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Rutherford, NJ

NJ Town's Police Chief Refuses To Leave Residents Behind In Assuming Statewide Leadership Role NJ Town's Police Chief Refuses To Leave Residents Behind In Assuming Statewide Leadership Role
NJ Town's Police Chief Refuses To Leave Residents Behind In Assuming Statewide Leadership Role John Russo never intended on becoming a police chief. He was going for an FBI agent, but while growing up in Rutherford and meeting his friends' parents and coaches who were police officers, he decided to switch gears. Twenty-six years into his law enforcement career, and 11 years in his role as Rutherford Police Chief, Russo has been sworn in to a one-year term as the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police's 109th president. The ceremony happened during the association's 112th annual training Training Conference & Police/Security Expo in Atlantic City last month. …
Late-Night Drunken Assault Near Meadowlands Sends One Man To Hospital, Other To Jail Late-Night Drunken Assault Near Meadowlands Sends One Man To Hospital, Other To Jail
Late-Night Drunken Assault Near Meadowlands Sends One Man To Hospital, Other To Jail A drunken man was hospitalized and another jailed for assaulting him at a private industrial garage in Rutherford, authorities said. The 40-year-old victim from Cranford approached an East Rutherford police officer who was fueling his patrol vehicle at the Rutherford DPW garage on Highland Cross -- just off northbound Route 17 near the Meadowlands -- around 11:30 p.m. Saturday, June 8, Police Chief John Russo said.  He was bleeding from a head wound, the chief said. "It was determined he was assaulted by an acquaintance at a private industrial garage where both were at that eveni…
COP & CIRCUMSTANCE: Stolen Long Island Motorcycle Chase Gets NJ High School Senior 21 Tickets COP & CIRCUMSTANCE: Stolen Long Island Motorcycle Chase Gets NJ High School Senior 21 Tickets
COP & Circumstance: Stolen Long Island Motorcycle Chase Gets NJ High School Senior 21 Tickets A Lyndhurst High School senior who tried to elude a township police officer on a stolen motorcycle received 21 summonses -- and was charged criminally -- after he finally stopped, authorities said. Rozario Ymeraj, 18, was charged with eluding and receiving stolen property following the broad daylight chase into Rutherford last week. Lyndhurst Police Officer Michael LeStrange was directing traffic at Ridge Road and New York Avenue when he saw the motorcycle blow by several vehicles stopped at a light around 1 p.m. last Thursday, May 23, Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri said. Driving without a l…
Ex-Con Charged By FBI With Igniting Explosive Outside Passaic County ATM Ex-Con Charged By FBI With Igniting Explosive Outside Passaic County ATM
Ex-Con Charged By FBI With Igniting Explosive Outside Passaic County ATM A career criminal from Passaic County who's been busted dozens of times in North Jersey in just the past few years used an explosive device to damage an ATM, federal authorities charged. Nicolas Torres, 41, of Passaic, has amassed a lengthy rap sheet over much of his adult life, mostly involving business break-ins that local police and county prosecutors have dealt with. This time, though, the FBI's got him. Torres was captured on surveillance video igniting the device in front of the Chase Bank ATM on North 6th Street in Prospect Park in the early morning hours of July 5, 2022, U.S. Attor…
Grandparents, Uncle Believed Killed By 23-Year-Old Family Member In NJ Remembered Grandparents, Uncle Believed Killed By 23-Year-Old Family Member In NJ Remembered
