ARMED ROBBERY

On this date, at approximately 5:45 A.M., patrol officers responded to the Shell gas station (299 route 3 East, Clifton) on the report of an armed robbery that had just taken place. Upon their arrival, officers met with the gas attendant, who stated that just minutes prior, while he was tending to his duties, he was approached by a lone male suspect who produced a handgun and began "pistol whipping" him about the head .While the attendant was attempting to recover from the assault, the suspect proceeded to remove cash from the register and personal belongings from the attendant before fleeing the scene on foot toward the LaQuinta Hotel. The attendant sustanined injuries to the head and facial area and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The suspect was described as a Caucasian or Hispanic male, approximately 5;5", with a thin build. He was wearing dark clothing and a black ski mask. 

Detectives from the Clifton Police Department along with the Passaic County Sheriff's Department Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Clifton Police Detective Bureau @974-470-5908.

ARMED ROBBERY ARRESTS

On December 18, 2011, at approximately 3:20 A.M., Officer Anthony Diaz was on patrol in the area of Lakeview Avenue and Piaget Avenue when he was flagged down by a pedestrian who was in need of help. The individual in question, an eighteen year old Clifton resident, advised Officer Diaz that he had just been robbed at gunpoint by multiple actors that fled the scene in a vehicle moments prior. Officer Diaz, along with other patrol units, immediately began searching the area. Officer Diaz ultimately located a vehicle that matched the description provided by the victim traveling on Randolph Avenue near Route 46. At that time, Officer Diaz along with Officer Berkenbush conducted a motor vehicle stop on the vehicle and removed all five occupants at gun point.

 

While this portion of the investigation was taking place, the victim was able to provide his account of what had transpired. The victim was reportedly walking near the intersection of Lakeview Avenue and Piaget Avenue when a black colored Honda Civic approached. At that time, multiple male parties exited the vehicle; one of whom was in possession of a handgun. and approached him on foot. One of the actors proceeded to  "pistol whip" the victim repeatedly in the facial area; thus causing him to fall to the ground; at which time all five participants began to punch and kick him about the body. The actors removed a cellular phone from the victim's person and subsequently fled the scene. However, in their haste, the  suspect vehicle struck another vehicle that was parked nearby and caused significant damage to same. The suspect vehicle then continued to flee the scene until it was stopped by Officer Diaz a short time later.

 

All five of the vehicle occupants were determined to be involved in the incident and were placed under arrest. A pellet pistol was located inside the vehicle subsequent to an interior search of same. At headquarters, detectives from the Juvenile Division and Detective Bureau conducted an investigation that lasted several hours and upon conclusion, all five arrested individuals were charged with Armed Robbery by the Patrol Division. Two of the actors were determined to be juveniles from the City of Paterson. The names of the arrested adults are as follows:

 

1) Felix A Tejada (20 y.o.a.) of Paterson

2) Brayon Tejada (21 y.o.a.) of Paterson

3) Anthony Rojas (19 y.o.a.) of Paterson

 

The adults were additionally charged with a statute relating to the employment of a juvenile in a crime.

 

 Detectives obtained information during the course of their investigation indicating  that the individuals in question committed at least one additional Armed Robbery during the night in question and that the incident occurred somewhere near the Clifton/Paterson border. However, the victim has not come forward to date. In response, the Clifton Police Department is asking the victim of this incident or anyone with information regarding these incidents, to contact the Clifton Police Juvenile Division @ 973-470-5908 as soon as possible. The seriousness of these offenses can not be taken lightly and the assistance of the public is always instrumental in fighting crime.

NYC OEM CELL PHONE TEST

The NYC Office of Emergency Management will test the cellular text message system today between 10am & 3pm. 

The NYC OEM will be testing a text message system today by sending messages to cellular phones in New York City. Reports are that residents in surrounding areas such as Bergen County can/may receive this message. 

When the message is sent phones will receive an audible tone ( even if phones are set to silent or vibrate ) then a message will be received that reads that it is a test from NYC OEM. Again residents in our area may receive this message during the testing process.

ARMED ROBBERY

Last night, at approximately 8:10 P.M., a 51 year old city resident became the victim of an Armed Robbery. The incident occurred on Parker Avenue (near Center Street) while the victim was standing outside her apartment awaiting transportation to church. The victim was approached by a lone male who demanded that she hand over her purse. The victim initially refused to comply, at which time the actor produced a handgun and pressed the barrel of same into the victim's stomach area while threatening to shoot her if she continued to resist. The victim subsequently complied and the actor fled the scene (on foot) in possession of the purse (west on Lake Avenue). The actor was described as a Hispanic male,  17-20 years of age, light skinned, clean shaven, approximately 5'5" and weighing approximately 140 lbs. (thin build). The actor was wearing a "plain" dark blue sweatshirt and black colored watch cap.

