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Verona, NJ

Gabriela Ayala-Cortes, Essex County Mom, Dies At 45 Gabriela Ayala-Cortes, Essex County Mom, Dies At 45
Gabriela Ayala-Cortes, Essex County Mom, Dies At 45 Gabriela Ayala-Cortes, a mom and Verona resident, died on Thursday, Oct. 10 at the age of 45 of cancer, according to her obituary on the Shooks Cedar Grove Funeral Home. Born in Ecuador, Ayala-Cortes emigrated to the United States in 2003, her obituary reads. She worked as the director of regulatory affairs operations for Organon and Company in Jersey City, according to her obituary. She is survived her husband, Carlos, her children, Camila and Isabella, her parents Rodrigo and Marcia, and numerous other family members and friends, her obituary reads. A fundraiser has been created to suppo…
Adam Sandler Spottings Continue: 'Happy Gilmore 2' Thrills Another NJ Town Adam Sandler Spottings Continue: 'Happy Gilmore 2' Thrills Another NJ Town
Adam Sandler Spottings Continue: 'Happy Gilmore 2' Thrills Another NJ Town "Happy Gilmore 2" is continuing its trek through New Jersey, this time making a stop in Essex County. The sequel to the 1996 cult comedy classic, starring Adam Sandler, filmed in Verona on Friday, Sept. 27. Filming took place near the Verona Community Center, with the street closed from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. The movie, which began production on Monday, Sept. 9, has been filming all over New Jersey, with Sandler most recently having been in West Orange on Tuesday and in Hackettstown last week. Sandler was previously spotted in Morristown. The actor and comic will return in his role as Gilmore al…
18 Unsolved Burglaries Cracked: Pair Arrested In Months-Long North Jersey Spree 18 Unsolved Burglaries Cracked: Pair Arrested In Months-Long North Jersey Spree
18 Unsolved Burglaries Cracked: Pair Arrested In Months-Long North Jersey Spree Two men have been arrested and charged in 18 burglaries and one attempted burglary across North Jersey, authorities said. A months-long investigation found Kali J. Carter, 49, of East Orange, and Demetrius D. Hale, 49, of Bergenfield, were responsible for the incidents, all of which were residential burglaries, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Map of burglaries. Bergen County Prosecutor's Office Below is a list of each incident: January 2024: Residential burglaries in Ho-Ho-Kus, Hackensack, Paramus, Ridgewood (two), Chatham; attempted burglary in West Orange …
Serial Car Burglar Thwarted, Arrested In Verona: Police Serial Car Burglar Thwarted, Arrested In Verona: Police
Serial Car Burglar Thwarted, Arrested In Verona: Police An attempted car burglary by a serial thief was stopped in Verona during the overnight hours of Friday, July 26, authorities said. At 3:02 a.m., officers were on patrol when they noticed an interior light on in a driveway on Woodland Avenue, Verona police said in a release. As police approached the vehicle, they observed Hamzah Williams, a 21-year-old Anvel resident inside the front passenger seat, officers said. Williams had previously been arrested by police in 2022 for burglarizing 34 vehicles over a 4-day span, officers said.  He was charged with burglary and issued a summons for …
Baby Killed By Falling Tree Was Visiting Family In NJ, Campaign Says: 'Our Hearts Are Broken' Baby Killed By Falling Tree Was Visiting Family In NJ, Campaign Says: 'Our Hearts Are Broken'
Baby Killed By Falling Tree Was Visiting Family In NJ, Campaign Says: 'Our Hearts Are Broken' The family of a 6-month-old baby is seeking support after his tragic death during a recent trip to New Jersey. Micah Gasin was visiting his grandparents in Verona when he and his grandfather were killed by a falling tree on Monday, April 29, while they were lying in a hammock. The tree in the back of their West Lincoln Street home became uprooted and fell on the two, Verona police said. "Micah was the happiest baby anyone ever met," Ben Canales, who organized a fundraiser for the family, based in San Diego, said. "He had a smile that could light up a room, and strangers would stop in the s…
Two Killed By Falling Tree In Verona: Police Two Killed By Falling Tree In Verona: Police
Two Killed By Falling Tree In Verona: Police Two people were struck and killed by a falling tree in an Essex County town Monday evening, April 29, reports say. A tree in the back of the West Lincoln Street home had uprooted and landed on a 61-year-old male and his 6-month-old grandson at approximately 7 p.m., Verona Police Chief Christopher Kiernan said. Both died as a result of their injuries. "The Verona Police, Fire and Rescue Squad's thoughts are focused on the family during this difficult and unfathomable tragic time," Kiernan added. "Please keep this family in your prayers."
