CLOSTER, N.J.—On Nov. 22, Closter officers investigated the theft of metal industrial shelving from a commercial property on Reuten Avenue.
An employee had exited the rear of the building at 10:45 a.m. that day and observed a suspicious white work van, which fled the area upon observing the employee. Business representatives said that metal shelving parts valued at about $600 were missing.
An assistant general manager was able to pull video footage that showed the suspect taking the metal shelving, and the surveillance video was turned over to police.
Officers at the scene put out a State Police Emergency Network message alerting other officers to be on the lookout for the Econoline van. Tenafly patrol units reported observing the suspect vehicle traveling southbound on County Road about 10 minutes after the theft.
Patrolman Aldo Guerino said he was familiar with the registered owner of the van, whose identity was redacted from an investigation report shared with Northern Valley Press. Detective Sgt. Vincent Aiello was able to locate a phone number for the suspect, and the man answered the call and agreed to respond back to the scene of the theft.
The suspect returned at 12:30 p.m. along with a front seat passenger. They both approached Guerino and Patrolman Christopher Barbieri. One of the men claimed that an employee gave them permission to remove the metal shelving—but business representatives denied giving anyone permission to remove the shelving. Business reps said the shelving was being temporarily stored outside and was to be reused inside the warehouse.
The driver said he had removed a portion of the shelving days earlier and had already scrapped it, claiming he could not remember the location of the scrap yard. The driver opened the rear door of the van, and the shelving was stacked in the van along with other metal scrap.
Employees confirmed that the items in the van were their property and again stated they did not give anyone permission to remove it from the property. The shelving was removed then stacked on wooden pallets in the lot.
Guerino asked the driver if there was any other stolen property in the van. The suspect said there was no stolen property, narcotics or weapons inside the van. The driver gave officers consent to search the van.
Guerino opened the driver-side door and saw in plain view a plastic bag containing heroin. The man was placed in handcuffs and searched, and in his right pocket was a cut white straw, commonly used to inhale narcotics.
The man was placed in the patrol car and advised of his rights.
A second straw with heroin residue was located in a cup holder in the center console of the van.
The passenger had a valid driver’s license and was given permission to remove the van from the location. The driver was taken to police headquarters and charged with theft of movable property, possession of heroin, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Charges were pending a Bergen County Superior Court date. The man was released from custody at 2:15 p.m. that day.
