On Thursday, October 13, 2011 at approximately 12:44 a.m., Roselle Park Police observed a black Cadillac CTS proceed to go through the red traffic.
A motor vehicle stop resulted in the arrest of the passenger, Roosevelt Dudley, age 24 of Roselle Park, for an outstanding Roselle warrant for $500.00 and a Rahway warrant for $500.00. A search incident to the arrest at police headquarters resulted in the discovery of three (3) small, clear Ziplock bags containing suspected marijuana.
The driver was issued traffic summonses for 39:3-40 (suspended driver), 39:4-81 (failure to observe signal) and 39:3-29(c) (failure to produce a valid insurance card).
Mr. Dudley charged with 2C:35-10 (a)(4) (possession of marijuana) with a pending Roselle Park Municipal Court date of October 20, 2011 and released into the custody of Rahway Police.
On October 13, 2011 at approximately 10:34 p.m., Patrolman Richard Gaylord observed a black BMW on West Westfield Avenue with both the driver and passenger in violation of NJ Motor Vehicle Statute 39:3-76.2(f) (failure to wear seatbelt).
A motor vehicle stop resulted in the discovery of two (2) Ziplock bags containing suspected marijuana, one (1) suspected marijuana cigar thrown from the vehicle onto the street on East Westfield Avenue, and two (2) tablets of suspected Ecstasy (MDMA).
The driver, Richard Trinh, age 27 of Linden, and the passenger, Michael Herrera-Collazos, age 30 of Elizabeth, were placed under arrest and charged with 2C:35-10(a)(1) (possession of Schedule I narcotic), 2C:35-10(a)(4) (possession of marijuana), 2C:36-2 (possession of drug paraphernalia), and 2C:28-6(1) (tampering of evidence). Mr. Trinh was additionally charged with 39:3-76.2(f) (no seatbelt) and 39:4-49.1 (CDS in a motor vehicle).
Both were released pending a Union County Superior Court date of October 21, 2011.
On Saturday, October 15, 2011 at approximately 2 a.m., while Patrolman Mitchell White was stopped at the traffic light facing southbound on Locust Street at East Westfield Avenue, he was approached by two (2) males on foot who stated they observed suspicious persons who appeared to force their way into a Volkswagen.
The vehicle, a black Volkswagen Jetta, was observed and a motor vehicle stop was conducted. Three (3) 17-year-old males from Roselle Park occupied the vehicle. None of the occupants, including the driver, had identification on them. An investigation led to the discovery of a metal grinder containing suspected marijuana and a black digital scale containing marijuana residue in possession of one of the juveniles.
The three (3) juveniles were placed under arrest and charged with 2C:35-10(a)(4) (possession of marijuana), 2C:36-2 (possession of drug paraphernalia), and Roselle Park Borough Ordinance 3-17.1 (curfew).
Additionally, the driver was charged with 39:4-49.1 (CDS in a motor vehicle) and 39:3-29 (failure to possess a driver’s license).
The vehicle was registered to one of the juvenile’s parent.
On Saturday, October 15, 2011 at approximately 9:04 a.m., while conducting stationary radar on the 300 block of Galloping Hill Road, Patrolman Nicholas Vaughan observed a silver Honda Civic traveling at a high rate of speed – 40 MPH in a posted 25 MPH speed limit.
A motor vehicle stop led to the discovery of a ‘grinder’ which is commonly used to grind marijuana. The driver, Hairol A. Santos, age 21 of Elizabeth, was arrested and charged with 2C:36-2 (possession of drug paraphernalia), 39:4-98 (speeding), 39:3-75 (tinted windows), and 39:3-74 (view obstruction).
He was released pending a first appearance of October 27, 2011.
On Saturday, October 15, 2011 at approximately 1:44 p.m. Patrolman Nicholas Vaughan observed a white GMC Yukon with a NJ temporary license plate mounted on the rear bumper of the vehicle. It was unreadable due to a tinted plate cover and was also expired.
A motor vehicle stop in the Exxon gas station parking lot at the corner of Locust Street and 1st Avenue in Roselle resulted in the arrest of the passenger, Kim Tisdale, age 42 of Elizabeth, for possession of 50 oxycodone pills. Tisdale was charged with 2C:35-10.5 (possession of Schedule I, II, III, IV drugs). The driver was issued summonses for 39:3-40 (suspended driver), 39:3-4 (unregistered motor vehicle), and 39:3-33 (unclear plates).
Tisdale was released pending a Union County Superior Court date of October 24, 2011.
