Tuesday, Nov 26th

tireBurglaries: A Fox Meadow Road resident called police on 12/16 when he returned home to find that the rear kitchen door was ajar and that multiple rooms were ransacked. Personal belongings and several jewelry boxes had been tossed around the master bedroom. All the items in the dresser drawers had been dumped on the floor and police found cash, including a $100 bill, and jewelry strewn about. It appeared that the burglars also entered two other bedrooms. However, laptop computers, an I-Pad, and I-Pod and digital camera were left undisturbed and passports, drivers licenses and credit cards remained on the bed. Police determined that the burglars entered and exited through the rear kitchen door and found both knobs in the unlocked position and determined that the door was not fully secure. Police reported that the house was unkempt and the owner had to tell them whether the disarray was due to the burglary or poor housekeeping.

An Aspen Road home was entered through an unlocked window in the master bedroom on Saturday night 12/20. Police found a window screen on the grass and fresh footprints leading to the window on the ground. The master bedroom was heavily tossed and jewelry boxes were left empty on the floor. A second bedroom and an office were also tossed.The owner has a video security system and police will review the footage.

Tires Punctured: A Bronx woman reported that someone had punctured a tire on her VW Passat when it was parked at Scarsdale Community Baptist Church on the evening of 12/17. Police found a 1/2"long hole in the sidewall of the tire. The woman said that she saw a man pull his car up next to hers and heard the hissing sound of a tire puncture. A 2002 Dodge, parked next to the Passat had a similar puncture in a tire. She described the the suspect as a male with short dark hair wearing black athletic shorts, a white t-shirt and a color hooded sweatshirt with a zipper in the front. She initially thought he was walking a dog because he was not dressed appropriately for the weather and believed he was carrying something. The car was towed to the Shell Station on Scarsdale Avenue to be repaired. Police found the owner of the second car with the punctured tire at Savona and helped the owner change her tire.

Theft at CVS: Three men entered CVS on Popham Road at 6:50 pm on 12/20 and made off with $636 of the cold medicine Mucinex and contact lens solution Optifree. The store manager sobserved three black men enter the store, one carrying three plastic bags. The men went directly to aisle #10. He heard the sound of items being placed into the bags and went to investigate. The men saw him and exited the store. The manager did not see the men place the merchandise into the bags but did find that the Mucinex display was empty. When he checked his inventory he determined that $636 worth of the two items were missing. The store has video footage of the men entering and exiting the store but does not have video of the aisle where the merchandise was located. The store provided police with pictures of the three individuals.

Package Theft: A Fedex Package, containing a Roominate Toy valued at $29.99 was stolen from the doorway of a home on Olmsted Road on the afternoon of 12/17. Police canvassed neighbors but no one was home.

Pedestrian's Hit: A White Plains woman, driving a 2014 Mercedes Benz struck a pedestrian who was crossing Popham Road near Overhill Road at 5:35 pm on 12/18. The pedestrian was 20 feet from the crosswalk and the driver said she did not see her.The injured pedestrian was taken to White Plains hospital.

A White Plains man driving a 2001 Ford pick-up struck a 14 year-old boy at the intersection of Sherbrooke and Post Roads at 8 am on 12/19. The driver was stopped at the light on Sherbrooke Road waiting to turn onto Post Road. When the light turned green he started to go when the boy ran in front of the car. The driver braked and swerved as he made contact the pedestrian who was taken to the hospital due to an ankle injury.

Scofflaw Vehicle Towed: A 2013 Mercedes Benz owned by Howard Slotnick of Armonk was towed from Boniface Circle on the evening of 12/15 in accordance with the Scarsdale Scofflaw law which requires police to tow away cars with active Scofflaw violations. The car was parked at an expired meter on Boniface Circle at 4:15 pm on December 15th. Police verified that the owner had failed to pay parking penalties and called Vincents Towing to take it away.

Sign: A sign for New Crystal Restoration Enterprises was illegally posted at the Quaker Ridge School. Police took it down and issued a summons to the company.

Suspicious Incidents: A Parkfield Road man called police when a man came to his door on the evening of 12/15 and said he was there to fix the washing machine. When the homeowner said he had not called for service the man left and sat in vehicle for an hour in front of the house.

A Sprague Road man called police on the afternoon of 12/18 when a cleaning crew entered his house and started cleaning. The man and two women came through the front door without any cleaning supplied. When the caller verified that no one had called them, the crew left in a silver van.

Kids; A Webster Road dad called police at 8:46 am on 12/16 when his 9 year-old son acted up and refused to go to school. Police went to the house and spoke to the boy who immediately calmed down, agreed to go to school and to listen to his parents in the future.

Two two-year olds got locked in a car on Weaver Street with the ignition running at 9:21 am on December 16th. When police arrived the car was running and one of the children was in the drivers seat. Police called Heathcote Gulf who came by and opened the car.

Neighbors: A Brewster Road woman called police after her neighbor parked her car on her lawn and refused to move the car. Police arrived and spoke to the woman who parked on her neighbors property. The woman said she parked there so that her husband, who has trouble walking, could see some branches that had been cut from a tree on her property. The neighbor told police that the branches were hanging over her property and therefore she was within her rights to trim them.Police advised the woman to call the building department if she had further complaints.

Barking Dogs: A Westview Lane man called police at 11 pm on 12/19 when two dogs outside a neighbors home were barking and disturbing neighbors. Police tried to contact the dog's owners and were unsuccessful. Police issued the neighbors a summons for unnecessary noise.

scarsdalesecuritylogoThis 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.

burglaralarmA Franklin Road house was burglarized sometime while the homeowner was away from Dec. 3 to Dec. 8. According to the homeowner, jewelry worth $1,000 was stolen. The homeowner realized something was wrong when she observed the rear sliding glass door, which leads to the bar room, smashed. According to police, after the suspects broke through the rear sliding glass door, they left a trail of broken glass leading from the bar room, into the dining room, into the master bedroom, then upstairs Bedroom closets and dressers were open and tossed. Linens were thrown onto the floor from a hall linen closet. The house had an alarm, but it was not armed because it was broken. The house did not have automatic, motion-sensor lights.

