Police Report: Firefighters Shore up Central Avenue Apartment After Car Crashed through Wall
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- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 8087
Scarsdale firefighters who are part of Technical Rescue Squad 36 assisted in shoring up a Central Park Avenue two-story apartment building after a car drove into a garden apartment April 12. The accident occurred around 2 p.m. on the side of Building B of the Scarsdale Ridge Apartments in Greenburgh. An elderly man and woman were the driver and passenger of the car, a blue Honda Accord. The car penetrated the building’s wall, creating a large hole, and the car continued to drive halfway into the building. The couple was taken to Westchester Medical Center with reported “minor injuries.” Nobody else was injured in the accident. The entire building, consisting of twelve apartments, was evacuated, and all utilities were shut off.
The initial public safety response consisted of the Greenville Fire Department along with Greenburgh police. While assessing the situation, the Greenville FD Incident Commander requested a response from Technical Rescue Squad 36, along with the Greenburgh Technical Rescue Team. TRS-36 consists of the Fairview, Greenville, Hartsdale and Scarsdale Fire Departments. According to Scarsdale Fire Chief James Seymour, “When TRS-36 is requested, assets from each of the four departments respond along with assets from the Greenburgh Police Department with pre-assigned apparatus and equipment.” Firefighters participating in TRS-36 worked to mitigate immediate risk by shoring the building, and engineers were called in to further check the accident’s impact on building’s overall structural integrity.
Over the last 18 months or so, representatives from 12 local fire departments, in cooperation with Westchester County Commissioner of Emergency 
Services John Cullen, have been working on the implementation of a technical rescue squad matrix. During the planning stages of this initiative, training, equipment, dispatch and responses were addressed. Currently, three Technical Rescue Squads are operational and identified in the County’s computer aided dispatch (CAD) system. The Squads are TRS-32 (New Rochelle), TRS-34 (White Plains) and TRS-36. As this concept continues to evolve, additional area departments will be blended into the matrix.
“In cooperation with DES, we have requested that instructor authorization courses be taught from the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control,” Seymour explained. “These instructor authorizations will certify our local fire officers to teach these particular courses to our firefighters, in an effort to increase the amount of personnel adequately trained to the highest level possible.”
Explaining the necessity of the technical rescue squads, Seymour said: “This initiative began with the identification or belief that fire departments must be better prepared to respond and mitigate more than just fires. Throughout Westchester you can easily find workers in trenches, workers in manholes and other confined spaces, people stranded at increased elevations and buildings that have been structurally compromised. These squads have the necessary assets to respond to these types of i
ncidents within our response districts.”
The Central Avenue accident was the initial response for the newly aligned TRS-36 team, and it was a success.
“People should know that area fire departments work every day trying to identify ways to better protect their residents,” Seymour said. “This program will allow for an expeditious deployment of necessary manpower and equipment in cases for which people find themselves stuck, trapped or incapacitated in trenches, confined spaces or even building collapses.
Bank Robbery on Tarrytown Road
On Friday April 13th at approximately 2:45 P.M. Greenburgh Police Officers responded to the Chase Bank located at 409 Tarrytown Road on a report of a bank robbery. The suspect passed a note to the teller and fled on foot with an undetermined amount of cash. The suspect was described as a black male wearing a black and white shirt, red hooded sweatshirt with a black hood, black hat with a red brim, blue jeans, and white sneakers.
Stolen
On April 9, an Eastchester woman reported someone stole her iPhone 8. She said she had accompanied her sister and nephew to a children’s Spanish class at Hitchcock Presbyterian Church and School from 10:30 a.m. until 11:20 a.m. that day. During the class, she used her iPhone to take pictures of her nephew. She placed her phone on top of her purse, which was on a classroom desk and visible to others in the room. After walking outside to the car, the woman realized she did not have her phone with her. She called it three times. The first two times, it rang out and went to voicemail. The third time, it went immediately to voicemail. She then went back into the classroom to look for her phone, but it was not there.
On April 10, a Popham Road man reported his passport might have been stolen. He said he last saw his passport inside his residence at the end of February. He did not move his passport to another location or use his passport, but in March, he noticed it was missing. He believes it was stolen.
On April 13, a Wildwood Road resident reported a package from Amazon was stolen from her front porch. According to tracking information, the package was delivered April 9. It contained Ray Ban sunglasses valued at $180.
Identity theft
On April 9, a Rugby Lane man reported unauthorized charges were made to his credit card. He said he believes he lost four credit cards and his New York Sports Club ID card at the NYSC facility in Hartsdale April 8. He received a call from Chase bank’s fraud department on April 9, stating that someone attempted to use his Chase debit and credit cards at the Best Buy location on Central Avenue. Chase declined the attempted transactions. While following up with his other credit card companies to report his cards had been lost, the man learned a fraudulent transaction had been made at the Apple store in the Ridge Hill Shopping Center in Yonkers. The transaction was evenly split between two credit cards. The manager of the Apple store said the transaction had been captured on video. Police are following up.
On April 11, an Oxford Road resident reported his American Express card was used to make a fraudulent purchase of $35.68 at a Chipotle Mexican Grille on April 6. He informed American Express that the transaction was fraudulent, and the account was closed. The man also reported an unknown person attempted to credit cards in his name at Lowe’s and Home Depot in March. These attempts were denied.
Handbag
On April 10, a Garth Road storeowner reported possible fraud with a handbag transaction. The owner of the business said a woman purchased a $9,200 blue and black Hermes Birkin handbag on March 19. She paid $700 cash and split the difference between two credit cards – $4,250 on an American Express card and $4,250 on a Visa. On March 20, the woman returned to the store and wanted to put the same handbag back on consignment for $9,800. The storeowner said both credit card companies had informed her that the customer was disputing both charges of $4,250. The creditors refunded the customer a total of $8,482.50, according to the storeowner. The storeowner reached out to the customer by leaving her a message. The handbag is at the store and the owner believes it is the same handbag that was originally purchased on March 19. Police advised the storeowner this is a civil matter.