On October 17, 2011, Roselle Park Police responded to 10 block of West Grant Avenue for a report of a stolen bicycle. The complainant stated that someone entered her fenced-in driveway area and took a bicycle belonging to her son. The bicycle was described as a Tony Hawk freestyle – orange and white in color. It is valued at $150.00.
There was an older Roadmaster bicycle – blue in color – left at the scene.
On Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at approximately 8:52 a.m., Patrolman Nicholas Vaughan responded to the 100 block of East Clay Avenue on a report of a burglary to a motor vehicle.
The victim stated that his wife parked the vehicle in their driveway at approximately 5 p.m. on October 17, 2011 and on the 18th she went out to the vehicle and noticed that the contents in the vehicle were scattered throughout the front seats.
The victim stated the vehicle was left unlocked; there were no signs of forced entry into the vehicle. A Magellan Mistro navigation system valued at $450.00 was stolen from the vehicle as well as a tax return check.
On October 18, 2011 at 9:09 p.m., Roselle Park Police responded to the 100 block of East Clay Avenue on a report of a juvenile firing BBs at a residence. On arrival, police observed three (3) juvenile males and one (1) juvenile female sitting on the front steps of a home on East Clay Avenue. The victim identified himself as the caller and owner of a neighboring house on East Clay Avenue.
He explained that he was inside his residence when he heard something striking the front of his residence. When he went out front to investigate, he stated that he observed a male juvenile holding a black handgun. He stated that when he confronted the juveniles, one of them admitted to shooting at his residence.
Patrolman John Deegan recovered the black air soft handgun and a clear plastic bottle of plastic projectiles – Crossman AirSoft 6mm plastic BBs. The AirSoft gun and bottle of BBs were seized.
An investigation resulted in charges being signed against two (2) of the 15-year-old males from Roselle Park for 2C:39-5 (unlawful possession of weapons), and 2C:39-4 (possession of weapons for an unlawful purpose). All juveniles were released to the custody of their parents pending a family court hearing.
On October 19, 2011 at 12:14 p.m., a resident filed a report of identity theft. The victim reported that on October 7, 2011 an unauthorized person accessed his Sprint cellular service account to activate two (2) new cellular phones/contracts. The victim had been notified by mail of the two (2) service contract agreements.
On October 19, 2011 at 4:45 p.m., Patrolman Michael Wielgus responded to the 100 block of Warren Avenue for a report of a blue Dodge Neon parked for an extended period of time. A check of the license plate revealed that the vehicle was stolen out of the Borough of Roselle on October 16, 2011. The caller stated the vehicle had been parked at the location since that date.
On October 20, 2011 at approximately 2:46 a.m., while in the area of East Westfield avenue at Linden Road, Patrolman Richard Gaylord observed a gray Honda Accord in violation of New Jersey Motor Vehicle Statute 39:3-75 (improper safety glass).
A motor vehicle stop resulted in the discovery of two (2) metal pipes commonly used to ingest CDS, one (1) silver metal grinder commonly used to process CDS, one (1) rubber gas mask with an attached plastic purple bong, and one (1) clear Ziplock bag containing suspected marijuana.
The driver, Andrea Sanchez, age 19 of Linden, was placed under arrest and charged with 2C:35-10(a)(4) (possession of marijuana), 2C:36-2 (possession of drug paraphernalia), 39:3-75 (improper safety glass), and 39:4-49.1 (CDS in a motor vehicle). Sanchez was released pending a Municipal Court Date of October 27, 2011.
On October 20, 2011 at 12:39 p.m., a resident reported a suspicious phone call. The complainant stated he received a phone call offering him a $10,000.00 disability grant.
The caller stated he was calling from the United States Government requesting the victim send $500.00 to Bangladesh or Pakistan. When that was initially refused, the caller requested the complainant send $100.00 to Pakistan and directed him to call a phone number using a special account number. The complainant became suspicious and did not send any money.
On October 21, 2011 at approximately 3:13 a.m., Patrolman Gregory Polakoski observed two (2) males sitting in a vehicle on Union Road near East Westfield Avenue. A welfare check of the occupants resulted in the discovery of a white pouch containing several yellow pills. The passenger, Arben Zherka, age 21 of Colonia, was placed under arrest and charged with 2C:35-10(a)(1) (possession of Schedule I, II, III, IV drugs). He was later released pending a Union County Superior Court date of October 28, 2011.
On October 21, 2011, Sheldon Gertel, age 39 of Roselle Park, was placed under arrest and charged after a month-long investigation by Detective Keith Wintermute.