In response to the recent rash of local burglaries, Sergeant James Newman advised the following: "If you have an alarm, you should arm it when you leave the house. If you don't have automatic lights, leaving one or two lights on might have the effect of deterring a would-be burglar. If residents are going to be away for an extended period of time, the police department offers a "dark house" program whereby police will check the exterior of the house during the daytime, if and when time permits. Being a vigilant neighbor is just as important as any alarm system. If you see someone or something that doesn't seem right, do not hesitate to call the police."

Package theft
On Dec. 13, a Madison Road woman reported two packages from Creative Irish Gifts were stolen from her front porch. The woman said she last saw the packages while leaving her house at 6:15 p.m., Dec. 3. When she returned at 8:30 p.m., the packages were gone. The packages contained gifts worth approximately $225. The store needed a police report to refund the merchandise.

Identity theft bloomingdales
Bloomingdale's fraud department notified a Brookby Road resident about fraudulent activity on her account Dec. 8. According to the resident, personal information was used to increase the resident's credit line, and an undetermined amount of fraudulent purchases were made. Police advised the resident to inform the credit reporting agencies.

Criminal mischief
On Dec. 14, a Nelson Road homeowner reported someone threw eggs at her house overnight. Later, the homeowner realized someone unplugged the electrical cord powering outdoor Christmas decorations.
A driver reported the hood and front bumper of her 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe were "keyed" while parked at the Scarsdale post office, on Chase Road, at approximately 2:25 p.m.

Suspicious
A caller was concerned about a man standing on Crane Road for an extended period of time Monday morning, Dec. 8. He was described as a white man with a goatee, wearing a gray sweatshirt. He left before police arrived.
On Dec. 9, a driver reported a person, dressed in black, was "walking and darting out in front of cars" on Post Road. The person was gone when police arrived.
The owner of a jewelry store in village center called police when a gray Acura backed into two parking spaces outside his store, when other spaces were also available, around 4 p.m., Dec. 13. When the store owner approached the driver of the car, the driver sped away. A license plate check revealed the car was registered to a Mt. Vernon address.

Welfare checks
At the request of Adult Protective Services, police attempted to check the welfare of a village resident Dec. 8. The resident was not home when police checked the house.
Police checked the welfare of a Popham Road resident who did not answer her RUOK call Dec. 9. The resident was fine and told police she had overslept and had not heard the phone.
On Dec. 10, police tried to check the welfare of a resident affected by a gas turn-off due to utility work in the area. The resident was not home, and a Con Edison supervisor confirmed the gas work was almost finished.

Doorbells, knocks
At 11 p.m., Dec. 11, a Madison Road resident reported someone knocked on her front door, but no one was there when she answered it. Police checked the house and found no signs of criminality.
A Nelson Road woman reported someone rang her doorbell and ran away when she answered the door shortly before 5 p.m., Dec. 12. The person was described as "short and wearing a light blue jacket." The person ran south on Nelson Road toward Barry Road. Police canvassed the area but did not find the person.
At 9 p.m., Dec. 13, an Asian man, approximately 50 years old, 5'7'' tall and wearing dark clothes, knocked on a Post Road door. He told the homeowner he knew her neighbors. After that, he immediately left the property. Police spoke with the neighbors, whom the man claimed to know. The neighbors were unsure about the man but thought his presence might have something to do with a possible real estate deal.

Open doors
After a front door was accidentally left open to a Springdale Road house, police closed and secured the house Dec. 9. Police checked a car in the driveway and determined its engine was cold. There was no evidence of criminal activity.
Police checked a Taunton Road house after the homeowner returned to find an open door Dec. 9. Police checked the house and found no signs of criminal activity.

Locked in
A one-year-old child was accidentally locked in a running car parked on Brewster Road Dec. 12. While police and firefighters were attempting to unlock the car, the child pressed the unlock button, and the door was able to be opened. The child was unharmed.

Naked man
Police assisted White Plains police in their search for a naked man on Old Mamaroneck Road at 2:30 p.m., Dec. 13. White Plains police successfully took the man into custody.

Cars and roadways
Police found a locked car running inside Christie Place garage Dec. 8. Patrol stayed with the car until dispatch informed the registered owner.
One car stalled in flooding water behind Scarsdale High School on Brewster Road Dec. 9. The principal said the administration was arranging for a towing company to assist the driver.
A tree fell on Saxon Woods Road Dec. 9. The highway department removed it.
A car became disabled near the intersection of Post and Drake roads Dec. 10. Patrol waited with the driver until a towing service arrived.
Police issued a summons to the driver of a car parked in violation of overnight restrictions on Bradley Road Dec. 11.
After a resident complained that a construction worker passed a school bus on Bradley Road, Dec. 11, police advised the construction worker to be cautious while driving through the area. The construction worker claimed the bus was stopped without showing any stop signs or flashing lights.
To alert motorists, police placed a traffic cone in a pothole on Brewster Road Dec. 12.
Fifteen car accidents were reported in the village this week.

Leaves
A Richbell Road resident said leaves from a neighbor's tree were falling into her yard and causing a flooding condition in her yard Dec. 9. The resident asked police to inform the building department.
On Dec. 13, an Olmsted Road man reported a neighbor's landscapers blew leaves onto his property. Patrol advised the landscapers to clean up the leaves and be more careful in the future.

Animalscoyote
A coyote was seen in a Meadow Road yard Dec. 9. It wandered away before police arrived.