Grandparents, Uncle Believed Killed By 23-Year-Old Family Member In NJ Remembered A Middlesex County family torn apart by tragedy is remembering those they lost. Dilipkumar and Bindu Brahmbhatt were shot and killed by their 23-year-old grandson, Om Brahmbhatt, who also killed his 38-year-old uncle, Yashkumar Brahmbhatt, Monday, Nov. 27 in South Plainfield, Middlesex County Prosecutor Yolanda Ciccone said. The three Brahmbhatts were found dead with gunshot wounds at the Traditions condo complex on Coppola Drive around 9 a.m. 🙏🏽😭It is with an inconsolable deep heavy heart that I share this devastating and shocking tragic news of the passing of…
CLIFFS RESCUE: Rutherford Man, 20, Injured In 50-Foot Fall From Top Of Palisades CLIFFS RESCUE: Rutherford Man, 20, Injured In 50-Foot Fall From Top Of Palisades
Cliffs Rescue: Rutherford Man, 20, Injured In 50-Foot Fall From Top Of Palisades A 20-year-old Rutherford man was rescued from the Palisades after he fell and was injured before dawn on Labor Day, authorities said. The victim called police from the Englewood Cliffs section of the Palisade Interstate Parkway overlooking the Hudson River at 2:12 a.m. Monday, Sept. 4, PIP Police Lt. Raymond Walter said. Parkway officers using GPS coordinates quickly located him about 50 feet down the cliff just south of the Rockefeller Lookout, the lieutenant said. He complained of head and back injuries, Walker said. The East Bergen Rappel Team, Alpine Fire Department, Closter Volu…
Fire Believed Started By Cigarette Damages Same Lyndhurst Home Where 2005 Blaze Killed Smoker Fire Believed Started By Cigarette Damages Same Lyndhurst Home Where 2005 Blaze Killed Smoker
Fire Believed Started By Cigarette Damages Same Lyndhurst Home Where 2005 Blaze Killed Smoker A fire that authorities believe was ignited Thursday by an improperly discarded cigarette damaged the same Lyndhurst home where a blaze more than 17 years ago killed a smoker with an oxygen tank. A married couple got out safely after the fire started at 230 Post Avenue at 9:19 a.m. June 29, Lyndhurst Police Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri said. Borough firefighters arrived to find flames shooting out of a second-floor side bedroom in the 2½-story house, responders said. The firefighters contained the blaze to that room and had it under control in well under a half-hour, Auteri said. They…
NJ Restaurants Named Favorites In America By Rachael Ray Show Staffers NJ Restaurants Named Favorites In America By Rachael Ray Show Staffers
NJ Restaurants Named Favorites In America By Rachael Ray Show Staffers Not one, not two, but six New Jersey restaurants made the Rachael Ray Show's list of best restaurants in the US. The top picks come from Ray's cast members. "We are huge foodies here at the show, so as you can imagine, we spend a lot of time trying out restaurants all over the country," the article reads. "We asked some of our staff to share their favorite spots—and their choices should definitely be added to your restaurant must-try list." The Garden State digs on the list include: Bakehouse by Joe Murphy, New Providence View this post on Instagram …
Rutherford Man, 34, Expecting Sex With 14-Year-Old Busted In Sting: Bergen Prosecutor Rutherford Man, 34, Expecting Sex With 14-Year-Old Busted In Sting: Bergen Prosecutor
Rutherford Man, 34, Expecting Sex With 14-Year-Old Busted In Sting: Bergen Prosecutor An unemployed Rutherford man who authorities said headed to Paramus expecting sex with an underage boy was instead arrested by Bergen County prosecutor’s detectives. Sean Dynan, 34, “engaged in sexually explicit dialogue” with Cyber Crimes Unit investigators before arranging the meeting, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said. Next thing he knew, he was in handcuffs. Dynan was charged with luring and child endangerment and sent to the Bergen County Jail on Wednesday, March 29. He remained there Sunday pending court action.
