On August 1, a resident reported fraudulent purchases were made on her credit card account.
Det. Sgt. Michael Ragucci investigated and identified the suspect. On September 8, Alexandra
Brawer, Hackensack N.J., age 25, was charged with one count of credit card theft, and one count
of fraudulent use of a credit card.
On September 8, at approximately 3:10 PM, a hit and run motor vehicle crash was reported on
Franklin Avenue near Lawlins Road. P.O. Kevin Oldewurtel observed the Honda CRV that fled
the scene and conducted a motor vehicle stop. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Ryan
Townsend, Waldwick N.J., age 26. He was transported to headquarters and charged with driving
while intoxicated, reckless driving, failure to observe a stop sign, failure to inspect a motor
vehicle, failure to provide a valid insurance card, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to
report an accident, failure to submit to breath testing, no liability insurance, and driving the
wrong way on a one way street. His vehicle was impounded and held for 12 hours under John’s
Law.
On September 10, at approximately 6:00 PM, P.O. Joseph Fullam responded to Laauwe Place on
a report of a motor vehicle crash. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Edward Pecoraro,
Wyckoff, N.J., age 64. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, failure
to maintain a lane of travel, and assault by auto. His vehicle was impounded and held for 12
hours under John’s Law.
On September 20, at approximately 12:30 AM, P.O. Robert Schlossberg observed a suspicious
U-Haul truck in the rear of an auto repair facility on Main Street. While investigating, he
observed the occupants of the truck were removing scrap metal from the business. Brian
Liranzo, Paterson N.J., age 23, and Taisha Rodriguez-Avila, Paterson N.J. age 24, were charged
with one count each of theft and receiving stolen property.
On September 24, at approximately 1:10 AM, Sgt. Kyle Ferreira observed a vehicle being
operated in an erratic manner on Route 208 North. After stopping the vehicle, he detected signs
of impairment on the driver. Steven Buchholz, Haskell N.J., age 36, was arrested and charged
with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, and failure to maintain a lane. His vehicle was
impounded and held for 12 hours under John’s Law.
On October 3, Stop and Shop reported a shoplifting that occurred on September 29 at
approximately 9:45 PM. Det. Sgt. Michael DeMaio investigated and identified the suspects.
Justin R. Reis, Wharton N.J., age 41, was charged with shoplifting and 3
rd degree conspiracy to
commit shoplifting. Luis Diaz, Paterson N.J., age 36, was charged with 3rd degree shoplifting.
On October 5, P.O. Kyle Scherm received information that a trespassing occurred at a local
elementary school. Det. Sgt. Michael Ragucci investigated and charged Vincent Hartung,
Wyckoff, N.J., age 69, with one count of criminal trespass. Hartung had been given previous
notice that he was not permitted on the school grounds.
On October 5, at approximately 6:15 PM, ShopRite reported a shoplifting that occurred earlier in
the day. On October 6, at approximately 1:15 PM, the suspect returned to the store, and after
shoplifting again, was detained by store security. Sgt. Kyle Ferreira responded and arrested
Charles Ingenito, Wyckoff N.J., age 55. He was charged with 2 counts of shoplifting and
released pending a court date.
On October 7, at approximately 8:00 PM, a resident of Stonewall Court reported a burglary at his
home. The homeowner stated that he was on the second floor and heard a window break on the
first floor and his dog began barking. He reported that he shouted and heard the suspect quickly
exit the house. Responding officers quickly set up a perimeter and searched for the suspect but
were unable to locate anyone. The Bergen County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene to
collect evidence. The detective bureau is investigating the burglary.
On October 7, at approximately 8:40 PM, a resident of Henry Place reported he arrived home to
find his house had been burglarized. Responding officers observed that several rooms of the
house had been ransacked. The Bergen County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene to collect
evidence. The detective bureau is investigating the burglary.
On October 7, at approximately 8:20 PM, a shoplifting was reported at Marshall’s. Responding
officers observed a female matching the description given by the caller walking on Godwin
Avenue. Melanie Maceda Cortez, Bronx N.Y., age 24 was arrested and charged with one count
of 3rd degree shoplifting. She was released pending a court date.
On October 9, at approximately 10:40 AM, a resident of Durham Road reported he arrived home
to find his house had been burglarized. Responding officers observed several rooms of the house
had been ransacked. The Bergen County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene to collect
evidence. The detective bureau is investigating the burglary.
On October 10, at approximately 8:15 PM, a resident of Cedar Hill Avenue reported she arrived
home and believed her house was burglarized. The homeowner advised responding officers that
a window appeared to be tampered with. It is unknown if entry was gained into the house. The
matter was forwarded to the detective bureau for further investigation.
The Wyckoff Police Department would like to point out that the above individuals have been
charged with a crime, offense, and or motor vehicle violations. However, they are presumed
innocent unless and until they are found guilty in a court of law.
We cannot stress enough the value of our residents remaining alert in their neighborhoods
and reporting anything unusual or suspicious to the police, “Hear It! See It!, Report It!”
We encourage all residents to report ANY suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity occurring at
any time to the Wyckoff Police – County Communications Center at 201-891-2121 or 911 in
the event of an emergency