Serial NJ Church Vandal Takes It One Step Further: Arson, Cops Say Serial NJ Church Vandal Takes It One Step Further: Arson, Cops Say
Serial NJ Church Vandal Takes It One Step Further: Arson, Cops Say A 42-year-old Verona man with a history of vandalizing a Catholic church in Verona was charged with intentionally setting a fire there  on Thursday, April 4, authorities said. At 3:33 a.m., Verona police responded to Our Lady of the Lake Roman Catholic Church on Lakeside Avenue and observed a heavy smoke condition, Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II and Verona Police Chief Christopher Kiernan said. Firefighters were called to the scene and quickly extinguished the blaze, authorities said. An investigation determined the fire was started deliberately and arrested…
Verona Home Invasion: 2nd Suspect Nabbed In PA, Police Say Verona Home Invasion: 2nd Suspect Nabbed In PA, Police Say
Verona Home Invasion: 2nd Suspect Nabbed In PA, Police Say A 31-year-old Newark resident was recently arrested in Scranton, PA after breaking into a home in Verona by kicking in the side door last month, police said. On Friday, Jan. 5 at 5 p.m., two suspects, Christopher Lassiter, a 30-year-old Newark resident and Hamid Travis, 31, burglarized a home on Wayland Drive, Verona police said on Facebook. Upon entering the phone, they proceeded to ransack it, taking numerous items, police said. Neighbors shared their home camera footage allowing police to identify the suspects, who were seen attempting to sell the victim's jewelry in a neighboring county…
Newark Man Kicks In Side Door, Tries Selling Stolen Jewelry In Verona Home Invasion: Police Newark Man Kicks In Side Door, Tries Selling Stolen Jewelry In Verona Home Invasion: Police
Newark Man Kicks In Side Door, Tries Selling Stolen Jewelry In Verona Home Invasion: Police A  30-year-old Newark man was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 16 after he broke into a home in Verona earlier this month, authorities said. On Friday, Jan. 5 at 5 p.m., two suspects, including Christopher Lassiter, burglarized a home on Wayland Drive by kicking in the side door, Verona police said on Facebook. Upon entering the phone, they proceeded to ransack it, taking numerous items, police said. Neighbors shared their home camera footage allowing police to identify Lassiter and another suspect, who were seen attempting to sell the victim's jewelry in a neighboring county, police s…
Verona Police Encounter Car Burglars After Vehicle Stopped In Roadway: (VIDEO) Verona Police Encounter Car Burglars After Vehicle Stopped In Roadway: (VIDEO)
Verona Police Encounter Car Burglars After Vehicle Stopped In Roadway: (Video) Two Verona police officers tried to stop car thieves who were attempting a break-in on the early morning of Wednesday, Dec. 27. At 1:04 a.m., the officers were on patrol when they observed a white Honda Accord parked in the middle of the roadway on Martin Road, police said.  As officers attempted to check on the vehicle, they saw someone running from a driveway into the awaiting vehicle, police said. The suspect was attempting to commit a car burglary but the vehicle was locked and nothing was taken, police said. Early this morning, Officers Clark and O’Neill were on patrol when t…
'Iconic' North Jersey Restaurant Closing After 60 Years 'Iconic' North Jersey Restaurant Closing After 60 Years
'Iconic' North Jersey Restaurant Closing After 60 Years A popular Italian restaurant in North Jersey is closing after 60 years in business. The last day of business for Miele's Restaurant, located at 125 Bloomfield Ave., in Verona, will be on Sunday, Dec. 24, owner Steve Amadeo announced on Facebook. Posted by Steve Amadeo on Thursday, December 21, 2023 Miele's was founded by Tom and Rose Miele in 1954 before turning over the restaurant to Joann Amadeo, who began working there as a waitress in 1967. Steve Amadeo, Joann's son, has been running the place alongside his wife Leonor, but announced his retirement last week.  At the…
