RIVER VALE POLICE BLOTTER: April 15, 2019

Police Reports This section is based on data provided to Pascack Press weekly by neighborhood police departments. Due to pending court appearances and other variations, the following information shall be read in ‘press time’ context.

Light out; ladder improperly secured to roof; marijuana

An officer on patrol March 27 at approximately 9:23 a.m. observed a vehicle travelling on Westwood Avenue with a malfunctioning brake light and ladder improperly secured to the roof.  

The officer conducted a motor vehicle stop on Westwood Avenue near Marshal Road. Upon speaking with the driver, the officer detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.  A backup officer was requested and responded to the scene. 

The driver, 38, from Paterson, voluntarily surrendered a bag containing marijuana and a pipe used for smoking marijuana. A computer check also revealed that the he had an outstanding warrant from Paterson for $75. 

He was read his Miranda rights and placed under arrest.  He was transported to headquarters and processed. There, he posted the requisite bail for the outstanding warrant and was issued a criminal complaint for possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

  He also was issued motor vehicle summonses for maintenance of lamps, failure to exhibit registration, vehicle in unsafe condition, and possession of controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle.

He was released pending an appearance in the River Vale Municipal Court on April 23. 

Light out, man admits marijuana found in car is his

An officer on patrol April 2 at approximately 9:30 p.m. observed a vehicle traveling on River Vale Road with a malfunctioning headlight.  

The officer conducted a motor vehicle stop on Rivervale Road near Montview Place.  Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer detected the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.  

The vehicle was occupied by the driver and two passengers.  Backup officers responded to the scene, the vehicle was searched, and officers located two plastic vials and a plastic bag containing marijuana.  

The driver, 22, from Bergenfield, admitted ownership of the marijuana. He was read his Miranda rights, placed under arrest, transported to police headquarters, and processed. 

There, he was issued a criminal complaint for possession of marijuana and motor vehicle summonses for maintenance of lamps, possession of controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, and unlicensed driver.

He was released pending an appearance at River Vale Municipal Court on April 23.

Turn in meds at ‘Operation Take Back NJ’ April 27

The River Vale Police Department will participate in Operation Take Back New Jersey on April 27. According to Detective Sgt. Peter Martin, although the event is billed as the day to dispose of your unused, unwanted, and expired medicine, residents are reminded that there is a medicine drop box at the River Vale Police Department, and this is accessible 24/7 for the disposal of unused or expired medications.

The goal of the program is to allow the citizens of New Jersey to deliver all of their unused, unwanted, or expired medications to law enforcement officials, who can in turn dispose of these controlled substances in a safe and non-hazardous manner, preventing these pills from falling into the hands of juveniles or into illicit market in our communities.