducted a motor vehicle stop on a Toyota along Galloping Hill Road for a moving violation. The driver of the vehicle, Fathi M. Abusheraiah, age 25 from Elizabeth, was found to operating a motor vehicle on a suspended license and also had an outstanding warrant out of Fairfield Township Municipal Court in the amount of $250. During the arrest, Mr. Abusheraiah was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana. He was placed under arrest and charged with possession of c.d.s. Mr. Abusheraiah posted bail, was issued summonses, and was released with a court date.

December 19, 2016
Roselle Park police officers took a report of a burglary to a motor vehicle that occurred between 12:30 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. while parked on Charlotte Terrace. The 2011 Hyundai was left unlocked and upon the owner’s return, items were noticed out-of-place and other personal items were reported missing. The incident is under investigation. Residents are reminded to lock their vehicles and not leave expensive items in plain view. Anyone with information should contact the Roselle Park Police Department at (908) 245-2300.

December 20, 2016
Last Tuesday, December 20th, Roselle Park police officers responded to the 600 block of Sheridan Avenue on a report of a male suspect who fled on foot into Roselle Park from the CVS store in Union following a shoplifting incident. The suspect was reported to have entered a nearby residence. Officers from Union Township and Roselle Park searched the property after finding the side door lock broken on the property. According to police, the suspect – Sean Kirby age 46 from Newark – was found in the basement, apparently trying to hide from police. He was placed under arrest and charged with criminal trespass, criminal mischief, and obstruction. Mr. Kirby was released on a summons awaiting a court appearance.

December 22, 2016
At approximately 2:44 a.m., Patrolman William Hannon conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2009 Mercedes-Benz along West Westfield Avenue for a moving violation. The driver of the vehicle, Wilfredo Santisteban, age 48 from Newark, was found to be driving under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and to be in possession of suspected marijuana. He was placed under arrest and later charged with possession of c.d.s. and DWI. Mr. Santisteban was served with a summons and issued motor vehicle summonses for careless driving, reckless driving, delaying traffic, unclear plates, and possession of c.d.s. in a motor vehicle. He was released with a future court date.

Later that day on an unrelated incident, Roselle Park Police Detective John Deegan conducted a follow-up investigation involving a local business owner who had reported fraudulent charges on his Paypal account where someone had reportedly purchased various items through the mail that were unauthorized. Detective work and follow-up information led officers to a residence on Jefferson Avenue in Elizabeth where a search warrant was executed that ultimately led to the discovery of numerous packages containing items that were purchased through fraudulent means. Subsequent to the investigation, Andrew D. Garcia, age 19 from Elizabeth, was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property in the 3rd degree. He was processed, charged and lodged at the Union County Jail on $15,000 bail.

December 24, 2016
At approximately 12:52 a.m., Patrolman Ryan Hokanson conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2004 Acura along West Westfield Avenue for an equipment violation. The driver of the vehicle, Marvin A. Hidalgo, age 26 from Perth Amboy, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana. He was placed under arrest and charged with possession of c.d.s. Mr. Hidalgo was issued a summons and released with a future court date. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

December 24, 2016
At approximately 9:53 p.m., Patrolman William Hannon conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2004 Kia on West Westfield Avenue at Gordon Street for an equipment violation. The driver of the vehicle, Brian K. Wolfe, age 29 from Newark, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was also found to be driving with a suspended license. Mr. Wolfe was placed under arrest and charged with Possession Of C.D.S. and Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia. He was issued a summons and released with a future court date. Several motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

December 27, 2016
At approximately 2:23 a.m., Patrolman William Hannon conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2009 Acura on West Westfield Avenue for a moving violation. The passenger of the vehicle, Daniel Soler Jr., age 22 from Monmouth Junction, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was placed under arrest and charged with Possession Of C.D.S. and Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia. Mr. Soler was issued a summons and released with a future court date. The unnamed driver was issued a motor vehicle summons for the moving violation.

