Feb. 8
At 3:12 p.m., officers noticed a suspicious person walking on and off the train platform at Watchung Ave. Because the area has recently experienced a high level of robberies and burglaries, they stopped the man for an identification check. It was learned that Louis B. Jordan, 40, of Newark had an outstanding warrant for $208 out of Paterson. He was later released on his own recognizance by Paterson authorities.
Feb. 7
A motor vehicle theft at 24 Carpenter St. was reported at 9:55 a.m. The victim stated that their blue 2002 Subaru Impreza had been parked on Feb. 6 at 8:30 p.m. and was found missing the following morning.
Feb 6
At 7:28 a.m., an officer patrolling Magnolia St. observed a vehicle drive past a stopped school bus near Belleville School #4. After stopping the vehicle at 84 Magnolia St., the driver, Jared Serrano, 32, of Belleville was asked for his license. Serrano stated that he didn’t have the license in his possession. A subsequent check revealed an outstanding no-bail warrant from the Somerset County prosecutor’s office, and a suspended license. Serrano was arrested, issued several motor vehicle summonses, and transported to headquarters where Somerset officials later retrieved him.
At 11:21 a.m., officers were dispatched to Watchung Ave. after a complaint of suspicious persons looking into motor vehicles. When an officer tried to approach an individual who fit the description, the man began walking at “a quick pace” toward the light rail station. When police stopped him at 70 Watchung Ave., he identified himself as Reggie Blaine, 36, from Irvington. Blaine was found to have two outstanding warrants out of Irvington totaling $1347. He was taken to headquarters and later handed over to Irvington officials.
Feb. 5
Officers responded to 45 Continental Ave. at 2:33 a.m. on a report of a man brandishing a handgun. While en route, they were advised that a motor vehicle repossession employee had delivered paperwork for a vehicle at that address. When units arrived, the repo employee stated that the resident had pointed a handgun at him when he attempted to take possession of the vehicle. He explained that as he backed his tow-truck up to the silver 2004 Mercedes in an attempt to hook it, Belleville resident Paul Deluck, 64, exited his house and pointed a handgun at him. Deluck was placed under arrest for two counts of possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose, and two counts of aggravated assault with a weapon.
Feb. 4
A property damage call from 9 Carpenter Terrace was received at 9:40 a.m. The property owner pointed to a grassy area where a Ford UHaul truck was parked. Police spoke with the driver who said that he was moving and loading his truck at that location. The man was issued a motor vehicle summons for parking on the grass.
An auto theft victim flagged down a police cruiser at 347 Union Ave. The man said that his silver 2009 Nissan Versa had been left unlocked at that location on the prior evening. He claimed that he heard an alarm sound at about 11 p.m. that night but thought that it was his children checking the vehicle, so he didn’t bother to investigate. Items inside of the stolen car include a debit card, cosmetic case and sets of keys. Police are investigating.
– Jeff Bahr
