GUN ARRESTS

Early yesterday morning, at approximately 3:30 A.M., officers responded to the area of Kuller Road on the report of gunshots being fired from a vehicle. Patrolman Danny Reyes was the first officer to arrive at the location and he observed a vehicle stopped in the middle of the roadway. As Patrolman Reyes approached in his patrol car the vehicle began to flee on Kuller Road toward Paterson. As back-up officers arrived, Patrolman Reyes initiated a "high risk" motor vehicle stop on the suspicious vehicle. At that time, officers met with the three vehicle occupants and conducted an investigation into whether these individuals were responsible for the reported gun shots.

As the investigation progressed, officers located an empty .22 caliber (handgun) magazine in possession of one of the vehicle's occupants. This discovery led to the subsequent location of a .22 caliber handgun within the vehicle's interior, as well as one live round of ammunition in the back seat of the vehicle. Officers also located a "spent shell casing" (a round of ammunition that has already been fired) on the ground near the site of the motor vehicle stop.

Based on these findings, all three of the vehicle occupants were arrested. Their identities are as follows:

1) Danny Cano (27) of Paterson
2) Fransisco Sostre (22) of Paterson
3) Eric Ramirez (28) of Hawthorne

Each of these individuals were charged with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, Ramirez was additionally charged with a statute relating to convicted felons in possession of a weapon. Cano was additionally charged with drug related offenses stemming from evidence recovered during the motor vehicle stop. It was confirmed that no one was injured during the discharge of the firearm and the incident remains under investigation.

The Clifton Police Deparment would like to thank both the Clifton Fire Department and the Passaic County Sheriff's Department "Crime Scene Unit" for their assistance.

ROBBERY ARRESTS

Early Sunday morning, at approximately 2:30 AM, a 28 year old Clfton resident was assaulted and robbed in the parking lot of  "Pub 46" (1081 Route 46 East). The victim was accosted by five individuals after a dispute began near the front entrance of the building and culminated in the victim being punched, kicked, and "stomped on" by the multiple suspects. The suspects removed the victim's wallet from his possession during the incident and subequently fled the scene in a Toyota Camry. Upon police arrival, the victim was disoriented due to his injuries, and as a result, was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital by Clifton Fire Department personnel for medical treatment.

Shortly afterward, Officer Anthony Diaz located the suspect vehicle on Van Houten Avenue and conducted a motor vehicle stop on same. Officer Diaz and back-up officers subsequently confirmed the involvment of the vehicle's occupants in the assault, and as a result, arrested all five individuals. 

The identities of the arrested individuals are as follows:

1) Cesar Perdomo (25) of Passaic

3) Christopher Laluz (22) of Passaic
4) Wilkins Perdomo (23) of Passaic
5) Luis Romero (27) of Clifton

All suspects were charged with Aggravated Assault, Robbery, and drug related offenses stemming from evidence recovered during the motor vehicle stop.

STREET ROBBERIES OF JUVENILES

Two additional street robberies of teenagers occurred during this past week. The first incident occurred just prior to midnight on February 22, 2012 and involved two victims being approached by two suspects while the victiims were skateboarding in the parking lot of School #17. The suspects initally asked the victims if they had any drugs on their person, to which the victims responded, "No". In response, both suspects punched the victims about the face numerous times and subsequently searched their pockets for valuables. When they were unable to find any possessions, the suspects fled the scene on foot southbound (toward Passaic) on Lexington Avenue. As a result of the attack, both victims sustained injuries to the facial area.

The first suspect was described as being an African American male, approximately 16-17 years of age, approximately 6' in height, and was wearing a blue sweatshirt. The second suspect was also described as being an African American male, approximately 14-17 years of age, and reportedly shorter in height than the first suspect.

Although the time frame and location of this particular incident does not coincide with the previously reported robberies near Christopher Columbus Middle School, the descriptions of the suspects is somewhat similar. Detectives are working on a possible link between these robberies and additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses.