These NJ Schools Are Closed, Delayed Due To Snow Tuesday, Feb. 28 These NJ Schools Are Closed, Delayed Due To Snow Tuesday, Feb. 28
These NJ Schools Are Closed, Delayed Due To Snow Tuesday, Feb. 28 The first winter storm of the season is causing a change in plans for New Jersey schools on Tuesday, Feb. 28. Some districts have delayed openings while others are closed completely. Here's a list of which school are closed or delayed for Tuesday, Feb. 28. Check your school/district's website for details. Bedminster: 10: 50 a.m. start Bellville: Delayed Bergen County Tech: Closed Bergenfield: 2-hour delay Bernards: 2-hour delay Bloomfield: Delay Bloomingdale: Closed Bogota: Delayed Butler: Closed Cliffside Park: 10 a.m. start Clifton: Delayed Closter: Delayed Cresskill: Delayed Demarest: …
Fire Inspector In Morris Who Lives In Bergen Busted For Child Porn Fire Inspector In Morris Who Lives In Bergen Busted For Child Porn
Fire Inspector In Morris Who Lives In Bergen Busted For Child Porn A fire inspector who works in Morris County was caught trafficking child porn, authorities said following a raid on his Rutherford home. Juan P. Bonilla-Correa, 44, was arrested following a warranted search of his Union Avenue garden apartment, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said on Friday, Feb. 17. Members of his Cyber Crimes Unit found that the divorced Bonilla-Correa “used the Internet to view, download, possess, and distribute files depicting nude and/or sexually explicit prepubescent children,” the prosecutor said. They charged him with possession and distribution of child porn…
NJ Celebrity Hairstylist Charged With Trafficking Child Porn, Worked On 'Mrs. Maisel,' More NJ Celebrity Hairstylist Charged With Trafficking Child Porn, Worked On 'Mrs. Maisel,' More
NJ Celebrity Hairstylist Charged With Trafficking Child Porn, Worked On 'Mrs. Maisel,' More A Bergen County hairstylist to the stars is charged with trafficking more than 450 child sex abuse images, authorities said. Daniel Koye, 40, of Rutherford, was seized by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents on Jan. 28 in Atlanta after detectives from the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office obtained a warrant for his arrest, they said. He's been held since then in the Clayton County Jail in Jonesboro, GA pending extradition to New Jersey, records show. Authorities began looking for Koye following a warranted search at his Ettrick Terrace apartme…
Saddle Brook Police Chief Eyes Reinstatement, Restitution After Judge Stops Funeral Escort Case Saddle Brook Police Chief Eyes Reinstatement, Restitution After Judge Stops Funeral Escort Case
Saddle Brook Police Chief Eyes Reinstatement, Restitution After Judge Stops Funeral Escort Case Suspended Saddle Brook Police Chief Robert Kugler is seeking reinstatement, and restitution, following a judge's ruling that he was wrongly being prosecuted for assigning police escorts to processions from his family-owned funeral home. And despite having waited 18 months for vindication, Kugler isn’t angry. “I’ve turned the page,” he told Daily Voice. “I’m moving forward and expect to proudly return to be chief of police once again and serve my community and the general public. “It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.” State authorities wrongly applied a borough ordinance meant to keep police …
UPDATE: Stolen Car Chase Ends In Fiery Crash, Two In Custody On Route 3 UPDATE: Stolen Car Chase Ends In Fiery Crash, Two In Custody On Route 3
Update: Stolen Car Chase Ends In Fiery Crash, Two In Custody On Route 3 A stolen car chase from Belleville to Rutherford before dawn Sunday ended with a fiery crash and two arrests, authorities said. Three occupants bailed out of the stolen SUV and fled into a nearby residential area following the crash on eastbound Route 3 just west of Orient Way shortly before 1:30 a.m. Oct. 30, the witnesses said. Rutherford Police Lt. David Dovato nabbed one of them. A Bergen County Sheriff's K-9 Unit grabbed the other. Both were turned over to Belleville police. The third suspect got away. On eastbound Route 3 near Orient Way in Rutherford.RUTHERFORD FIRE DEPT No seri…
FOOTBRAWL: St. Mary, Harrison High School Game Stopped After Benches Clear, Fans Rush Field FOOTBRAWL: St. Mary, Harrison High School Game Stopped After Benches Clear, Fans Rush Field