Visitors
On April 11, a Brite Avenue resident reported her house had been listed for sale that day, and shortly thereafter, two women came to her house and asked to look around. The resident’s nanny let the women into the house. The women stayed in the house for some time, looking around. One said she might want to move to Scarsdale from New York City. Nothing appeared missing from the house. Police advised the resident to talk with her nanny about who is allowed access to the house.
Metal detector
A caller reported seeing a man with a metal detector walking in the area of Brite Avenue and Sage Terrace April 11. Police spoke with the man about the complaint. The man said it was a hobby of his, and he told police he was using a map to make sure he only stayed on public property.
Ticket machine
MTA police reported the ticket machine on the Scarsdale train station platform, on Depot Place, had been tampered with April 12. Scarsdale police checked the area for suspects but did not find any.
Disputes
A Bradford Road resident and a contractor had a verbal argument over the possible impact that construction activity was having on Bradford Road traffic flow April 12. The resident called police. Patrol advised both parties to obey all traffic rules and stay civil with their disagreements.
A taxi driver reported a verbal dispute with a passenger over the fare from JFK airport to Christie Place April 15. While police were on the scene, the driver and passenger came to an agreement over the fare, and the matter was resolved.
Bus
A man had accidentally boarded an Express Bee Line bus, missed his intended stop in White Plains, had an argument with the driver and eventually got off at a stop across from Scarsdale High School on Post Road April 12. He called police for assistance. Police stayed with the man until a local bus headed toward White Plains came, and the man boarded the bus.
Ring
A Post Road resident called police for help in removing a ring at 11 p.m., April 12. Patrol called Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps for assistance. The ring was successfully removed.
Cars and roadways
Police tied up fallen wires on Secor Road April 9.
A person in a Honda parked on Meadow Road had pulled off the parkway to make a phone call April 9.
After an Overlook Road resident complained about traffic hazards caused by illegally parked cars, police went to the area, saw numerous illegally parked cars and issued summonses April 10.
Police spoke with Scarsdale Avenue gas station employees who parked their cars, without permits or authorization, in Merchant Lot, April 12. They were told to park elsewhere, and police will follow up.
Construction vehicles were parked in such a way on Brookby Road that it was making traffic flow difficult April 12. Police spoke with the vehicles’ drivers, and those drivers moved their vehicles.
Patrol issued summonses to two drivers who parked in handicapped spaces near the high school’s turf field and five drivers who parked their cars on Wayside Lane in violation of two-hour parking restrictions April 13.
Police helped a Popham Road motorist start her car after she reported a possible problem wither battery April 14.
A fallen branch broke a streetlight and knocked down wires on Burgess Road April 14. Police stood by for the highway department and Con Edison.
The swing door to a construction site on Weaver Street was blowing open and obstructing the roadway April 14. Patrol closed the gate and positioned cement blocks to prevent it from blowing open.
Patrol removed a yard waste bag from the Five Corners intersection April 14.
Patrol notified the highway department about a fallen tree on Cooper Road April 14.
Patrol issued a summons to the owner of a parked car blocking a driveway on Walworth Avenue April 15.
A handicapped driver reported a car, without handicap tags, was parked in a handicapped spot on Depot Place April 15. Patrol issued a summons.
Three car accidents were reported in the village this week.
Dog bite
On April 14, a Garth Road woman reported an unknown brown and white dog on Chase Road had bitten her earlier that day. She said she had been walking with her dog when she passed the offending dog and its owner. The offending dog lunged at her dog, and the woman pulled her dog away. The offending dog then bit her leg and held on with its teeth, causing the woman to shake her leg to get the dog off. The bite caused a puncture wound and bleeding. The owner of the offending dog asked the woman if she was OK. The woman said she walked away because she was afraid the offending dog would bite her again. The offending dog’s owner was described as a woman with white hair, possibly in her 60s.
Animals
A baby owl was in the roadway at Post and Burgess roads April 12. A wildlife rehabilitator was consulted. The rehabilitator determined the owl was healthy and probably only days away from being able to fly on its own. Patrol relocated the owl to a patch of woods away from the roadway.
A caller reported a person running with an unleashed dog on Lyons Road April 14. Police went to the area and found the person sitting with a dog nearby. The person was advised about village code regarding unleashed dogs and left the area.
Noise
After neighbors complained of noise, police asked a Larch Lane resident to take her dog inside the house April 11.
On April 14, callers complained about a loud outside party on Berkeley Road. Patrol advised the homeowner to lower the volume of music, and the homeowner obliged. Approximately 45 minutes later, another noise complaint was received. Patrol went to the house and, at the request of the homeowner, patrol assisted in dispersing guests in an orderly fashion.
Residents twice complained about loud music coming from Saxon Woods Grill at 10:30 p.m., April 14. Patrol notified Westchester County police and advised the manager of the Grill. The manager said the event was ending momentarily, and patrol stayed on scene to observe this.
Lost and found
A person found a laptop computer and a bag at the Scarsdale train station and gave them to police April 12. Police used information on the laptop to identify the owner. The owner was contacted; her identity was verified; and she picked up her computer and bag. All items in the bag were accounted for.
Firefighters
According to Scarsdale Fire Chief James Seymour, the fire department responded to 31 incidents, including some mutual aid calls, this week. He shared the following narratives:
On April 11, a contractor excavating ground by hand saw gas bubbling near a gas main on Bradford Road. Firefighters notified Con Edison and responded to the scene. There, in addition to a possible gas leak, firefighters noted an open excavation trench, wider and deeper than four feet and without required safety measures. Firefighters notified the building department, and the contractor was informed that necessary trench shielding must be in place before work could continue.
A gasoline generator was leaking fuel in a Post Road garage April 11. Firefighters removed the generator and spread Speedy-Dri on the leak.
