Hole in Fireplace Causes Fire to Char Wood Joists in Secor Road House
- Details
- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 4994
On March 6, firefighters responded to a reported inside smoke odor in a Secor Road house. Upon arrival, firefighters found the homeowners outside the house and smoke in the basement and coming from the first floor. Firefighters started to pull down the basement ceiling and found charring and burning embers. First-floor floorboards were still smoking next to the fireplace. The homeowners reported they had used the fireplace the night before and were about to clean out the ashes in the ash chute when they smelled smoke and called the fire department. Firefighters pulled up some floorboards on the first floor and found additional charring. They used pyrex water cans to extinguish the burning wood. Several layers of floor were pulled up to reveal the floor joists, which had been severely damaged by fire, with portions of the joists burned away. The fire department's investigation and initial determination was that the fireplace had a hole next to the marble hearth where embers could fall down onto the floor joists and flooring. The ash chute had not been compromised. Fireplace marble and blocking were also removed to reveal additional charring. Firefighters extinguished and soaked down the area. They confirmed there was no additional fire spread. Checking both visually and with a thermal imager, the Cause and Origin team was called. The team confirmed the fire department's determination. The basement and first floor were swept clean, and all rubbish was removed to the side yard. The fire department ventilated the residence and checked for carbon monoxide prior to departure. No carbon monoxide was present at the time of the fire department's departure. The homeowners were advised to call their insurance company, an electrician and a plumber for clean up and service. The oil burner and hot water heaters were shut off due to slight water damage. The building department was notified for follow-up.
DWI Arrests
Police arrested Aldo Sandro Morales, 35, of Stamford, Connecticut, on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense), operation of a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level greater that .08 of one percent, and a stopping/standing/parking violation, at approximately 4 a.m., March 5. According to the police report, patrol noticed Morales's 2004 Toyota driving erratically, stopping and starting on Post Road. Patrol conducted a traffic stop and noticed signs of intoxication in Morales – glassy eyes, redness in the eyes and a strong odor of alcohol on Morales's breath. Morales said he was travelling home from a bar in White Plains. He said he had arrived at the bar at 10 p.m., had two beers and left at 3:40 a.m. Patrol administered field sobriety tests, which Morales failed. Police arrested Morales, and Morales was later released on $50 cash bail to his brother. He was issued an appearance ticket for Scarsdale Village Justice Court for March 9.
At 2:15 a.m., March 6, police pulled over a 2015 Honda Accord with non-operational taillights on Post Road. In speaking with the driver – John T. Carmody, 23, of Yonkers – police detected bloodshot and glassy eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol on Carmody's breath. Carmody said he was coming from White Plains and had a "few drinks" of vodka and orange juice. He said his last drink was consumed approximately 45 minutes to an hour in the past. According to the police report, Carmody appeared to be falling asleep while speaking with patrol. Patrol noticed a bottle of vodka standing up in plain view in a compartment of the passenger door. Patrol asked Carmody if the bottle was his, and Carmody said, "I'm not sure. I have no comment." Patrol administered field sobriety tests, which Carmody failed. Carmody agreed to take an alco-sensor prescreening test, and the test indicated a presence of alcohol on Carmody's breath. Later, a Datamaster test indicated Carmody's blood alcohol level was .22. Carmody was arrested and taken to headquarters. He was charged with driving while intoxicated (first offense), aggravated DWI with .18 grams or more of alcohol in blood, operation of motor vehicle by an unlicensed driver and an equipment violation (no taillights.) Carmody was released with an appearance ticket to a friend, who was the registered owner of the car.
Burglary
On Feb. 29, a Johnson Road woman reported someone cut a screen and entered her house through a bathroom window on the ground floor. The suspect apparently went through closets and drawers in multiple rooms, leaving clothes and items strewn about. In one bedroom, a box of poker chips had been opened, and some chips were lying on the floor. The woman first noticed something was wrong when she returned home and saw the front door unlocked and second-floor lights on. A pillowcase was missing from one of the bedrooms. Detectives discovered footprints on the siding of the house, near the bathroom window, and a second cut screen near a basement door. Detectives are following up.
Exposed:
Greenburgh Police are searching for a man who entered Maria Regina High School and exposed himself on Thursday February 25. According to police at about 5:00 PM on Thursday, this white, or possibly Hispanic man entered the school at 500 West Hartsdale Avenue in Hartsdale.
He went into the men's bathroom next to the main lobby and got undressed. He then held the bathroom door open and intentionally allowed himself to be observed standing naked just inside the doorway. Then he put his clothes back on and left the school, fleeing the lot in a bright sky blue, late model, subcompact vehicle, possibly a Chevrolet.
The man was described as approximately 5'5" tall wearing a hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. Anyone with information that might assist with this investigation is asked to contact the Greenburgh Police Department Special Victims unit at 914-989-1735.
Identity theft
On Feb. 29, a Brewster Road woman reported several fraudulent website transactions on her debit card. The woman said she already notified her bank in China, and the money was returned.
On March 2, a Chesterfield Road resident reported fraudulent charges on his credit card. The charges were made in Germany for 4,000 Euros, which the man estimated to equate to approximately $5,000. The resident said he has not visited Germany since 2014, and he did not authorize the transaction.
On March 2, an Ardmore Road resident reported someone filed a fraudulent tax return and established a fraudulent online Social Security account in his name. The resident notified the credit reporting agencies.
Domestic matters
Police intervened in a dispute between a Quaker Ridge mother and her adult daughter. The dispute was over a health aide that visited the house for the mother. The daughter said she did not like the health aide, but the mother wanted the daughter to accept the aide's presence. The daughter said she would refrain from giving her input in the future.
A man called police and said his girlfriend was on the northbound MetroNorth train and her ex-boyfriend was waiting on the platform to assault her around 8 p.m., March 3. Patrol arrived at the scene and saw a man and woman talking in front of Dunkin' Donuts. They advised they did not call police, and they did not want any assistance.