Village code
Police removed an advertising sign, for a car driving service, posted at Weaver Street and Hutchinson Avenue Dec. 10. Police issued a summons to the business that posted the sign, in violation of village code.
On Dec. 13, a resident complained of noise coming from a Lebanon Road party. Police went to the house and noted the volume of music seemed to be at an acceptable level. A special duty officer who was working at the party said he would monitor the volume of music to make sure it did not violate village code. Two additional complaints were received about noise from the party. The special duty officer asked the party host to lower the volume of the music around 7:30 p.m. At 11 p.m., police spoke with the party host and advised her of the noise complaints. She apologized and turned off the music.

Lost and found
A passerby found a driver's license in the village and brought it to headquarters for safekeeping Dec. 13. According to information listed on the license, it belonged to a woman from Astoria, Queens. Police attempted to contact her but were unsuccessful.

Fire

Water in a Mamaroneck Road parking lot was caused by a problem in an underground drain line Dec. 9. A plumber was en route.

Firefighters helped mitigate a water entry problem at a Broadmoor Rd. house Dec. 9.

A Quaker Circle basement was flooding, and firefighters helped the homeowner remove items from the basement to prevent damage Dec. 9.

While checking a false alarm on Wayside Lane, firefighters discovered the building's sprinkler system was turned off Dec. 9. They reported this condition to the fire inspector.

Firefighters used a water vacuum to remove water from a window well at a Cayuga Road house Dec. 9.

Firefighters pumped approximately one inch of water from a White Birch Lane basement Dec. 9. They shut the natural gas supply to the furnace and hot water heater.

Firefighters notified the water department about water leaking in a pit on Catherine Road Dec. 10.

Firefighters helped Con Edison get inside a Windmill Lane house to address a problem with water in the gas main Dec. 11.

A Lawrence Road cat was stuck in a tree Dec. 12. Firefighters advised the homeowner on the appropriate course of action.

Due to elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the Christie Place garage, police instructed workers to refrain from using gas-powered pressure washers inside the garage Dec. 13. Firefighters used exhaust fans to ventilate the space and monitored air quality in the garage until it returned to safe levels.

A White Road resident lit a fire in the fireplace without opening the flue Dec. 13. The resident extinguished the fire before firefighters arrived. Firefighters ventilated the residence of smoke and verified there was no damage to the house.

This week firefighters assisted at six car accidents in the village and on parkways. They responded to 11 false fire alarms caused by device malfunction, cooking smoke, an overheated drill, dust, chimney cleaning and construction dust.

Scarsdale Village Justice Court from Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014

Kristy Amoresano was arraigned on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense), DWI with a blood alcohol level of at least .08 of one percent and reckless driving. Her license was suspended in New York State, pending prosecution. She was assigned, for evaluation, to Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities. The case was adjourned to Jan. 28, 2015.

Lucas F. Calderon pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of DWI (first offense). His license was suspended for one year, and he was fined $900. He was ordered to attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel and a drinking and driving program organized by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. He was ordered to install an ignition interlock device in his car for one year.

Walter Collins pleaded guilty to the reduced charges of fifth-degree possession of stolen property. He was sentenced to six months incarceration. He was fined $224, plus a $50 DNA fee.

Jason Dent pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of driving while ability impaired. He was fined $560. He was ordered to attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel and a drinking and driving program organized by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles. He was ordered to complete a program with Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities and to install an ignition interlock device in his car for one year.

Saul Hernandez pleaded guilty to driving without a license and was fined $168.

John Peto pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of second-degree harassment. He was granted a one-year conditional discharge and fined $225. The court issued a two-year order of protection.

Barbara E. Picket pleaded guilty to the reduced charges of driving without a license and speeding. She was fined $386.

Vitaly A. Polikoff pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of driving while ability impaired and driving without a license. His license was suspended for 90 days, and he was fined $805. He was ordered to attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel and a drinking and driving program organized by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles.

The court issued one bench warrant, three warrant letters and two appearance letters to defendants who did not appear in court as directed.

Adjournments included cases with the following charges: operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, possession of marijuana, fourth-degree grand larceny, third-degree possession of a forged instrument, third-degree assault, third- and fourth-degree grand larceny, third- and fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, second-degree criminal contempt, DWI (first offense), aggravated DWI, possession of marijuana, second-degree use of drug paraphernalia, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, second-degree identity theft and various vehicle and traffic violations.

This report covering police and fire department activity from Dec. 8-14 and the Scarsdale Village Justice Court calendar from Dec. 10 was compiled from official information.

scarsdalesecuritylogoThis 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.

ChiefBroganPolice Chief Brogan to Retire: Scarsdale Police Chief John A. Brogan, a 36-year veteran of the Scarsdale Police force will retire effective January 30, 2015. A selection panel interviewed prospective candidates and recommended two for consideration by the Mayor and Village Manager who selected Captain Andrew A Matturro to lead the force. Effective January 31, 2015, Matturro will be Scarsdale's new police chief.

15 Year-Old Arrested for School Break-in: At 12:58 am on November 26th the Scarsdale Police Department received a burglar alarm from Scarsdale Security indicating alarm signals were being received from the Fox Meadow School. Officers were dispatched and arrived on scene in less than 3 minutes. The first responding Officer located the point of entry and found a 15 year-old Scarsdale youth hiding in the bushes. The youth had items that were stolen from the school's administrative offices. The youth was arrested and charged with Burglary 3rd Degree, Criminal Mischief, Petit Larceny and Possession of Burglar Tools. The youth was released to a parent and the case was referred to the Westchester County Family Court.1

Cyclist Robs Gas Station: Here's a new twist: An armed robber on a bicycle robbed the Shell Gas Station at 999 Post Road in Scarsdale on Monday night December 1 at 7:59 pm. Police report that a white male, dressed in black, entered the office of the gas station, pulled out a handgun and demanded cash. He then fled south on the Post Road on his bike. Police did not report how much money he stole, but they did say that there may be a connection to several more gas station robberies that occurred on Monday.

