News Flash

Warrant Arrest – ACS Contempt WarrantOn February 7, 2026, at approximately 8:09 PM, Officer Carlos Delgado, assisted by Officer Connor McClelland and Officer Jonathan Andres Puglla, conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Harrison Avenue and the I-280 Eastbound ramp after observing a traffic violation. A warrant check revealed the driver had two active no-bail warrants issued out of Jersey City. The subject was arrested without incident and transferred into Jersey City Police custody.

Warrant Arrest – Union TownshipOn February 9, 2026, at approximately 4:29 PM, Officer Jonathan Andres Puglla, assisted by Officer Jared Hoholick and Officer Carlos Delgado, conducted a motor vehicle stop while performing directed patrol at 2 Passaic Avenue after observing a driver using a cellular phone while operating a vehicle. Investigation revealed the driver had a suspended license and an active $1,000 warrant issued by Union Township. The subject was arrested and transported to headquarters. Union Township later authorized release on recognizance with a new court date, and the subject was issued motor vehicle summonses prior to release.

Driving While Intoxicated ArrestOn February 8, 2026, at approximately 1:11 AM, Officer Anthony Cecere and Officer Santiago Gomez, with assistance from Officer Jonathan Andres Puglla, Sgt. Iker Bermudez, and Det. Sgt. Freddy Lecca, responded to the area of Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South and Warren Street on a report of an intoxicated driver. Officers located the vehicle improperly positioned in the roadway. The driver displayed signs of intoxication and failed standardized field sobriety tests. Breath testing later recorded a BAC of 0.18%. The driver was arrested for DWI, the vehicle was impounded, and the subject was later released to a responsible party.

DWI Arrest Following Motor Vehicle Crash with InjuriesOn February 8, 2026, at approximately 6:58 PM, Officer Santiago Gomez, assisted by Sgt. Iker Bermudez, Det. Sgt. Freddy Lecca, and Officer Connor McClelland, responded to a three-vehicle crash at Harrison Avenue and Kingsland Avenue involving injuries. Investigation determined one vehicle struck two others, causing injuries to several occupants who were transported to local hospitals. Officers observed signs of intoxication from the at-fault driver, who failed field sobriety testing and was arrested for DWI. The vehicle was impounded and the driver later released to a responsible party pending court proceedings.

On February 3, 2026, at approximately 11:00 PM, Harrison Police officers responded to the area of 416 Hamilton Street on a report of a male attempting to break into vehicles. Officer Anthony Cecere located a male matching the description, who fled on a bicycle and ignored repeated commands to stop.  Additional units responded to assist, and Officer Carlos Delgado, along with Hudson County Sheriff’s Officer Rivera, apprehended the suspect after he attempted to evade officers through nearby streets. Officers Nicole Yamuca, Christopher Maitin, Connor McClelland, and Alex Naprawa also assisted during the incident.  The suspect, identified as Johan Reyes-Rodriguez, was found to have an active warrant out of Kearny. He was charged with attempted burglary, obstruction, hindering apprehension, and resisting arrest, then transported to Hudson County Jail without further incident.

01/20/2026 – Shoplifting / Drug Charges / WarrantsOfficers Jonathan A. Puglla, Carlos Delgado, Alex Naprawa, and Orlando Rivera arrested Ronald Henry (54), of Newark, after he shoplifted approximately $170 worth of merchandise from Walgreens at 432 Bergen St. Henry was found in possession of drug paraphernalia, suspected CDS, and had multiple active warrants. He was charged accordingly and transported to Hudson County Jail.

01/20/2026 – ATS Warrant ArrestOfficer Anthony Cecere, assisted by Officers Santiago Gomez and Alex Naprawa, arrested Jorge J. Castro Melgar (50), of Harrison, following a motor vehicle stop at Sussex St. and Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. Castro Melgar had active warrants out of Harrison and Franklin Township. He was processed, Released on his own recognizance on the Harrison warrant, and later released after bail was posted on the Franklin Township warrant.

01/21/2026 – ATS Warrant Pickup (Out of Town)Officers Anthony Cecere and Carlos Delgado took custody of Samantha V. Miller (34), of Montclair, from the Parsippany Police Department on an active ATS warrant issued out of Harrison. Miller was transported without incident to the Hudson County Correctional Facility.