On April 13, a teakettle left on a gas-fired stove had overheated and melted in a Claremont Road kitchen. Firefighters removed the kettle from the stove and placed it outside. Firefighters detected elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the kitchen and investigated further. They measured highest levels of carbon monoxide in the basement boiler room. Con Edison was called to the scene. The boiler was shut down, and firefighters cleared the air inside the house using positive pressure ventilation. The boiler flue pipe was found to be separated and leaking exhaust into the basement. The boiler was red-tagged. Firefighters found a previous red-tag for the boiler dated May 2016. Firefighters advised the resident to contact a heating contractor for repairs. Firefighters also noticed numerous smoke detector heads missing and no carbon monoxide detectors present. The resident was advised about how to correct the situation.
On April 14, a Church Lane South resident reported that heat from a halogen lamp placed near a light switch melted the plastic switch. Firefighters de-energized the switch at the circuit breaker panel, capped the wires with wire nuts and advised the resident to call an electrician for repair.
Firefighters assisted White Plains Fire Department by covering one of their stations while White Plains firefighters were battling a structure fire on Ferris Avenue in White Plains April 14.
An oil burner was misfiring and creating smoke inside the basement of a Chateaux Circle apartment building April 14. The burner was shut down, and the building was ventilated. The super of the building was notified. He responded to the scene and called a boiler technician for repair.
This report covering police and fire department information from April 9-15 has been compiled from official information.
This police report is sponsored by Scarsdale Security who does more than just security. Contact them about remote video for your home or business. Call 914-722-2200 or visit their website.
Police Report: Audi Windshield Damaged with Bullet Holes found on Bell Road
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- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 6969
On April 8, around 9:30 p.m., a caller reported an Audi S4 with damage to the windshield, parked near the intersection of Bell and Sprague roads. Police responded to the scene and found the car, parked and unoccupied. The front license plate was missing, and there was extensive damage to the front windshield and the driver’s side front and rear windows. Further observation revealed what appeared to be bullet holes in the front windshield and a gun magazine resting on the windshield wiper blades. While investigating the car, a Bell Road woman approached police and advised the car belonged to her 25-year-old son. She said she last saw her son and the car around 3 p.m. at home. The car had no damage at that time. She then said she saw a tow truck carrying her son’s car in front of her house at 6:30 p.m., but the car was not dropped off due to many cars in the driveway and parked on the roadway in front of her house. Police accompanied the woman back to her house in an attempt to contact her son. He was upstairs in the house. He told police he had been home sick all day, and his ankle hurt. Police asked if he knew where his car was, and he said “no.” He then changed his story and said he had been in a car accident in White Plains around 3 p.m. and had his car towed home. He could not provide police with any details about the accident, except to say his bumper hit a curb. He said he could not remember where the accident happened in White Plains. He said the car had no damage, except to the bumper. When shown the car in its current state, he said he did not known how the damage occurred, and he did not known who might have caused the damage. Police are following up.
DWI arrest
On April 7, around 2:15 a.m., police conducted a traffic stop of a car observed to be speeding down Post Road at a rate of 62 miles per hour. When speaking to the driver – Dennis W. Nelson, 47, of White Plains – police detected a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. His eyes were glassy, and he was unable to answer most questions posed by patrol. He said he was on his way home from a friend’s house. He said he did not have his license on him, and he could not remember who was the registered owner of the car. He eventually produced a NYS driver’s license, which police learned had been suspended and revoked. Patrol observed two open and partially consumed bottles of alcohol in Nelson’s car. They were taken and vouchered as evidence. Nelson was unable to successfully perform field sobriety tests. An Alcosensor breath test measured a reading of .20. Nelson’s car was towed to the police impound lot, and Nelson was arrested and taken to headquarters. Nelson was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense), having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle on a highway, second-degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operation of a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver, refusal to take a chemical test, speeding and moving from a lane unsafely. Nelson was released on $100 cash bail, paid by a friend. Nelson was issued an appearance ticket for Scarsdale Village Justice Court, returnable April 11.
Suspended license arrests
On April 4, police arrested Juan Montoya Acevedo , 41, of Stamford, on misdemeanor and infraction charges of operation of a motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver, second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle with three or more suspensions and a stopping, standing or parking violation on a highway. Patrol observed Acevedo’s 2005 Toyota Corolla parked by the side of Post Road and conducted a traffic stop. Acevedo was hesitant to produce his driver’s license, repeatedly saying he could not find it, although it was in plain sight in a stack of cards he was holding. A DMW check revealed Acevedo does not have a NY State license, and his Connecticut license was suspended six times on three different dates. Acevedo was arrested, and his car was towed to the police impound lot. He was released on his own recognizance, with an appearance ticket for Scarsdale Village Justice Court, returnable April 11.
On April 7, police arrested Paul V. Stewart, 49, of New Rochelle, on misdemeanor and violation charges of aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle with three or more suspensions and speeding. Police stopped Stewart’s BMW on Post Road, after the car was observed speeding at approximately 50 miles per hour. Stewart provided patrol with a Connecticut license and a digital version of a valid insurance card. Stewart said the car had been newly registered, and he did not yet have a copy of the registration. A database check indicated that Stewart had a suspended NYS driver’s license. There were four total suspensions, on three separate dates. A check of the Connecticut license also revealed it was suspended. Patrol asked Stewart if he was aware of the suspensions, and he said “no.” The suspensions were as follows: failure to answer a summons in Manhattan South on May 9, 2017; failure to pay a fine in Manhattan South on July 18, 2017; failure to pay a driver responsibility assessment on Oct. 3, 2017; and failure to answer a summons in the Town of Harrison on Feb. 16, 2018. Stewart’s car was towed to the police impound lot, and Stewart was arrest and taken to headquarters. He was released on $100 cash bail, paid by an acquaintance. Stewart was issued an appearance ticket for Scarsdale Village Justice Court, returnable April 18.
Stolen
On April 3, a Lincoln Road man reported two iPhones and two iPads were stolen from his house. He last saw them on March 30.
Domestic matter
On April 3, an elderly father called his adult daughter in Larchmont, asking if she had any gauze in the house. The daughter inquired further and learned something happened involving the mother. The daughter called police and went to her parents’ house. There, a health aide said she had heard arguing but did not witness the incident. Details of the incident were not specifically released.