Burglary on the Post Road: An unoccupied home that is staged for viewings by potential buyers was entered sometime between November 21 and 24th. Suspects appear to have entered through a kitchen window and damaged the screen window, walls, a liquor cabinet, the fireplace and a lamp. A broken bottle of alcohol was found in the first floor bathroom and silver was removed from the china cabinet. Police canvassed the neighbors but they did not observe anything unusual.

Burglary attempt on Cohawney Road: Police went to a Cohawney Road home at 6:39 pm on Thanksgiving in response to a burglar alarm. They found that someone had attempted to get inside via a kitchen window that was damaged. The exterior screen had been removed and there were pry marks on the window frame. The lower portion of the window was pushed in by "brute force." Footprints were found leading to and from the side porch. Police went inside and found everything in order.

Attempted burglary: On Nov. 28, a Carthage Road man returned home at 6:15 p.m. to find a window screen at the back of his house damaged. He left the house at 3 p.m., and the screen was intact. No lights were on during his absence. Patrol examined the screen and noted "it had been cut and also pried." The window behind the screen remained closed, with no smudge marks on the glass and no disturbance to objects on the windowsill. Police checked the perimeter of the house and noticed faded footprints on the ice covering the deck and staircase. Police and the homeowner examined the inside of the house. It did not appear as if it had been entered.

Stolen tools:
On Nov. 30, the project manager for a Griffen Avenue construction site reported someone apparently entered the site overnight. The perpetrator stole tools and rummaged through materials inside the house under construction.

Stolen package: A village resident reported he never received a replacement phone shipped to his address from Verizon, although the shipper's tracking system indicated the phone had been delivered Nov. 29. Before pursuing an official stolen property report, police advised the resident to check with Verizon to see if the phone had been fraudulently activated or if it perhaps had been delivered to the wrong address.

Punched: One man punched another man in the face at the Scarsdale train station Nov. 24. The aggressor fled the scene in a green Kia, and a Metro North ticket agent called police. The ticket agent recorded the aggressor's license plate number, and police sent out a broadcast. MTA police arrived to handle the incident.

Identity theft: On Nov. 30, a Catherine Road man reported his name and personal information had been used to open numerous fraudulent cell phone accounts, dating back to at least October. The accounts had accumulated charges for telephones and service contracts. The total amount of money charged to the fraudulent accounts was $4,336.22. The man is following up with the fraud departments of the various service providers.

Scams: An 86-year-old Fox Meadow Road woman received a call from a man alleging to be her grandson Nov. 24. The caller stated he had been in a car accident in Santo Domingo while attending a music festival. The caller said he had broken his nose and was recovering from strep throat. He said he was being held at the U.S. Embassy until he could prove he had $3,000 to pay for the damage caused to the cars involved in an accident. As per the caller's instructions, the woman purchased $2,000 in money cards from a CVS store in Eastchester and provided the caller with the serial numbers and security codes from those cards. The caller advised the woman to go to another CVS store to purchase an additional $1,000 in money cards. The woman called her daughter for help with the transaction. At that time, the woman's daughter informed her that the call had been a scam.

A Heathcote Road girl received a call from a person alleging to be an IRS agent Nov. 24. The person demanded money for back taxes from 2003 through 2012 and threatened to send a U.S. Marshall to arrest the girl if she did not wire the money. The girl's father suspected the call was a scam because the girl would have been too young to hold a job during the period of time she allegedly owed back taxes. The girl's father reported the incident to police.

Graffiti: While conducting routine patrol, police discovered graffiti on the side of a Garth Road building Nov. 29. The tag was rendered in white spray paint and read, "EHS 86 Dr. Q."

Stuck elevator: A man got stuck in an elevator on the third floor of the Christie Place East Building Nov. 24. Firefighters opened the door to release the man, and they shut power to both elevators in the building. The building staff called for maintenance.

Mistaken address: Three plumbers were scheduled to work at a Hamilton Road house, but they were mistaken about the address and accidentally went to a different house instead. The homeowner got alarmed and called police. Police helped the plumbers confirm the correct address for their scheduled job.

Dangerous driving: Leaf collection workers got into a verbal argument with a delivery truck driver after the workers signaled for the driver to slow down on Dolma Road Nov. 25. Police intervened in the dispute and warned the driver to take precautions around workers in the roadway.

Suspicious man: On Nov. 25, a Murray Hill Road woman reported her housekeeper saw a young man on her property. When asked what he was doing there, the man allegedly pointed to the ground and asked the housekeeper if she wanted the grounds cleaned. He then got into a white work van and drove away. The woman was especially concerned because her gym locker had been previously broken into, and she was wondering if the two incidents might possibly be related.

Altercation: On Nov. 28, a resident of a Popham Road building and the building's doorman got into a verbal dispute. The resident called police in reaction to statements she perceived as threatening. According to the resident, she had been asking the doorman for help in locating the building's superintendent in order to help resolve a plumbing leak. The doorman became agitated and allegedly told her, "You think I'm not working; you don't want to f---ing mess with me." Police advised the woman and the doorman to stay away from each other to avoid escalating the dispute.

Help: An audible alarm was sounding at a Clarence Road house for sale Nov. 26. Police contact the real estate broker who was able to turn off the alarm.

After receiving a 911 call with screaming in the background, police helped a mother and daughter mediate a disagreement Nov. 30.

Homeward bound: Two intoxicated men left Chat American Grill and were attempting to walk home around 3 a.m., Nov. 27. Due to the time and harsh weather conditions, police suggested they take a taxi. The men agreed.