At midnight, March 4, a Fox Meadow mother called police because she was having problems with her 21-year-old son. According to the mother, the son was not following the rules of the house, and she wanted him to leave. The son advised police he was on his way out and left the house without incident.
Police stood by as a Gatehouse Road man removed personal belongings from his house, as per a court order, March 5.
Group of men
Police questioned a group of men standing on Meadow Road around 6:30 p.m., March 1. They said their car had been towed from the Hutchinson River Parkway, and they were waiting for a ride in that location.
Footprints
Footprints around a Herkimer Road house were the result of a water department employee reading the meter Mach 4.
Doorbell
A person rang a School Lane doorbell at 10:30 p.m., March 5. After hearing the doorbell, the homeowner said he saw someone in his backyard. Patrol checked both the interior and exterior of the house and did not find any evidence of criminal activity.
Cell phones
A person found a cell phone near the intersection of Post and Edgewood roads March 6. It appeared to have been run over by a car but was still operational. Patrol was able to contact the owner who arrived at headquarters and picked up his phone.
A cell phone was found near the intersection of Mamaroneck and Catherine roads March 6. Patrol called a number that appeared on the screen and determined the phone belonged to a family member of the person who was called. The owner picked up the phone from headquarters.
Assistance
A woman sitting on a bench on Garth Road was crying and stating she wanted to hurt herself at 6:45 p.m., March 3. Patrol assisted Eastchester police, as Eastchester police took steps to help the woman.
On March 4, a Popham Road man gave his Ruger Security Six .357 Magnum firearm to police for safekeeping. He said he no longer wished to keep it in his house.
Police noticed an open window at an Edgewood construction site and closed it March 5.
During routine night patrol, police noticed an unlocked door of a Christie Place business, recently rented to a new tenant, March 6. Two items of value – a printer and a power drill - were moved to the rear of the store to make them less conspicuous.
Cars and roadways
Police asked the driver of a tractor trailer to move his vehicle from Richbell Road because it was blocking traffic flow March 1. The driver complied.
A parked car was left in Freightway Garage with its ignition running March 2. Using parking permit information, police identified the owner and called him. He responded and turned off the ignition.
An inactive cable wire fell on Heathcote Road March 2. Patrol rolled it up and placed it on the side of the road.
Police removed a paper bag from Palmer Avenue March 2.
A lane of traffic near Palmer Avenue and Heathcote Road was temporarily closed due to the emergency repair of a gas leak March 3. Patrol advised the workers they needed to have two flagmen, instead of one, to control traffic around the closed lane.
A parked car in front of an Olmsted Road house was occupied by a man who was waiting to pick up his wife March 3. She was working as a housekeeper on the street.
A truck, reported to be suspicious, was parked in a Cooper Road driveway March 3. Two men were seen carrying something out of the house and putting it in the truck. Patrol spoke with the men and the homeowner. The homeowner said the wife of one of the men works as her housekeeper. The homeowner said she gave a bed to the housekeeper, and the men were picking it up.
A woman parked in front of a Huntington Avenue driveway while she was in the process of rushing to attend an evening meeting at Greenacres School March 3. She apologized, said she did not see the driveway in the dark and moved her car. Police issued her a verbal warning.
Parked cars on Colvin Road and Walworth Avenue were obstructing traffic March 4. Police asked these drivers to move their cars.
Police blocked traffic around a car with a flat tire on Heathcote Road, while the driver was waiting for roadside assistance, March 4.
Four car accidents were reported this week in the village.
Help
On Feb. 29, a Johnson Road woman asked police to check her house after she heard noises that sounded like toilet flushing, footsteps and a door closing while she was home alone. Police checked the house, and everything appeared to be in good order. The woman deduced she might not be used to the sounds of her new house yet.
An alarm went off in a Greendale Road house Feb. 29. Police checked the house and determined the alarm was a "critter alarm" in the attic. Patrol turned off the alarm and secured the house.
A patient of the Ambassador residence facility on Saxon Woods Road called police and said she was being held against her will Feb. 29. Patrol contacted Ambassador staff and spoke with a nurse, who checked on the patient and reported her to be OK.
Animals
A woman walking her dog on Corell Road reported seeing a coyote in the area Feb. 29.
The highway department removed a dead deer carcass from a Colonial Road yard March 5. Police assisted.
Civil matter
A Sage Terrace woman reported an altercation with the owner of a moving company who was asking her for a commission that was never agreed upon March 2. According to the woman, she was in process of moving and requested an estimated from a mover. In addition to providing her with an estimate the mover said he knew people who might be interested in purchasing some items that the woman no longer wanted. The woman said she agreed to pay the mover a ten percent commission on any sales made to his contacts. The mover's contacts purchased items for $800, and the mover showed up at her house demanding a twenty-five percent commission of the purchase. The woman refused to pay him more than ten percent, based on their initial agreement. The woman said the mover became very disrespectful to her, and she asked him to leave her property. She was concerned the mover might continue to contact her, against her wishes. Patrol attempted to contact the mover but was not able to reach him.
Village code
Police removed an advertising sign posted at Boulevard and Post Road Feb. 29. Police issued a summons to the company responsible.
Firefighters
- A smoke odor in a Kelwynne Road house was caused by a washing machine belt Feb. 29. Firefighters disconnected the machine and recommended service.
- Firefighters found gas in a Murray Hill Road sewer Feb. 29. Nearby houses were checked, and a gas migration was found in one house. Firefighters stood by for Con Edison.
- An Ardmore Road oven was malfunctioning Feb. 29. Firefighters placed the oven out of service.
- Firefighters stood by for Con Edison due to a gas leak on Greenacres Avenue March 3.
- Firefighters identified a light ballast as the source of a smoke odor in a Varian Road house March 4. They recommended changing the light bulb.