The second robbery took place on February 25, 2012, at approximately 8:30 P.M. as a fifteen year old Clifton resident was walking by himself on East Fourth Street near Thompson Street. The victim was apporached from behind by at least three suspects and punched in the back of the head several times; ultimately causing the victim to fall to the ground. At that time, the suspects began to kick the victim about the body while demanding that he hand over all of his money. The victim retrieved a small amount of cash from his pocket and subequently turned over same to the suspects, who then fled the scene on foot toward Lakeview Avenue. The victim sustained substantial injuries to his facial area and was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital by Clifton Fire Department personnel.

The suspects were described as being Hispanic males, approximately 20 to 30 years of age, and were wearing dark colored clothing. Based upon the suspect description, this incident does not appear to be related to the previous robberies, however, the possibilities are still being considered.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact the Clifton Police Juvenile Bureau @ 973-470-5882.

ARMED ROBBERY

On Saturday night, the "Shell" gas station located on Route 3 Westbound experienced an armed robbery. Shortly before 9:00 PM, a male party entered the main building of the gas station and confronted the attendant, who was working alone. The suspect subsequently produced a handgun and then physically escorted the attendant outside to the "booth" where he demanded that the attendant hand over cash. The attendant complied and the suspect subsequently fled the scene on foot in an unknown direction. The actor was described as being an African American male in his twenties.

At this time, there are no further details available. Anyone with information regarding this incident in urged to contact the Clifton Police Department Detective Bureau @ 973-470-5908

MV Stop Leads to Suspect in Passaic Murders

Early Sunday morning, at approximately 1240 AM, Captain Mark Centurione and Sergeant John Stianche were patrolling the area of the "Promenade Shops" (Rt 3 West) and noticed a suspicious vehicle traveling through the parking lot of "Stew Leonard's Liquors", located just off of Allwood Road. Based on the fact that the business was closed during that time, the officers decided to stop the vehicle and inquire as to the purpose for vehicle's presence on the property. Prior to stopping the vehicle, the officers noticed that the four occupants were moving around the inside of the vehicle considerably while continuing to keep visual contact on the patrol unit. The officers stopped the vehicle at the intersection of Main and Delawanna Avenues and ultimately detected evidence of drugs inside the interior of same. At that time, Patrolman Nicholas Hriczov and Patrolman Adamo arrived on scene to provide further back -up. During the course of the investigation, Patrolman Hriczov observed what appeared to be the handle of a gun protruding from underneath the driver's seat. The item was subsequently retrieved and determined to be a loaded handgun (revolver).

While continuing with the investigation, the officers were notified that the Passaic Police Department was currently searching for the vehicle in question in regard to multiple shootings that took place earlier in the night. Shortly thereafter, the occupants of the vehicle were turned over to the custody of the Passaic Police Department. .

It was later learned that three individuals were shot during the Passaic incident and two of the victims died as a result of their injuries. After an investigation conducted by the Passaic Police Department and Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, the front seat passenger of the vehicle stopped by the Clifton officers, specifically Edwin Jimenez-Suriel (20) of Passaic, was charged in the murders. Drug related charges were additionally filed against Jimenez-Suriel by the Clifton Police Department.

Arrest for Firearms Possession

Patrolman Nicholas Hriczov and Patrolman Alexander Zamora were patrolling the area of Ackerman Avenue last night (1:50 A.M.) when they observed an occupied, suspicious vehicle in the parking lot of the Pathmark. Both officers approached in an unmarked police vehicle and began interviewing the three vehicle occupants. While conducting interviews of the parties in question, the officers located what appeared to be the handle of a gun protruding from the console area of the vehicle's interior. Officer Zamora immeidiately retrieved the item and confirmed that it was in fact a loaded firearm; specifically a  "Hi-Point C9" semi-automatic pistol.  In addition to the handgun, the officers also located numerous rounds of ammunition. At this time, the three occupants were placed under arrest and conveyed to police headquarters.Their identities are as follows:

1) Deon Davis (21) of Paterson, NJ

2) Towan Lee (31) of Paterson, NJ

3) James Nunn Jr. (21) of Paterson, NJ

The individuals were charged with numerous weapons related crimes and are currently awaiting bail, and subsequent transport to the Passaic County Jail.