January 1, 2017
At approximately 12:37 a.m., Roselle Park police officers responded to East Westfield Avenue at Union Road on a report of a motor vehicle crash. Once on scene, it was discovered that a 25-year-old female pedestrian from Avenel suffered a fractured arm after being struck by a 2000 BMW. The BMW was reportedly driven by an as yet unnamed 35-year-old male from Hillside and was traveling eastbound on East Westfield Avenue at the time of the crash. The pedestrian crossed the highway in a southerly direction from the corner of Union Road. A parked vehicle was also apparently struck by the BMW as a result of the initial crash. The accident is currently under investigation by the Roselle Park Police Traffic Unit.

The Roselle Park Police Department issued a notice that due to a motor vehicle accident resulting in damage to a light pole, West Westfield Avenue will have lane closures for several hours to complete an emergency repair. The main highway in the borough will be closed between Roosevelt Street to Bridge Street in both directions.

Motorists are notified to expect delays and to plan an alternate route.

January 4, 2017
At approximately 6:47 p.m., Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) officers responded to 61 West Westfield Avenue on a report of a vehicle burglary that had occurred. Once on the scene, the owner of the vehicle stated that the door was found ajar and personal items from within the vehicle were taken. The vehicle was a 1998 Nissan. No forced entry to the vehicle was observed by officers and it is believed that the vehicle was possibly left unlocked. This incident is currently under investigation.

On an unrelated matter, later that evening at approximately 10:12 p.m., Patrolman Marino Diaz responded to the rear parking lot of 200 Chestnut Street on a report by an alert concerned resident of a suspicious vehicle that was parked and occupied. Once on the scene, Patrolman Diaz located a 2003 Ford parked and occupied in the lot. The passenger of the vehicle, Jose A. Martinez, age 22 from Roselle Park, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana. He was placed under arrest and charged with Possession Of C.D.S. Mr. Martinez was issued a summons and released with a future court date.

January 7, 2017
At approximately 12:37 a.m., Patrolman Angelo Marino conducted a pedestrian stop on two (2) individuals in front of 105 West Westfield Avenue for jaywalking and after observing one of the males attempting to gain access to the nearby apartment complex. One individual – who was later identified as Omaru D. Barry – was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and prescription legend drugs. Mr. Barry reportedly identified himself initially to police as “Devon Congo” to avoid being arrested on an active traffic warrant out of Bridgewater Municipal Court in the amount of $130. He was placed under arrest and charged with Hindering His Own Apprehension, Possession Of C.D.S. and Possession Of Prescription Legend Drugs. He was issued a summons and released with a court date after satisfying the warrant issued by Bridgewater Municipal Court.

The Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) will be a safety seminar for Roselle Park senior citizens at the Casano Community Center on Tuesday, January 24th, at 11:30 a.m.

The Community Oriented Policing (COP) Unit will cover topics that will include an overview of past fraud scams that have occurred in the borough as well as the most-noted scams as listed by the State Attorney General’s office as well as tips for crime prevention.

There will also be a Q&A session after the presentation to address any concerns or questions.

“We encourage all of our senior residents to take an active approach in crime prevention and we hope to see you there,” stated Police Chief Paul W. Morrison.

The Casano Community Center is located at 314 Chestnut Street. Anyone with more questions can contact police headquarters at (908) 245-2300.

Additionally, RPPD is working together with local businesses to spread awareness of fraud scams that occur throughout New Jersey.

Participating establishments have agreed to post fliers in their windows from the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA). The fliers – printed in both English and Spanish – state the common phone scams and the telephone number for the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs.

Local businesses include Costa’s Restaurant, Chestnut Hill Market, Nealtican Restaurant, Chestnut Hardware, El Rancho Dorado Market, World of Liquors, and Joe & Jodi’s Barber Shop.

On Friday, January 20th, at approximately 1:04 p.m., Roselle Park police officers responded to the area of West Clay Avenue at West Grant Avenue after receiving a call made by a witness stating a male – who was walking in the area – was being physically assaulted by another male and that male was forcibly removing the victim’s wallet.

Once on scene, Patrolman Richard Gaylord separated the two individuals involved and arrested the suspected aggressor who was identified as Jahlil Y. Zamora, age 30 from Elizabeth.

He was later charged with Robbery in the Second Degree and Theft in the Third Degree. Mr. Zamora was ultimately lodged in the Union County Jail with no bail awaiting his first appearance.