- Firefighters shut power to a faulty electrical connection in a second-floor bathroom in a Greenacres Avenue house March 4.
- Firefighters determined a reported gas odor on Tompkins Road was actually a skunk odor March 6.
- This week, firefighters assisted at one car accident on the Bronx River Parkway. They responded to one false carbon monoxide alarm and seven false fire alarms caused by device malfunction, shower steam and cooking heat.
This report covering police and fire department activity from February 29-March 6 was 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 and Firefighters busy with storm damage during otherwise slow week
- Details
- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 5488
Traffic arrest: On Feb. 22, Westchester County police stopped Daniel S. Smith, 30, of Mount Vernon and charged him with a seatbelt violation. While checking Smith's license and record, WCPD realized there was an outstanding warrant for Smith's arrest, issued out of Scarsdale on June 24, 2015. The warrant stemmed from traffic summonses issued to Smith on May 29, 2015. WCPD transferred Smith to Scarsdale police, who arrested him. Smith was released on $100 cash bail. He was issued an appearance ticket for Scarsdale Village Justice Court, returnable on Feb. 24.
Criminal mischief
On Feb. 28, a caller reported an attempted burglary at a Webster Road house. Five screens were cut with a sharp tool. Police investigated and concluded the damage was not related to a burglary attempt, as it did not appear to have been done as a means of gaining entry.
Identity theft
On Feb. 26, a Madison Road resident reported someone used her identity to fraudulently open up an AT&T Mobility account in December. The account was used to bill for equipment. It was closed in January due to inactivity and turned over to a debt collection agency. The resident learned of the account, and the identity theft, after she was contacted by a debt collector. Police advised her to notify the credit reporting agencies about the incident.
Domestic matter
A Greenacres woman called police because her husband was refusing to take his medication Feb. 22. When patrol arrived at the couple's house, the husband stated he had taken his medication, and his wife confirmed it.
A man with camouflage pants was standing near the Hutchinson River Parkway overpass on Mamaroneck Road Feb. 25. He was gripping the rail overlooking the highway, and patrol asked him if he needed any assistance. The man said he and his wife had been driving home from White Plains and had a minor argument in the car. During the argument he exited the car. His wife, who had been driving the car, returned to pick up the man while police were on the scene.
Help
Police checked the credentials of a man requesting access to a Carman Road house Feb. 23. He was a Con Edison worker, repairing a gas valve on the street and needed to verify that all gas lines inside the house were tight.
Confused
An Edgewood man called police at 3:30 a.m., Feb. 27, stating he saw people on his property shining a flashlight in his window. In fact, no one was there. According to the police report, the man frequently calls headquarters in the middle of the night to report alleged people on his property. The report described the man as "disheveled and confused." He did not know the date or the time. He told police someone might have "tapped his phone line." Police spoke with the man's daughter, who was sleeping in the house and advised her of resources for assistance.
Home alone?
A woman from Florida was staying in a Mamaroneck Road house with her fiancé Feb. 28. At 1 a.m., she thought he had left her alone in the house, and she called 911, stating she was afraid to be in the house alone. Before patrol's arrival, she found her fiancé sleeping in one of the bedrooms. There was no emergency.
Open doors
A caller saw a car with its door open in a Mamaroneck Road driveway Feb. 24. Police investigated and noted the rear passenger area was full of boxes. Patrol closed the car door and attempted to notify the homeowner, but nobody seemed to be home.
Police closed an open door to a house under construction on Brookline Road Feb. 24. There were no signs of criminality or vandalism.
Cars, roadways, trees and wires
Patrol removed five small rocks from Saxon Woods Roads but was unable to remove two rocks because they were "extremely large and heavy." Highway workers responded to the scene and used construction equipment to remove the two remaining rocks. Patrol directed traffic during the meantime.
A caller reported a dead animal on Saxon Woods Road Feb. 24. It was determined to be either a deceased raccoon or opossum.
The highway department cleared fallen trees from Weaver Street and Bypass and fallen branches from Greenacres Avenue and Roosevelt Place Feb. 24.
A street sign was reported missing from the intersection of Carstensen and Crane roads Feb. 24.
The highway department was notified about a tree leaning into cable or telephone wires on Cambridge Road Feb. 24. The roadway was blocked off with tape in the meantime.
Patrol moved a small fallen tree from Axtell Drive Feb. 24.
A tree fell on private property, with power lines involved, on Hazelton Drive Feb. 24. The homeowner was safe and said he would contact Con Edison himself.
Police put caution tape and flares around a large tree branch blocking Mamaroneck Road between Cooper and Post roads at 12:45 a.m., Feb. 25. The highway department arrived to remove the branch.
Police cut a very low telephone wire hanging across Fox Meadow Road at 2 a.m., Feb. 25. Verizon was notified in order to determine if the wire needed to be repaired.
A tree fell on Overlook Road Feb. 25. At 4:30 a.m., patrol stood by until the highway department arrived to remove it. Highway workers also removed fallen trees from Tyler and Garden roads and Woods Lane the same day.
A bundle of telephone wires fell on Paddington Road Feb. 25. Police and highway workers removed the wires to make the road passable.
Police closed Walworth Avenue between Colvin Road and Brook Lane while a fallen electrical line was being address by Con Edison Feb. 25.
Fallen cable wires were resting on power lines across a Hillview Drive driveway Feb. 25. Police notified Con Edison and Cablevision and advised the resident to stay away from the wires.
The building department was notified about a tree that fell and struck a Popham Road house Feb. 25.
Police removed storm-damaged wires from Heathcote road and notified Verizon.
A car ran out of gas on Mamaroneck Road Feb. 26. Patrol helped the driver obtain gasoline and drive away.
A construction vehicle parked on Colvin Road created an obstruction of traffic flow Feb. 27. Police spoke with the vehicle's operator, who agreed to move the truck to a more suitable location.
