On August 18 at 2:17am, Wyckoff Police responded to Route 208 north near Cedar Hill Avenue after residents of nearby homes reported that they heard a crash. Ptl. Michael DeMaio arrived to find fresh skid marks on the roadway, damage to a guardrail, and vehicle debris. Among the debris left at the scene was a New Jersey license plate. The subsequent investigation assisted by the information from the license plate lead the officers to a home in Franklin Lakes. Franklin Lakes Police assisted and found the vehicle and operator in the driveway. Ptl. DeMaio and Sgt. Daniel Kellogg arrived at the home and arrested Jozef A. Empel, 157 Pulis Avenue, Franklin Lakes, age 50. Empel was released to his son following a breath test, and was charged with driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving and failure to maintain his lane. He is scheduled to appear in municipal court on September 23.
On August 21 at 1:56am, Ptl. Ryan Tenney clocked a vehicle traveling 80 MPH on Route 208 north. After stopping the car, Christopher Ottlinghaus, 1078 SW Del Rio Boulevard, Port Saint Lucie, Florida, age 43; was arrested for driving while intoxicated. He submitted to a breath test and was incarcerated in the Wyckoff jail until later the following day when he could be released. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving, failure to maintain his lane and speeding. He will appear in municipal court.
On August 25 at 9:57pm, Wyckoff Police responded to a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of Wyckoff Avenue and Russell Avenue. Rubby A. Mieses, Prospect Park, age 18; was operating a 2003 Ford Taurus on Wyckoff Avenue when she failed to properly negotiate a right turn onto Russell Avenue. The vehicle struck a tree and she sustained severe facial injuries. She was taken by the Wyckoff Volunteer Ambulance Corps to the hospital for treatment. A 17 year old passenger in the vehicle also sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital as well. Mieses was charged by Ptl. Thomas Tully with careless driving.
On August 20, a resident of Sicomac Avenue reported that two unlocked cars parked in the driveway were entered during the overnight hours. Cash was reported stolen from a wallet in one car, and loose cash was taken from the second vehicle. Ptl. Brenda Groslinger investigated.
On August 24 at 1:07am, Sgt. Kenneth Brown and Ptl. William Plisich responded to the cul-de-sac of Fieldstone Terrace on a report that individuals were sitting in a car playing loud music. As the officers approached the area a vehicle started to drive away. The subsequent investigation lead to the arrest of the driver, Prashant J. Patel, 811 73rd Street, North Bergen, age 18; and two passengers. Brandon E. Rand, 840 Stonewall Court, Franklin Lakes, age 18; and a 17 year old Upper Saddle River boy. All three were charged with possession of marijuana and possession of narcotics paraphernalia. Patel and Rand were released in their own recognizance and will appear in municipal court. The boy was released to his mother and juvenile complaints were filed.
On August 24 at 4:00pm, Sgt. Michael Ragucci was on patrol on Crescent Avenue when he observed a vehicle driving erratically that left the roadway, struck a curb and nearly collided with two pedestrians. Following a traffic stop, Lisa M. Cannon, 149 Crescent Avenue, Wyckoff, age 44; was arrested and charged with driving while under the influence. She was additionally charged with reckless driving and failure to keep to the right. She is scheduled to appear in municipal court on September 30.
On August 25 at 8:47pm, Sgt. Daniel Kellogg and Ptl. Brian Zivkovich responded to a Mountain Avenue home to investigate a reported domestic violence incident. Upon their arrival they determined that a 20 year old Massachusetts man had been punched in the face by his 55 year old mother during an argument and sustained a lip injury. The woman was arrested and charged with assault and released in her own recognizance. She will appear in municipal court.