The 39-year-old male victim was treated on scene for his injuries reportedly sustained during the incident. The wallet was also recovered on scene.

On Monday, January 23rd, Roselle Park police responded to a residence on East Clay Avenue regarding a report of a stolen bicycle that occurred earlier that same day. The owner of the bicycle stated that his bicycle was chained to his front porch railing and upon leaving his home noticed it was stolen. The lock for the bicycle was in the middle of the street. The bicycle was described as a chrome, men’s mountain bike with a black and yellow seat and the sprocket guard missing. The bicycle was valued at $150.

Earlier that day, officers had made contact with a male who was identified as Ronald F. Perry Jr., age 43 from Roselle Park. It was noted by officers that Mr. Perry was in possession of four (4) bicycles, one of them being similar to the one reported stolen. The four bicycles were viewed by the complainant and he positively identified the one bicycle to be the same one stolen off his porch that morning.

The following day, January 24th, Detective Edward Nortrup and Patrolman Gregory Polakoski located Mr. Perry and placed him under arrest. Later that day he was charged with receiving stolen property. The bicycle, however, has not been recovered at this time and its whereabouts are unknown. Mr. Perry was served with a summons and released with a future court date.

This is the fourth time in five months that Mr. Perry has been arrested by the Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD). The previous three times occurred on August 22nd (link), September 2nd (link), and October 2nd of last year (link).

Anyone with information regarding this case should contact RPPD at (908) 245-2300.

Late last year, Roselle Park’s governing body approved that a blue line be drawn in between the double yellow line along the length of Chestnut Street in support of law enforcement. This was a result of suggestions from residents who saw similar lines in surrounding towns.

An official interpretation from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) published in December, the blue lines must be removed from all municipalities. Interpretation Letter 3(09)-41(I), titled “Markings between Double Lines”, stated – in part – that in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD), the use of blue pavement markings is limited to supplementing white markings for parking spaces for persons with disabilities.

A notice was sent out last week to all Union County Police Chiefs, including Roselle Park Police Chief Paul W. Morrison, from Joseph Graziano – the Director of the Union County Public Works. The correspondence stated that even though the county had previously supported any police chief that requested to paint a blue line between the double yellow line on a county road, Mr. Graziano requested that Roselle Park remove the blue colored lines that have been installed between the double yellow lines on Chestnut Street.

Mayor Carl Hokanson has directed the Roselle Park Department of Public Works (DPW) to have the lines removed.

Below is a copy of the Interpretation Letter. Photograph is courtesy and property of Paul Gallegher.

U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Highway Administration

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE.
Washington, D.C. 20590

December 8, 2016

In Reply Refer To: HOTO-1

Matthew D. Loper, P.E.
County Engineer
Somerset County Engineering Division
County Administration Building
20 Grove Street
PO Box 3000
Somerville, New Jersey 08876-1262

Dear Mr. Loper:

Thank you for your October 14 letter regarding the use of a color marking between the lines of a double-yellow centerline marking. You requested clarification on whether this type of installation would comply with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD).

Section 3A.06 of the MUTCD states that the pattern of a longitudinal double line shall be two parallel lines separated by a discernible space. For this space between the two lines to be discernible it must represent a lack of other markings. Accordingly, the pavement surface must be visible in the space between the lines in the same way that it is visible outside the lines. On this basis alone, filling in the gap in a double line, either partially or fully, does not comply with the provisions of the MUTCD. The exception herein is the use of black in combination with one of the approved pavement marking colors, as noted in Section 3A.05.

Further, in accordance with Section 3A.05 of the MUTCD, the use of blue pavement markings is limited to supplementing white markings for parking spaces for persons with disabilities. The use of blue lines as part of centerline markings does not comply with the provisions of the MUTCD.

Further detail on the use of blue as a pavement color is provided in our August 15, 2013 Official Ruling 3(09)-24 (I), “Application of Colored Pavement”:

Blue is not a colored pavement and is not to be used as such in accordance with Paragraph 3 of Section 3G.01. Blue as it applies to a pavement marking is exclusively reserved for the background color in the international symbol of accessibility parking symbol (see Figure 3B-22) and for the supplemental pavement marking lines that define legal parking spaces reserved for use only by persons with disabilities as provided in Paragraph 5 of Section 3A.05.