On April 8, an Edgewood mother reported her teenage son was being disobedient. When police arrived at the house, the son was not there. His mother said he had left on foot in order to collect himself because he was upset. Police said the 17-year-old son was legally able to leave the house to collect himself. Patrol suggested seeking assistance from Scarsdale Family Counseling if needed.
Delivery
A Wayside Lane woman reported a possibly suspicious delivery on her doorstep April 2. Police looked at the box and noticed it was from a food delivery service, addressed to a neighbor. Patrol delivered the box to the neighbor.
Key
A postal worker noticed a key resting in the lock of a Heathcote Road house April 3. Police contacted the homeowner, and it was agreed that police would place the key through the mail slot, in order to leave the house secured.
Lockouts
On April 4, police and firefighters helped a Dickel Road resident get back in the house after she was accidentally locked out.
On April 8, police and firefighters helped a River Road resident get back in the house after she was accidentally locked out.
Off road
A Meadow Road woman reported a blue sedan driven by a man wearing a baseball cap drove into her backyard April 6. She was in the yard with her children, niece and sister-in-law at the time. The car allegedly came to a stop near to where they were sitting and playing. Aside from tire tracks in the yard, the car did not cause any damage.
Tree
Police put caution tape on the support wires for a tree on Lyons Road, in order to make them more visible, April 8.
Cars and roadways
On April 5, police removed fallen tree limbs from Tisdale and Lockwood roads.
A disabled car was towed from Popham Road April 5.
A construction fence fell into Archer Lane April 5. Police spoke with the owner, who said she would call a contractor to repair the fence.
A car was parked in front of a Stonehouse Road tree that the highway department needed to work on April 5. Police contacted the car’s owner who said she would move the car as soon as she returned to the village by train.
A “Stanley Steemer” van was parked in a Mamaroneck Road driveway while the homeowner was away April 6. The homeowner saw the van via his security cameras and called police. Patrol questioned the driver, and the driver said his company received a service request from the homeowner. However, upon checking the work order paperwork, the driver realized he was at the wrong address.
A resident of The Ambassador, on Saxon Woods Road, reported she had been in a minor car accident on Hartsdale Avenue in Greenburgh April 6. She told police that the other driver did not stop, and neither did she, because the damage was so minor. Police called Greenburgh police to check if there were any accident reports matching the woman’s recollection of the accident, but there were not. Police helped the woman contact her insurance company to file a report.
Three car accidents were reported in the village this week.
Dogs
A loose dog was running and barking on Webster Road at 3:45 a.m., April 8. A resident caught the dog and notified the owner. When police arrived on scene, the owner was there, retrieving the dog. Police gave the owner a verbal warning about keeping the dog properly restrained.
Numerous callers reported two dogs were aggressively attacking each other on Stratton Road, and a man, who had been bitten, was hitting one of the dogs with a baseball bat April 8. When police arrived on scene, one of the dogs charged at police, and a sergeant had to use his department issued service weapon to defend himself. As a result, the dog turned away and left the scene. Patrol attempted to follow the dog but lost sight of it in the vicinity of Penn Blvd. Shortly thereafter, a Weaver Street man approached police and reported he was looking for his lost dog. The dog returned to its house, and patrol advised the owner about the dogfight and bite. The owner said he was unaware that his dog had gotten loose. He showed police a valid dog license and the dog’s up-to-date immunization record. The animal control officer is following up.
Lost and found
On April 3, an Edgewood Road man reported losing his Irish passport somewhere within the village of Scarsdale. He was advised to notify the nearest consulate.
On April 7, a woman reported finding a black case on a Post Road sidewalk. It contained money, a U.S. Army ID, credit cards and a Connecticut driver’s license. Police contacted the owner who came to headquarters and picked up his property.
On April 8, a Saxon Woods Road man reported losing his Resident Green Card somewhere in Scarsdale. The man also reported his three daughters lost their Spanish passports.
Firefighters
According to Scarsdale Fire Chief James Seymour, the fire department responded to 26 incidents this week. Seymour shared a few of the incidents listed below.
Firefighters assisted at a two-car accident on Fox Meadow and Chesterfield roads April 2. One person reported an arm injury. Firefighters assisted Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps with patient removal.
A child reported seeing fire on a stovetop inside a Stratton Road house April 4. Firefighters determined the stove had a delayed igniter. Firefighters shit the gas supply to the stove and advised the resident to call for service.
A Dolma Road resident was concerned one of his hot water heaters, which was over 10 years old, might be giving off carbon monoxide April 7. Firefighters checked the hot water heater and used meters to screen for the presence of carbon monoxide. No carbon monoxide was found. Firefighters detected an odor in the house, probably caused by the heating system, which had turned off. Firefighters advised the resident to call a heating contractor for service.
Firefighters notified Con Edison about a possible gas leak in an Overlook Road boiler room April 8. Con Edison arrived and sourced the leak to the meter valve. The resident was advised to call a plumber and repair the leak.
On April 9, police notified the fire department that they heard water running through a vent at the back of a Church Lane house. Police also spoke with the resident, who was away and did not want public safety personnel to force entry. The resident said all systems had been shut off in the house, according to her recollection. As a precaution, the water department shut off water service to the house.
This police report is sponsored by Scarsdale Security who does more than just security. Contact them about remote video for your home or business. Call 914-722-2200 or visit their website.
This report covering police and fire department activity from April 2-8 has been compiled from official information.
Police Report: BMW Engulfed by Fire in Pool Parking Lot Deemed Suspicious
- Details
- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 6243
On March 23, at 5:22 a.m., a caller reported a car on fire in the parking lot of the Scarsdale pool, near the Boulder Brook stables. Firefighters arrived and found a BMW sedan fully engulfed in flames. They extinguished the fire using foam and water from a hose line. A red gasoline can was found near the car, and the fire captain declared the fire suspicious. It was determined to be a case of arson, and patrol declared the site a crime scene. The car was taken to the police impound lot. According to patrol reports, no cars or people were seen in the pool parking lot when police patrolled the area at 4:30 a.m.