SUSPICIOUS DEATHS

Earlier this evening, patrol units from the Clifton Police Department responded to 17 Gillies Street (Clifton) after receiving a report that two deceased individuals were discovered inside said residence by a family friend. Patrol units arrived on scene and located the decedents within the residence; one of which was a female, and the other, a younger male.  An investigation into the deaths began immediately and Detectives from the Clifton Police Department and  Passaic County Prosecutor's Office became involved. The decedents have been identified as Cheryl Regazzi, (53 y.o.a.) of 17 Gillies Street, Clifton and her son, Robert Regazzi (20 y.o.a.) of the same address. The causes of death are still being investigated and additional information will become available as the investigation progresses. Anyone with information regarding this investigation, please contact the Clifton Police Detective Bureau @973-470-5908.

GAS STATION ROBBERY

On 11/13/2011, at approximately 7:15 PM, three actors forced their way into the gas station located at 595 Paulison Avenue in the City of Clifton. Once inside, one actor produced a handgun while another physically assaulted the attendant. The actors made off with cash and fled on foot (Paulison Avenue toward Comfort Place). Two of the actors were described as being Caucasian or Hispanic males, light skinned, in their early 20's, and wearing gray hooded sweatshirts. There was no description available for the third actor. Anyone with information regarding this robbery should contact the Clifton Detective Bureau at 973-470-5908.

BURGLARY ARRESTS

On 11/10/2011, at approximately 4:00 P.M., two actors committed a burglary to a home on Daniels Drive after breaking a rear window and entering the unoccupied residence. The actors removed many valuables from the residence, which included assorted jewelry, cash money, electronics, and luggage, before fleeing the scene. Officers and detectives from the Clifton Police Department responded to the residence and an investigation commenced. During the next several hours, detectives were able to develop leads and ultimately identify two suspects; both of whom were adult males (19 and 20 years old respectively) and residents of Clifton. Detective Michael McLaughlin, Detective Douglas Miller, and Detective Christian Vassoler continued to work the case throughout the night and eventually apprehended both suspects without incident. The detectives were ultimately successful in recovering a majority of the stolen goods and were able to return same to the victims. The suspects were charged with Burglary, Theft, and C.D.S. offenses.

 During the investigation, the aforementioned detectives, along with Detective Robert Anderson, were able to link the two suspects to at least two additional residential burglaries; one of which occurred on Linwood Drive (Clifton) on 10/28/2011, and the second on Hamas Street (Clifton) on 11/10/2011. During these incidents, entry was forced into the unoccupied residences and assorted jewelry and cash were stolen from within the homes. It was later determined that a third actor had accompanied and assisted the two suspects in committing the burglary on Hamas Street. This individual was identified as an 18 year old male, currently residing in Carteret, NJ. (formerly of Clifton). He was later arrested for the burglary in question and additionally charged with C.D.S. offenses.

 As the investigation continued, detectives learned that the two original suspects were involved in over 100 vehicle burglaries that occurred within the City of Clifton and neighboring jurisdictions during the past several weeks. In each of these incidents, the suspects entered vehicles that were left unlocked and removed valuables ranging from spare change to computers. The two suspects were additionally charged with numerous counts of Burglary in relation to these acts. Two additional actors were later identified as partaking in a portion of these vehicle burglaries and were charged accordingly.

HOUSE FIRE

On November 6, 2011, at approximately 2:30 A.M., Clifton police officers and Clifton firefighters responded to 16 Elmwood Drive on the report of a working house fire.  Upon arrival, officers discovered that the home was engulfed in flames and heavy black smoke. While it was determined that two of the residents had escaped from the home, officers learned that there was a ten year old boy trapped inside. Patrol officers entered the home, but were unable to locate the boy due to the extreme heat and heavy smoke condition. Firefighters arrived on scene within minutes and immediately entered the home where they subsequently found the boy unconscious in one of the bedrooms. The boy was carried outside of the home where firefighters immediately began performing rescue care. The child was transported to St.Joseph's Hospital (Paterson) and ultimately re-routed to St. Barnabas Hospital (Livingston). The police department was later advised that the boy was stabilized and in recovery.