We appreciate the impact of expressing support for law enforcement officers and value their contributions to society. There are many appropriate and fitting ways to recognize service to the public that do not involve the modification of a traffic control device, which can put the road user at risk due to misinterpretation of its meaning. It is therefore critical that the uniformity of pavement markings be maintained so as to present a consistent message that accommodates the expectancy of road users. For recordkeeping purposes, we have assigned your request for interpretation the following Official Ruling number and title: 3(09)-41 (I), “Markings between Double Lines.”

Sincerely yours,

Original signed by:

Mark R. Kehrli
Director, Office of Transportation Operations

Yesterday, on January 31st, at approximately 2:23 p.m., Patrolman Alexander Lanza reportedly noticed a pedestrian – identified as Ronald Perry, age 43 of Roselle Park – walking along the sidewalk with a children’s bicycle in his possession. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that Mr. Perry was not the lawful owner of the children’s bicycle and was unable to identify its true owner.

A second men’s adult bicycle was recovered at his residence. Mr. Perry was also unable to identify its rightful owner.

He was also later found to be in possession of suspected marijuana. Mr. Perry was charged with Possession Of Controlled Dangerous Substance and Possession Of Drug Paraphernalia. He was issued a summons and released pending a future court date.

The Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) actively attempting to identify the owners of the bicycles and request that residents who may have had a bicycle stolen recently to contact Detective Richard Cocca at (908) 245-2300, extension 2204, with a description of their bicycle.

On Monday, January 9th, at approximately 4:46 p.m., Roselle Park police officers met with a Roselle Park resident who lives on Walnut Street. He advised police that he had a package stolen from his front porch between noon and 3 p.m. that same day.

The resident was able to provide documentation of the Amazon purchase as well as video surveillance from his “Ring” doorbell camera (link) he recently installed that revealed footage of a male wearing a neon reflective safety vest with the words “Select Express” on the back. The individual walked onto the resident’s front porch holding a small-sized package. The suspect looked around and then picked up the package that was laying on the porch that was delivered earlier by another courier and returns to a white van and drives northbound out of the area.

The information was forwarded and followed up by Detective Edward Nortrup. Detective Nortrup and Detective Sergeant Dominick Frino were able to locate the individual in Elizabeth at his job. The individual was identified as Samuel E. German, age 23 from Bayonne. The stolen package was recovered as well as several other packages. Mr. German was placed under arrest.

Detectives are attempting to identify the owners of the remaining packages. The recovered items were all removed from their original shipping boxes that had the names and addresses on them. Anyone who was informed of a package delivery during this time but never received it is urged to call the Roselle Park Police Department at (908) 245-2300 for a follow-up investigation.

Mr. German was ultimately charged with theft and released on a summons with a future court date.

The photograph below provided by the Roselle Park Police Department
is identified as that of Samuel E. German.
Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

January 14, 2017
At approximately 1:59 a.m., Patrolman Marino Diaz conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2004 Jeep on Chestnut Street for a moving violation. The driver of the vehicle, Juanpablo Quiros-Arce, age 33 from Roselle Park, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was placed under arrest and charged with Possession of CDS and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Mr. Quiros-Arce was issued a summons and released with a future court date. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

January 20, 2017
At approximately 10:05 p.m., Patrolman William Hannon conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2013 Dodge on West Westfield Avenue for an equipment violation. The driver of the vehicle, Keith J. Johnson, age 29 from East Orange, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana. He was placed under arrest and charged with Possession of CDS. Mr. Johnson was issued a summons and released with a future court date. Motor vehicle summons were also issued.

January 21, 2017
At approximately 10:54 p.m., Patrolman William Hannon conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2004 Nissan on West Westfield Avenue for an equipment violation. The driver of the vehicle, Deandre T. Allen, age 20 from Roselle, was found to be in possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia. He was placed under arrest and charged with Possession of CDS and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Mr. Allen was issued a summons and released with a future court date. Motor vehicle summons were also issued.