Lyndhurst Man Wanted On Warrants Charged With Trashing Relative's Home, Fighting Police Lyndhurst Man Wanted On Warrants Charged With Trashing Relative's Home, Fighting Police
Lyndhurst Man Wanted On Warrants Charged With Trashing Relative's Home, Fighting Police A Lyndhurst man wanted for trashing a relative's home ran from police, then fought with them before being subdued, authorities said. Officers responding to a call from a Stuyvesant Avenue home learned that Faiz Mohammad, 27, had become irate and vandalized the place, causing $1,300 worth of damage before fleeing, Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri said. Police were looking out for Mohammad when he returned, prompting the relative to hide in a bathroom and call police, Auteri said. He fled again but was spotted soon after by Officer Matthew Dudek on 5th Avenue, the lieutenant said. Dudek ended u…
'Friday the 13th' Mask Wearing Suspect Attempts Break-In: Verona PD 'Friday the 13th' Mask Wearing Suspect Attempts Break-In: Verona PD
'Friday the 13th' Mask Wearing Suspect Attempts Break-In: Verona PD A suspect wearing a "Friday the 13th"-style mask was one of two people who attempted to burglarize a residence in Verona on Saturday, Nov. 11, police said. At 3 a.m., two unknown burglars tried to gain entry to a residence on Claremont Avenue through the front door, rear door and windows on both sides of the house, police said. The suspects attempted to move a table in the backyard to access an upper-level window, police said. The burglars were unable to gain access to the residence and left the scene in a light-colored sedan, police said. A luxury midsize SUV was parked in the driveway and…
Teen Driver Was Going 57 MPH Over Speed Limit In Verona: Police Teen Driver Was Going 57 MPH Over Speed Limit In Verona: Police
Teen Driver Was Going 57 MPH Over Speed Limit In Verona: Police A teenager in Verona was in quite the hurry Thursday morning, Nov. 9. At 7 a.m., a police officer observed a vehicle traveling south on Pompton Avenue at a high rate of speed. The car was clocked at 87 miles per hour in a 30 mile per hour zone, police said. The 17-year-old, who was a probationary driver, was issued summonses for speeding, reckless driving and careless driving, police said
Burglar Enters Residence While Homeowner Asleep: Verona PD Burglar Enters Residence While Homeowner Asleep: Verona PD
Burglar Enters Residence While Homeowner Asleep: Verona PD Verona police are investigating after a burglar entered a residence in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Nov. 8 and snatched a wallet, all while the homeowner was soundly asleep, authorities said. After taking the wallet from the home in the Afterglow neighborhood, the burglar then broke into a vehicle in another driveway and unsuccessfully attempted to enter a second residence through a first-floor door, police said. The incidents occurred between 12:30 a.m. and 2 a.m., police said.  Officers said they are actively investigating and are requesting anyone with video footage of any …
Verona First Responders Extract Cardiac Patient Through Basement Vault Door: Police Verona First Responders Extract Cardiac Patient Through Basement Vault Door: Police
Verona First Responders Extract Cardiac Patient Through Basement Vault Door: Police Verona first responders had a harrowing rescue on Tuesday, Nov. 8, treating a cardiac emergency in a basement, police said. At 11:20 a.m., police, rescue, fire along with the Department of Public Works and first responders from Montclair and Atlantic responded to a cardiac related medical emergency inside the basement of a building at Bloomfield Avenue and Fairfield Avenue, officers said. Upon arrival, first responders realized the only way to get him out was through a sidewalk basement vault door, officers said. "This required a unified and coordinated effort between all agencies at the s…
Burglars Stole Car, Attempted Home Break-In: Verona PD Burglars Stole Car, Attempted Home Break-In: Verona PD