Three officers from the police department were treated at St. Joseph's Hospital for smoke inhalation; specifically PO. Joel Muniz, PO. Ryan Maloney, and PO.Anthony Diaz. At least one firefighter was also treated at the hospital for the same condition.

STORM AFTERMATH

As a result of the snowstorm experienced this past weekend, there are still power outages and roadway closures in effect within the City of Clifton. The roads that remained closed (or at least partially closed) are Knapp Avenue (a one block radius adjacent to Lexington Avenue) and Pearlbrook Drive. There are still many downed trees and wires that are in the process of being tended to by Clifton D.P.W. and PSE&G.  Anyone with concerns regarding power lines, electrical wires, damaged or downed trees, or any other storm related issues that may be deemed a safety hazard, please notify the Clifton Police Department @ 973-470-5911 (non-emergency) or 9-1-1 for emergencies.

HALLOWEEN

The City of Clifton will not cancel or postpone Halloween. We do strongly recommend that all Halloween activities be curtailed after dark due to numerous power outages, down wires, ice conditions and peripheral issues. The emergency call load continues to exceed normal volume. Please be patient, city services are working hard to address your concerns in a timely manner.

ARMED ROBBERIES OF PEDESTRIANS

Investigators from the Clifton Police Department are searching for suspects in four separate armed robberies that occurred within the City of Clifton during the past week. The first incident took place on October 21st near 556 Van Houten Avenue at approximately 11:45 PM. During this incident, the male victim was accosted by two male actors; one of whom placed a knife against the victim's back and demanded that he "hand over everything". The victim complied and the actors fled the scene in a vehicle being operated by a third accomplice.

On October 24th, at approximately 10:00 P.M., a 35 year old male was walking on DeMott Avenue near First Street when he was approached by three male actors who pushed him to the ground, rifled through his pockets, and ultimately removed numerous personal belongings from his possession. The actors then fled the scene after threatening to "shoot" the victim.  Moments later, two females (55 and 56 years of age) were walking to their respective vehicles on DeMott Avenue near Second Street when they were simultaneoulsly approached by at least two male actors. One of the actors was reportedly in possession of a handgun and attempted to physically remove a purse from one of the victims. When the victim resisted, the actor used even greater force and ultimately caused the purse to tear in half and the contents of same to become strewn about the roadway. During this time, the second victim was being assaulted as another actor attempted to gain possession of her purse. While doing so, the actor forced the victim to the ground where she struck her head against the pavement and ultimately relinquished control of her purse to him. Both victims sustained injuries, however one victim received further treatment at St. Mary's Hospital.

The actors in all four incidents were described as dark-skinned Hispanic males, possibly of Dominican descent; ages 15-21.
The investigation is on-going and additional details will be released as they become available. Anyone with information regarding these incidents can contact the Detective Division at 973-470-5908.

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT IN THE CITY OF CLIFTON

The purpose of trafffic enforcement in the City of Clifton is to ensure the safety of all vehicle operators and pedestrians within all areas of the city. One aspect of traffic enforcement conducted by the Clifton Police Department involves enforcing vehicle/pedestrian laws in and around the many school zones located within the city. During these enforcements officers handle both moving and parking violations, along with pedestrian issues. One of the methods utilized in conducting these operations is "Non-Confrontational Enforcement". This type of enforcement involves officers observing violations occurring in their presence, recording the license plate of the vehicle involved in the violation, and mailing the appropriate summons to the registered owner of the vehicle. This type of enforcement reduces the number of officers required to conduct the operation; thus, allowing for the availibility of other officers to handle emergencies and other police related functions. NOTE: Any violation or incident observed by an officer that would be categorized as an imminent danger to the public is addressed immediately on scene. 

A frequent violation that occurs not only within school zones, but throughout the city, is illegal parking. Illegal parking is not acceptable as it adds to both traffic and security issues. This type of violation may result in either a summons being issued or in some instances, a vehicle being towed from the scene if the driver can not be located, or if some type of hazard exists.

One of the main goals of the Clifton Police Department is to ensure a safe environment for all. With that in mind, this notice is intended to educate the public and discourage traffic related violations. Please visit the Clifton Police Department "Facebook" and "Twitter" page for updates on crime information, traffic issues, and police department announcements.

PHISHING SCAM

The Clifton Police Department is issuing a warning to all residents regarding e-mails being received from the Internal Revenue Service. Residents have begun receiving these e-mails which direct the recipient to click on an attached link in order to view their current financial tax status. This is a confirmed "phishing scam" that the I.R.S. is aware of and is currently in the process of investigating.