DWI arrest
On March 24, at 12:30 a.m., police arrested Nagazaki Iturriaga, 34, of Deerhurst Road, Scarsdale, on charges of speeding, having an open container of alcohol in a car on a highway, operation of a motor vehicle while intoxicated (with prior convictions), operation of a motor vehicle without insurance and possession of marijuana. While conducting traffic enforcement on Post Road, police saw Iturriaga’s 2004 Jeep drive by at approximately 60 miles per hour. When signaled to stop, the Jeep swerved between lanes, hit the curb and stopped with its tires on the Post Road sidewalk. Iturriaga’s eyes were glassy and bloodshot and his speech was slow and slurred when talking with police. He said the strong odor of alcohol coming from his car and his person was due to some Bacardi he had spilled in the car the day before. He denied consuming alcohol that day. He was asked to perform field sobriety tests and told police, “If you want to arrest me, just arrest me.” A foot injury prevented some tests from being administered. An intoximeter test indicated the presence of alcohol on Iturriaga’s breath. He was arrested and taken to headquarters. There, he refused to submit to a Datamaster test and asked to call his lawyer. He attempted to reach his lawyer but was unable to reach him. Given a second and third attempt to take the Datamaster test, Iturriaga was not blowing properly into the tube for the test to be completed. Inside Iturriaga’s car, police found an open bottle of vodka behind the driver’s seat, two glassine envelopes of marijuana and a marijuana bong. A friend paid bail of $100, and Iturriaga was released with a future court date at Scarsdale Village Justice Court.
Stolen
On March 23, a Penn Boulevard woman reported numerous antiques and valuable items, worth approximately $100,000, were stolen from her house sometime while she was in Florida from Dec. 23, 2017, through March 17, 2018. Upon her return, she allegedly noticed items out of place and missing. Three sets of sterling silver flatware were among the missing items. The woman told police she had a bathroom remodeled in October and November, and during this time, unknown people were in the house.
On March 23, a woman reported more than $3,000 cash was stolen from a work bag at Scarsdale High School last week. She said she had brought the cash to work for future deposit at her bank. The cash had been inside an envelope, along with some checks, inside her bag. After noticing the envelope missing from her bag, she looked for it inside her office. She found the envelope on her desk, but it was missing the cash.
Identity theft
On March 23, a Morris Lane woman reported fraudulent AT&T accounts had been opened and cell phones were purchased in her name in February. She cancelled the accounts and reported the incident to the credit reporting bureaus.
Dead on arrival
On March 22, a 92-year-old Mamaroneck Road man died at home in his sleep. His son reported the matter to police.
Missing person
On March 20, a 91-year-old Elmdorf Road woman was reported missing by her husband. After reporting the incident, a family friend located the woman in Grand Central train station in New York City. The family friend was assisting the woman in getting home. The missing person report was cancelled.
Package
On March 20, a Claremont Road resident received an unexpected package that had someone else’s name on the address label. She thought it was suspicious and asked police to look at it. Police examined the package and noticed it was addressed to the woman’s next-door neighbor. Patrol delivered the package to the proper recipient.
Elevator
On March 19, police notified Village Hall about a non-working elevator on Christie Place.
Signs
A Morris Lane resident advised a white man, in his fifties, with a beard and glasses and wearing a reflective vest, sweatpants and sweatshirt, was removing political signs from her property March 19. Patrol canvassed the area and found the man. He told patrol he had not removed the signs. He only lifted them out of the ground and placed them flat on the ground. He said he did this because he had previously tripped over the signs while walking the night before and did not want to experience the same thing while out walking or be forced to step out into traffic on March 19. Patrol informed the resident who reported the incident.
Utility Pole
A Walworth Avenue resident reported her neighbor was involved in a verbal dispute with a Con Edison crew from Quebec that was installing a new utility pole March 20. The neighbor allegedly wanted the pole moved to a different location since it blocked her sightline. When police arrived, the pole had already been installed, and there was no longer a dispute.
Lock out, lock in
A Benedict Road woman reported being locked outside her house March 21. Police made contact with the homeowner who was able to let his wife back inside the house.
A Nelson Road woman accidentally locked her eight-month-old baby inside her car with the family dog March 25. The dog allegedly pushed the door lock button by mistake. Heathcote Gulf responded and unlocked the car. The baby and dog were unharmed.
Gun
A man brought his unloaded pistol to headquarters for safekeeping March 23. He said he was going out of town for two weeks, and there would be people in his house. Police verified the man had a valid permit for the pistol.
Civil matter
On March 23, a Bradley Road woman reported her ex-husband was inside her house without her permission, while she was on vacation in Florida. The ex-husband told police he was allowed, as per a court decree, to complete work inside the house to prepare it for sale. He said his ex-wife gave him a key to the house for this purpose. The ex-wife denied giving him a key and alleged he broke in. Police saw no signs of forced entry or tampering. Patrol reminded the couple that it was a civil incident that should be handled by their lawyers.
Scofflaw
Police identified a parked 2009 Toyota with scofflaw status, due to unpaid parking tickets, in Christie Place Garage March 19. The car was towed to the police impound lot. The registered owner is a Harrison man.
Suspended license
While conducting traffic enforcement on Fenimore Road, police identified a car with a suspended registration, due to a violation of toll collection regulations in January. Patrol conducted a traffic stop. The driver – James McDonald, 38, of Mount Vernon – was determined to be driving with a suspended license. The license was suspended on three separate dates for three scoffs. Police charged him with operating a motor vehicle with a suspended registration and second-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He was arrested, and the car was impounded. McDonald was released on his own recognizance with an appearance ticket for April 11.
Cars and roadways
On March 19, police notified Verizon about fallen wires on Popham and Whig roads.
Police placed temporary stop signs at the intersection of Greenacres and Walworth avenues due to a malfunctioning traffic light March 19. An electrician was contacted for repair.
A plate on Brewster Road was shifted by a snowplow March 19. The highway department was advised.
