August 9
Officers responded to the 70 block of Watsessing Ave. at 3:27 p.m. on a burglary call. The victim told police that the back window of his house had been opened. A wristwatch valued at $300 and grocery items were found missing.
August 7
• Police were summoned to the 30 block of Pleasant Ave. at 6:54 a.m. on a burglary and theft call. The victim told police that she had parked her car at 6 p.m. the previous evening, but had forgotten her purse inside. She also forgot to lock the car. When she returned the following morning, she noticed that her purse and a GPS unit had been taken from the car. Police are investigating.
• A burglary and theft was reported at 300 block of Washington Ave. at 9:22 a.m. The victim told police that she’d closed her store on Monday. When she returned on Tuesday, she noticed that someone had entered her store and taken some merchandise. A rear window found unlocked was the likely entry point. Missing were a laptop computer, hair clippers, grooming blades and a leather bag. Police are investigating.
• While patrolling the area of Franklin Ave. and Belleville Ave. at 9 p.m., officers came upon a vehicle with one headlight out. After stopping the car, a female passenger was found to be carrying a $750 warrant out of Clifton, a $500 warrant from Riverdale, and an unspecified warrant from Nutley. The male driver was issued a summons for the broken headlamp. Claire Dotoli, 27, of Nutley, was arrested, the various towns were notified, and she was released.
• Police performed a random vehicle plate check at Washington Ave. and Joralemon St. at 10:27 p.m. They learned that the registered owner of the vehicle carried an outstanding $750 contempt of court warrant from Westfield. Lauren Filipowicz, 22, of Belleville, was arrested and taken to headquarters.
August 5
• A firearm discharge and related property damage occurred in the area of Bridge and Mill Sts. The victim stated that she had left her home on Wednesday morning. When she returned on Sunday, she noticed three bullet holes in the front wall of her home. She also said that her second floor window had been smashed. The woman recovered what she believed to be bullet fragments. Police removed five .380 caliber casings and fragments from the premises and took them into evidence.
August 3
• At 9:59 a.m., police patrolling the area of Eugene and Honiss Sts. were flagged down by a pedestrian who told them that he observed a man on a bicycle who was peering into parked cars. The man was also trying door handles, to see if they were open, according to the witness. Shortly thereafter, officers came upon a man who fit the description and questioned him. A background check revealed an outstanding warrant from the Essex County Sheriff’s Dept. Norberto Montalvo, 62, of Newark, was arrested and turned over to the Sheriff’s Dept.
– Jeff Bahr