A man was walking north on Brite Avenue toward Fenimore Road at 3:15 a.m., Nov. 29. Police stopped and questioned the man due to recent burglaries in the village. The man said he had been drinking and socializing at Brother Jimmy's restaurant in White Plains earlier that evening and was attempting to walk home. He claimed his wallet was lost, and his cell phone was broken. Patrol suggested the man take a taxi due to the extreme cold. The man was taken to headquarters and given the opportunity to make several phone calls in order to help him get home safely.

Frozen pipes: Water was shooting out of an outside valve at a Church Lane house Nov. 29. Police went into the house and determined frozen pipes had burst. Water was collecting on the basement floor. Police shut off the broken water line and notified the fire department. Patrol called the homeowner of the situation.

Found bicycle: A Ridgecrest East homeowner found an Excitor Magna bicycle at the end of her driveway Nov. 29. It was vouchered at headquarters for safekeeping.

Collapsed scaffolding: On Nov. 28, a car struck construction scaffolding on Popham Road and caused a portion of it to collapse. Firefighters checked the building to which the scaffolding was attached and confirmed it was safe. They removed loose debris from the roadway and stood by for the contractor. Village highway and building departments were contacted for notification and support.

Cars and roadways: On Nov. 24, police tied back a piece of yellow tape dangling over Weaver Street. They also set up barricaded at Drake and Ferncliff roads to divert traffic away from a fallen tree.

A driver ran out of gas on Heathcote Road Nov. 24. Police stood by until a person arrived with gas.

A no-parking sign appeared to have been pulled out of the ground in one location on Wayside Lane and placed on a rock wall Nov. 25. Patrol contacted headquarters to inform the highway department.

Police taped up low-hanging bamboo branches on Brite Avenue Nov. 26. They notified the highway department because the branches were obstructing the roadway.

On Nov. 29, police removed a piece of wood from the intersection of Post and Heathcote roads.
Ten car accidents were reported in the village this week.

Neighbors: An Autenreith Road man complained that a neighbor's landscaper was dumping yard debris in her yard Nov. 29. The man said he spoke with the landscaper, but the landscaper allegedly became very loud with him. Police spoke with the neighbor, who said she was only a tenant at the house. Patrol suggested she alert her landlord about the problem, so the landlord could advise the landscaper on proper disposal of yard debris.

Village code: Illegally posted signs advertising Christmas décor were removed from Post Road Nov. 25. Police issued summonses to the business owner.

A kid was riding a dirt bike without headlights on a field at Scarsdale Middle School at 7 p.m., Nov. 28. Police activated the field's emergency lights, and the kid fled toward Mamaroneck Road. Police canvassed the area but did not find the bike rider.

At 5:30 a.m., Nov. 29, police issued a warning to the driver of a private carting and recycling truck that was doing work before designated hours.

At 8:30 a.m., Nov. 28, police warned construction workers at a Madison Road construction site to abide by village regulations concerning authorized hours for power tool usage.

Fire: Firefighters advised a Shawnee Road homeowner to call a service technician to repair a faulty valve controlling the gas supply on a gas fireplace Nov. 24.

Firefighters helped an Oxford Road resident with a stove igniter stuck in constant operation Nov. 24.

Firefighters checked a River Road house because the resident was concerned about a possible gas odor in the house Nov. 26. Firefighters did not find any evidence of a gas leak.

Firefighters advised a Weaver Street resident to call a plumber about sewage in the basement Nov. 27.
On Nov. 28, firefighters shut down a malfunctioning oil burner in the basement storeroom of a Harwood Court building. They ventilated the building.

Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a natural gas odor on Church Lane Nov. 29.

Firefighters disconnected a malfunctioning sump pump to stop a leak in a Blackhawk Road basement Nov. 29.


A dishwasher was smoking in a Rural Drive house Nov. 29. Firefighters shut power to the unit and removed it from the house. They advised the homeowner to replace it.


This week, firefighters assisted at two car accidents in the village and on parkways. They responded to two false carbon monoxide alarms and 19 false fire alarms caused by device malfunction, cooking smoke, shower steam, radiator steam, heat from a pottery kiln, chimney dust, leaking water and construction dust.

Arrest on warrant: On Nov. 28, Mark Nassetta, 28, of White Plains, surrendered himself at headquarters for arrest. The arrest was based on the strength of an active warrant previously issued out of Scarsdale Village Justice Court on June 5, 2014. Nassetta was released on $100 cash bail with an appearance ticket for Dec. 3.

Scarsdale Village Justice Court
Dardani Ibraj pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of driving while ability impaired. His license was suspended for 90 days and he was fined $560. He was ordered to attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel and attend a drinking and driving program organized by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles.

Dyan M. Petrillo pleaded guilty to a seatbelt violation and was fined $143.

Four warrant letters were issued to defendants who did not appear in court as scheduled.

Many cases on Wednesday's court calendar, from Nov. 26, were adjourned due to last week's winter storm.

Adjournments included cases defendants facing the following charges: operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, driving while intoxicated (first offense), DWI with a blood alcohol content of at least .08 of one percent, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, grand larceny and various vehicle and traffic violations.

This report covering police and fire department activity from Nov. 24-30 and the Scarsdale Village Justice Court calendar from Nov. 26 was compiled from official information.

scarsdalesecuritylogoThis 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.

brokenwindowOn Dec. 6, a Claremont Road house was burglarized while the homeowners were out between 3:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. Upon coming home, the homeowners noticed their back kitchen door had been opened, and a window pane within the door was broken. Additionally, a rear sliding glass door had been unlocked and was possibly used as an exit point. Police searched the house and found drawers and cabinets open in all four children's bedrooms. In the master bedroom, the closet doors were open and a safe was lying on the ground, emptied of its contents. Several drawers in the master bedroom were open, and various pieces of jewelry were lying on top of the dresser. The homeowners said a jewelry box from the master bedroom had been taken, as well as jewelry from inside the safe. They estimated the value of the missing jewelry at $30,000. Police noticed a footprint outside the back door and photographed it for evidence. According to the police report, the house did not have a functioning alarming system at the time of the burglary.