Drug Arrests

In response to complaints regarding drug usage and possible drug sales near the entrance to the Clifton High School Campus on Colfax Avenue, the Clifton Police Department Juvenile Division and Tactical Narcotics Team participated in a detail on Friday morning (02/17/2012) that yielded five arrests, all of which were juvenile CHS students. The operation targeted alleged drug related offenses that were taking place off-campus prior to the start of the school day, and was the result of a joint investigation between Clifton High School Administration and police detectives. All five of the arrested juveniles were charged with marijuana related offenses and will be mandated to appear in Passaic County Superior Court.

Motor Vehicle Pursuit/ Arrests

On February 19, 2012, Patrolman Joel Muniz and Patrolman Sean Connor attempted to stop a vehicle that was traveling on Valley Road near Montclair State University. The vehicle in question, a 1999 Volkswagon Jetta, was tailgating another vehicle and had crossed over the double yellow lines several times. The officers activated the patrol vehicle's overhead lights in an attempt to alert the driver of the vehicle to pull over, however, the driver refused; instead, opting to accelerate and elude the officers. A motor vehicle pursuit ensued and continued onto the property of Montclair State University, during which time the object vehicle reached speeds of approximately 70 m.p.h. At one point in the pursuit, the driver of the suspect vehicle lost control and traveled into a wooded area on the campus. Officers continued to converge on the suspect vehicle when they realized that it had careened down an approximate 100 foot embankment. At this time, the officers approached the area on foot, when they observed at least two individuals fleeing from the vehicle. When the officers arrived at the spot where the object vehicle came to rest, they quickly apprehended one of the vehicle's occupants; specifically Brendan Guzman (18 y.o.a.) of Clifton. Numerous patrol units responded to assist in the search of the parties at large and worked in conjunction with the Montclair State University Police in an effort to apprehend them.

During the course of the investigation, officers learned that one of the occupants at large was a member of a college sport team. Comparing information found at the scene with a roster of the team researched via the internet, Sgt, Saggio identified the second suspect; specifically Pablo Zegarra (19 y.o.a.) of Montclair, and later arrested him at his dorm room. The third suspect, later identified as Oscar Gonzalez (19 y.o.a.) of Clifton, was determined to be the driver of the vehicle during the pursuit and was later apprehended at his residence.

Gonzalez was charged with Eluding an Officer (2nd Degree), Resisting Arrest (4th Degree), DWI, DWI in a School Zone, Underage Consumption of Alcohol, and a multitude of moving violations. Guzman was charged with Hindering the Apprehension of Another (3rd Degree) and Underage Consumption of Alcohol. Zegarra was charged with Resisting Arrest (4th Degree) and Underage Consumption of Alcohol.

ROBBERY

On Saturday night, (Feburary 18, 2012)  at approximately 9:30 P.M.,a 54 year old male was assaulted and robbed as he walked on Hadley Avenue. The victim was in the process of walking from the area of Main Avenue when he was accosted by at least three suspects. The suspects approached the victim from behind and kicked him in the back, thus causing him to fall to the ground. At this time, the suspects began to participate in a violent assault upon the victim. During the assault, the victim was puched and kicked about the torso and head multiple times and eventually relieved of his cellular phone. The suspects subsequently fled the scene through neighboring yards. Patrol units responded minutes later and with the assistance of Passaic County Sheriff's Department K-9 Units, began a detailed and exhaustive search of the area  However, this proved unsuccessful, as the suspects were unable to be located. The only availabe description of the suspects was that they were wearing dark clothing.

The victim sustained significant injury to his facial area, and as a result, was conveyed to St. Mary's Hospital for treatment. At this time, the investigation is continuing and the public is urged to contact the Clifton Police Detective Bureau @973-470-5908 if they have any information regarding this incident.