A man reported to be sleeping in a red car parked on Olmsted Road was actually reading something on his phone while waiting for a friend to go walking Feb. 28.
Six cars accidents were reported in the village this week.
Noise
A Herkimer Road resident complained of noise from a construction site on the street Feb. 23. Patrol found a smoke detector in the dumpster and removed its battery to silence the device.
Village code
A group of home improvement contractors were going door-to-door, offering homeowners free estimates for projects Feb. 25. A Bradley Road resident reported their activities, and patrol caught up with one contractor from the group on Lyons Road. Patrol advised him and his boss that they needed a permit to solicit business in the village. They apologized and stopped their solicitation attempts.
A caller complained of a loud party on Kent Road at 1 a.m., Feb. 27. Police advised the homeowner, who was outside talking with several adults. They all agreed to go inside for the night.
Two signs, advertising a sports-related business and a gym, were respectively posted at Post Road and Boulevard Feb. 27 and Feb. 29. These signs were in violation of village code; so police removed them and issued summonses to the companies that posted them.
Lost and found
A woman brought a driver's license to headquarters that her husband found on the bike path of the Bronx River Parkway Feb. 22. Police contacted the owner, who said she had lost it while walking her dogs. She picked it up from headquarters.
On Feb. 24, a Paddington Road man reported his wife's platinum and diamond engagement ring was lost. He requested a report for insurance purposes only.
A woman found a wallet on Park Road while walking her dog Feb. 27. Police tried to contact the wallet's owner but were not successful. The wallet was vouchered at headquarters for safekeeping.
On Feb. 27, a woman brought a cell phone, found on Walworth Avenue, to headquarters. Police contacted the owner, who said he lost the phone while traveling from White Plains to his workplace in Hartsdale. Initially, the man could not produce ID to retrieve the phone. He left headquarters and returned with a Mexican passport. The name on the passport was different that the name provided to police. Because of the discrepancy, a background check was performed. It did not come back with any hits, despite the fact that the man said he had been arrested five times and served 40 days in Westchester County Jail. Police used photos and contact lists to verify that the phone actually belonged to the man. Later, an E-Justice inquiry was made using a different surname. A hit for a warrant came back with that name, but a different birthdate. The warrant was issued out of White Plains on Jan. 11, 2008.
Firefighters
Firefighters determined an odor inside a Clarence Road house was cause by a dead animal inside the walls Feb. 22. An exterminator was advised.
Firefighters notified Con Edison about a leaking gas valve on Palmer Avenue Feb. 22.
Firefighters helped a woman retrieve keys from a catch basin on East Parkway Feb. 22.
On Feb. 24 and 25, following high winds and storms, firefighters helped police and highway workers remove fallen wires from village roadways. They reported fallen utility wires to utility providers.
Firefighters notified Con Edison about an ongoing gas leak at the sanitation yard on Secor Road Feb. 24.
A tree fell on a Mamaroneck Road house Feb. 24. Firefighters checked the house and found minor plaster damage. They advised the homeowners to move their car to a side road, away from the fallen tree. No electrical or utility lines were affected.
Electrical wires were arcing on Sprague Road, due to high wind gusts, Feb. 24. Con Edison was notified.
Firefighters assisted police with a sump pump alarm in an Oneida Road house Feb. 25.
Firefighters and Con Edison workers checked a Penn Road house after a carbon monoxide alarm went off Feb. 25. The source was determined to be a faulty boiler. It was shut off and red-tagged. The resident was advised to call for service.
A gas odor in a Garden Road house was traced to a gasoline can in the garage Feb. 25.
A tree fell on a Popham Road house, taking down electrical service, damaging gutters and disturbing yard planting Feb. 25. Firefighters notified Con Edison and stood by to make sure the situation was safe. They advised the homeowner on a course of action.
Multiple gas leaks were discovered in the gas main for Village Hall Feb. 26. The main was shut off and locked, pending repairs.
Water was found running out the back door of a Stonewall Lane house and down a rear exterior staircase Feb. 26. Westchester Joint Waterworks responded and turned off the water supply at the curb box. A neighbor helped police contact a person associated with house, who said someone would respond to the house from New York City.
A gas leak was found in the sewer system on Greenacres Avenue Feb. 26. The highway department provided sewer maps, and Con Edison began addressing the situation. At least eleven houses were checked for possible gas migration. Firefighters assisted.
A commercial alarm summoned firefighters to the Golden Horseshoe Shopping Center Feb. 27. Firefighters found no gas readings or gas odors in the vicinity. Only an undetermined odor near a bathroom was detected.
A sewer backed up in a Sheldrake Road house Feb. 28. Firefighters advised the resident to call a plumber.
This week, firefighters responded to one false carbon monoxide alarm and 14 false fire alarms caused by device malfunction, cooking smoke, burnt food, pull station activation and dust.
This report covering police and fire department activity from Feb. 22-28 was 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.
Do You Recognize This Man?
- Details
- Written by Joanne Wallenstein
- Hits: 3514
Greenburgh Police sent us this photo of an armed man who robbed the Shell Gas Station at 425 Dobbs Ferry Road on February 22. The victim said that the man shown here entered the gas station, walked to the ATM, stepped up to the counter and brandished a handgun. The suspect ordered the victim to give him the money in the register. The victim complied and the man fled west on Dobbs Ferry Road with $200 in cash.
The suspect is described as a white male with a slight beard, short in stature, and wearing a dark knit cap and dark sweater.
If you have information on the incident, call the Greenburgh Police at 989-1710.
Tory Lane House Burglarized While Homeowner is Away
- Details
- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 8648
On Feb. 19, Tory Lane residents returned from vacation and realized their house had been burglarized. A window screen had been cut and pulled from its framing on a second-floor spare bedroom. The window was broken in two places and showed signs of being pried open. Inside the master bedroom, a closet had been pried open, and three Cartier watches and a necklace were stolen. Investigators found clear footprints on an air conditioner unit that was probably used to gain access to a second-floor roof. The homeowner's parents were checking the house while the homeowner was away since Feb. 15; however, the homeowner's parents at no time went upstairs.
