In July, a Wyckoff resident reported that an unknown person had opened a Home Depot credit card account using her personal identifying information. The total amount of fraudulent charges made was $2,606.00. Det. Sgt. DeMaio investigated, identified a suspect, and issued a warrant for her arrest. On September 17, Suleica Benitez, Deerfield Beach FL., age 36, was taken into custody at Newark International Airport by the Department of Homeland Security as she disembarked from a plane. She was transferred to the custody of the Port Authority Police who held her until Wyckoff Officers picked her up, processed her at headquarters, and transported her to the Bergen County Corrections and Rehabilitation Center.
On September 11, at approximately 11:00 AM, P.O. Kathleen Powderley was dispatched to the Boulder Run Shopping Center for a motor vehicle crash. One of the drivers involved stated that he was backing out of a parking stall when the driver of a black BMW struck his rear bumper. The driver provided his information to the driver of the BMW. When asked for his information in return, the BMW driver refused and stated that he was a member of a local law enforcement agency, before leaving the scene. An investigation was conducted by P.O. Powderley and Det. Sgt. Michael DeMaio. It was determined that the BMW driver had no affiliation with any law enforcement agency. On October 9, Charles Ingenito, Wyckoff N.J., age, 56 responded to headquarters and was issued motor vehicle summonses for leaving the scene of an accident and failure to report an accident. He was also issued a criminal complaint for impersonating a public servant. He was released from headquarters pending a court date.
On October 1, at approximately 6:30 PM, a shoplifting in progress was reported by the ShopRite Supermarket. Responding officers were advised that the suspect had attempted to exit the store with a shopping cart containing $305.00 in groceries. Store personnel stated that the suspect fled the scene on foot, leaving his vehicle behind in the parking lot. The investigation led by Det. Sgt. Michael Ragucci, determined that the actor was Kevin P. Carmichael, Paramus N.J., age 57. He was charged with one count of shoplifting and is scheduled to appear in Court.
On October 17, at approximately 4:00 PM, a resident of Logan Lane reported an unknown intruder had entered their home and was refusing to leave. Responding officers located the subject in the driveway and took him into custody. He advised the officers that he was looking a for a specific person to physically assault them. The person he was looking for had no affiliation with the residence that he entered. Eric A. Moneyham, New York, NY, age 27, was arrested and charged with burglary and terroristic threats. He is also suspected of committing an assault that occurred earlier the same day in New York City. Information is being shared with detectives from NYPD.
On October 18, at approximately 9:15 PM, P.O. Kenneth Marcoux observed a gray Honda Accord with an expired registration. He conducted a motor vehicle stop to address the violation. It was determined that a passenger in the vehicle, Kevin Rivera, Passaic NJ, age 30, was in possession of narcotics paraphernalia. He initially provided a false name and date of birth to P.O. Marcoux. Once his identity was confirmed, it was discovered that he had multiple outstanding warrants for his arrest. Rivera was taken into custody and charged with possession of narcotics paraphernalia and hindering arrest. After processing, he was remanded to the Bergen County Corrections and Rehabilitation Center.
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.