On May 1, at approximately 12:10 PM, P.O. Joseph Benanti responded to a home on
Russell Avenue to speak with the resident regarding an earlier incident. The resident
immediately became aggressive and confrontational towards the officer, demanding that he
leave the property. While pointing a screwdriver at the officer, he made threatening
remarks towards him and other Wyckoff Police officers. On May 2, at approximately 5:00
PM, Lt. Joseph Soto, P.O. John Rafferty, and P.O. Benanti responded to the residence to
issue him a Complaint Summons for his actions on the previous day. The resident, who
was in his vehicle in the driveway, drove the car directly towards the officers at a high rate
of speed, prior to fleeing from the scene. Warrants were issued for his arrest, and on May
4, he was located by Wyckoff Officers in the City of Paterson and placed under arrest.
Vincent G. Hartung, Wyckoff, NJ, age; 69, was charged with 1 count of 4th degree
Aggravated Assault against a Police Officer, 3 counts of 3rd degree Aggravated Assault
against a Police Officer, 1 count of 3rd degree Eluding and 1 count of 2nd degree Eluding.
He was processed and remanded to the Bergen County Jail.
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.
