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Officers were called to the property on Friday, April 4 at 10:35 p.m. after a security officer reported seeing a group of people inside the vacant building, according to the Mahwah Police Capt. Guido Bussinelli.
The hotel is currently fenced off and being prepared for demolition, police said. It is under 24/7 surveillance, and “no trespassing” signs are posted throughout the grounds. The hotel is set to be demolished Sunday, April 27, as reported by Daily Voice.
Responding officers spotted a vehicle leaving the scene and took down the license plate number, Bussinelli said. A broken glass door was also found on site, and the security guard said he saw a group of individuals fleeing, authorities said.
Police searched the building, but due to dangerous conditions inside, they did not use the department's K-9 unit, officials said. The suspects were not located in the building, but the investigation led police to the vehicle’s operator.
As a result, Jason Joyce, 19, of Paramus, Angel Rodriguez, 21, of Paramus, and Cesar Ortiz-Monroy, 18, of Brooklyn, were charged with criminal mischief and trespassing, according to police. Nicole Davis, 19, of Paramus, was also charged with trespassing.
“Any individuals located on the property in violation of the trespass warnings will be charged accordingly,” police said.
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