Footbrawl: St. Mary, Harrison High School Game Stopped After Benches Clear, Fans Rush Field Benches cleared and fans ran onto the field during a brawl that canceled the varsity football game Saturday between St. Mary and Harrison high schools in Rutherford before halftime. Police restored order as the Oct. 29th game was called in only the second quarter with the Gaels of St. Mary winning 30-0. No injuries were reported, Rutherford Police Chief John Russo said. An investigation was underway with possible charges expected. "It began with players and coaches, then ended with fans entering the field," the chief said. "We have accusations of several assaults but we were una…
Bail Reform Poster Boy Wanted On Warrants Out Of Eight North Jersey Towns Nabbed By Maywood PD Bail Reform Poster Boy Wanted On Warrants Out Of Eight North Jersey Towns Nabbed By Maywood PD
Bail Reform Poster Boy Wanted On Warrants Out Of Eight North Jersey Towns Nabbed By Maywood PD A serial burglar wanted on warrants out of no fewer than eight towns in four counties was captured by Maywood police and charged with a break-in at a local dry cleaner. Nicolas G. Torres, 40, of Passaic, has been repeatedly arrested and then subsequently released under New Jersey’s 2017 bail reform law, mostly on commercial burglary charges, over the past several years, records show. His criminal record stretches back more than a decade before that, however. Earlier this year, Torres was linked to break-ins at businesses in Fort Lee, Leonia, Englewood Cliffs, Little Falls, Montclair, Ridg…
Authorities Try To ID Man Struck, Killed By Train In Rutherford Authorities Try To ID Man Struck, Killed By Train In Rutherford
Authorities Try To ID Man Struck, Killed By Train In Rutherford A man was rendered unidentifiable when he was struck and killed by a commuter train in Rutherford. Police found the dismembered body after responding to the call near the intersection of Park and East Erie avenues just west of the Rutherford train station shortly after 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17. He'd been struck by the Bergen County Line No. 1854 train, which left Waldwick at 7:35 a.m. and was due to arrive in Hoboken at 8:20 a.m., NJ TRANSIT's Jim Smith said. It apparently wasn't an accident, responders at the scene said. It was also the second violent death in roughly 14 hours in Rutherf…
SNEAKY PEEK: 'Upskirter' Caught Snapping Shots Of Bergen Shopper's Private Parts, Police Say SNEAKY PEEK: 'Upskirter' Caught Snapping Shots Of Bergen Shopper's Private Parts, Police Say
Sneaky PEEK: 'Upskirter' Caught Snapping Shots Of Bergen Shopper's Private Parts, Police Say A brazen voyeur from Hackensack took "upskirting" to an extreme, authorities said, when a browsing shopper found him lying on the floor of a discount department store snapping photos up her dress. Marco Alvear, 40, scrambled to his feet and ran from the Lyndhurst store after the horrified 53-year-old Rutherford woman discovered what he was doing, Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri said. Lyndhurst Detectives Chris Cuneo and Tom McSweeney identified Alvear, the lieutenant said, thanks to video surveillance from the store, which won't be identified here because of its cooperation with them. They al…
Firefighters Douse Lyndhurst Chemical Fire Firefighters Douse Lyndhurst Chemical Fire
Firefighters Douse Lyndhurst Chemical Fire A smoky Labor Day fire in a chemical processing machine at a Lyndhurst plant didn't create a potential health hazard, authorities said. Firefighters quickly doused the blaze, which broke out on the second floor of the Sika Corporation building on Polito Avenue down the road from Medieval Times shortly before 2:30 p.m. A faulty electrical component on processing equipment was the cause, authorities said. The first arriving companies "rapidly located the source of the fire in the smoke-filled area and averted a major incident from happening," Lyndhurst Fire Chief Louis Pipon said. Dry chem…
Gang Of 5 Caught Trashing Lyndhurst School Gang Of 5 Caught Trashing Lyndhurst School
Gang Of 5 Caught Trashing Lyndhurst School Two adults and three juveniles broke in and trashed a former Lyndhurst school, then surrendered after police surrounded the building and threatened to send a dog in after them, authorities said. Only one member of the group, a 17-year-old boy, is from Lyndhurst, they said. The rest are from Passaic County. They climbed in through an unsecured window of the old Lincoln School on Ridge Road at Gutheil Place around midnight Sunday, Detective Lt. Vincent Auteri said. A passerby on Ridge Road heard the sound of breaking glass and called police, the lieutenant said. The group ignored orders to …