01/21/2026 – DWI ArrestOfficer Nicole Yamuca, assisted by Detective Sgt. Freddy Lecca and Officers Santiago Gomez and Orlando Rivera, arrested Richard Botch (64), of Harrison, for driving while intoxicated following a motor vehicle investigation near Harrison Ave and Manor Ave. Botch registered a .21 BAC and was issued multiple summonses before being released to a responsible party.

01/22/2026 – DWI / Multiple Motor Vehicle SummonsesOfficer Connor McClelland, assisted by Officer Alex Naprawa and Detective Sgt. Freddy Lecca, arrested Bryan B. Garces (33), of Newark, after a traffic stop at Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. and Jersey St. Garces showed signs of impairment and was charged with DWI and multiple motor vehicle violations before being released to a licensed driver.

January 12, 2026

Officers were dispatched to headquarters for a report of a stolen motor vehicle. The reporting party advised that the vehicle had been left in the care of a friend while the owner was out of the country to avoid parking violations. The reporting party stated the vehicle was last seen parked at the intersection of Hamilton St. and Davis Ave on 01/08/2026 at 2300 hours. The reporting party provided video surveillance footage showing the vehicle being parked at approximately 2302 hours. The footage depicts a white vehicle pulling alongside, after which a male exits, canvasses the parked vehicle, and gains entry through the rear passenger-side door using an unknown device. The suspect then enters the driver’s seat. The white vehicle departs, followed by the stolen vehicle traveling westbound on Hamilton St.

January 12, 2026

At approximately 2002 hours, PO Nash conducted a random license plate inquiry on a green Chrysler traveling southbound on Frank E Rodgers Blvd near Sussex Street, which returned an active warrant out of Newark with a $3,500 bail. A motor vehicle stop was initiated. The driver and registered owner, Andres Choloquingacholoq, advised he did not possess a valid driver’s license. Mr. Choloquingacholoq was placed under arrest on the outstanding warrant and was later released on his own recognizance.

At approximately 2321 hours, PO Soltis observed a black Acura ATL in the area of 1st Street and Bergen associated with an individual known to have outstanding warrants out of Harrison and Union, each for $1,000. The individual exited the vehicle and was identified via photo on the officer’s MDT. When questioned, the individual refused to answer and was detained until additional units arrived. Warrants were confirmed by dispatch.  The individual was placed under arrest on the outstanding warrants and was later released after bail was posted.

While on patrol, PO Nash observed a white pickup truck make a left turn onto Harrison Ave and conducted a random license plate inquiry. The inquiry returned information inconsistent with the vehicle observed and revealed the registered owner had an active warrant out of Elizabeth. A motor vehicle stop was initiated in front of Town Hall.  Officers made contact with the driver, who was only able to provide a driver’s license and proof of insurance. The driver stated the license plates were from another vehicle he owns and advised he had recently purchased the vehicle. A VIN inquiry returned to a different vehicle. The driver was advised of the active warrant.  He was later released on his own recognizance.

January 13, 2026

During proactive patrol, PO Burgo conducted a random license plate inquiry on a black 2021 BMW in the area of South 5th Street and Crucible which revealed an active NCIC want out of Union County. Emergency lights and sirens were activated, and a motor vehicle stop was conducted.  The driver was confirmed as the registered owner, Mr. Hamed A. Lawal. The NCIC want was confirmed by dispatch. The driver complied with requests and was subsequently placed under arrest.  Custody of Mr. Lawal was later transferred to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.

December 20, 2025

At 2:49 AM PO Maitin observed a Chrysler traveling without lighted lamps and failing to maintain its lane. A motor vehicle stop was conducted, and the driver was identified as Mr. Jose Camacho. During the investigation, officers detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from Mr. Camacho’s breath, observed watery eyes, and located an open container of beer inside the vehicle. Standardized field sobriety tests were administered, which Mr. Camacho was unable to complete satisfactorily. Mr. Camacho was then placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated.

December 19, 2025

December 24, 2025

At approximately 1342 hours, PO Barbosa was patrolling Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South in the area of Library Park when he observed two males, Mr. Nestor Navarro and Mr. Omar Robles whom he knew to have active warrants out of our jurisdiction. PO Baldeon arrived on scene to assist and he and PO Barbosa approached Mr. Navarro and Mr. Robles and advised them of the active warrants. Both parties were subsequently placed under arrest and were later released on their own recognizance pending future court dates.

