HILLSDALE, N.J.—Police are calling for leads after a girl walking her dog on Hopkins Street at 9 p.m. on Jan. 14 reported she was followed home by a motorist.
The girl’s mother confronted the man at the home’s side door and drove him off.
Hillsdale Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to call the department at (201) 664-4200. Police said residents should not hesitate to call to report suspicious vehicles or activities observed at any time.
The girls said the car was a dark older model four-door sedan. She first saw it at the intersection of Hopkins Street and Stever Avenue. She then observed the driver make a U-turn and head back toward her.
Police said the girl ran back home—and the vehicle followed her into her driveway. The girl’s mother told police that the suspect—identified as a black man, medium build, 20–30 years old— approached the house side door where she confronted him.
At that point, the driver returned to his car, exited the driveway, and headed north on Hopkins Street, and sped east on Stever Avenue.
Police said the incident was “extremely rare” and “not at all typical” for Hillsdale.
“We canvassed the area extremely well, talking with neighbors and are still investigating the incident,” Sgt. Michael Camporeale told Pascack Press on Jan. 17.
Camporeale urged residents to always report anything they deem suspicious or unusual.
“Crime doesn’t discriminate against any area,” Camporeale said.
He said the doorbell security camera image captured was a very grainy image that does not provide much detail. He explained police did not have any reports of suspicious vehicles or activity prior to the incident.
Following the incident, Police Chief Robert Francaviglia ordered extra patrols of the neighborhood and began coordinating with area law enforcement and school authorities to enhance community safety and awareness.
Police said related incident information or updates will be posted to the department’s Facebook page.