HEROES: Trapped Trucker Rescued By Two Towing Operators (VIDEO) HEROES: Trapped Trucker Rescued By Two Towing Operators (VIDEO)
Heroes: Trapped Trucker Rescued By Two Towing Operators (Video) Two tow truck operators came to the rescue of a dump truck driver who was trapped when his rig rolled during the morning rush on Route 46. Edward Spina Jr. from ECRB Towing & Recovery in Bloomfield and JT Sagun from Nick’s Towing Service in Rutherford were both headed to work when the trucker's brakes locked up ahead of them around 7:45 a.m. Friday. The tri-axle vehicle loaded with fill tipped onto the driver's side in the eastbound fast lane at the Totowa/Little Falls border just past the McBride Avenue exit. Spina was driving a wrecker with a dash cam that recorded the accident. …
Body Of Man Chased By Police Pulled From Passaic River Two Days Later Body Of Man Chased By Police Pulled From Passaic River Two Days Later
Body Of Man Chased By Police Pulled From Passaic River Two Days Later The death of a man whose body was recovered from the Passaic River following a police chase was being investigated by county and state authorities, a family member said she was told. Meanwhile, she and other loved ones wait in anguish for answers. Everyone agrees that the body retrieved from the river below Route 21 Monday evening was that of Thadius Wilder, a 35-year-old father of five from Passaic. Wilder, who had a history of drug arrests, was last seen running from police on that very same highway on Saturday, said his sister, Amber Wilder-Hunter. Wilder-Hunter filed a missing person…
'Life Is So Fragile': Rutherford Boy, 17, Killed, Three Friends Injured In Horrific Crash 'Life Is So Fragile': Rutherford Boy, 17, Killed, Three Friends Injured In Horrific Crash
'Life Is So Fragile': Rutherford Boy, 17, Killed, Three Friends Injured In Horrific Crash UPDATE: Rutherford Mayor Frank Nunziato asked that everyone "come together as one community to respect the privacy of these families and offer them the support they need today, tomorrow and in the future during this sad and tragic time." Members of the Rutherford Volunteer First-Aid Ambulance Corps expressed their feelings in a social media post: "Our heartfelt condolences go out to those involved in (Friday's) tragic accident. We pray for those grieving and recovering, and thank all the agencies who assisted throughout....Take a moment to hug your kids tonight, as life is so fragile." ***…
Philly Takes 'Big Win' As Lincoln Financial Field Chosen To Host 2026 FIFA World Cup Philly Takes 'Big Win' As Lincoln Financial Field Chosen To Host 2026 FIFA World Cup
Philly Takes 'Big Win' As Lincoln Financial Field Chosen To Host 2026 FIFA World Cup Philadelphians were celebrating as Lincoln Financial Field was among 16 stadiums across the US, Mexico and Canada chosen to host the 2026 Fifa World Cup games, FIFA’s president said Thursday, June 16. "This is an incredible win for Philadelphia and Philadelphia Soccer 2026," Mayor Jim Kenney said. "FIFA saw what we all know is true: Philadelphia is a welcoming, world-class city and we have the experience to deliver a fantastic experience for teams, fans, and sponsors alike. #TheBidIsWon." This is an incredible win for Philadelphia and @phlsoccer2026! FIFA saw what we all know is true: …
Bergen Tour Company Manager, 76, Headed To Federal Prison For Embezzlement Scheme Bergen Tour Company Manager, 76, Headed To Federal Prison For Embezzlement Scheme
Bergen Tour Company Manager, 76, Headed To Federal Prison For Embezzlement Scheme UPDATE: A 76-year-old former Bergen County guided-tour company manager is headed to federal prison for 27 months for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from her employer. Estela Laluf Genin -- formerly of Rutherford and River Edge -- must serve the entire sentence because there's no parole in the federal prison system. Laluf Genin began working at the East Rutherford-based company in 1989 and took a management position in 1996, federal authorities said. Between 2010 and 2016, she and an unidentified company accountant conspired to write checks against the firm’s bank accounts to c…
FLAT LEAVERS: Quartet Caught After Abandoning Stolen Car On Route 208 FLAT LEAVERS: Quartet Caught After Abandoning Stolen Car On Route 208