On Dec. 7, a Madison Road homeowner reported her house had been burglarized while she and her husband were on a trip to Florida from Dec. 4 to Dec. 7. Investigation showed a rear sliding glass door had been pried open, drawers in bedrooms had been opened, with contents dumped on the floor. Two closets in the master bedroom were also open, and pieces of jewelry were scattered on the bed. A pillowcase – possibly used as a bag to transport the stolen jewelry – was missing from the master bedroom. The homeowners said an entire jewelry box, cash and other personal property had been stolen. The house was not alarmed.

Window sensor thwarts burglar on Forest Lane:

On Dec. 7, someone attempted to break into a Forest Lane house by prying open a back living room window. A person checking the house noticed leaves and debris on the living room floor. Further investigation led to the discovery of the pried open window. A chime system on the window apparently sounded when the window was forced opened, stating "back window open." Police believe this alert possibly deterred the burglar from entering the house.

Stolen check:

On Dec. 5, a Greenacres Avenue woman reported someone stole a check her husband had issued, washed it, changed the payee information and the check amount and forged a signature. The woman said the check had been placed in the mailbox at the intersection of Colvin Road and Walworth Avenue on Nov. 23. The fraudulent check was discovered while the couple was checking their bank account online.

Stolen clothes:

On Dec. 7, A Ridgecrest East resident reported a cleaning service might have stolen a $500 purple cashmere sweater and a $150 red Polo rugby shirt from his house. He discovered the items were missing while putting other articles of clothing in his closet and dresser. He last saw the missing clothes earlier in the week.

Identity theft spree at Bloomingdale's:

On Dec. 2, a Church Lane woman reported someone made fraudulent transactions on her Bloomingdale's account on Nov. 21. The transactions, totaling thousands of dollars in designer handbags and jewelry, were made in the Bloomingdale's store on Lexington Avenue, in New York City, where the person first asked for the account's credit line to be increased. On Nov. 25, the person went back to the same store and asked for an additional credit line increase. However, since the person failed to answer two security questions, the increase was denied, and the person left the store. The fraud department at Bloomingdale's contacted the woman and closed her account. Police advised the woman to notify the credit reporting agencies.

On Dec. 6, a Mamaroneck Road woman reported her Bloomingdale's credit card was used several times without her permission in November. The fraud department of Bloomingdale's is following up. Police advised the woman to notify the credit reporting agencies.

On Dec. 7, a Carthage Road woman reported receiving letters from Bloomingdale's about fraudulent account activity in November. The fraud department of Bloomingdale's suspended the woman's account for investigation. Police advised the woman to notify the credit reporting agencies.

Criminal mischief:

Patrol discovered graffiti spray-painted on a telephone pole, street sign, two trees and a mailbox at Gatehouse and Swarthmore roads Dec. 4. The offending paint was black, silver and orange. It spelled out the following: "Lunar," "Yetek" and "Chase." It also depicted various pictures. Police notified the highway department for removal.

Suspicious car:

Scarsdale police and White Plains police received reports of a suspicious 7-series BMW with Ohio license plates, tinted windows and spinning wheels cruising on Coralyn Road and Hazleton Drive Dec. 5. The car was allegedly pulling in and out of driveways. Neither police department was able to find the car.

Suspicions allayed:

A man walking from one house to another on Greenacres Avenue was determined to be a water department employee Dec. 2.

Boy Scouts:

A Greenacres Avenue resident complained of boys making noise in a nearby church parking lot Dec. 1. On scene, the boys told police they had just finished making 250 wreaths for a Boy Scout project. They were in the process of loading the wreaths into a trailer.

Text message:

A Post Road girl received a threatening text message on her iPhone Dec. 4. While her mother was reporting the incident at police headquarters, the girl learned the message had been sent by a good friend "as a joke." The friend had not intended to cause any alarm.

Late:

A 16-year-old Quaker Ridge boy did not return from a track meet on time, and his mother got worried and called police at 1:15 a.m., Dec. 7. At 1:30 a.m., the boy came home. He explained he arrived at the high school at 12:45 a.m. Instead of coming home, he went to a diner to get something to eat.

Help:

A village resident called Westchester County Adult Protective Services to report she was afraid of her abusive son Dec. 3. An agent from Adult Protective Services asked police to check the woman's welfare.

Police offered to assist Westchester County Adult Protective Services with regard to making contact with a different village resident who might be in need of help Dec. 3.

On Dec. 6 and 7, police stood by while an Edgewood man retrieved personal belongings from his ex-wife's house.

Cars and roadways:

A backhoe at Ridgedale and Aspen roads was disrupting traffic Dec. 1. Police verified the contractor had a valid permit to open the road. However, they advised he needed an additional permit if the work required him to close the road.

Wires appeared missing from an electrical box on Duck Pond Road Dec 1. Police informed the highway department for follow-up.

Police asked drivers on School Lane to move cars blocking a driveway Dec. 1.

On Dec. 5, a car backed over a retaining wall on Greenacres Avenue and got stuck on a resident's front lawn. Police contacted a towing company to help the driver.

Police issued a summons to the driver of a car parked across a Walworth Avenue driveway Dec. 5.

A yield sign and its attached pole fell down near the intersection of East Parkway and Spencer Place Dec. 6. Police took the sign to the police garage and notified the highway department for reinstallation. Police were unable to determine how the pole became detached from its base.

A Wynmor Road resident reported the catch basin in front of her house was full of leaves Dec. 6.

On Dec. 7, police placed a traffic cone in a pothole on Mamaroneck Road.

On Dec. 7, patrol asked the driver of a red Subaru to move her car because it was partially obstructing access to a resident's driveway. The driver complied with patrol's request.