Burglars Stole Car, Attempted Home Break-In: Verona PD Verona police are looking for two people who attempted to break into a home on Friday, Oct. 27, before fleeing in a stolen vehicle. At 4:11 a.m., police observed a vehicle traveling near Fairview Avenue and Kenwood Avenue. As police attempted to get closer to the vehicle, it sped through a red light and fled eastbound at a high rate of speed, officers said. Police determined the vehicle had been stolen from Ocean Township. Later that weekend, a homeowner reviewed their surveillance system and found two masked burglars unsuccessfully attempt to break into their home via first-floor window an…
Two Arrested For Stealing Vehicle After Break-In: Verona Police Two Arrested For Stealing Vehicle After Break-In: Verona Police
Two Arrested For Stealing Vehicle After Break-In: Verona Police Two people were arrested on Thursday, Oct. 26 for stealing a vehicle after breaking into a Verona home, police said. At 5:45 a.m., a person entered a home in the Wayland neighborhood by pushing open a first-floor window, police said. A key fob was taken from the kitchen area and the suspect was able to flee the scene with the homeowner's vehicle, police said. A resident heard them as they were exiting the home and contacted police, officers said. Verona police contacted the state Auto Theft Task Force and two men in the vehicle were arrested in Irvington at 9:25 a.m., officers said. An inve…
East Orange Teen Arrested For Verona Carjacking: Police East Orange Teen Arrested For Verona Carjacking: Police
East Orange Teen Arrested For Verona Carjacking: Police A 16-year-old East Orange boy was arrested and charged on Saturday, Oct. 14 with carjacking a woman in her driveway in Verona last month, authorities said. On Sunday, Sept. 24, a Floyd Road resident was approached by three men who demanded her car keys and proceeded to punch her in the head and face, knocking her to the ground, police said.  Officers spotted the suspects in the area of Bloomfield Avenue and Mount Prospect Avenue and pursued them into West Orange, police said. Officers eventually terminated the pursuit due to the conditions and the suspect's reckless driving, p…
ELDER ABUSE: Financial Advisor Swiped $75K, Neglected 90-Year-Old Woman In His Care: NJ AG ELDER ABUSE: Financial Advisor Swiped $75K, Neglected 90-Year-Old Woman In His Care: NJ AG
Elder Abuse: Financial Advisor Swiped $75K, Neglected 90-Year-Old Woman In His Care: NJ AG A financial advisor from Verona abused his authority over a 90-year-old client's finances, stealing $75,000 while neglecting her care and well-being and letting her bills pile up, state authorities charged. John Boston, 47, tried to hide his hiring to manage the woman's affairs and assets, they said. He never told his employer and ignored a federal Financial Industry Regulatory Authority requirement to register the victim as a client, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a joint announcement with Interim Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Al Garcia. After obtaining durable fin…
'Distressing': Chess Club Teacher Sexually Assaulted North Jersey Student, Authorities Say 'Distressing': Chess Club Teacher Sexually Assaulted North Jersey Student, Authorities Say
'Distressing': Chess Club Teacher Sexually Assaulted North Jersey Student, Authorities Say Matthew Swajkowski, a 36-year-old Verona resident and teacher, was arrested and charged with sexually assaulting a student, prosecutors said. Swajkowski oversaw the chess club at Verona High School and the victim was a member of the club, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II said. Police began investigating Swajkowski in July  and determined he engaged in sexual conduct with the minor and also gave them alcohol, Stephens said. Swajkowski was arrested on Friday, Sept. 22, Stephens said. Prosecutors did not say how old the victim is, but noted  "while the ag…
Woman Carjacked, Assaulted In Her Driveway: Verona Police Woman Carjacked, Assaulted In Her Driveway: Verona Police