ROBBERIES OF JUVENILES

On Wednesday, February 15, 2012, two robberies took place in the Main Memorial Park/Christopher Columbus Middle School area. The first incident took place at approximately 5:30 P.M. when a 15 year old Clifton male was walking through the park and toward the school to meet with a family member. He was approached in the area of the tennis courts by two males who demanded that he hand over his cellular phone. When the victim stated that he did not possess a phone, one of the suspects lifted his shirt and motioned to his waistline indicating that he had a handgun. Although the victim did not see an actual firearm, he did observe some type of object wedged in the suspect's midsection. The suspects then "patted down" the victim for any personal belongings and fled when they realized that he did not possess anything of value.

The second incident occurred approximately twenty minutes later in front of Christopher Columbus Middle School (across from the baseball field) and involved a 13 year old male being approached by two male suspects who asked to "borrow" his cellular phone. The victim decided to allow the suspects (whom he was unfamiliar with) to utilize the phone, however they refused to return it. When the victim asked for the phone a second time, one of the suspects stated, "You know I have a gun. How do you want this to go down?"  Although he did not observe a weapon of any sort, the victim subsequently ran away in fear of being "shot". 

One of the suspects was described as being a medium skinned, Hispanic male, approximately 15-16 years of age, 5'11" in height with a thin build. He was wearing beige pants, a dark, hooded sweatshirt, a black baseball cap and grey colored "Vans" style low top sneakers. This suspect was also in possession of a skateboard. 

The second suspect was described as being a medium skinned, Hispanic male, approximately 14-15 years of age, 5’6" in height, with a medium build. He was wearing a black sweater, a black baseball cap, and black sneakers. This suspect reportedly spoke in Spanish and was also in possession of a skateboard. 

At this time, detectives suspect that these incidents are related to two previous robberies that took place in the vicinity of Christopher Columbus Middle School during after school hours on December 1, 2011 and January 30, 2012. Detectives believe that the suspects may be targeting juveniles that are leaving "after school programs" based on the fact that they are usually by themselves; thus, leaving them more vulnerable. The Clifton Police Department is urging parents to speak to their children about these incidents and recommending that children avoid walking by themselves through the park and surrounding area during these hours until these individuals can be apprehended. Children having no choice but to walk home alone during this time period are advised against speaking on cellular phones or of giving any outward indication that they are in possession of anything valuable. 

Anyone having questions about these incidents or any information regarding possible suspects is urged to contact the Clifton Police Juvenile Bureau @973-470-5882 or the Clifton Police Department Communications Center @ 973-470-5911. Callers can remain anonymous.

ARREST: POLICE IMPERSONATOR

Late yesterday, an arrest was made in the police impersonator investigation. The arrest came after an investigation that was conducted over a two week period by D/Lt. Michael Sweeney, Detective Robert Domski and Detective Michael Davey. Throughout the course of the investigation, detectives continued to develop leads and were ultimately able to locate surveillance photographs depicting a possible suspect inside a bodega in the northern section of Paterson. The images were of an unidentified male, and as a result, detectives opted to share said images with the public and local law enforcement community in anticipation of receiving further leads. This action proved successful late yesterday afternoon, when a Passaic County Sheriff's Officer on patrol in the North Main Street area of Paterson, observed an individual that fit the description of the "person of interest" depicted in the photograph. At this time, Sheriff's Officer Christopher Patacco stopped the individual, later identified as Michael John Conger (26 y.o.a.) of Paterson, and eventually arrested him for an outstanding warrant. Clifton Detectives were subsequently notified of the arrest and arrangements were made for the suspect to be conveyed to the Clifton Police Department for further investigation.

Upon the suspect's arrival in Clifton, Detectives Domski and Davey conducted a lengthy interrogation of him. The interrogation, coupled with the circumstances surrounding the investigation, led detectives to successfully link the suspect to all three incidents of police impersonation that took place on February 2, 2012 in the City of Clifton, and to confirm that the suspect acted alone. The suspect was ultimately charged with Burglary, Theft and multiple counts of impersonating a Law Enforcement Officer.  Bail was set at $75,000 no 10% and the suspect is currently awaiting transport to the Passaic County Jail.