On March 20, a van reported as suspicious on Mamaroneck road was determined to belong to a person hired by the Village to keep geese out of the Scarsdale pool.
Patrol notified the NYS department of transportation about a traffic light cycling too fast on Boulevard March 20.
Patrol notified Verizon about fallen wires on Haverford Road March 20.
Water was observed leaking from an outdoor spigot valve on Brewster Road March 20. Patrol attempted to notify the homeowner but was unsuccessful. The water department is following up.
Patrol notified Verizon about fallen wires on Harvest Drive March 22.
Patrol notified the water department of a loose valve cap on Mamaroneck Road March 23.
Patrol notified Verizon about fallen wires on Cornell Road March 24.
Patrol removed debris from Heathcote Road March 24.
Patrol asked the drivers of illegally parked cars on Potter Road to move their cars March 24.
Patrol notified Verizon about fallen wires on Greenacres Avenue March 26.
Village code
Neighbors complained about a barking dog inside a Popham Road apartment March 21. Patrol spoke with the dog’s owner, who said the dog is friendly but barks when people are in the hallway. In order to quiet the dog, the owner put the dog in her bedroom. On March 23, a similar complaint was made against the dog again.
At 6:15 a.m., March 22, patrol advised a Fox Meadow Road snowplow operator of noise restrictions, as per village code.
Firefighters
Firefighters shut the water supply to a leaking water service line on Murray Hill Road March 19. While on scene, firefighters also detected a gas odor and stood by for Con Edison.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of an outdoor gas odor on Leatherstocking Lane March 19.
Contractors were using a chemical sealant to seal kitchen counters in a Chesterfield Road house March 22. Fumes caused a gas alarm to accidentally activate. Firefighters ventilated the space and advised contactors to open windows while applying the sealant.
This week, firefighters assisted at three car accidents in the village and on parkways. They responded to 12 false fire and carbon monoxide alarms, caused by device malfunction, cooking smoke, shower steam, fumes from new carpet installation and wood-sanding dust.
This report covering police and fire department activity from March 19-25 has been compiled from official information.
This police report is sponsored by Scarsdale Security who does more than just security. Contact them about remote video for your home or business. Call 914-722-2200 or visit their website.
Police Report: Brooklyn Man Lying on Street Admits to Injecting Drugs and Smoking Crystal Meth
- Details
- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 6899
On March 28, at approximately 5:30 p.m., police were dispatched to Chase and Crane roads, to investigate a report of a white man jumping up and down, lying in the street and blocking traffic. Upon arrival, police found the man in the street and asked him to move to the side of the roadway, to a safe location. According to the police report, he was pacing back and forth and seemed very anxious. He told police he had jumped out of his girlfriend’s moving car while they were having an argument around 1 p.m. He said he did not known where he was and he did not have any money. He said he was waiting for his girlfriend to pick him up.
Patrol noticed the man’s pupils were extremely dilated while talking to police. He told police he had taken Adderall earlier that day. Since he was pacing back and forth and could stay still, police asked the man if he had taken any other drugs. The man said he had also taken “crystal meth” at 1 p.m. that day, and he advised that he had not slept in two whole days. He told police he “can’t control his actions when he’s on crystal meth.” The man kept placing his hands in his pockets when advised not to do so. Patrol questioned the man about this, and the man said he had a hypodermic needle in his pocket. The man then removed the needle from his pocket and placed it on the ground. He was handcuffed for officer safety and searched. Police found a glass pipe containing residue in the man’s sock. The man voluntarily said he had injected himself twice in the arm and smoked crystal meth from the glass pipe a few hours ago. During the search, patrol also felt a bulge in the man’s pants near his buttocks. Police inquired about this bulge, and the man said he “had a stick up his ass,” that he had inserted while on crystal meth. He was then placed under arrest and taken to headquarters. He was identified as Jonathan Cancel, 25, of Brooklyn. He was charged with possession of a hypodermic instrument and criminal possession of a controlled substance.
At headquarters, Cancel advised he had a “solid pestle” in his rectum, and he wished to remove it. Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps was called and treated Cancel after Cancel voluntarily removed the pestle and signed a refusal of medical attention form. Cancel was placed under constant supervision due to his state of agitation, anxiety and repeated statements that he could not control his actions.
The district attorney’s office was consulted, and bail was recommended at $2,500 cash. Unable to post bail, Cancel was transported to Westchester County Jail following his arraignment at Scarsdale Village Justice Court. The district attorney’s office advised Cancel should have an intake examination while at Westchester County Jail due to drug addiction. A return court appearance was scheduled.
Car break-in
A Montrose Road resident reported her unlocked car was entered overnight March 26 to 27. Cash and loose change totaling approximately $15 were stolen.
Computer
A Palmer Avenue woman reported a web pop-up window appeared on her computer as she was browsing the Internet March 26. The window appeared to be from Microsoft, indicated a possible problem with the computer and provided a number to call to fix the computer. The woman called the number and allowed remote access to the person who answered the call. After approximately two hours of navigating the woman’s computer, the caller demanded payment and hung up the phone. The woman’s computer then began to display error messages. A family member, proficient in information technology was in the process of evaluating the computer.
Doorbell
A person driving a minivan rang a White Birch Lane resident’s doorbell before driving away March 26. Patrol canvassed the area but did not see the man.
Heating system
On March 29, a Popham Road caller reported trouble with her heating system. Patrol felt the radiator, which was extremely hot, indicating there was functioning heat. Patrol advised that a heating system typically cycles on and off, and when the caller first touched the radiator and found it cold, it was probably only off for a bit. The temperature that day was in the 50s.
Accident
A driver struck a utility pole on Heathcote Road
On the evening of March 28, a driver struck a utility pole on Heathcote Road, near the intersection of Carthage Road. The car's engine subsequently caught fire, which was extinguished by the Scarsdale Fire Department soon after. A portion of Heathcote Road was closed for a short time, while emergency responders evaluated the driver, who was female, and transferred the damaged car to a tow truck. The utility pole and attached wires were intact after the accident. The driver refused medical attention and a Scarsdale police officer remained with her until she was picked up by her husband.
