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.