On December 13th, at approximately 0119 hours, while patrolling Church Square and Harrison Avenue, PO Rueda observed a black 2012 Chevrolet Camaro fail to stop at a red light. A traffic stop was attempted at Harrison Avenue and N 3rd Street.  The vehicle initially failed to stop but eventually stopped in the parking lot of El Meson de Luis, 217 Harrison Ave. The driver, Luis A. Carpio Zabala, exhibited signs of impairment, including bloodshot, glassy eyes and odor of alcohol. After conducting Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, Mr. Carpio Zabala was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated.

On December 14, at approximately 0250 hours, while patrolling Frank E. Rodgers Blvd S near Angelo Cifelli Dr, a 2012 silver Mazda was observed failing to maintain lane and crossing double yellow lines by PO Burgo. Emergency lights and sirens were activated, and a motor vehicle stop was conducted at Essex St and Frank E. Rodgers Blvd S. The driver, Darwin E. Maza-Patango, exhibited signs of impairment including glassy eyes and odor of alcohol. After conducting field sobriety tests, Mr. Maza-Patango was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).

On December 12th, at approximately 1857 hours, while patrolling the area of Bergen Street and the Route 280 westbound on-ramp, PO Soltis conducted a random license plate inquiry on a black Honda Accord. The inquiry revealed an active warrant out of Secaucus for the registered owner in the amount of $3,000.   A motor vehicle stop was conducted at Bergen Street and the Route 280 westbound on-ramp. The driver was identified as Aaliyah R. Bouza, the registered owner of the vehicle. Dispatch confirmed the active warrant. Ms. Bouza was asked to exit the vehicle and was placed under arrest without incident.

On December 13th, at approximately 2231 hours, while patrolling Harrison Ave near the I-280 westbound entrance, PO Burgo conducted a random license plate inquiry on a 2004 silver Ford. The inquiry revealed an active warrant out of Jersey City for the registered owner, Shyheen J. Flowers, in the amount of $600. A motor vehicle stop was conducted at Harrison Ave and N 2nd St. Mr. Flowers was unable to provide ID or driver’s license but confirmed ownership. Dispatch confirmed no additional warrants. Mr. Flowers was informed of the warrant and placed under arrest without incident.

On December 14th, at approximately 0031 hours, while traveling northbound on Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard S, a brown Mitsubishi NJ registration was observed traveling southbound by PO Maitin. A registration check revealed an active warrant in the amount of $2000 for the registered owner. A motor vehicle stop was conducted near Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard S and New Jersey Railroad with PO Nash assisting. The driver identified the passenger as the owner. The passenger, Jairo R. Garcesvelarde, was confirmed to have an active warrant by dispatch. Mr. Garcesvelarde was asked to exit the vehicle and was placed under arrest without incident.

On December 15th, at approximately 0053 hours, while patrolling Frank E. Rodgers Blvd S, a random license plate inquiry was conducted on a white 2010 Ford by PO Rueda. The inquiry revealed the registered owner, Felix R. Llanovaldez, had an active warrant out of Hardyston for $1,250. A motor vehicle stop was conducted at Riverbend Dr. and Frank E. Rodgers Blvd S. Mr. Llanovaldez was informed of the warrant and placed under arrest without incident.

At approximately 6 PM on December 15, 2025, P.O. Daniel Soltis, while assigned to a DWI Grant Detail, conducted a motor vehicle stop near Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard South and Jersey Street after observing a traffic violation.

At approximately 2:55 PM, PO Barbosa conducted a motor vehicle stop on a black 2011 Dodge Ram near Hamilton Street and Passaic Avenue.  The vehicle was observed on Harrison Avenue and Passaic Avenue displaying heavily tinted windows and had an expired registration. The front passenger was identified as the registered owner, Mr. Louis X. Fleurinord, who had two active warrants out of Newark, NJ and Union, NJ. Mr. Fleurinord was removed from the vehicle and placed under arrest without incident.  He was later released on his own recognizance.

At approximately 8:41 PM, PO Nash conducted a motor vehicle stop on a black Mercedes-Benz in front of the PATH station, 905 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd S. A random license plate inquiry on the vehicle revealed the registered owner had an active ATS warrant out of Elizabeth for $1,000.The driver, identified as the registered owner Ulzerah Griggs, provided her credentials and was advised of the warrant. Ms. Griggs was placed under arrest for the active warrant and later released from police custody on her own recognizance.