Mr. Gertel was identified when a resident discovered several unauthorized charges for cable / internet services and deposits charged to their bank account. Mr. Gertel was renting an illegally converted second floor apartment from the victim for several years and gained access to the victim’s information – using it to pay several months of his bills and make security deposits totaling over $1,200.00.
Mr. Gertel was placed under arrest and charged with 2C:21-17 (identity theft) and 2C:20-8 (theft of services). He was committed to Union County Jail in lieu of $25,000.00 bail pending a Union County Superior Court hearing on November 6, 2011.
On October 21, 2011 at approximately 10:45 p.m., Patrolman Richard Gaylord observed a 2004 black Acura complete an illegal u-turn on Faitoute Avenue at the intersection of West Westfield Avenue.
A motor vehicle stop resulted in the discovery of one (1) partially burned hand-rolled cigar containing suspected marijuana, a medium-sized plastic Ziplock bag containing 27 small plastic bags which contained suspected marijuana; a white envelope containing numerous small empty plastic bags, and one (1) partially consumed 200 ml bottle of Hennessy cognac.
The driver, Joshua P. Durham, age 30 of Roselle, was placed under arrest and charged with 2C:35-5(b)(11) (distribution of CDS above one ounce), 2C:35-10(a)(4) (possession of marijuana); 2C:36-2 (possession of drug paraphernalia), 39:4-125 (improper u-turn), 39:4-49.1 (CDS in a motor vehicle), and 39:4-51(b) (open container of alcohol).
Mr. Durham was released pending a Union County Superior Court date of November 2, 2011.
On October 21, 2011 at 11:36 p.m., Detective Matthew Disano stopped a vehicle at West Westfield Avenue and Gordon Street in Roselle Park for an initial violation of 39:3-66 (maintenance of lamps). Detective Disano observed the driver moving around in the driver’s seat twisting her body toward the passenger side of the vehicle.
An investigation led to the discovery of a hammer tucked between the passenger front seat and the front console. As Detective Disano went to secure the hammer he discovered one (1) clear plastic bag containing suspected marijuana sticking out between the passenger front seat and the front console.
The driver, Crystal Vernon, age 27 of Neptune, NJ was placed under arrest and charged with 2C:35-10(a)(4) (possession of marijuana), 39:3-66 (maintenance of lamps), and 39:4-49.1(CDS in a motor vehicle). Ms. Vernon was released pending a Roselle Park Municipal Court date of November 3, 2011.
On October 22, 2011 at 4:03 p.m., Patrolman Kevin Florczak responded to Jerome Street (Sunrise Village Apartments) on a report of CDS (Controlled Dangerous Substance) activity. An anonymous caller stated that he observed a group of young adults or juveniles smoking marijuana.
Upon approaching the area, Patrolman Florczak immediately detected a strong odor of burning marijuana and observed four (4) males and one (1) female sitting on the outside steps. An investigation revealed one (1) partially consumed hand-rolled cigarette containing suspected marijuana, one (1) small clear jar containing a suspected synthetic marijuana, and one (1) package of E-Z Wider Wraps, commonly used to hand roll CDS.
Richard Carvalho, age 19 of Newark, was placed under arrest and charged with 2C:35-10(a)(1) (possession of Schedule. I, II, III, IV drug) and 2C:36-2 (possession of drug paraphernalia). Mr. Carvalho was released pending a Union County Superior Court hearing on November 6, 2011. The other individuals – all residents – were released from the scene. Three (3) of them were juveniles and released to their parents.
On Monday, October 24, 2011 at 11:02 p.m., Patrolman Robert Harms observed a white Honda Civic with its driver’s side headlight not working. A motor vehicle stop led to the discovery of one (1) small pink plastic Ziplock bag containing suspected marijuana.
The driver, Manuel D. Batista, age 21 of Roselle, was placed under arrest and charged with 2C:35-10(a)(4) (possession of marijuana), 39:4-49.1 (CDS in a motor vehicle), and 39:3-66 (maintenance of lamps). Mr. Batista was released pending a Roselle Park Municipal Court date of November 3, 2011.
On Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at approximately 7:45 a.m., Patrolman Nicholas Vaughan was dispatched to the area of 500 East Lincoln Avenue on a report of a male party sleeping in the rear of a green Ford Taurus. Upon locating the vehicle, Patrolman Vaughan attempted to open the door to check on the well-being of the subject in the vehicle but the doors were locked and the male was asleep.
An investigation led to the discovery of four (4) small partially smoked hand-rolled cigars containing suspected marijuana. The occupant, Jahrelle Murphy, age 23 of Linden, was arrested and charged with 2C:35-10(a)(4) (possession of marijuana). He was released pending a first appearance of November 3, 2011.