PERSON OF INTEREST/IMPERSONATING POLICE OFFICER INCIDENT

The individual depicted in these photographs is a person of interest in regard to the acts of police impersonation that took place on February 2, 2012. The photographs were taken from inside a bodega located in the northern section of Paterson. Anyone with information regarding the identity of this individual is urged to contact the Clifton Police Detective Bureau @973-470-5908 or the Clifton Police Department Communications Center @973-470-5911.

WINTER STORM TONIGHT INTO TOMORROW

We are expecting somewhere between 1-3" of snow starting late tonight/early tomorrow and continuing for most of the day Saturday.  Following are some tips on how to prepare for a storm, and please remember to check on your elderly neighbors! 

http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT WITH A FIREARM ARREST

Yesterday, at approximately 4:15 A.M., officers responded to a West 2nd Street address on the report of a large fight in progress involving the discharge of a firearm. Upon arrival, officers met with the 26 year old victim, who stated that an "unknown" male party rang his doorbell shortly after 4:00 A.M.. The victim walked outside to speak with the individual when he was accosted by three additional males. One of the males produced a handgun and a lengthy physical altercation ensued.  The incident eventually led to the firearm being discharged into the ground of a nearby residence. The suspects then fled the scene in a small, black colored vehicle. The victim sustained significant injury to the head and facial injury and was transported to the hospital where he remained in tretament for the majoirty of the day. No one was injured by the firearm discharge.

An investigation was immediately initiated by the Detective Division during which time investigators learned that the incident was motivated by a dispute over monies owed. The investigation progressed throughout the day and led to the arrest of the suspect responsible for the discharge of the firearm; specifically  Eric Hernandez (22) of Paterson, late yesterday. Detective Michael Davey charged  Hernandez with Aggravated Assault, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Handgun), and other weapons offenses. Bail was set at $400,000 (no 10 %). The investigation is on-going.

POLICE IMPERSONATOR

On February 2, 2012, a police impersonator struck at least three times in the area of Broad and Grove Streets (lower end). During the late morning and early afternoon hours, the impersonator reportedly rang door bells while dressed in dark blue clothing (resembling that of a police uniform) and displaying a "star shaped" badge. The suspect advised each resident that due to an influx of burglaries in the area, the "Sheriff's Department" was conducting a survey for the future installation of "free" surveillance cameras in homes located on "main roads". Two of the residents denied the suspect entry, however, one of the residents allowed the suspect inside her residence, where he proceeded to "survey" the interior of the home for approximately forty five minutes. The suspect reportedly asked security related questions while continuously writing down "information" in a notebook. At one point, the resident lost sight of the suspect and eventually realized that he had fled the home. It is unknown whether the suspect removed anything from the residence during the incident.

The suspect was described as a Caucasian male in his 20"s, with a medium build and straight, black hair. Anyone having experienced a similar incident, or with any information regarding these acts, is urged to contact the Clifton Police Detective Bureau @973-470-5908.

ARMED ROBBERY ARRESTS

On January 28, 2012, patrol officers responded to the area of Highland Avenue and Clifton Boulevard on the report of a large fight in progress. Upon arrival, officers met with the victim, a 19 year old Clifton resident. According to the victim, he had been traveling on Highland Avenue when he was "bumped" from behind by another vehicle. In response, the victim stopped his vehicle near the aforementioned intersection, at which time two male parties exited from the vehicle behind and approached him. One of the individuals was in possession of a baseball bat and proceeded to break a window on the victim's vehicle. The two suspects then physically removed the victim from the vehicle and repeatedly struck him in the thighs with the bat while demanding money that was owed. The suspects subsequently removed cash from the victim's person and fled the scene in a small foreign vehicle.