January 30, 2017
At approximately 11 p.m., Patrolman William Hannon conducted a motor vehicle stop on a 2008 silver Honda Accord in the area of West Colfax Avenue at Larch Street for a moving violation. Upon further investigation, Patrolman Hannon observed a rear seat passenger Paul Lamberti, age 24 from Mountainside, to be in possession of suspected marijuana. He was placed under arrest and was charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and was issued a summons for failure to wear a seatbelt. He was later released with a future court date.

February 4, 2017
Officer Gregory Polakoski arrested Diego S. Principe, age 28 of Elizabeth, for Possession of CDS (suspected marijuana) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of East Westfield Avenue. Mr. Principe was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

February 6, 2017
Officer Gregory Polakoski arrested Joanne K. Talbot, age 44 of East Orange, for Possession of CDS (suspected marijuana) pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of East Westfield Avenue and Chestnut Street. Ms. Talbot was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

February 7, 2017
Officer William Hannon arrested Mohamed T. Kaba, age 18 of Newark, for Possession of CDS (suspected marijuana) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of West Westfield Avenue and Chiego Place. Mr. Kaba was also arrested on a Union Township Municipal Court warrant totaling $750. He was processed and issued a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued. Mr. Kaba was subsequently turned over to Union Township Police Department as he was unable to post bail.

February 8, 2017
Officer Richard Gaylord arrested Michael J. Watson, age 25 of Roselle, for Possession of CDS (suspected marijuana) pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of West Lincoln Avenue and Colfax Avenue. Mr. Watson was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

That same day, officer William Hannon arrested Christopher Ruiz-Aragon, age 18 of Somerset, for Obstruction, Possession of CDS (suspected marijuana) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of Madison Avenue and Pershing Avenue. Mr. Ruiz-Aragon was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

February 12, 2017
Officer John Fitzgerald arrested Norberto Pena, age 24 of Paterson, for Possession of CDS (suspected marijuana) pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of Galloping Hill Road and East Grant Avenue. Mr. Pena was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

February 14, 2017
Officer William Hannon arrested Brittany F. Charles, age 18 of Woodbridge, for Possession of CDS (suspected marijuana) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of West Westfield Avenue and Valley Road. Ms. Charles was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

February 16, 2017
Officer Kyle Snyder arrested Marcus A. Newton, age 24 of Newark, for possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of East Grant Avenue. Mr. Newton was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

February 19, 2017
Officer Ryan Hokanson arrested Justine Harris, age 26 of East Orange, for possession of suspected marijuana and prescription legend drugs pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of West Westfield Avenue and Chiego Place. Ms. Harris was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

February 22, 2017
Officer Angelo Marino arrested Antonio J. Diaz, age 31 of Elizabeth, for possession of suspected marijuana pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of East Westfield Avenue. Mr. Diaz was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

February 26, 2017
Officer John Fitzgerald arrested Catherine J. Pagano, age 19 of Union Township, for possession of suspected marijuana pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of East Sumner Avenue. Ms. Pagano was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

February 27, 2017
Officer John Fitzgerald arrested Andre W. Tuzo, age 42 of Roselle Park, for possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia pursuant to an investigation regarding a dispute in the area of East Westfield Avenue. Mr. Tuzo was processed and released on a summons.

February 28, 2017
Officer Mitchell White arrested Nedje F. Severe, age 30 of Elizabeth, for possession of suspected marijuana pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of East Westfield Avenue and Walnut Street. Mr. Severe was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

The Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) has seen an increase of reports of motor vehicle burglaries. Most of the vehicles had been left unlocked. RPPD asks residents and motorists to remember to lock their vehicles and not to leave valuables in their car. If valuables must be left in a vehicle, they should be placed out of sight.

March 10, 2017
Officer Angelo Marino arrested Khalid K. Onion, age 41 of Newark, for possession of suspected marijuana and hindering his own apprehension pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of West Westfield Avenue. Mr. Onion reportedly identified himself initially to police as “Khalid Morton” with a false date of birth to avoid arrest on a Union Township Municipal Court warrant that was issued in the amount of $878. He was processed and released on a summons. A motor vehicle summons was also issued for an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

March 11, 2017
Officer Angelo Marino arrested Erika M. Brown, age 43 of Union, for driving while under the influence and passenger Richard Smith, age 41 of East Orange, for possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of West Colfax Avenue. The stop reportedly followed a motor vehicle crash which damaged a parked vehicle in the area. Ms. Brown was processed and released on a summons. Mr. Smith was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued for both.

