Courtesy Wyckoff Police Department
On June 16 at 10:10pm, Wyckoff Police responded to a motor vehicle crash on Route 208 south between Ewing Avenue and Russell Avenue. The two car crash involved a Ford Escape driven by a West Milford resident, age 23; and a Dodge Durango driven by a Midland Park resident, age 19. A 16 year old Hackensack girl was a passenger in the Dodge vehicle.
The investigation determined that the crash was caused by road rage between the two drivers as it was witnessed by an off-duty police officer from another municipality. The continuing investigation determined that the Ford vehicle was traveling in the left lane when it was tailgated by the Dodge vehicle. The Ford allegedly slammed on his brakes purposely, then slowed down next to a vehicle in the right lane preventing Simpson from passing. When the opportunity presented itself, the Dodge quickly went into the right lane, attempted to pass and tried to cut in front of the Ford. At that point their vehicles collided sending them both out of control. They both struck the divider, one of them struck a third car, then they crossed both lanes of travel, and left the roadway into a wooded embankment.
The Ford flipped two times, and the Dodge vehicle struck several trees. The driver of the Dodge was trapped in the vehicle for about 45 minutes before he was extricated by the Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department who had to cut the car apart to get him out. Immediately following the crash, the driver of the Ford exited his vehicle, approached the other driver who was trapped in his car, and slapped him in the face.
The Ford driver and the girl passenger were transported to the hospital by ambulance for treatment of their injuries which included cut and abrasions. The Dodge driver also sustained minor injuries and was treated at the scene. Sgt. Michael Ragucci charged the Ford driver with 2 counts of assault by auto for driving recklessly and injuring the other driver and passenger. He was also charged with physical assault for striking the other driver in the face. The Dodge driver was also charged with 2 counts of assault by auto for the injuries to both his passenger and the other driver.
Both drivers were also charged with numerous motor vehicle violations. They were released in their own recognizance and the complaints will be referred to Bergen County Superior Court. Sgt. Ragucci was assisted by Lt. David Murphy, Det. Sgt. Joseph Soto, Ptl. Mark Tagliareni and Ptl. Kevin Kasak, and the Bergen County Fatal Accident Investigation Unit.
Following a lengthy investigation of a juvenile drinking party on May 16, a Wyckoff woman was charged with a criminal complaint. Wyckoff Police responded at 12:54am to a High Meadow Court home following a report that a 17 year old Teaneck girl was highly intoxicated and unresponsive. The girl was transported to the hospital for treatment of alcohol poisoning.
A second girl, age 14 from Wyckoff, was found passed out in a bedroom and was transported home to her parents. The Wyckoff homeowner, age 57; was charged with making property available to persons under the legal drinking age to consume alcohol.
Additionally, a 15 year old Wyckoff girl at the party was also charged with making property available to persons under the legal drinking age to consume alcohol. A juvenile complaint was filed. Sgt. Dale Winters, Det. Sgt. Joseph Soto, Det. Michael Musto, and Ptl. Kevin Pinches investigated.
On June 17, Wyckoff Police investigated a domestic violence complaint at a Clinton Avenue. home. A 26 year old Wyckoff man was arrested for assault after it was determined that during an altercation with his 21 year old companion he injured the man. He was released under $1,000 bail and will appear in municipal court. Lt. David Murphy, Sgt. Jack McEwan and Sgt. Dale Winters investigated.
On June 19 at 3:24am, Ptl. Brian Zivkovich clocked a vehicle traveling 47 MPH on Brookside Avenue. Following a traffic stop, a Hawthorne resident, age 26, was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated. He was additionally charged with speeding, and is scheduled to appear in municipal court.
On June 19 at 10:30pm, Wyckoff Police responded to an Old Post Road home on a report of a loud party. Ptl. Brian Zivkovich and Ptl. Ryan Tenney responded to find about 10 juveniles drinking alcohol on a deck in the rear of the home. Most of the juveniles, aged 14-16, fled upon the arrival of the officers. Thirty open beer cans and bottles of vodka were found at the scene. The homeowners 14 year old daughter, home alone, was charged with making property available to persons under the legal drinking age to consume alcohol. She was charged on a juvenile complaint and will be referred to Bergen County Juvenile Court.
On June 21 at 7:03am, Sgt. Michael Ragucci and Ptl. Thomas Tully responded to Franklin Avenue and Cresthaven Road to investigate a motor vehicle crash. A 2003 Mitsubishi driven by a 20 year old Hamburg resident had driven of the roadway and struck a utility pole. He was taken to the hospital by Wyckoff Volunteer Ambulance Corps for treatment of some minor injuries. The investigation uncovered narcotics in the vehicle, and the driver was charged with possession of heroin, possession of a hypodermic needle, and possession of drug paraphernalia in the form of a metal spoon to be used with heroin. He is scheduled to appear in municipal court on July 8.