Sixteen car accidents were reported in the village this week.

Neighbors:

A Kingston Road woman reported a neighbor shouted obscenities at her while both women were passing each other in cars Dec. 1. The woman said the neighbor was driving too fast, and this was not the first time such an incident occurred.

Animals:

A Richbell Road woman reported two large dogs were running loose in her yard Dec. 2. The dogs left before police arrived.

A coyote was seen running from Archer Lane to Stratton Road at 11:30 a.m., Dec. 4.

Police helped a Greenacres Avenue man canvas the neighborhood for his lost dog Dec. 5. The dog was not found, and police suggested the man reach out to neighboring jurisdictions and New Rochelle Humane Society in case the dog was there.

Lost and found:

A dog walker found a driver's license on Birchall drive Dec. 1. Police determined it belonged to a seasonal worker for the village and returned the license to him.

A passerby found an iPhone near Sage Terrace and Brewster Road Dec. 3. Police contacted the phone's owner, who picked it up from headquarters.

A passerby found a driver's license from the United Kingdom on Constitution Circle Dec. 5. Police vouchered the license for safekeeping.

A Garth Road business owner found a wallet in his store Dec. 5. Police contacted the owner, who retrieved her wallet from headquarters.

Village code:

Police noticed advertising signs posted on Popham Road, in violation of village code, Dec. 6. They removed the signs and issued a summons to the fitness company that had placed the signs there.

Patrol issued a warning to a contractor operating a generator on Murray Hill Road at 9:45 a.m., Dec. 6. Patrol explained it was unlawful to operate heavy machinery between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m. on weekends. The contractor apologized and promised to abide by village code.

Fire:

A reported electrical burning smell in a Palmer Avenue house was traced to a sump pump shorting out in the basement Dec. 1. Firefighters removed the pump and ventilated the house.

While digging with a small hand shovel at a Leatherstocking Lane work site, a contractor discovered a minor gas leak Dec. 1. Firefighters informed Con Edison. The contractor denied striking the gas line with his shovel.

Firefighters could not find the source of a chemical-like odor in a Mamaroneck Road house Dec. 1. They opened windows for ventilation.

An overheated boiler in an Innes Road house caused insulation and plastic on manual controls to melt Dec. 2. Firefighters shut down the boiler and ventilated the house. They advised the homeowner to have the boiler inspected and serviced.

Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a natural gas odor on Kensington Road Dec. 3.

A Cooper Road resident accidentally got locked out of her house Dec. 3. Firefighters helped her get back inside the house.

Con Edison was called to investigate a leaking gas curb box on Carthage Lane Dec. 5.

Firefighters helped a Lakin Road resident open a chimney flue and ventilate the house because of accumulated fireplace smoke Dec. 6.

Firefighters shut power to a malfunctioning boiler in an Overlook Road house and advised the homeowner to contact a service company Dec. 6.

A faulty fan in an air handler was causing smoke in a Park Road house Dec. 7. Firefighters shut down the system and ventilated the house.

This week, firefighters assisted at five car accidents in the village and on parkways. They responded to 18 false fire alarms caused by device malfunction, cooking smoke, leaking water and construction dust.

Scarsdale Village Justice Court:

Jonathan P. Ackerman pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of a registration violation. He was fined $168.

Shawn V. Hanley pleaded guilty to aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He was fined $293.

Danielle S. Harper pleaded guilty to the reduced charges of driving without a license and speeding (40/30). She was fined $360.

Mario E. Lucas-Gonzalez pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of driving without a license. He was issued a conditional discharge and fined $93.

Fidel Matias-Hernandez pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of driving without a license. He was issued a conditional discharge and fined $93.

Fredy R. Pucha Pucho pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of driving without a license and was fined $168.

Pietro Russo forfeited bail of $125 for failing to appear in court on vehicle and traffic charges for the second time. A previously issued bench warrant remains in effect.

Jossette C. Smith pleaded guilty to the reduced charges of driving without a license and disobeying a traffic control device. She was fined $380.

Vehicle and traffic charges were withdrawn from one defendant because of an error by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles.

Village code violation charges were withdrawn from two defendants after they each showed proof of compliance. The cases were not related.

One case involving a youth offender was sealed.

Adjourned cases included the following charges: third-degree assault, driving while intoxicated (first offense), third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, fifth-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, third-degree possession of marijuana and various vehicle and traffic violations.

The court issued two bench warrants, one arrest warrant and two warrant letters to defendants who did not appear in court as directed. Additionally, six other defendants charged with village code violations did not show up for court, and their cases were rescheduled for Dec. 17.

This report, covering police and fire department activity from Dec. 1-7 and the Scarsdale Village Justice Court calendar from Dec. 3, was compiled from official information.

scarsdalesecuritylogoThis 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.

ChristiePlaceViewA home on Brite Avenue was burglarized some time between 8:30 am and 7:40 pm on Wednesday, November 19. Drawers were tossed, a jewelry box was found open, the closet door was ajar and a suitcase and plastic box were open in the master bedroom. The back door leading to the dining room had been pried open. The homeowner did not discover that the home had been entered until the evening. The woman did not believe that anything was missing.

On November 20, a Morris Lane woman reported that her Calatrava Patek Phillipe watch, valued at $22,000, has been missing for five months.

On 11/23 a Mamaroneck Road woman reported that her diamond engagement ring with a silver band was stolen from her home.

A high school student said that his black Gary Fisher bike, valued at $500, had been taken from the lawn of a home on Ferncliff Road on November 20th. At 7:30 am the boy left the bike unlocked on the front lawn and went to school on the bus. When he returned at 1:30 pm the bike was gone.