Check fraud
On Feb. 17, a village employee reported that someone attempted to clone a Village of Scarsdale payroll check. The fraudulent and forged check was cashed, and the Village employee was contacted about it by the Village's bank.
ID theft
On Feb. 21, a Brewster Road woman reported someone changed the email address on her Kohl's account and fraudulently ordered approximately $500 worth of men's clothing while the woman was traveling in Aruba from February 14-19. The clothing was charged to the woman's American Express card on file and shipped to the woman's house. Both Kohl's and American Express were notified about the fraudulent activity.
Phone scam
A person alleging to be a Con Edison billing representative called a Palmer Avenue resident, stating the resident's electricity would be shut off if the resident did not send money Feb. 20. The resident called Con Edison directly, learned the call was a scam and did not suffer any financial loss.
Caught on video
An Axtell Road homeowner called police, reporting he saw two men in his house via video surveillance while he was away Feb. 15. Police checked the interior of the house and found everything to be in good order. A key holder met police at the house and reviewed the video surveillance. The key holder noted there must be a time delay in the video. She identified the person pictured in the video as another key holder who was authorized to be inside the house.
Elevator
Police reported the elevator in the Christie Place garage was not working Feb. 16. Village management was notified.
Homeless
A homeless man pushing a shopping cart was reportedly lingering outside a Mamaroneck Road house Feb. 16. He told police he wanted to purchase a house on the street. Police advised the man of better ways to pursue a real estate transaction,rather than just showing up at someone's house. The man said he would return to White Plains.
A Boulevard man thought a homeless person might be living in the attic of his detached three-car garage Feb. 20.Patrol checked the garage, and it showed no sign of being inhabited. It was completely filled with property and had ladders and objects blocking its access.
Out for a walk
Police noticed two young men out walking on Greenacres Avenue around 8:45 p.m., Feb 16. Patrol passed the young men, parked in a discrete location and waited for them to pass. When the men did not pass, patrol drove back toward Greenacres Avenue and found the men on Farley Road. They said they were out for a walk and were headed home to White Plains. They voluntarily showed police the contents of their backpacks. One contained a notepad. The other contained a laptop computer.
911
A man called 911 several times Feb. 17, asking for a limo pickup from the area of Freightway Garage. The man has a history of calling 911 for non-urgent matters. Patrol contacted a member of the man's family to notify them of the man's actions. The family member said he would handle the situation by informing the man's mother.
Parked cars
An occupied car was parked on Springdale Road, with its lights off, around 8 p.m., Feb. 17. Police investigated and learned the car belonged to emergency appliance repairpersons performing work at a Springdale Road house.
Two kids sitting in a parked car on Torrence Place at 10:30 p.m., Feb. 17, were waiting for a friend who lived in one of the nearby houses.
Two people sitting in a parked car on Ridgecrest East at 11:45 p.m., Feb. 20, were talking. They told police they parked to talk before one of the people had to get out of the car and go into her house on the street.
Open window
A woman reported a "small, skinny window" near the front door of a River Road house was open Feb. 18. Police investigated, noted the open window and confirmed that all other windows and doors were closed and secure. There was no sign of criminality.
Road rage
A woman reported she was the victim of road rage Feb. 19. She said a female driver followed her to the Shell gas station on Scarsdale Avenue, yelled at her and banged on her car window. Patrol examined the car and did not see any damage. The woman said the argument never became physical. Police documented the incident.
Cars and roadways
Police removed a bag of trash from the roadway at Saxon Woods and Boulder Creek roads Feb. 15.
Police hung tape on a low-hanging wire above Huntington Avenue Feb. 16.
Police stood by while a tow company removed a disabled car from Mamaroneck Road Feb. 16.
The highway department was notified about and removed a fallen tree on Post Road Feb. 16.
Police directed traffic around water in the roadway at Griffen Avenue and Mamaroneck Road until the water receded Feb. 16.
A fallen branch was obstructing Park Road in the jurisdiction of White Plains Feb. 16. Police notified White Plains police.
Police notified Verizon about a fallen fiber optics wire on Ogden Road Feb. 17.
Verizon was notified about a low-hanging wire on Madison Road Feb. 18.
Con Edison was notified about burnt wires and flickering lights coming from a manhole cover in the basement of Freightway Garage Feb. 19. Lights were also reported to be "popping" in the garage. Con Edison asked that the elevator be placed out of service.
Five car accidents were reported in the village this week.
Kids
A group of about 10-12 kids were throwing debris near a gutter on a Boulevard playground at 3:30 p.m., Feb. 17. The debris was interfering with water drainage. An engineering employee spoke to the kids; however, the kids did not stop. Patrol went to the playground, explained the seriousness of blocking water drainage and dispersed the kids.
A caller reported seeing a car full of youths drive by on Montrose Road at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 19. The kids were allegedly yelling and one kid was sitting on the roof of the car. Police canvassed the neighborhood but could not find the car or the youths.
Village code
On Feb. 16, police issued a summons to a Madison Road homeowner whose audible alarm was sounding due to a malfunction.
Police advised the job foreman of a construction site at Weaver Street and Heathcote Road of the hours that workers were allowed to use power tools, as per village code, Feb. 20. The foreman apologized and promised to comply with village code.
Lost and found
Police contacted the owner of a wallet found near the intersection of Walworth Avenue and Fenimore Road Feb. 18. The owner picked up her wallet from headquarters.
A Wheelock Road woman reported losing a $12,000 pair of earrings and a $21,000 tennis bracelet sometime between February and August 2015. The woman said she was out of her house during this time and was traveling extensively due to water damage in the house.
A Dickel Road woman reported losing her Taiwanese passport Feb. 20. She needed a police report in order to apply for a replacement passport.