At approximately 9:26 PM, PO Barbosa conducted a motor vehicle stop on a black 2007 Chevrolet sedan near Harrison Avenue and North 5th Street. The vehicle was initially observed on Harrison Avenue and 6th Street operating with a noisy muffle. A registration inquiry revealed the registered owner, Erick Changa, had an active ATS warrant out of Newark.Upon contact, the driver was confirmed to be Mr. Changa. Mr. Changa was advised of the violations and was placed under arrest for the active ATS warrant.  He was later released on his own recognizance.

 At approximately 2230 hours, Detective Sgt. Lecca conducted a motor vehicle stop on a black Ford Edge on the 100 block of Manor Avenue. The vehicle was observed stopped in the middle of the roadway for an extended period. A license plate inquiry revealed the registered owner had two active warrants out of Wayne, each for $750.  The driver and registered owner, Jennifer Toledo, provided her credentials, and open containers of Corona beer were observed behind the driver’s seat. Dispatch confirmed the warrants. Ms. Toledo agreed to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and did not appear impaired at this time. She was further advised of the warrants and placed under arrest.  She was later released on her own recognizance and issued a summons for an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

At approximately 11:04 PM, PO Maitin conducted a motor vehicle stop on a white Ford van on the 100 block N 3rd Street after confirming the vehicle’s registration and the registered owner’s driver’s license were suspended.  The operator, identified as Freddy N. Malave-Dumani, was not the registered owner. He provided registration and insurance but stated he forgot his wallet. Upon further questioning, Mr. Malave-Dumani appeared nervous and provided inconsistent pedigree information.  After acquiring appropriate pedigree information, dispatch confirmed Mr. Malave-Dumani’s New Jersey driver’s license was expired and suspended, and he had two active ATS warrants out of Passaic, each with full bail of $1,001.  Mr. Malave-Dumani was asked to exit the vehicle and was placed under arrest for the active warrants.  Custody was later transferred over to the Passaic Police Department.

On December 7, 2025 at approximately 2 AM, PO Nash conducted a motor vehicle stop on a black Nissan Rogue at Bergen Street and the I-280 ramp after observing it cross the double yellow lines, make an improper left turn, fail to yield to oncoming traffic, and nearly cause a head-on collision on Frank E. Rodgers Blvd S.  The driver and registered owner, Edmin VivarGarcia, was found to have a suspended driver’s license. Upon contact, the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from his breath, and observed bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. Mr. VivarGarcia provided the vehicle title and an international driver’s license. Mr. VivarGarcia agreed to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and later admitted to consuming alcohol.  He failed SFSTs and was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated.

At approximately 11:45 PM, Sgt. Archibald and PO Castellano observed a black 2013 Infiniti G37 traveling northbound on Frank E. Rodgers Blvd N, crossing the double yellow line multiple times and veering into the southbound lane.  A motor vehicle stop was conducted at Frank E. Rodgers Blvd N and Cross Street. Contact was made with the driver, Charles W. Peters Jr., who exhibited slow, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol emanating from his breath. His eyes were droopy, bloodshot, watery, and glassy.  Mr. Peters stumbled exiting the vehicle and had difficulty maintaining balance while being escorted to a clear, level surface. He admitted to drinking “one bottle of champagne.” Mr. Peters was unable to properly complete SFST’s and was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated.

On December 07, 2025 PO Puglla observed a Red Honda traveling westbound on Harrison Ave without headlights. A motor vehicle stop was conducted at Harrison Ave and Second St.  The driver, John M. Barrionuevopapa, was identified and produced valid documents. Officers detected the odor of alcoholic beverage, and the driver displayed watery, bloodshot eyes. Mr. Barrionuevopapa admitted to drinking alcohol and consented to SFSTs, which he did not successfully complete.  Mr. Barrionuevopapa was placed under arrest for DWI.  He was later released as per John’s Law.

On December 6, 2025, at approximately 7 PM, PO Burgo conducted a random license plate inquiry on a 2010 Black Ford near Harrison Ave and 1st St, which returned an active Harrison warrant $1,000 full bail. A motor vehicle stop was conducted at Harrison Ave and N 2nd St.The driver, Ruben N. Yupangui-Tenezaca, was confirmed as the registered owner and was placed under arrest without incident. A search incident to arrest yielded negative results, and the vehicle was released to a valid driver.  Mr. Tenezaca was later released on his own recognizance.