Flat Leavers: Quartet Caught After Abandoning Stolen Car On Route 208 GOTCHA! The out-of-control auto theft epidemic has frustrated law enforcers throughout New Jersey, but sometimes the good guys catch a break. Just ask police in Wyckoff. It was late morning when a concerned citizen called to report four young occupants abandoning a stolen Mercedes Benz S550 sedan that blew a tire on Route 208. All four vanished into the neighborhood between Cedar Hill and Grandview avenues, the caller said. Instead of splitting up, though, they stuck together. A wave of police from Wyckoff, Midland Park and Hawthorne instantly converged on the area. Wyckoff Police Chief D…
UPDATE: Union County Ex-Con Admits Robbing Bergen County Bank UPDATE: Union County Ex-Con Admits Robbing Bergen County Bank
Update: Union County Ex-Con Admits Robbing Bergen County Bank An ex-con from Union County admitted robbing a Rutherford bank of $2,300 while wearing a New York Yankees cap that police later recovered from a nearby recycling bin, authorities said. Seneca Wilson, 43, of Clark, entered the Kearny Bank (formerly Kearny Federal Savings) at Park and West Newall avenues at 4:12 p.m. April 7, 2021, U.S. Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger said. He had on a dark t-shirt with a white logo, a windbreaker and sunglasses, as well as a neck gaiter over his face, a glove on his left hand and the baseball cap, witnesses said. Wilson “handed the teller a note…
'Invincible' Harrison Firefighter Who Served In US Marines, Law Enforcement Dies 'Invincible' Harrison Firefighter Who Served In US Marines, Law Enforcement Dies
'Invincible' Harrison Firefighter Who Served In US Marines, Law Enforcement Dies Vincent Doffont spent much of his life serving and protecting his country as a U.S. Marine and, later, his community in Hudson County as a sheriff's officer, police officer and firefighter. Doffont, 37, died suddenly this weekend, leaving those who knew him in shock and profound grief. "He was one of the hardest men I have ever met," wrote friend Blake Upton. "I always thought of him as invincible." Doffont, indeed, seemed indestructible as a football running back, defensive back and placekicked for the St. Mary's High School Gaels from 1999 through 2002. He was praised for his "speed, s…
Multiple 'Families' Rally For Critically Injured Tow Truck-Driving NJ First Responder Multiple 'Families' Rally For Critically Injured Tow Truck-Driving NJ First Responder
Multiple 'Families' Rally For Critically Injured Tow Truck-Driving NJ First Responder UPDATE: A tow truck-driving first responder who was struck by an out-of-control vehicle on Route 3 in Rutherford over the weekend remained in critical condition this week while loved ones, colleagues and friends prayed for a positive outcome. Robert Thornton of Ridgefield Park "has had two surgeries so far," Moonachie First Aid & Rescue Squad Lt. Maria Gigante wrote on a GoFundMe account she established for the family. "He remains in critical condition on a ventilator, but he is stable." A member of multiple "families," Thornton is well-known among North Jersey police, firefighters and …
HORRIFIC ROUTE 3 CRASH: Tow Truck Driver Struck, Critically Injured Clearing Highway HORRIFIC ROUTE 3 CRASH: Tow Truck Driver Struck, Critically Injured Clearing Highway
Horrific Route 3 Crash: Tow Truck Driver Struck, Critically Injured Clearing Highway UPDATE: A tow truck driver was fighting for his life after he was gravely injured by an out-of-control vehicle while responding to a previous accident on Route 3 in Rutherford, authorities said. Police had closed down several lanes and the shoulder while placing their vehicles and cones behind the initial two-car crash scene on the westbound highway near Park Avenue -- west of Route 17 and east of the Passaic River -- around 9:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 13, Police Chief John Russo said. Robert Thornton, 31, of Nick's Towing Service in Rutherford, had one of the vehicles on the flatbed and was p…
Best Meatballs In NJ: PizzAmore Italian Kitchen Near MetLife Stadium Gets Big Pizza Bowl Win Best Meatballs In NJ: PizzAmore Italian Kitchen Near MetLife Stadium Gets Big Pizza Bowl Win
Best Meatballs In NJ: PizzAmore Italian Kitchen Near MetLife Stadium Gets Big Pizza Bowl Win "Best of" pizza lists aren't worth much when you consider some people's tastes. But meatballs? Now that's a completely different story. Those who've tried his polpette weren't surprised when John Speciale and his PizzAmore Italian Kitchen in Bergen County captured a swingin' hot victory in the first-ever best meatballs competition sponsored by the Jersey Pizza Joints group on Facebook. PizzAmore's meatballs "exceed the hype," Rutherford native Gary Grattagliano wrote. "Perfect ratio of breadcrumbs to meat and seasoned to perfection with an outstanding sauce on quality real Italian bread." …