Pipes
Firefighters shut off water from a burst pipe in a Sycamore Road house Feb. 15. Water was dripping from the first floor ceiling and into the basement. Firefighters shut power to affected area and used towels to absorb as much water as possible and dry a piano. They moved furniture out of drip zones. The homeowner was notified and advised to call a plumber, an electrician and his insurance agent.
Water from a burst pipe was leaking in an Oak Lane house Feb. 15. Firefighters shut off water and electricity to affected circuits. They moved furniture to perform salvage. They called the homeowner and advised him of the situation.
A water pipe burst in a Sprague Road house Feb. 16. Police and firefighters helped the homeowner turn off water, gas and electricity. The homeowner was advised the house was not livable and to call her insurance company.
Firefighters helped address a leak at Quaker Ridge Golf Club's maintenance building Feb. 16.
Outdoor sprinkler pipes burst in a Garden Road house Feb. 16. Firefighters assisted the resident in shutting off the pipes.
Firefighters turned off the water main and shut electrical circuit breakers in a
Cayuga Road house after a water pipe broke and resulted in a significant leak. Using an interpreter, firefighters advised the resident to call his insurance company, a plumber and an electrician.
A boiler malfunctioned in an Oak Lane house, causing pipes to burst, Feb. 16. Firefighters shut off water, shut down the boiler, restored a sump pump to working order and advised the housekeeper to call a plumber and boiler technician.
Firefighters shut off water in an Edgewood Road house because of a small water problem Feb. 17.
A Palmer Avenue house required a water shutoff due to a broken pipe Feb. 17.
On Feb. 18, water was observed leaking from a Leatherstocking Lane house. Patrol contacted the homeowner who attempted to shut off the water main and said he would call his plumber for repairs.
Firefighters entered a Bradford Road house after seeing water come over a garage wall Feb. 18. Firefighters shut water and heat utilities in the house. With the assistance of a neighbor, firefighters contacted the resident and advised her to call a plumber.
A large amount of water collected in a Walworth Avenue house due to a broken pipe Feb. 18. Firefighters advised the water department to shut water to the house. The house appeared to be unoccupied.
A water pipe burst in an empty Post Road house, causing extensive damage inside the house, Feb. 20. The water department turned off water service at the main.
On Feb. 20, while checking houses for possible gas leaks, firefighters discovered a burst pipe and leaking water in a Post Road house. The burst pipe resulted in extensive damage to the house. Patrol contacted the homeowner and advised him of the situation. The water supply was shut off in the meantime.
Firefighters
Firefighter Brian Olson was sworn in by Scarsdale Village Clerk Donna Conkling at Village Hall on February 16, 2016. Olson was a firefighter for the City of Long Beach since 2011. He has completed an intensive seventeen week training program at the Westchester County Career Fire Academy at the County Fire Training Center in Valhalla, NY and is a Nationally Certified Level II firefighter.
Fire report
A gas grill tipped over and severed the gas line connection at a Penn Boulevard house Feb. 15. Firefighters turned off the gas connection.
The engine compartment of the fire department's Fire Engine 57 caught fire as the truck was backed into the Crossway fire station Feb. 16. Firefighters riding in the truck earlier that day noticed the radios intermittently shutting off. The fire was extinguished, and the battery was disconnected. The truck was left outside the station garage to cool down, pending repairs.
The source of a light smoke odor in a Fox Meadow Road house could not be identified Feb. 16. Firefighters found the air circulation motor of the hot air furnace was running hot and advised the homeowner to call for service.
A gas odor in a Penn Boulevard house was caused by a gasoline drip in on the garage floor Feb. 17.
A gas odor in a Tisdale Road house was caused by a small gasoline spill in the garage Feb. 18. Firefighters removed some items from the garage and put Speedi-Dri on the spill.
On Feb. 20, firefighters helped a Beechwood Lane resident get back in the house after being accidentally locked out.
A Wildwood Road resident extinguished a brush fire on his property line with a garden hose Feb. 20. Firefighters continued to extinguish the fire with three water cans. The fire damaged eight pine trees, approximately 7-10 feet tall.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a gas leak in a Crossway house Feb. 20.
This week, firefighters responded to one false carbon monoxide incident and 17 false fire alarms caused by device malfunction, cooking smoke, shower steam and water dripping into smoke detectors.
This report covering police and fire department activity from Feb. 15-21 was generated 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.
Burglars strike while homeowners are away on Berwick, Dunham and Nelson Roads
- Details
- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 7962
A second-floor motion detector in a Berwick Road house summoned police to the scene of a recent burglary around 6:20 p.m., Feb. 12. There, the master bedroom, two closets and the master bathroom had been rummaged through. Jewelry was reported stolen. Investigation found a second floor window screen removed, the window open ajar approximately three inches and pry marks on the window frame. Detectives are investigating.
On Feb. 13, a woman checking her sister's Dunham Road house reported a broken rear sliding glass door and the house burglarized. The homeowners had left for vacation on Feb. 12, at approximately 4 p.m. The master bedroom, closets, children's bedrooms and an office were ransacked, with drawers emptied and numerous thrown onto the floor. Detectives noted fresh footprints in the snow near the sliding glass door, which was the burglars' point of entry and exit. The homeowners were notified of the incident, for follow-up with police upon their return. The house has a home security system, but it was not armed at the time of the incident.
Nelson Road residents returned home from a two-week vacation to find their house burglarized Feb. 14. The house was not equipped with a security system, surveillance system or automatic lights. A rear window was found open when the residents returned. Upstairs, bedrooms were in disarray, and $1,000 cash, two pairs of designer sunglasses and pillowcases were reported stolen. Downstairs, a living room shade was open, possibly for use as a lookout's vantage point. A small safe, with a key in it, was found on the floor of the master bedroom. The residents said they did not keep anything in the safe. Police determined the suspects entered the house through an unsecured rear patio window and exited the house through a rear patio door. Police noted some cash, valuables and electronics were left untouched, in plain view inside the house.
