April 12
At 7:43 a.m., a burglary to a motor vehicle was reported on Howard Place. Police said the owner told them they’d locked the car when parking it but when they returned, found the center console and glove compartment open. The only item reported missing was the vehicle owner’s manual, police said.
April 11
Providing back-up assistance on a motor vehicle stop on Centre St., at 1:22 a.m., an alert officer recognized the rear seat passenger as a possible suspect in connection with an outstanding warrant, police said. A computer check confirmed the officer’s suspicions and Michael Ruggiero, 21, of Nutley, was taken into custody on an active criminal warrant from Clifton for $2,500. Police said Ruggiero was also wanted by North Arlington P.D.
April 10
Police were called to a Franklin Ave. medical building, at 2:46 p.m., on a report of property damage. Upon arrival, police were met by a building employee who told them that while working upstairs, they’d heard a loud noise, and, going outside to check, found one of the front plate glass doors smashed. Police said the door, which had been propped open, may have been blown closed by the wind, causing the glass to break.
April 9
At 11:32 a.m., police responded to a Wilshire Drive home on a report of an open door. Police said the owner told them that upon returning home, they found the rear door open. Police said nothing appeared to be amiss inside the house and no sign of forced entry was found. Police surmised that the last person to leave may not have properly secured the door.
April 8
At 8:42 a.m., police responded to the Reinheimer Field House, Bloomfield Ave. and Carrie Court, on a call about a kicked-in door. Upon arrival, police met with the tipster who told them they’d noticed the door was open and the lock broken. Police said they noticed scuff marks on the door. Nothing appeared to be missing, however, police said. Police reached out to the Parks Department to secure the door.
April 7
Police responded to a Centre St. salon at 6:38 a.m. on a report of a broken window. Upon arrival, police said they found that a rock had been thrown through the front door, the cash register was open and the bill slots were empty. Also found open was a top drawer next to the register containing miscellaneous paperwork. Outside, police said they found two white envelopes, one of which contained checks payable to the salon. Police said that $450 was reported missing from the shop.
April 6
At 1:59 p.m., an individual came to headquarters to report a theft. Police said the victim told them they’d – along with other individuals – had gone to Yantacaw Park to play basketball and, before going to the court, all had placed their cellular phones on a bench. Upon returning to the bench, the victim’s phone couldn’t be found, the victim told police.
— Ron Leir
