June 29
At 7:12 a.m., police responded to an activated burglar alarm at a barber shop at Centre St. and Bloomfield Ave. and noticed that the rear door was open. In the rear of the shop, police discovered a man holding a container of orange juice and a bottle of water. He was very wet and appeared to be highly agitated. Police also found a puddle of water and broken glass on the floor and the exterior basement doors open. Entering the basement, police saw water spraying from overhead copper pipes, the basement in disarray and extensive damage to both storefront rear entrances. Police said the man, identified as Joseph Deforge, 52, of Manville, was arrested on a warrant from Hillsborough. He was also charged with burglary, criminal mischief, two counts of burglary tools, theft and attempted burglary. He was held at the Essex County Jail after failing to post $75,000 bail.
At 12:44 p.m., a High St. resident reported someone had cracked the passenger side mirror of their car while it was parked overnight.
At 2:34 p.m., police responded to a Hancox Ave. location on a report of theft. Someone reportedly swiped a girl’s silver Razor scooter with pink handlebars and pink accents, last seen, unsecured, next to the front stairs.
June 30
Two vehicles parked in a Stager St. resident’s driveway were damaged. Police said one vehicle had dents and scratches on its hood and rear bumper and the other vehicle’s hood and driver’s side were scratched. The incident was logged at 6:11 a.m.
Someone removed an Oleander tree, valued at $120, from the front of Radcliffe School on Bloomfield Ave. School officials told police the tree was last watered on June 26 and later found missing.
July 2
At 1:21 a.m., police were alerted to a male who appeared to be intoxicated walking on Kingsland St. Police said the man, identified as Daniel Zatkos, 38, of Bloomfield, had an outstanding warrant from Clifton and was arrested, then turned over to Clifton PD, who released him pending a court date.
July 3
At 12:25 a.m., police responded to a Bloomfield Ave. location where a tree branch was resting on power lines and hanging over the sidewalk. After being notified, PSE&G said they would send a repair crew during the morning. Until then, police cordoned off the area with barrels and caution tape.
– Ron Leir