Dead on arrival
Santo Gulla, of Ferncliff Road, passed away at home Feb. 8. He was 103.
Stolen
On Feb. 10, a Wyndham Road man reported his Jeep Wrangler mountain bicycle was stolen from a sign pole outside Depot Place. The bike had been attached to the pole with a kryptonite lock at 7:35 a.m. The bike was missing at 9:15 a.m., and the cut lock was lying on the ground nearby. The blue, black and silver bicycle was valued at $470. The lock was valued at $80.
On Feb. 13, a Sheldrake Road woman reported a pair of white gold earrings, a gold Bulgari ring and a white gold and diamond ring were stolen from her between Oct. 1 and Oct. 29, 2015. The woman said she had moved into temporary housing on Harcourt Road while her house was being renovated. She hired a moving company to help her move. Upon unpacking her belongings, she could not find the jewelry, but she thought it might be packed with her nightstand or safe. When those items were unpacked, the jewelry was not there either. She said she had not yet contacted the moving company about the missing jewelry.
Identity theft
On Feb. 9, a Beechwood Lane resident reported someone stole his personal identity to fraudulently open a T-Mobile cell phone account on Feb. 2. The account, in the man's name, was set up for international use in France. It resulted in a charge of one Euro on the man's American Express account. American Express and T-Mobile were notified of the fraudulent charges. The account was closed.
On Feb. 11, a Walworth Avenue man reported two credit cards were fraudulently opened in his name – a Macys American Express card and a Bloomingdales card. The Bloomingdales card had acquired an undisclosed balance. The man reported the fraudulent cards to the creditors, and they were cancelled.
On Feb. 13, an Aspen Road resident reported someone attempted to open fraudulent Bank of America credit card in his name on Feb. 10. The application was denied, and the resident did not suffer any financial loss.
Criminal mischief
On Feb. 9, a Fox Meadow school custodian reported someone drove a vehicle onto the school's sports fields overnight, causing damage. The car left circular tire tracks in the ground, commonly referred to as "donuts." A neighbor reported hearing a car rev its engine around 7 p.m., Feb. 8., but police could not verify if the sound was related to the damage. Principal Duncan Wilson reported this kind of incident has happened in the past.
Strange calls
A Park Road woman reported receiving a few unusual and unwanted phone calls. The reported context of the calls was, "Hi Maria. Are they with you?" The woman could not ascertain if the calls had been made by a live person, or if they had been generated by a recording. She could not determine if the calls originated from a private number or not. She asked patrol to make additional ridebys of her house at night.
Cab fare
A taxi driver drove to headquarters with a passenger after the passenger said he was unable to pay the $120 fare from Grand Central Station to his house on Walworth Avenue at 5 a.m., Feb. 10. The passenger allegedly told the driver he did not have any money to pay the fare. Patrol told the passenger he would have to find a way to pay it. Patrol followed the driver and passenger back to the passenger's house, where the passenger eventually went inside, got money and paid the fare.
Postal truck
A Boulder Brook Road resident saw a "suspicious postal truck" parked outside her house and called police at 6:30 a.m., Feb. 8. Officers responded to investigate the complaint. They spoke with the driver of the truck, a uniformed postal workers, who advised he was waiting until 7 a.m. to make a delivery, as part of a new service offered by Amazon.
Man in yellow vest
A caller reported a "suspicious man" allegedly "watching people" on Boulevard and Johnson Roads. He was described as between the ages of 18 and 20, African American and wearing a yellow reflective vest. The caller was concerned because "the man did not seem to belong to the area." Patrol spoke with the man and confirmed he had a legitimate purpose to be in the area. He was a Verizon employee, waiting for his supervisor. They had been speaking with existing customers in the area about their services. No violations were observed.
Food vendor
Police received complaints about a vendor selling food items out of his car in the parking lot of Village Hall Feb. 10. Officers had trouble communicating with the driver due to a language barrier, so the driver called a woman to serve as a translator. She said the driver was from a Chinese restaurant in Queens. He planned on making a hot food delivery, which had not yet been delivered. Patrol advised the woman and the driver that the police department has received multiple complaints about food sales outside Village Hall. Patrol warned that a permit is required for any such sales. The driver left the area without incident.
Health aide
A Coralyn Road woman called police after midnight, Feb. 11, stating she did not want a home health aide staying at her house. The aide called her supervisor who said another aide had the same problem with the woman the previous night. Police gave the aide a courtesy ride to the train station.
911 – Obama on the line
A Fox Meadow man called 911, stating he was the President and that he was looking for his car Feb. 11. Patrol went to the man's house and advised him he was not the President, nor was the President looking for him. The man's mother was at home, but she was unaware that her son had been calling 911. She took away her son's cell phone to prevent future similar incidents. Later the man called 911 again, stating a federal judge works for him, and this federal judge will arrest police officers who show up at his house. Patrol advised the man to stop calling 911, unless it is an emergency. The man's mother was advised to speak with her son and her son's doctor about this ongoing issue. On Feb. 12, police received additional non-urgent 911 calls from the same man. Police spoke with his mother, who was not at home. She said a family member would respond to the house to handle the situation. At 1 a.m., Feb. 13, the man called police stating his neighbors were bothering him. He could not articulate what the neighbors were allegedly doing to cause a nuisance. The desk officer asked to speak with the man's mother. She said she would administer his son's medication, and he would go to bed. On Feb. 13, the man called 911 again several times, alleging he was the President of the United States and the "boss of the Scarsdale police."
Alarm
Police helped a village employee silence a malfunctioning alarm panel in a village building Feb. 12. The alarm company was contacted for service.
