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.