It has been confirmed that the I.R.S. WILL NOT communicate with the public via e-mail under any circumstances. Therefore, any e-mail originating from the Internal Revenue Service is to automatically be deemed a scam, and the mail MUST NOT be opened. If it is, personal information regarding the recipient will be transferred directly to the individual(s) perpetrating the scam.

Any reports or questions regarding phishing scams can be directed to the I.R.S. via phishing@irs.gov.  General information is available by seraching the I.R.S. website (keyword -- "phishing"). Residents can also contact the Clifton Police Department for assistance.

TRAFFIC/PARKING ENFORCEMENT IN SCHOOL ZONES

Recently, there have been many inquiries regarding a particular traffic enforcement that took place on October 5, 2011 at Clifton Public School #8 located on Oak Street. This enforcement was initiated after the police department received an overwhelming number of complaints from motorists traveling through this area during early morning "student drop off". These complaints were forwarded to the police department not only by passing motorists, but also by concerned parents, who have routinely witnessed safety issues during this particular time of day.

The majority of the complaints were in regard to parents allowing their to children exit vehicles while stopped in the middle of the roadway, not only adding to traffic congestion, but also creating a safety issue for the children. A secondary complaint involved vehicles being parked in front of the school for a substantial amount of time. This issue also contributes to traffic congestion and is inconsiderate to other parents who are awaiting an opportunity to safely drop off their children.

Officers conducting this type of enforcement utilize two statutes from NJ Title 39, specifically 39:4-135 and 39:4-139, both of which are parking related statutes dealing directly with the aforementioned violations. During this particular enforcement, officers observed the violations taking place, recorded the license plates of the vehicles in question, and mailed the appropriate summonses to the registered owner of the vehicle. Approximately thirty (30) summonses were issued during this enforcement, some of which were the result of other infractions.  

The Clifton Police Department places school zone safety among its top priorities and as a result, consistently monitors school zone activity and promptly responds to complaints of traffic and safety issues that involve Clifton schools. This enforcement was not  isolated in nature; moreover, it was part of a routine enforcement that has been taking place in school zones within the City of Clifton for quite some time and one that will continue in the future. 

ROBBERY ARREST

During the afternoon hours of September 10th, 2011, two  shoppers at  the "Michael's" store, located in the Riverfront Shopping Center, became victims of robbery during two separate incidents that occurred within minutes of each other. Both incidents took place in the foyer area of the store and involved one male actor forcefully removing gold necklaces from each victim's neck. The actor, described as an African American male, fled from the scene by unknown means after perpetrating the second act.

After nearly a month long investigation led by Detective Michael McLaughlin, the actor was identified and warrants were generated for his arrest. On October 7th, 2011, Clifton detectives apprehended the actor at his residence in Irvington, NJ. He was identified as Randy S. Hayes (36 years of age). Hayes was charged with two counts of second degree Robbery along with drug related charges that stemmed from his arrest. Bail was set at $350,000 no 10%.

ARMED ROBBERY ARREST

On October 1, 2011 at approximately 11:00 P.M., the gas station located at 1061 Main Avenue (Clifton) was robbed at gunpoint. The gas attendant was approached by a male party who proceeded to point a firearm in his direction and demand money. The attendant complied and handed over cash to the actor, who then fled the scene on foot. During the evening hours of October 4th, the same gas station experienced a second robbery perpetrated by an individual in possession of a firearm. Last night, at approximately 10:00 P.M., a third robbery occurred at the same gas station; however this time there was no weapon displayed. The lone actor fled on foot, making away with several hundred dollars.

Detective Bureau personnel along with Anit-Crime detectives and patrol officers (from Clifton and Passaic) initiated a canvas that began at the incident location and stretched deep into the City of Passaic.Within one half hour of the incident, Detectives Wayne Stine, Rocco Locantore ,and Randy Colondres (of the Anti-Crime Unit) located a subject that matched the description of the actor on Monroe Street in Passaic. After approaching this individual, the detectives confirmed that he was in fact the actor from the robbery and after a brief struggle, placed him into custody.

The actor, later identified as Daniel Vasquez (19 years of age) of Clifton, was conveyed to police headquarters where detectives eventually linked him to involvement in all three robberies. Vasquez was charged with multiple counts of Armed Robbery, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose.

