The Alternative Press

WEST ORANGE, NJ - Two attempted carjackings and a fire on Pleasant Valley Way that sent two police officers and two civilians to St. Barnabas for smoke inhalation top this weeks' Police Blotter news.

Monday, Feb. 25

Burglary to a residence on Blackstock Road.  Homeowner returned home to find a door damaged and jewelry, 1 digital camera, 2 laptops and medicine totaling $3,171.00 taken from the premises. Possible witness noted a 4 door black Honda parked in front of the residence between 9-1pm.

Tuesday, Feb. 26

Attempted Burglary, 2 Central Avenue.  Unknown actors attempted entry into Whitney Dry Cleaners, but were unsuccessful.

Alleged Burglary to motor vehicle, Glenside Drive.  The interior of an unlocked 1999 Mercedes Benz was ransacked.  No damage was reported.

Theft at 115 Short Hills Rd.  Victim parked his vehicle and went to work.  Upon return, he saw that his grill had been removed from his 2004 Subaru Forester.  Victim's car was parked in a secure, guarded area and it was determined that theft had to have occurred overnight.

Attempted Carjacking/Armed Robbery.  Please click on the link for the previously reported story.

Wednesday, Feb. 27

Attempted Suicide, Wessman Drive.  Male was found lying on the floor of his residence with a large laceration on his throat determined to be self inflicted by an electric carving knife.  The victim was transported by the WOFD R-4 to University Hospital.  The police contacted the victim's wife.

Thursday, Feb. 28

Theft of Motor Vehicle, Stockman St.  Female left her 1994 Red Jeep Cherokee running.  The vehicle was seen taking off and heading east on Mitchell Avenue.  The vehicle was later recovered in Orange.

Burglary to Residence, Merrywood Drive.  The manager for Development Disabilities Association of NJ Group Home on Merrywood Drive reported the theft of a 13 inch television valued at $50 and a flat screen TV valued at $120.  An unlocked window was the suspected point of entry.

Shoplifting at Essex Green Shoprite.  Two black females between the ages of 20-30, one appearing pregnant, were observed by a display of flat screen TVs in the front of the store. The two women placed a 43 inch flat screen TV, valued at $379.00, into a cart and exited the store without paying for it.  The females entered a BMW Series white 4 door, and the manager approached a black male described as approximately 6 feet tall wearing a red button down flannel shirt, and demanded a receipt.  The male said "I am not with them, I am just helping them put the TV in their car." The suspect gave the TV back to the manager. The suspects departed.

Friday, March 1

Attempted Burglary to Residence, Glenside Drive.  Entry was not gained although a window screen was removed.  A DPW employee (possible witness) said he had observed four juvenile males 15-16 years, walking past the residence and lingering at the corner.

Warrant Arrest/Possible CD possession, Washington Street and Watchung Avenue.  Saleem Rashad Gerrald, 20, of West Orange, was arrested after an active warrant from Hillside in the amount of $750.00, was confirmed.  In addition, a search of the defendant turned up 1 small ziplock baggie containing suspected marijuana.  Gerrald was charged with possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

Armed Carjacking, Brook End Drive, St. Cloud Healthcare.  Please click on the link for the previously published article.

Saturday, March 2

Structure Fire, 1480 Pleasant Valley Way.  Click on the link to read the previously published story.

Warrant Arrest, 40 Main Street.  Joseph Anthony Mancuso, 55, of West Orange, was arrested at Supreme Bakery after a check revealed outstanding warrants from Newark and Belleville in the amount of $3,032.00.  He was transported to WOPD and released after signing court documents from Newark and Belleville.

Sunday, March 3

Attempted Burglary, 10 South Valley Road, Lucky 7 Liquor Store.  Owner contacted police after an unknown male attempted to break a glass door located on the west side of the store.  There is a security recording, which could not be viewed at the time.  

Burlgary, Pleasant Valley Way.  Victim reported entrance into his residence by unknown actors through an unlocked front window.  He reported that an acoustic guitar, black electric guitar, 32 inch flat screen TV, a DVD player, a digital camera and a gas blower totaling $2,245.00 were removed.

Simple Assault, Eagle Rock Avenue by Main St. and Harrison Ave.  A male juvenile was trying to cross Main St. and Harrison Ave. when a driver of a green Kia Sol, described as an hispanic in his early twenties, wearing blue jeans and gray shirt, came close to striking him.  They exchanged  words and the driver The driver followed the youth to the area of 100 Valley way, where he exited the vehicle and began to strike the youth two to three times in the neck with a closed fist and twice in the face with a closed fist.  Victim was transported to his residence and his mother said she did not want medical attention for him at this time.

Burglary-Theft from Motor Vehicle, Watchung Avenue.  Victim reported an Apple IPhoneS taken from his vehicle after a screwdriver type object was used to pry off the door handle of his vehicle, which resulted in the windows lowering.