Safekeeping
A man gave two handguns to police for safekeeping Feb. 12. The man came into possession of the handguns after the passing of his father. Ownership of the guns was in the process of being legally transferred to another person, but the man wanted police to take possession of the guns in the meantime.
Mother daughter dilemma
Police were called to mediate a dispute between a Quaker Ridge mother and her adult daughter Feb. 12. The daughter wanted help in getting her mother situated in her bedroom. The mother said she was fine in the living room. Police advised the daughter they did not have the authority to force the mother to go to her room. The daughter said a caregiver was scheduled to arrive the next morning.
White van
A caller reported a white Ford Econoline van parked outside his White Road house at 10:45 a.m., Feb. 13. The van was occupied by two men – a driver with no front teeth wearing a cowboy hat and a passenger wearing a hoody. The caller approached the men and asked what they were doing. They said they were waiting for a buddy and pointed to a neighbor's house. The caller told police he know the residents of the alleged house and was fairly certain the two men in the van were not waiting for anyone from that house. As the men were driving away, one said to the caller, "We are not casing the neighborhood."
Fallen tree
A village-owned tree fell on a Ridgedale Road house at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 13. A beam in the attic sustained minor damage, and the building department was advised. The homeowner's daughter was informed an asked to notify her parents.
Help
An Edgewood man who suffers from dementia reported seeing a homeless man opening his garage door at 11:30 p.m., Feb. 14. There were no footprints in the snow indicating such an action. Patrol checked the garage and confirmed it was unoccupied and safe. Patrol notified the man's daughter about the matter.
Cars, roadways, water
Patrol rolled up a fallen wire on Harvest Drive and placed it at the side of the road Feb. 9.
On Feb 10, patrol asked a driver to move his car from the fire station driveway at Popham and Post roads. The driver said he did not realize he had parked at the fire station, and he promptly moved his car.
Police notified the water department about a possible water leak on Boulevard Feb. 11.
A man sitting in a parked gold Hyundai on Barry Road was a solar panel contractor who was waiting for his partner's work van to arrive at 8:45 a.m., Feb. 12.
Patrol notified the water department about a leaking hydrant at Griffen Avenue and Brittany Close Feb. 12.
The water department was asked to shut water to a Circle Road house due to frozen pipes Feb. 12.
A blood transporter was allegedly driving on the wrong side of Richbell Road Feb. 12. Police initiated a traffic stop, and the driver said he did not see the yellow markings on the road. The driver did not show any signs of intoxication or impairment. He thanked patrol for the assistance.
The highway department salted an icy roadway at Birchall Drive and Morris Lane, due to an overflowing catch basin Feb. 13.
Police removed a large tree limb and a cluster of fallen branches from Brook Lane Feb. 13.
Patrol directed traffic around a disabled car, with a flat tire, near the intersection of Weaver Street and Hutchinson Avenue Feb. 13.
A tree fell on Post Road, at Lorraine Place, and caused a car accident Feb. 13.
A man in the bus depot after hours was a District bus driver awaiting a late pickup of the track team Feb. 13.
A man sitting in a parked car on Tunstall Road said he had just left a friend's house and was using the friend's Wifi for an electronic device in his car at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 13.
Pipes broke in a Brewster Road house while the homeowners were away. A neighbor noticed a heavy water flow coming from the side of the house. The water department was notified and shut water from the street. Firefighters and police assisted.
Four car accidents were reported in the village this week.
Lost and found
On Feb. 10, a man reported losing a diplomat license plate from his car while it was parked on Mamaroneck Road.
A Berwick Road man found a wallet containing personal papers, credit cards and $180 cash while he was on his way to work Feb. 11. Police contacted the owner, who picked up his wallet from headquarters.
On Feb. 11, an iPhone with attached headphones was found on the ground in the vicinity of police headquarters. The screen and earphones were damaged. Police vouchered the phone for safekeeping.
A Stratton Road woman reported losing half of her Cartier gold bracelet Feb. 11. The bracelet consisted of two hinged halves, and one portion fell off and was lost while the woman was running errands in the village. The bracelet was valued at $6,300.
On Feb. 13, a Brambach Road man reported losing the front license plate from his car. He could not remember when or where he last saw the license plate.
Fire
An oil burner puff-back occurred at a Rodney Road house Feb. 8. Firefighters checked the house and advised the homeowner to service the boiler.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a natural gas odor, with gas readings, in a Jefferson Road house under construction Feb. 8. Nearby houses were checked for possible gas infiltration.
Firefighters notified Con Edison about a natural gas odor on Chesterfield Road Feb. 9.
Firefighters opened a fireplace flue in a Heathcote Road house that was accidentally left in a closed position while the resident was burning a fire Feb. 11. Smoke inside the house was ventilated.
A Rochambeau Road resident was accidentally locked out of her house Feb. 13. Firefighters verified her identity and helped her get back inside the house.
A tree fell on Bethel Road and hit a water pipe from a construction site Feb. 13. Water flooded the road. Firefighters, water department employees and highway workers responded to rectify the situation.
Firefighters helped a Palmer Avenue resident with a faulty smoke detector Feb. 13.
Firefighters put the elevator at the Scarsdale train station out of service because it was malfunctioning Feb. 14.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a gas leak from a water heater in a Fox Meadow Road house Feb. 14.
A suspected gas odor in a Meadow Road house was traced to leftover paint cans, empty bottles of household cleaners and soap products Feb. 14. Firefighters advised the residents to clean out the garage to eliminate the odor.
Water was leaking through a light fixture in a Park Road house Feb. 14. Firefighters traced the source of the leak to a frozen and cracked radiator pipe in an attic closet. They shut off pipes to the affected part of the heating system and advised the homeowner to contact a plumber and electrician to rectify the situation as soon as possible.
This week, firefighters assisted at two car accidents in the village and on parkways. They responded to six false carbon monoxide alarms and 15 false fire alarms due to device malfunction, floor sanding dust, cooking smoke and construction dust.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.
