NJ Woman Arrested for Damaging Lawn, Unknown Man in Bathroom, Vandal with Umbrella Damages Scarsdale Ave. Businesses

Photos by Shelley GrafsteinArrested : On June 26, a woman -- Leah Hartstein, 44, of Toms River, New Jersey -- turned herself in on a warrant for criminal mischief, related to allegedly damaging a Hutchinson Ave. lawn sprinkler, lawn and bluestone curbing after driving over it with her car in early June. She was released on her own recognizance with an appearance ticket for Scarsdale Village Justice Court.

Stolen Tools
On July 22, a contractor working at a Cushman Rd. house reported at least 12 tools had been stolen from the job site. Damage to the property was also observed.

Trespassing
On June 23, a Taunton Rd. homeowner reported an unknown person was discovered inside her house, in the bathroom. After a brief conversation with the homeowner, the unknown man left the house toward Post Rd. The unknown person was described as a black man, approximately six feet tall, wearing boots, jeans and a red shirt. He was described as having scars on his face. The homeowner did not know how the person entered the house.

Vandalism and graffiti
As per new information that was released about a June 6 incident on Woods Lane, it has been reported that some kids from New Rochelle entered a Woods Lane house during the course of a youth party. At least one of the kids knew the homeowner's daughter through classes. During the gathering, some kids damaged the house, including stealing items classified as doors, windows and cabinets. Police learned of the matter after neighbors complained about noise. When police arrived on scene, the kids dispersed. The matter remains under investigation.

On June 28, recreation department officials reported that Heathcote Rd. sports fields had been vandalized overnight. Specifically, a temporary home run fence had been tampered with and five plastic poles were missing. The approximate value of each pole was reported to be $50, creating a loss of approximately $250.

On June 28, a caller reported a white man with long hair, black shorts and headphones was creating graffiti on a train station wall. Police canvassed the area for him, but he was gone.

On June 28, two Scarsdale Ave. restaurant managers reported that a man walked by their establishments and beat outdoor items with an umbrella, causing damage to planted flowers and a light fixture. The incidents were recorded on video.

Harassment
On June 25, police responded to Greenacres Ave. on the report of a man being harassed by a female in a BMW who claimed "he got her evicted from her home." Upon arrival, police observed the man standing next to the BMW and conversing with the female operator. The BMW immediately drove away from the scene before patrol could make contact. Police spoke to the man, who explained that he did not know the female personally; however, he claimed she had been making numerous calls to his phone. He stated that she believes he was responsible for her eviction because he is listed on bankruptcy documents for the building the female lives in. Then, the female showed up on Greenacres Ave. in front of the man's house, requesting him to sign paperwork. The man stated that the female has not made any threats to him. He only requested documentation of the interaction and ridebys of his house.

On June 27, a Chateaux Circle resident reported that a neighbor was secretly recording private conversations he had with his wife and was threatening to post the recordings online.

On June 28, a 16-year-old White Plains boy reported that a man walking a dog on Oxford Rd. possibly sprayed him with pepper spray.

Broken window
On June 24, a White Birch Lane man reported that he believed a landscaper intentionally broke his window. Police found no evidence that suggested that the damage was intentional.

Rocks
On June 25, a caller stated he observed a Black man wearing a dark shirt and shorts throwing rocks at a Boulevard church. The man said he was waiting for the bus. No damage was observed to the building.

Welfare check
On June 28, police attempted to perform a welfare check of a Secor Rd. woman who had travelled to Arizona. The woman's sister requested the check. Police could not obtain wellness information since the woman was out of state. The sister was informed the woman had already left town.

Cars and roadways
On June 22, police notified Westchester County police about a fallen stop sign on the Bronx River Parkway exit ramp.

A tree fell into wires on Lockwood Rd. June 22.

The highway department cleared a fallen tree branch from Ogden Rd. June 24. Another low hanging branch was reported over Tompkins Rd. June 24.

On June 24, a child drove an electric scooter into the side of a car at Hamilton and Rodney roads. The child was evaluated for possible injuries and parents were notified.

Police notified Verizon about a fallen wire on Montrose Rd. June 24.

A car with Connecticut plates was parked on Berwick Rd. overnight from June 24 to June 25. A neighbor complained. Police asked the driver to move the car.

Police notified Verizon about a fallen wire on Heathcote Rd. June 25.

Police notified Verizon about a fallen wire on Wildwood Rd. June 26.