Woman Carjacked, Assaulted In Her Driveway: Verona Police A woman in Verona was carjacked in her own driveway by three men on Sunday, Sept. 24, Verona Police said. At 3:26 p.m., a Floyd Road resident was approached by three men who demanded her car keys and proceeded to punch her in the head and face, knocking her to the ground, police said. The suspects fled in her car and the vehicle they arrived in, police said. Officers spotted them in the area of Bloomfield Avenue and Mount Prospect Avenue and pursued them into West Orange, police said. Officers eventually terminated the pursuit due to the conditions and the suspect's reckless driving, police…
Scooter Rider Fatally Struck By Truck: Montclair Police Scooter Rider Fatally Struck By Truck: Montclair Police
Scooter Rider Fatally Struck By Truck: Montclair Police A 41-year-old Verona scooterist was fatally struck by a vehicle Monday afternoon in Montclair, May 22, authorities said. Aaron Minkov collided with a truck while riding on his scooter on the 300 block of Bloomfield Avenue, Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens II and Montclair Police Chief Todd Conforti said. Minkov was pronounced dead soon after police arrived at the scene, Stephens and Conforti said.  No charges have been filed and the Essex County Prosecutor's Crime Scene Investigations Bureau is investigating, Stephens and Conforti said. Anyone with information …
Verona Car Wash Employee In Intensive Care After Out-Of-Control Sedan Knocks Him 50 Feet Verona Car Wash Employee In Intensive Care After Out-Of-Control Sedan Knocks Him 50 Feet
Verona Car Wash Employee In Intensive Care After Out-Of-Control Sedan Knocks Him 50 Feet A Verona car wash employee was in intensive care after an out-of-control sedan driven by a 75-year-old man sent him flying, authorities said. The elderly Bayville resident's Cadillac left the roadway and hit the unidentified 41-year-old worker who was on the job in the driveway of Quality Car Wash on Bloomfield Avenue on March 26, Police Chief Christopher Kiernan said. The impact knocked the victim 50 or so feet, the chief said. The Caddy also whacked an SUV and another sedan before slamming into a utility pole, he said.  The worker and two vehicles were struck before the sedan slamme…
Mastermind Of 84 Brazen Burglaries In Nine NJ Counties, Rockland Gets Plea-Bargained 14 Years Mastermind Of 84 Brazen Burglaries In Nine NJ Counties, Rockland Gets Plea-Bargained 14 Years
Mastermind Of 84 Brazen Burglaries In Nine NJ Counties, Rockland Gets Plea-Bargained 14 Years UPDATE: A Teaneck ex-con was sentenced to 14 years in state prison for leading a band of brazen burglars who authorities said committed no fewer than 84 broad-daylight home break-ins throughout New Jersey and Rockland County. Keith Perry, 39, took a deal from prosecutors rather than risk the consequences of a trial, New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin said on Tuesday, March 14. Perry was among several people arrested in April 2021 for dozens of burglaries committed over the previous six months in nine New Jersey counties — Morris, Bergen, Essex, Somerset, Hunterdon, Union, Passai…
'You Look Like Joe Manganiello,' NJ Coffee Shop Owner Tells Joe Manganiello 'You Look Like Joe Manganiello,' NJ Coffee Shop Owner Tells Joe Manganiello
'You Look Like Joe Manganiello,' NJ Coffee Shop Owner Tells Joe Manganiello Danielle Kermizian was getting ready to teach a workout class in the gym connected to her Verona coffee shop, The Compound Coffee Co., when a guy who looked just like Joe Manganiello walked in last Friday, Jan. 27. He was at least 6-foot-5 and very handsome. He was also holding a Chihuahua, the same breed as the dog Manganiello shares with his wife, Sofia Vergara. "You look just like that guy, Joe Manganiello," a flustered Kermizian said. Her manager agreed: "Yeah, you look just like him." Kermizian left to teach her class and told the ladies that they just had to see the dapper man who w…
GOTCHA! Hardcore Ex-Con Trio Robbed 80-Year-Old Shopper In Route 46 Costco Lot: Prosecutor GOTCHA! Hardcore Ex-Con Trio Robbed 80-Year-Old Shopper In Route 46 Costco Lot: Prosecutor