After an investigation that lasted several days, two arrests have been made in conjunction with this incident; one of which was an adult, and the second, a juvenile. The adult was identified as Randall Porga (19) of Clifton, and the juvenile was identified as being a 17 year old Clifton resident. Detective Michael Davey charged both suspects with Armed Robbery and weapons related offenses. The adult received a $100,000 bail and was sent to the Passaic County Jail while the juvnenile offender was transported to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center.

ARMED ROBBERY

This morning, at approximately 5:00 A.M., a 58 year old Clifton man was robbed at gunpoint near the intersection of Main and Luddington Avenues after retrieving money from a nearby ATM. The victim was in the process of walking home after completing the transaction when he was approached from behind by two male suspects; one of whom was in possession of a handgun. One of the suspects proceeded to remove the victim's cash from his pocket while reportedly encouraging the suspect in possession of the handgun to "shoot" the victim. The suspects fled the scene on foot toward Third Street and were described as being Hispanic males in their late teens or early twenties. Both suspects were described as wearing dark colored, hooded sweatshirts. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Clifton Police Detective Bureau @973-470-5908.

ROBBERY

Last night, at approximately 11:50 P.M., a 28 year old Clifton man was accosted by two male suspects after they began chasing him on foot from the area of Parker Avenue and Center Street. The victim eventually tripped and fell to the ground near the intersection of Center and Arthur Streets at which time both suspects began to physically assault him. The suspects searched the victim's pockets in an attempt to remove personal belongings; however, it was later determined that they were unsuccessful in doing so. The victim sustained injury to his facial area and was later transported home by responding patrol officers. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Clifton Police Detective Bureau @973-470-5908.

BURGLARY ARRESTS

On January 28, 2012, at approximately 2:00 PM, Officers Berkenbush and Lawson arrested two Clifton juveniles after they were caught breaking into vehicles on Styertowne Road. The juveniles broke windows on numerous vehicles and were in the process of removing proceeds from same when the owner of the business returned to the premises and caught them in the act. The property owner was able to detain the juveniles until the arrival of police.

The juveniles were later interviewed by Detectives Kazimir and Kaminski of the Juvenile Bureau in regard to outstanding vehicle burglaries that had been occurring to businesses in that general vicinity. Based on these interviews, the detectives were able to solve several burlgaries that occurred on Somerset Place, Speer Avenue, and Somerset Avenue during the past few weeks. Substantial damage was committed upon many of these vehicles during these incidents and a variety of proceeds were taken; some of which were later recovered by detectives. In addition, detectives were able to link these individuals to a factory burglary that occurred on Samworth Road on December 27, 2011.

The 14 year old suspects (one male, one female) were ultimately charged with numerous counts of Burglary, Theft, and Criminal Mischief.

BURGLARY ARREST

On January 28, 2012, at approximately 10:15 PM, an elderly female was home alone on Major Street (Clifton) when she heard a noise in the basement of her residence. While investigating the source, she encountred an unknown male party exiting the basement. After being detected, the suspect fled from the house. After receiving a 9-1-1 call from the elderly victim, officers began searching the area extensively; however, were initally unsuccessful in locating the suspect. A short time later, Officer Steven Maza and Officer David Roe observed a suspicious male walking briskly on Van Houten Avenue toward the City of Passaic. The officers detained the individual, later identified as Kenneth Fierro (52) of Paterson, and questioned him as to his actions on that particular night. Fierro was evasive and unable to account for his whereabouts prior to the stop.  It was learned that Fierro had warrants outstanding and as a result, he was placed under arrest and conveyed to police headquarters. Subsequent to his arrest, officers located a knife and women's jewelry on Fierro's person.

At headquarters, Fierro was interrogated by D/Lt. Michael Sweeney, Detective Michael McLaughlin, and Detective Michael Davey as to his possible involvement in the burglary on Major Street. During the interrogation, Fierro confessed to committing the act in question and repeatedly stated that he was "sorry". It was determined that the jewelry found in Fierro's possession was in fact stolen during the incident and belonged to the elderly victim. The jewelry was later returned to the victim.

Fierro was charged with Burglary and Theft and was eventually transported to the Passaic County Jail where he remains at this time.