Police notified Verizon about a fallen wire on Herkimer Rd. June 27.

A tree fell into wires on Sunset Dr. June 28. Con Edison and highway workers cleared the scene.

Seven car accidents were officially reported in the Village this week.

Civil matters
On July 22, a patient was acting disorderly at an Overhill Rd. doctor's office. A caller from the doctor's office stated that a patient was being aggressive and was refusing to leave the location. The patient was described as a 30-year-old Asian wearing all black. The patient then called 911 and stated that she was waiting in the hallway to get documents back from the doctor's office. Patrol spoke to both parties over the phone and learned that they had a verbal dispute in regard to an appointment time. The patient left the location prior to arrival of patrol and was instructed not to return to the location.The caller stated the patient will be informed via email that she is no longer permitted at the location.

On June 25, a Birchall Dr. homeowner said she just moved in but her movers were refusing to unpack her stuff. Police mediated a dispute which was over a contract disagreement. All parties were advised it was a civil matter.

Bear
A bear was reported on Lockwood Rd. in a resident's back yard, June 25. Additional sightings were recorded that day on Morris Lane and Burgess Rd.

Dumpster
On June 25, a dumpster was delivered to a wrong address on Rock Creek Lane. A company rep said it would be picked up by the end of the business day.

Village code
Police advised a group of youths walking on Brite Ave. to keep the noise level down June 23.

Police dispersed kids from Stratton Rd. June 23.

After neighbors complained of noise from kids in a Hanover Rd. pool, police advised the parents to tell their kids to keep the noise down.

Police removed illegally posted signs from Post and Brambach roads June 26. Summonses were issued as appropriate.

Lost and found
A wallet was found on Scarsdale Ave. June 25. It was vouchered for safekeeping.

A wallet was found on Scarsdale Ave. June 26. Police identified the owner and returned the wallet.

Firefighters
On June 22, a Fox Meadow Rd. resident reported that FD units responded to a report of an unknown substance inhaled by a resident. On arrival, firefighters found Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps and police on scene, treating a resident who was having trouble breathing. The resident reported opening up a package that was suspiciously delivered, which allegedly began to trigger symptoms. Firefighters metered the area
around the package and throughout the structure. They detected no unusual readings or unusual odors. Firefighters put on protective garb and opened up the package to look for anything unusual. No substances or unusual objects were found.

An alarm malfunctioned at Hitchcock Church due to water infiltration from a storm June 22.

Firefighters moved fallen wires off Post Rd. following a previous car accident June 22.

Firefighters helped EMS workers lift a patient in the Village June 22.

A water heater in need of maintenance in a Scarsdale Ave. building activated a carbon monoxide alarm June 23. Firefighters and Con Edison shut down the water heater, ventilated the space and recommended repair.

A paper shredder in a Church Lane building emitted a strong burning odor June 23. It was relocated outside the building. Firefighters checked the interior for anything else burning and ventilated the space.

On June 24, firefighters and Con Edison checked a Post Rd. house for a possible gas leak after the resident reported an unusual odor and lightheadedness. No gas leaks were detected inside the house.

Firefighters assisted at a car accident involving a fire hydrant on Mamaroneck Rd. June 25.

Firefighters assisted a driver with a flat tire on Post Rd. until emergency services arrived June 25.

A Jeep hit a Lawrence Rd. utility pole, severing it and causing wires to be in danger of falling. Firefighters assisted and stood by for safety until emergency services arrived. While on scene for the damaged utility pole and ensuing neighborhood power outage, firefighters observed an unsafe use of a portable generator. A gasoline-fired portable generator was observed with exhaust blowing directly on a basement window next to a driveway. Multiple five-gallon gas cans were also seen inside a garage with caps off. Firefighters shut the generator and moved it away from the house. Carbon monoxide was detected inside the garage and basement. Firefighters ventilated the space and instructed the resident on how to use a generator safely.

Firefighters removed a faulty power strip from a Lawrence Rd. house June 27.

Around midnight June 28, a Honda CRV struck a pole on Post Rd. and severed it. Wires and a transformer were hanging over the roadway with no equipment on the ground. Two patients were lying in the roadway when firefighters arrived. SVAC transported them to a hospital for treatment. Con Edison was called to address the pole and wires. Firefighters assisted. The driver said he was drowsy and fell asleep while driving.

This report covering police and fire department activity from June 22-28 has been compiled from official information.