Gotcha! Hardcore Ex-Con Trio Robbed 80-Year-Old Shopper In Route 46 Costco Lot: Prosecutor UPDATE: Authorities charged three hardcore criminals from Newark with robbing a defenseless 80-year-old shopper in the parking lot of a Costco off Route 46 in Teterboro. Ex-cons Alex Carroll, 35, David Fate, 38, and Tariq Kyam, 57, all have extensive, violent criminal histories, records show. Kyam and Fate were both charged with committing two robberies in 2009, one of which left a Verona gas station attendant shot dead. Kyam served nearly nine years behind bars after Fate testified against him. How much time Fate served in exchange for his testimony couldn't immediately be determined. Th…
Celebration Of Life For Beloved North Jersey Educator Will Be Livestreamed Celebration Of Life For Beloved North Jersey Educator Will Be Livestreamed
Celebration Of Life For Beloved North Jersey Educator Will Be Livestreamed A celebration of life for career North Jersey educator Michael Carlucci will be live-streamed later this week to what's expected to be an enormous audience. The beloved 57-year-old father of three from Verona had been swimming with his wife, Jeanene, and others on Saturday when he apparently was caught in a rip current generated by Hurricane Earl. His body was recovered after a 45-minute search. Carlucci’s funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. this Friday, Sept. 16, at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit (36 Gould Street, Verona), where he was an active parishioner. MAP: Episcopal …
'Sweet, Selfless, Always Smiling': Beloved North Jersey Educator Michael Carlucci, 57 'Sweet, Selfless, Always Smiling': Beloved North Jersey Educator Michael Carlucci, 57
'Sweet, Selfless, Always Smiling': Beloved North Jersey Educator Michael Carlucci, 57 A celebration of life for career North Jersey educator Michael Carlucci will be live-streamed later this week to what's expected to be an enormous audience. The beloved 57-year-old father of three from Verona had been swimming with his wife, Jeanene, and others on Saturday when he apparently was caught in a rip current generated by Hurricane Earl. His body was recovered after a 45-minute search. Carlucci’s funeral service is scheduled for 11 a.m. this Friday, Sept. 16 at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit (36 Gould Street, Verona), where he was an active parishioner. MAP: Episcopal C…
Paid Actors Wanted For Short Film In North Jersey Paid Actors Wanted For Short Film In North Jersey
Paid Actors Wanted For Short Film In North Jersey Are you the parental type? A casting call is currently underway for paid lead and supporting roles in a short film about new parents that will be filmed in northern New Jersey.  "The Begetters," by Clifton Robinson is about a young couple who "endure the task of being first-time parents," according to the casting synopsis. The filming will be in Verona with rehearsals starting Aug. 22 and shooting on Sept. 12-13.  The production by DescrEye LLC is seeking actors and performers to portray the following: Leo: Lead, Male, 25-35; a charming and loving husband who is …
North Jersey Car Burglars Caught In The Act Had Loaded Magazine, Handgun: Police North Jersey Car Burglars Caught In The Act Had Loaded Magazine, Handgun: Police
North Jersey Car Burglars Caught In The Act Had Loaded Magazine, Handgun: Police A pair of car burglars caught mid-act by officers were found with a loaded magazine and handgun, police in Essex County said. Charles Pugsley, 23, of Newark, and Daniel Gomez, 26, of the Bronx, were standing next to an open car door outside of a Verona house around 5 a.m. Thursday, June 30 when the officers pulled up, Verona police said. A search of the suspect vehicle turned up a loaded handgun under the driver's seat, and a magazine that contained 30 rounds of ammunition inside one of Pugsley's bags, officers said. The homeowner's security camera showed the pair taking proceeds in plain …