On December 7, 2025 at approximately 12 AM, PO Burgo conducted a random license plate inquiry on a 2019 White Lexus near Hamilton St and John St, which returned that the registered owner of the vehicle was wanted by the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.  A motor vehicle stop was conducted at Passaic Ave and Cleveland Ave.  The driver, Marco Supe, was confirmed as the registered owner. Mr. Supe was placed under arrest without incident.  Custody of Mr. Supe was later transferred over to the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office.

On December 5, 2025, police were dispatched to the 300 block of 6^th Street on a report of a motor vehicle blocking a private driveway. After a check of the registration, it was revealed that the owner was found to have an active warrant out of our jurisdiction. The owner/driver of the vehicle was placed under arrest and transported back to headquarters without incident. Once at headquarters, she was able to post bail and was released with a new court date. 

On December 3, 2025, at approximately 7 PM, Harrison Police officers were conducting surveillance of the QuickChek on Bergen Street due to recent shoplifting incidents. During the surveillance, officers observed Jeffrey Barnhardt, 71, repeatedly walking between the rear of the store and the food warmer area, placing condiments into his pockets. Barnhardt then concealed a box of chicken tenders valued at $5.00 and exited the store without paying.

Officers detained Barnhardt outside the store, confirmed with staff that no items had been purchased, and obtained surveillance footage of the shoplifting. Barnhardt admitted to taking the items and was placed under arrest for shoplifting. He was transported to police headquarters for processing.

On December 4, 2025, at approximately 7:15 PM, Harrison Police units were dispatched to a residence on Paterson Street for a reported burglary. Upon arrival, officers met with two victims who stated they had left their apartment earlier in the day and returned in the evening to find the home ransacked.

The victims reported that all entry doors were locked upon their return, and officers did not observe any signs of forced entry. Inside the residence, a locked dresser had been broken open. The victims reported that a significant quantity of jewelry, designer bags, clothing, cash, and other personal items had been stolen.

The total value of the missing property was estimated at over $25,000.

Detectives responded to the scene to photograph and document the incident. Surveillance cameras in the surrounding area were checked for potential footage. The investigation remains active.

On December 2, 2025, at approximately 4:30PM, Officer Barbosa was proactively patrolling the area of Frank E. Rodgers Blvd South and Bergen Street when a random license plate inquiry was conducted on a gray 2008 Honda.  The inquiry returned that the registered owner, Mr. Jose Miranda, was a wanted person for a probation violation.  A motor vehicle stop was conducted near the intersection of Frank E. Rodgers Blvd South and Bergen Street.  PO Barbosa confirmed the identity of the driver and subsequently placed him under arrest without incident.  Mr. Miranda was later turned over to the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office.

On November 30, 2025, at approximately 10:30PM, PO Nash conducted a motor vehicle stop on a Mazda traveling northbound on Frank E. Rodgers Blvd S near Bank of America (500 Frank E. Rodgers Blvd S). The vehicle was observed driving through an area with a “Do Not Enter” sign posted and displaying a rear license plate improperly mounted on the back window.  A check of the driver, who did not have her license during the stop, revealed an active ATS warrant out of Passaic for $750 bail.  The driver was taken into custody and later released on her own recognizance.

On November 29, 2025, at approximately 8 PM, Harrison Police units were dispatched to Walgreens on Bergen Street for a report of a shoplifting that had just occurred. Officers Naprawa and Yamucca responded and broadcast a description of the suspect to all patrol units. Shortly thereafter, Sgt. Lecca located the suspect, identified as Jermaine Rabb. Walgreens staff positively identified Mr. Rabb as the individual who stole several bottles of Febreze air fresheners.

During the arrest, officers also discovered a crack pipe in Mr. Rabb’s possession. He was charged with shoplifting and possession of drug paraphernalia.

On November 28, 2025, at approximately 1 AM, Officer Cecere observed Mr. Jermaine Rabb walking on Frank E. Rodgers Boulevard. Officer Cecere was aware Mr. Rabb had an active warrant for his arrest and subsequently took him into custody without incident. A search following the arrest resulted in the recovery of a crack pipe from Mr. Rabb’s jacket pocket. He was processed accordingly.