March 12, 2017
Officer Kyle Snyder arrested Xavier E. Rogers, age 28 of Jersey City, for possession of suspected marijuana pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of Locust Street. Mr. Rogers was processed and released on a summons. He was also found to have an outstanding warrant out of Newark Municipal Court which he was released on his own recognizance for with a court date. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

March 13, 2017
Officer William Hannon arrested Royland Angus (driver), age 25 of Irvington, for possession of suspected marijuana as well as drug paraphernalia and Tamba T. Martin (passenger), age 37 from Newark, for an outstanding warrant out of Essex County Sheriff’s Department pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of West Westfield Avenue. Mr. Angus was processed and released on a summons. Ms. Martin was later charged with criminal mischief after urinating in the holding area and turned over to Essex County Sheriff’s Department. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

March 14, 2017
Officer Robert Harms arrested Michael A. Yzarra, age 19 of Roselle Park, for theft pursuant to an investigation of a reported theft of a snow shovel from a residence on East Lincoln Avenue during the height of a snow storm. The stolen shovel was recovered. Mr. Yzarra was processed and released on a summons.

March 18, 2017
Officer Angelo Marino arrested Courtney D. Baker, age 30 of Newark, for eluding police while in a motor vehicle and driving while intoxicated. At approximately 2:09 a.m., Patrolman Marino reportedly attempted to stop a 2015 Chevy that was being driven by Mr. Baker for an equipment violation as well as a registration check revealing the registered owner to be a suspended driver and vehicle to be unregistered. A pursuit ensued as Mr. Baker drove at a high rate of speed and recklessly through Roselle and Elizabeth, according to police. The vehicle came to rest in a large pile of snow on Linden Avenue in Elizabeth where Mr. Baker was taken into custody and determined to be driving under the influence. The suspect was ultimately charged with 2nd-degree Eluding and Driving While Intoxicated. Mr. Baker was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued in Roselle Park, Roselle, and Elizabeth.

March 19, 2017
Officer William Hannon arrested Emmanuel S. Davis (driver), age 28 of East Orange, for driving while under the influence and Dashon S. Wade (passenger), age 27 of Newark, for possession of suspected marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and hindering his own apprehension pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of West Westfield Avenue. Reportedly, Mr. Wade initially identified himself to police as “Keion Wade” to avoid arrest on two outstanding warrants out of Jersey City and Montclair Municipal Court, bail totaling $5,250. Mr. Davis was processed and released on a summons. Mr. Wade was processed, issued a summons, and turned over to Jersey City Police. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued for both.

In an unrelated matter, officer William Hannon arrested William F. Staples IV, age 33 of Roselle, for possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of West Westfield Avenue and Gordon Street. Mr. Staples was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

March 20, 2017
Officer William Hannon arrested Edsel S. Medina, age 28 of Elizabeth, for possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of Maple Street. Mr. Medina was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

March 21, 2017
Officer William Hannon arrested Javens D. Ogaus, age 23 of Irvington, for possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of West Westfield Avenue and Locust Street. Mr. Ogaus was processed and issued a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued. The suspect was found to have an outstanding warrant out of Seaside Heights Municipal Court in the amount of $450 and ultimately turned over to Seaside Heights Police.

The Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) has just announced that its Community Policing Unit (CPU) is now offering residential and commercial safety inspections free of charge.

RPPD police officers will be available by appointment to conduct a security survey of homes and/or businesses. Following the inspection, the unit will make recommendations about how to improve protection and prevent crime.

Any resident or business property owner interested in the safety survey can contact officer Greg Polakoski at (908) 245-2300, ext. 2104, or at gpolakoski[@]roselleparkpd.org.

Roselle Park resident Frances Guzman, age 51, was arrested on Saturday, April 8th, for Eluding, Resisting Arrest, and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (CDS).

At approximately 8:51 a.m. that morning, while detailed to Distracted Driver enforcement, Detective Sergeant Dominick Frino reportedly observed a driver traveling eastbound on the 600 block of West Westfield Avenue using her cell phone while operating a 2007 Honda. A motor vehicle stopped was conducted in the area of West Westfield Avenue at Locust Street. According to the report, after being stopped for several minutes – during the course of the investigation – the driver drove off and police gave chase into Roselle onto First Avenue.

