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Oakland police foil burglary, find eight pounds of pot, arrest tenant

ANOTHER CVP SCOOP: Oakland police investigating a home break-in found eight pounds of pot, a “sizable” amount of cash and packaging materials, leading to charges against both the alleged burglars and the tenant — who was being held on $300,000 bail.

Photo Credit: Courtesy BERGEN COUNTY SHERIFF
Photo Credit: Courtesy BERGEN COUNTY SHERIFF

Darren Richardson, 31, who lives in the Jerome Avenue home, fled the state before charges were filed last month but turned himself in this week, Lt. Christian Eldridge told CLIFFVIEW PILOT this morning.

Responding to a burglary-in-progress the afternoon of Jan. 16, Officer Ryan O’Keefe caught 19-year-old Shaina Harris climbing through a basement window, Eldridge said.

Moments later, Sgt. Keith Sanzari and Ptl. Keith Docwra grabbed Zacahary Coombs, 18, on Ramapo Terrace, he said.

The Haskell couple posted bail (Coombs 10% of $15,000 and Harris 10% of $10,000) and were released.

Meanwhile, the smell of raw marijuana at the burglarized house led to a warranted search by Detectives Mark Piercy and Ed McDermott, along with members of the Bergen County Sheriff’s K-9 and Criminal Identification units, Eldridge said.

Richardson, after surrendering on Tuesday, was charged with operating a drug facility, distributing marijuana, possessing the drug and possessing property from criminal activity.

Records show a previous arrest history for Richardson, including for marijuana possession in Riverdale and Pompton Lakes in 2011 and robbery in Elmwood Park in 2002. He also sued Pompton Lakes police after they tore apart his car looking for marijuana that they said wasn’t found. The charge was reduced to a disorderly offense.

Assisting in the investigation and ensuing arrests were Eldridge, Sgt. Tim Keenan and several officers.

MUGSHOT: Courtesy BERGEN COUNTY SHERIFF

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