On June 6, 2011 at approximately 5:56 p.m., Patrolman Richard Hernandez responded to 7 Linden Road (George’s Auto Repair Service) on a report of criminal mischief. The victim stated that an unknown male punched his vehicle several times causing damage and then fled into neighboring Roselle.
Security cameras on the premises captured the act. A description of the suspect was broadcast over the radio to the other units in the field as well as Roselle Police Department. The suspect was described as a tall black male in his 30s, thin build, bald head, shirtless, carrying an orange t-shirt, wearing gray/black “Jordan” basketball shorts, and sandals.
Sgt. David Pitts advised that he was attempting to stop a party fitting that description in the Roselle Shopping Plaza on East First Avenue in Roselle. Patrolman Hernandez responded to that location and confirmed that the party detained by Sgt. Pitts was the suspect from the incident. The male began screaming and was unable to communicate in complete sentences. Officers detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage from his breath. He was able to communicate that he was “homeless”. Officers questioned the man about the incident and he became increasingly aggressive towards officers shouting vulgarities. For his safety, he was placed in handcuffs by Roselle police officer Rafael Rivera.
The man was released to the custody of Roselle PD officer Rivera where he was later transported to Trinitas Hospital for a mental evaluation by Roselle PD.
Patrolman Hernandez responded back to the scene of the incident where he observed a dent to the vehicle to the passenger side bed area as a result of the man punching it. The victim’s vehicle is a 1999 GMC Sierra pickup truck.
The victim was advised of municipal court complaint procedures.