Cars and roadways
On March 26, police taped up wires on Heathcote and Duck Pons roads and notified Verizon.
Construction trucks were reportedly blocking a White Birch Lane driveway March 26. Police spoke with the general contractor who said he would address the matter with his sub-contractors.
Patrol assisted a driver with a disabled car on Boulevard, while the driver awaited a tow, March 26.
Police notified Verizon about low-hanging wires on Forest Lane March 27.
Parking summonses were issued to the owners of illegally parked cars on Overlook and Whig roads March 28.
A Secor Road caller complained that a tree trimming company was dropping branches on Ridgedale Road and Palmer Avenue without a spotter March 29. Patrol spoke with the site manager and was informed that no more branches would be cut. Patrol assisted in setting up cones around limb debris to ensure safe passage around the work site. All branches were removed prior to patrol’s departure.
Verizon was informed about a low-hanging wire on Colvin Road March 30.
A Bell Road woman reported being “extremely scared” about an SUV parked in front of her house March 30. She said she had seen the SUV parked there three times previously. Patrol spoke with owner of the SUV, who was a Bell Road resident too. He said he had been talking on the phone for a few minutes prior to entering his house. Everything was in good order.
Cablevision was notified about fallen wires on Church Lane April 1.
Eight car accidents were reported in the village this week.
Raccoon
A Taunton Road man reported a possibly sick raccoon was lying on his deck March 27. Police provided the man with a list of trappers and their contact information.
Village code
Patrol informed workers setting up a construction work site on Johnson Road that no work should be performed prior to 8 a.m., March 30.
A sidewalk hatch for Organic Pharmer, on Garth Road, was left open without proper fencing or warning cones March 30. Patrol responded to the location and advised the manager to close the hatch for safety and speak with staff about the issue. Due to the matter being an ongoing issue, the building department followed up by mailing an “Order to Remedy.”
Patrol advised a Greenacres Avenue home remodeling crew and a Lee Road construction crew about noise restrictions and village code March 31. Both groups said they would not start work until the appropriate times.
Firefighters
According to Scarsdale Fire Chief James Seymour, firefighters responded to 29 incidents this week. Seymour shared a few of the narratives below.
On March 27, firefighters responded to a report of elevated carbon monoxide in a Butler Road house. They confirmed the elevated reading and also found a gas leak from the basement furnace. The scene was turned over to Con Edison.
Firefighters investigated a strong gas odor in a Weaver Street house and found two gas leaks March 27. Firefighters ventilated the space by opening windows. The scene was turned over to Con Edison.
A light fixture was sparking in a Drake Road house March 28. Firefighters shut down the circuit breaker for the fixture. A village official was notified in order to call an electrician.
This report covering police and fire department activity from March 26 – April 1 has been compiled from official information.
This police report is sponsored by Scarsdale Security who does more than just security. Contact them about remote video for your home or business. Call 914-722-2200 or visit their website.
Police Report: Drunk driver arrested on St. Patrick’s Day. Woman found with salmon and ham in purse said she didn’t intend to shoplift.
- Details
- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 5799
Dead on arrival: On March 14, Samuel G. Friedman, 94, died at home on Saxon Woods Road.
DWI
On March 17, police arrested Geuris Polanco, 35, of New York City, on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense) and aggravated driving while intoxicated with a blood alcohol content of .18 of more. Polanco’s 2006 Town and Country van was pulled over for a traffic stop on Post Road near Mamaroneck Road. He told police he had consumed one vodka shot at his house earlier that day. He eyes were glassy, and his breath smelled of alcohol. He failed to successfully perform field sobriety tests. An alco-sensor test measured the presence of alcohol on Polanco’s breath at a level of .225 of one percent. He was arrested and taken to headquarters. A Datamaster test at headquarters indicated a blood alcohol content of .25. He was released on $200 cash bail, with an appearance ticket and scheduled to appear in Village Justice Court on March 21. Polanco’s brother-in-law posted the bail, and police released the car keys to him.
Shoplifting
On March 15, police were dispatched to DeCicco’s Marketplace on East Parkway on the report of a person shoplifting. The assistant manager said while he was bagging groceries, he noticed a few grocery store items concealed in a woman’s handbag. These items included deli salmon and ham worth approximately $25. He confronted the woman about the items and she denied she was attempting to steal them. The woman said it was a misunderstanding. She claimed her mother was extremely ill, and she forgot she had placed the items in her personal handbag before reaching the cashier. She apologized to grocery store staff and paid for the items. The store manager and assistant manager each said that the woman and her husband were no longer allowed in the store. Patrol advised the couple of this directive, and said it could be considered trespassing if the couple returned again.
Identity theft
On March 13, and Aspen Road woman reported someone called her about an alleged problem with her computer. The caller asked her for her personal and credit card information, and she provided the caller with two credit card numbers. One was allegedly declined, and the other one went through, thus incurring fraudulent charges.
On March 15, a Lawrence Road man reported someone used his Verizon account to fraudulently order three iPhone-8 Plus phones on his account on Feb. 15. On Feb. 16, the account holder reported the fraud to Verizon and cancelled the order.
On March 15, a Mamaroneck Road woman reported someone opened a fraudulent account with the New York State department of taxation in her husband’s name on March 7, and 38 fraudulent withdrawals were also made from their Chase bank account starting in January. Chase closed the affected account and is following up. This was not the first time the couple has experienced identity theft, the woman said.
On March 15, a Lee Road woman reported her Chase bank account had been hacked. Apparently, someone created a fraudulent online profile for the account and transferred funds out of the account on four separate occasions in February. Chase’s fraud department is following up.
Scam
On March 16, a White Plains woman reported a possible real estate scam concerning her property on White Road. She said someone created a fraudulent Facebook post claiming the house was for sale. The post included photos of the house used in a previous legitimate real estate listing. Patrol scheduled extra ridebys of the house.