Daniel Vasquez

HAUNTED HOUSE ADVISORY

The City of Passaic has authorized the operation of a Haunted House for the Halloween season in the industrial property located at the end of Brighton Ave., off of Van Houten Ave. at the Clifton/Passaic border.  This attraction will open Friday September 30, 2011 and is expected to draw a large amount of visitors.  We anticipate some issues which may affect our residents such as parking spill over and potentially unruly groups.  In preparation for this, we are planning increased patrol activity in your area, however if you observe a violation please assist us by reporting it in a timely manner to the Clifton Police Department at 973-470-5911.  We will do our very best to minimize any adverse effects that this attraction may have on our residents and appreciate your assistance.

WEAPON ARREST AT CLIFTON HIGH SCHOOL

Today, at approximately 12:00 P.M., the school resource officers assigned to the Clifton High School (specifically Detectives Hillyer and Smith) received information that a student was in possession of a loaded firearm on campus. Determining that the information was credible, school officials were notified and the Clifton High School campus was placed into a "lock-down." Having only been provided with a first name, the resource officers along with school officials immediately began an investigation into determining the identity of this individual. A short time later, a possible identity of the student in question was established and the officers immediately responded to a classroom in the "east wing" which, according to the school class schedule, was where this individual was assigned during this particular period. Upon their arrival, the officers were advised that the student had been granted a hall pass just moments prior and could have been anywhere within the campus grounds.

The officers then initiated a systematic search of the building and entered a restroom known to the officers as an area that would be accessible to students. At that time, the officers encountered 15 male students inside the bathroom area and after a process of elimination, were able to locate the student in question and ultimately recovered a metal framed "BB" style pistol (capable of discharging plastic and metal BB's) from the student's waistband. The 15 year old student was placed under arrest and conveyed to the Clifton Police Department where he was charged with weapons offenses and ultimately conveyed to the Essex County Juvenile Shelter in Newark.

According to the student, he possessed the weapon solely for the purpose of "giving it to a friend at the end of the day." There is no information indicating that the student had intentions to commit a criminal offense with the weapon. There are no further details available at this time.

VAN HOUTEN AVE ROAD CLOSURE BETWEEN GSP BRIDGE AND CLIFTON AVE

As many of you are aware, there is an ongoing street and sidewalk repair project on Van Houten Ave. between the GSP Bridge and Clifton Ave.  This area of Van Houten Ave. is scheduled for repaving next week.  The schedule is as follows, please plan accordingly, and avoid this area if possible:

Monday, September 26, 2011 at 8:00 am:  New Prince will mobilize the milling operation at the intersection of Clifton Ave. and Van Houten Ave.  One lane of traffic will be kept open while the milling operation is ongoing.  Trucks will be detoured around the work area down Broad St. to Allwood Rd. to Mt Prospect Ave.  The milling should be completed by 2:30 pm when school is dismissed.  School buses from Clifton HS will exit on the Colfax Ave. side.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 and Wednesday, September 28, 2011: New Prince will raise and reset manholes and inlets, and prepare the roadway for paving.  Two lanes of traffic should be open during this operation through the work area.

Thursday, September 29 and Friday, September 30, 2011: Clifton schools will be closed due to holiday which will minimize traffic through the work area.  New Prince will pave Van Houten Ave. from Clifton Ave. to just short of the Garden State Parkway bridge.  One lane of traffic will be kept open during the paving operation and trucks will be detoured per the detour plan described above.

ARMED ROBBERY PRESS RELEASE

Last night at approximately 9:00 P.M., an armed robbery occurred at the "Jerusalem Pharmacy" located on Main Avenue in the City of Clifton.
A lone male actor entered the location wearing a facial covering and gloves and carrying a "sawed-off" shotgun. The actor approached the counter, pointed the weapon at the pharmacist, and demanded "pain-killers". The pharmacist complied and proceeded to hand over numerous bottles of prescription pills to the actor – who then fled from the pharmacy while making threatening statements to the victim in the process. The actor reportedly fled the scene on foot (Park Slope toward Getty Avenue).

There are no further details available at this time. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Clifton Police Department Detective Bureau at 973-470-5908.

Free Senior Citizen IDs from PCSD

Do you know a senior citizen that needs photo identification?  Sheriff Richard Berdnik  and the Passaic County Sheriff's Department are offering free senior citizen photo identification cards.   The IDs will be available at the Allwood Branch of the Clifton Public Library, located at 44 Lyall Rd. in Clifton, on Thursday, June 16 and also on Friday, June 17, 2011. Applications maybe picked up at the Clifton Library on Lyall Road and must be completed and returned by Wednesday, June 2, 2011. This program is open to all senior citizens who reside in Clifton. If you have any questions please contact the Community Policing Division of Passaic County Sheriff's Department at 973-389-5920.  Follow this link for a map:  http://bit.ly/dYOzpy