The driver of the Honda allegedly struck Detective Sergeant Frino’s police vehicle on First Avenue at Walnut Street and continued toward Linden Road where the pursuit led back into Roselle Park.

The pursuit ended as the driver stopped in front of her residence on the 100 block of Bender Avenue where she reportedly bailed out of the vehicle on foot and was quickly apprehended by Detective Sergeant Frino, Lieutenant Manuel Jimenez, and Patrolman Mitchell White who had joined in the pursuit.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Frances Guzman, age 51 from Roselle Park. A search incident to the arrest led to the discovery, according to police, of Ms. Guzman being in possession of suspected heroin.

Ms. Guzman was issued numerous motor vehicle summonses and formally charged with Eluding in the 2nd degree, Resisting Arrest in the 3rd degree, and Possession of CDS in the 3rd degree. She was subsequently released on her own recognizance with a Union County Superior Court date of April 24th.

March 23, 2017
Roselle Park police officer Robert Harms arrested Milton V. Garcia, age 28 of Elizabeth, for possession of suspected marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of West Sumner Avenue and Willis Place. He was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

March 26, 2017
Roselle Park Police Department (RPPD) officers Mitchell White and James Kompany arrested Josue Cardona, age 25, and Eliut Cardona, age 27, both of Elizabeth, for possession of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of East Westfield Avenue. It was reported that the vehicle was parked and occupied for approximately two hours in front of an apartment complex. Both men were processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

March 28, 2017
RPPD officer William Hannon arrested Jandor A. Cruz, age 22 of Elizabeth, for possession of suspected marijuana pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of East Westfield Avenue. Mr. Cruz was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

April 4, 2017
RPPD officer Kyle Snyder arrested Sabir T. King, age 20 of North Brunswick, for possession of suspected marijuana as well as suspected codeine and drug paraphernalia pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of Chestnut Street. Mr. King was also found to have an outstanding warrant out of Newark Municipal Court for $400. He was processed and released on a summons after posting cash bail. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

April 5, 2017
RPPD detectives Richard Cocca and John Deegan arrested John J. Ricciardulli, age 42 of Roselle Park, for possession of suspected heroin and suspected cocaine pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of Lehigh Avenue. Mr. Ricciardulli was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued for driving while suspended and possession of CDS in a motor vehicle.

April 7, 2017
RPPD Sergeant Matthew Disano arrested Stephon S. Alston, age 20 of Hillside, for possession of suspected marijuana pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of East Clay Aveanue and Galloping Hill Road. Mr. Alston was processed and released on a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.

April 8, 2017
Officer Sam Sukool arrested driver, Courtney L. Arnold, age 20 of Somerset, for possession of suspected marijuana as well as suspected a prescription legend drug and drug paraphernalia pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of East Westfield Avenue and Galloping Hill Road. The passenger, Marquann M. Anderson, age 36 from Edison, was arrested on Union County Sheriffs warrant (no bail) and passenger, Brandon I. Henderson, age 23 from Somerset, was arrested on Branchburg Municipal Court traffic warrant for $205. Mr. Arnold was processed and released on a summons. Mr. Henderson was released with a court date and Anderson was lodged into the Union County Jail. Motor vehicle summons were also issued.

That same day on an unrealted incident, RPPD Lieutenant Manuel Jimenez arrested Malik Clark, age 28 of Elizabeth, for several outstanding warrants out of Elizabeth and East Orange Municipal Court with bail totaling $1,750 pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of East Westfield Avenue. Mr. Clark was also arrested for hindering his own apprehension for identifying himself as James Hunt to police. He was processed and released on a summons after posting bail. Motor vehicle summons were also issued.

April 9, 2017
RPPD Sergeant Matthew Disano arrested Ashraf A. Elbanna, age 20 of Union, for possession of suspected marijuana pursuant to a motor vehicle stop in the area of East Westfield Avenue and Galloping Hill Road. Mr. Elbanna was processed and issued a summons. Motor vehicle summonses were also issued.