A business owner said his company shipped two online orders of computer parts to an address in California. Both orders cost approximately $2,360. The first order was redirected to a different address. The second order was at the original address, but an attempt had been made to redirect that order as well. The credit card used to place the orders was determined to be fraudulent. The business owner needed a police report to retrieve the second package from California.
Missing inspection stickers
On March 15, the manager of the Gulf gas station on Scarsdale Avenue reported three NYS inspection stickers were missing from the location. The missing stickers were discovered during a NYS DMV audit. The manager said he did not wish to have the matter investigated, since he believed clerical errors were the cause of the alleged missing stickers.
Homeless
A man sitting on the steps of Hitchcock Presbyterian Church for approximately two hours March 12 told police he was homeless and had nowhere to stay for the night. Police advised the man it was going to snow that night and asked him if he wanted to go to a shelter. He said he did, and patrol provided him with transportation to a shelter.
Taxi
A taxi driver called police after a Carthage Road passenger refused to pay her fare from the airport March 13. The passenger told police she was upset with the taxi company because she had been picked up late and had been first driven to the wrong location. Patrol advised her she had accepted the ride and used it to get home. She was told she still had an obligation to pay the fare, and she could file a dispute with the taxi company and request a refund if desired. The passenger agreed and paid the fare.
Signs
On March 15, A Morris Lane woman told police someone stole political signs from her front yard. Since the signs had no monetary value and since she could easily replace them, she did not ask to file a formal report.
A sanitation worker advised two men were arguing over a political sign displayed in a Secor Road yard March 17. The men left the scene before police arrived.
Political signs were reported stolen from the intersection of Morris Lane and Heathcote Road March 18. The man who had placed the signs there was running for Village Trustee and had the homeowner’s permission to place the signs. The signs were valued at $8. They were replaced that afternoon.
Disputes
A restaurant owner on Spencer Place reported a former employee came to the restaurant to say she was quitting and to pick up her final check March 16. The owner said she could have the check ready on March 20. Patrol spoke with the former employee, who agreed to pick up the check then.
A caller reported an ex-employee was harassing a manager at a Garth Road restaurant March 18. The ex-employee had been terminated for financial reasons, and the termination was amicable, according to the store manager. However, when the ex-employee noticed an employee he did not recognize, he assumed the employee was newly hired. The ex-employee then sent aggressive text messages to the store manager. The owner wanted to report the incident to police in case a future related incident occurs. Police advised the owner to tell the ex-employee he is not welcome in the store and to not harass the manager through text message.
Domestic matter
On March 16, a father and son were having a disagreement over the whereabouts of a house key. Before police arrived, the father found the missing house key on his son’s person. No police assistance was needed.
Wires
Two men were reported to be stealing “dead” scrap wire from the ground on Greenacres Avenue March 15. They were described as white men in their 50s and 60s, wearing beanies and driving a Cadillac and a white Chevy Blazer. Verizon employees in the area said the men are not their colleagues.
Scofflaw
On March 12, police spoke with the owner of a parked car with scofflaw status on Chase Road. The owner advised she was scheduled to pay the $350 fine in court on March 14.
Cars and roadways
On March 12, police wrapped up a fallen wire and placed it at the bottom of a utility pole on Cushman Road. Patrol attempted to notify Verizon but could not get through, after being put on hold for more than 10 minutes.
Police issued a parking summons to the owner of a white Chevy van parked in front of a fire hydrant on Walworth Avenue March 12.
Police removed fallen cable wires from a Kelwynne Road driveway March 14.
A reckless driver reported on Mamaroneck Road was cautioned to drive more carefully March 15.
On March 16, patrol issued a summons to the driver of a tractor-trailer who entered the Bronx River Parkway by mistake.
Police notified Con Edison about fallen wires on Broadmoor Road March 16.
Construction site trash from a dumpster blew into the middle of Innes Road March 16. Patrol spoke to the contractor, and the trash was cleaned up and placed in a receptacle.
Temporary stop signs were placed at the intersection of Greenacres and Walworth avenues due to a defective traffic light, pending repair, March 17.
Police notified the Department of Public Works about a cracked tree branch hanging over a Donellan Road driveway March 18. The area was marked with caution tape.
Three car accidents were reported in the village this week.
Noise
Several callers complained about noise from a youth party on Springdale Road March 17. Patrol observed a supervised party, spoke with the hosting parents and did not observe any violations. Kids were advised to keep noise at a minimum.
Dog
Patrol reunited a lost dog and its owner March 16. The owner said a wireless fence typically restrains the dog; however, a fallen tree recently disabled the wireless fence.
Lost and found
On March 13, a Meadow Road woman reported she lost her parking permit somewhere in the village.
On March 13, a passerby found a debit card on Lyons Road. She gave it to police, and patrol tracked down the owner who said she had already cancelled the lost card.
On March 14, a Harvest Drive woman reported losing her driving license while traveling from Fort Lauderdale to New York March 12.
A Clarence Road man reported losing a license plate from his trailer March 16.
A Stratton Road man reported losing his driver’s license somewhere in the village March 18.
Firefighters
According to Scarsdale Fire Chief James Seymour, the fire department responded to 21 incidents this week. Seymour shared a few of the more notable incidents below.
Electrical wires were arcing on Walworth Avenue March 12. Firefighters closed the road and stood by for Con Edison.
Firefighters responded to an extinguished toaster fire in a Brown Road kitchen March 14. They removed the toaster and ventilated the room to clear the smoke.
A car left idling in a Fox Meadow Road garage caused a carbon monoxide condition in the house. Firefighters ventilated the house and made sure the air was safe again.
A contractor at a Heathcote Road house reported a gas leak at an exterior generator March 15. Power and gas were shut to the generator. Con Edison was called.
A possible boiler puff back caused smoke to come out of a Chase Road chimney March 17. Firefighters confirmed everything was in good order.
This report covering police and fire department activity from March 12-18 has been compiled from official information.
This police report is sponsored by Scarsdale Security who does more than just security. Contact them about remote video for your home or business. Call 914-722-2200 or visit their website.