Fight: A Herkimer Road woman reported that she was having ongoing difficulties with a developer who was building a house next door to hers. She has had some differences with the developer over the construction project including the elevation of the new home. She attended a BAR meeting on the night of 11/17 where the issues were addressed. When she was leaving the meeting the developer allegedly threatened her saying, "You are on my bad side and will never get off. I am a rich man and I will break you." The woman feared for her safety and reported the threats to the police.

Dispute: A Mamaroneck Road woman came to headquarters on 11/20 to complain that her neighbor's gardeners from Marjorie Lane were on her property. She was concerned that she would be liable if they were injured while on her property. Police called the neighbors but also said that this was a civil matter.

Christie Place: Residents of Christie Place complained to police on 11/17 that they smelled gas and their carbon monoxide alarms had sounded. Police found that workers were using power equipment in the lower level of the Christie Place garage but the exhaust fans were not working. Electricians discovered that the gas control system was deactivated. The cover of the box was removed, screws were missing and a module for the panel was inside by detached. When they fixed it, the fans immediately went on.

A man called police when he got stuck in the elevator in the Christie Place garage for a few minutes at 6:45 pm on 11/19. Shortly after he called, the elevator doors opened and he got out. At 6:30 am on 11/24 another man was stuck in an elevator at Christie Place, this time on the third floor. The Fire Department was called to get him out and the power to the elevators in the East Building was turned off until they could be fixed.

Vandalism: A Montrose Road man reported damage to his 2006 Honda Civic when it was parked in his driveway overnight. On the morning of 11/23 he found that the driver's door handle had been damaged, perhaps in an attempt to get into the car which was locked at that time. Nothing was removed from the car.

Phony Phone Calls: A Brambach Road woman reported getting harassing phone calls from someone who claimed to be from the U.S. Immigration Service. The caller said that the Scarsdale woman was in trouble and needed to speak to her attorney. She had gotten several calls from the same number. When her husband called back the number from his cell phone she immediately realized that the caller was her housepainter, Edgar Garcia. She told Garcia that she knew it was him and that she would call the police. Garcia begged her not to inform the SPD but she did tell police in an effort to determine whether Garcia had obtained money or goods from anyone as a result of his calls.

Found: A set of keys was found on Chesterfield Road on the afternoon of 11/19 and turned over to police for safekeeping. The key ring contained a fob for a Mercedes Benz and several door keys.

A wallet was found on 11/22 and turned over to the highway department. Police determined it belonged to a middle school student and left a message at his home.

An iPhone 5 was found in Scarsdale and turned over to police on the night of November 19. Police called a number on the phone and found out that the phone belonged to the respondent's co-worker.

Lost: A Brambach Road man reported that he lost his wallet containing a Citibank credit card, a Chase freedom credit car, a Florida driver's license and $10 in cash in the area of the Food Emporium in Eastchester on November 18.

A woman came to headquarters on 11/22 to say that she lost her Louis Vuitton $900 wallet at Q-Noodle in Eastchester around 1 pm. She said it contained $100, 5 credit cards, a debit card, her license and her green card. Police told her to cancel her credit and bank cards and to go back to Q-Noodle to look for the wallet.

A man called police at 4:30 pm on November 19th when he could not find his car. He said he parked it on Brewster Road near Huntington Avenue but it was no longer there. Police found the car parked on Brite Avenue near Huntington.

Accidents: A White Plains woman who was walking in Scarsdale Village was hit by a car when she was crossing East Parkway inside the crosswalk. The driver said she did not see the pedestrian due to the glare from the sun.

A Lockwood Road man who was attempting to park at a spot on Spencer Place on the afternoon of November 19 ran into a parking meter. He said his foot slipped on the brake pedal and hit the gas.

Arrests: Danielle Harper, age 30 of Mt. Vernon, was arrested by police for an outstanding warrant for speeding on the morning of 11/21 after she was stopped by police in Pelham. Her sister posted $200 bail and Harper was released and given a court appearance date of November 26.

Fidel Matias-Hernandez, age 29 of Yonkers, was arrested for unlicensed driving on the morning of 11/21. Police found him pulled over on the shoulder of Mamaroneck Road. Hernandez claimed his "car shut off." He did not have a driver's license and police found it had been suspended in December 2013 for driving while impaired by alcohol and for failure to pay fees on 3/4/14.

Traffic: A driver called police on the night of 11/17 when his vehicle struck a large trench in the road in front of 33 Garden Road which damaged the front driver's side tire. Police believe that the trench was part of a construction project at 36 Garden Road. The fill had washed away and left a large hole in the road. On 11/23 police got another complaint from a driver who said that his car was damaged by the same trench. He said there were no traffic cones or a metal plate to warn drivers of the hole.

A driver of a Chevy pickup truck from Baldwin Place, NY was entering a driveway on Garden Road on the morning of November 18 when his truck struck a fire hydrant which started to release water resulting in "a water condition" on Garden Road. The Water Department was called to shut off the hydrant.

A traffic officer alerted police to a scofflaw vehicle parked at an expired meter on Boniface Circle on November 18th. After they confirmed that the car belonged to an active scofflaw police called the towing service and impounded it.

Noise: A neighbor who lives near the Fox Meadow Tennis Club called police at 10:10 pm on 11/19 to complain that people were still playing after the 10 pm closing time. Police went to the club where the players reported that they had a serious league match in progress and were not aware that it was after closing time. Police issued a verbal warning.

Deer: At 11 pm on 11/21 police got a call about an injured deer on the lawn of a home on Sheldrake Road. Police found that the deer's left paw was injured but it was able to run into the woods on the remaining three limbs.

scarsdalesecuritylogoThis 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.

Contribute to the PBA Toys for Tots Drive

toysfortotsThe Scarsdale Police Benevolent Association is conducting its annual "Toys for Tots Drive" starting on November 28th. The collection drive will continue through December 19th, 2014. The drop off location will be at Scarsdale Police Department HQ lobby. All toys must be new and unwrapped.

The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community.