Old Tappan man, 22, taken into custody unharmed
WESTWOOD, N.J.—Police arrested a burglary suspect in the backyard of a Mill Street residence—with an officer firing one shot in his direction after he refused to drop his weapon—on Dec. 7, authorities said.
Dustin Van Riper, 22, of Old Tappan is accused of attempting to burglarize an Old Tappan residence that day, then fleeing when Old Tappan Police arrived, Acting Bergen County Prosecutor Dennis Calo said in a statement.
Van Riper was found in the backyard of 201 Mill St., Westwood, holding a weapon, Calo said. The property is listed as belonging to a relative.
“When officers from the Westwood Police Department approached Van Riper, he disregarded their instructions to drop the weapon,” Calo said. “A Westwood Police officer fired one shot from the officer’s service weapon” in his direction, but he “was not struck by the gunshot. Van Riper immediately dropped the weapon, and the Westwood Police Department placed him into custody.”
He remained in jail as of Dec. 13.
The prosecutor’s investigation into the discharge of a police officer’s sidearm is routine.
Van Riper is charged with attempted armed burglary, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, and resisting arrest in Old Tappan; as well as possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and resisting arrest in Westwood.
Police Chief Michael Pontillo said he could not comment.
On Dec. 10, Westwood Mayor John Birkner Jr. posted a statement in support of the Police Department.
“The men and women of the Westwood Police Department selflessly protect and serve our community each day not knowing what the next call or traffic stop will bring. In this incident there were no injuries and the arrest of a dangerous actor was made. As of now, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office is handling the investigation of this incident. I would like to thank the officers involved for their courageous actions in apprehending the alleged perpetrator,” he said.
Commenters added their support of the officers and expressed gratitude that no one was hurt.