On October 25, 2011 at 9:15 p.m., a Roselle Park High School (RPHS) student reported a bicycle stolen from RPHS while he was at band practice. The bicycle was last seen at 8 p.m. outside of the gym door, which is located on the west side of the building.
The bicycle is a gray/black BMX style Verde Spectrum with red 36-inch rims, red lettering, black handle bar grips with the end of the grips cut off, and pegs on the front and back of the bicycle.
The bicycle was not locked with a chain or any type of bike lock.
On October 26, 2011 at approximately 2:25 p.m., Detective Hussam Assad conducted a narcotics investigation resulting in the arrest of Joseph Sachkowski, age 28, and Erica S. Titian, age 26 – both of Roselle Park. The arrest was made on the 400 block of Madison Avenue as the couple was walking on foot with their 4-year-old child seated in a stroller.
The couple was found to be in possession of four (4) glass vials containing suspected cocaine and two (2) wax folds containing suspected heroin hidden within the stroller. The 4-year-old child was referred to the Division of Youth and Family Service (DYFS), removed from the home, and is currently staying with relatives.
Titian and Sachkowsky were placed under arrest and charged with 2C:35-10(a)(1) (possession of CDS cocaine), 2C:35-10(a)(1) (possession of CDS heroin), and 2C:36-2 (possession of drug paraphernalia).
They were both released pending Union County Superior Court first appearance on November 4, 2011.
On October 28, 2011 at approximately 8:28 p.m., Sgt. David Pitts observed a red Volkswagen Beetle make a left turn from Linden Road westbound onto East Westfield Avenue. As this vehicle was turning, Sgt. Pitts watched as the driver’s side rear-seat passenger reached out of the driver’s window and threw an aluminum can to the roadway.
A motor vehicle stop resulted in the discovery that the can thrown from the vehicle was a 12 oz. can of Colt 45 malt liquor. A subsequent investigation resulted in the discovery of one (1) medium size plastic bag containing suspected marijuana and a 750 ml bottle of Bacardi rum.
The front seat passenger, Caleb J. Taylor, age 21 of Rahway, was placed under arrest and charged with 2C:35-10(a)(4) (possession of marijuana) and 39:4-51(b) (open container of alcohol). Mr. Taylor was released pending a Roselle Park Municipal Court date of November 10, 2011.
A rear seat passenger was issued a summons for 39:4-64 (littering on highway).
On October 28, 2011 at approx 7:07 a.m., Patrolman Robert Harms responded to the 200 block of East Westfield Avenue on a report of criminal mischief.
The victim reported her 1995 Mercury was parked curbside in and an unknown actor shattered the rear window sometime between midnight and 6:20 a.m..
A canvas of the area provided negative results for any additional information or evidence.
On October 28, 2011 at 9:34 a.m., Patrolman James Cantrell responded to the 200 block of East Westfield Avenue on a report of a burglary to an apartment which occurred between 5:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m..
An investigation revealed that an HP 15″ laptop computer valued at $700.00, a Sony digital video camera valued at $900.00, and an HP digital camera valued at $300.00 were taken from the apartment.
The victim believes she may have left her keys in the door accidentally or dropped her keys near the door upon leaving the apartment on the morning of the 27th because when she returned to the apartment she could not find her key and had to use a spare key to enter. No forced entry was discovered.
On October 29, 2011 at approximately 4:12 a.m., Sgt. David Pitts checked on a vehicle parked in the parking lot of a commercial property on the 400 block East Westfield Avenue. Upon nearing the vehicle he observed it was occupied by one (1) white male in the driver’s seat who appeared to be sleeping.
Upon opening the driver’s door, Sgt. Pitts had to physically shake the male in order to wake him.
The occupant, Scott M. Wernoch age 46 of Elizabeth, was found to be in possession of one (1) small cellophane bag containing suspected cocaine which he quickly placed in his mouth and ingested.
Sgt. Pitts attempted to physically subdue Wernoch and prevent him from destroying the evidence resulting in the use of Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper spray) to stop him from resisting. Mr. Wernoch was eventually subdued with the assistance of Patrolmen Robert Harms and Mitchell White.
Mr. Wernoch was placed under arrest and transported Trinitas Hospital for treatment which he subsequently refused. The suspect was then transported to police headquarters and charged with 2C:35-10(a)(1) (possession of cocaine), 2C:29-3(b)(1) (hindering apprehension), and 2C:29-2a(3)(a) (resisting arrest) and released pending a Union County Superior Court date of November 9, 2011.