Details

Written by: Traci Dutton Ludwig

Published: 11 February 2015

Created: 11 February 2015

Last Updated: 11 February 2015

Hits: 10644

A hit-and-run accident resulted in the arrest of a man and a woman who were found with numerous prescriptions for controlled substances and prescription pads in their car on Feb. 5. At approximately 12 noon, police were called to Post and Crane Roads, on the report of a hit-and-run accident involving a 2010 Honda that allegedly rear-ended a 2007 Subaru. After getting out of his car to inspect the damage from the accident, the Honda driver – Anthony J. Melendez, 27, of New York City – switched seats with his passenger – Hershey P. Delapaz, 29, of Scarsdale – and they fled the scene. Police caught up with the damaged Honda on Chase Road and initiated a traffic stop. Delapaz was driving. Neither she nor Melendez was able to produce their license, and police soon discovered that both had been suspended. In Melendez's case, his license had been suspended twice – for possession and sale of drugs and for administrative reasons. While Delapaz was looking for her license in her purse, police noticed a prescription pad sticking out of an interior purse pocket in plain view. Questioned about the pad, Delapaz stated, "I work there and have to give prescriptions to my patients, like B12." Additionally, Melendez was found to be carrying a prescription pad in his coat pocket. A further search of the car uncovered a prescription bottle assigned to Delapaz as the patient, prescription bottles in other patients' names (including an empty bottle of 90 Oxycodone pills that had been filled on Feb. 1), several prescriptions for various medications written to people with different names, dozens of used blood vials, used butterfly needles (commonly used to draw blood) and used blood vials containing residual blood from unknown people, and a large bag of medical supplies. The medical supplies included latex gloves, rubber topped blood collection vials, butterfly needles and bandages. The Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps was called to pick up the new and used medical supplies and dispose of them through proper hazmat procedures. Police contacted the doctors' names listed on the various prescriptions and requested supporting depositions.

After consulting with the district attorney's office, Delapaz and Melendez were each arrested on the following charges: criminal possession of a forged instrument, fraud and deceit related to controlled substances, criminal possession of a hypodermic needle and third-degree unauthorized operation of a motor vehicle. Delapaz and Melendez were arraigned in Scarsdale Village Justice Court. Bail was set at $30,000 for Delapaz and $50,000 for Melendez. Unable to post bail, the pair was transported to Westchester County Jail. They are each due back in court on Feb. 11.

Cat custody
On Feb. 3, a woman asked police to help her retrieve her cat from a neighbor. She said her cat had wandered into a neighbor's yard, and the neighbor decided to keep the cat. Police advised the issue was a civil matter, and they could not repossess the cat. The woman asked police to stand by while she attempted to retrieve the cat, in case of a potential altercation. The woman called her neighbor and peacefully picked up the cat. Patrol advised the woman to consult with ASPCA police to inquire about avenues by which she could prosecute her neighbor.

Snow woes
Two White Road men who share a driveway were arguing about snow removal Feb. 2. One man, who already shoveled his side of the driveway, accused the other man of intentionally blowing snow onto his cleared side of the driveway. Police noted there seemed to be an even amount of snow dispersed across the driveway and advised the men their dispute was a civil matter.

Sheldrake Road neighbors were arguing about the alleged placement of snow on each other's property during snow removal efforts Feb. 2. Police advised the neighbors to resolve their differences or leave each other alone.

A Post Road resident's car got stuck in snow on the street outside his house Feb. 3. Police helped with traffic control while the man worked to get his car out of the snow.

No parking
A Bell Road man called police because a van, associated with work at a neighbor's house, was parked on the man's side of their shared driveway for more than 20 minutes Feb. 3. Police mediated the situation.

Wrong delivery
A UPS driver delivered an envelope to a Cornell Street house and left the envelope in the resident's mailbox Feb. 2. Soon thereafter, a U.S. postal worker removed the envelope from the mailbox and refused to return it to the driver. Police called a U.S. Postal Service supervisor to the scene, as the dispute involved a question about whether it was legal for UPS drivers to deliver packages and envelopes to mailboxes of private homes. The supervisor said he would investigate the question and speak with the UPD driver's regional supervisor. Police determined this was a corporate issue that would be handled internally.

Who's in charge?
A mother called police for help with her unruly child Feb. 5. Patrol arrived at the house and spoke with the child about the importance of behaving well and listening to his mother. The mother thanked police for the assistance.

Paint job
On Feb. 5, a Wildwood Road resident told police he was unhappy with a painter's work and fired him from the job. Shortly thereafter, the painter began placing "annoying phone calls" to the resident. The painter was asking to be paid for work already performed at the resident's house. The painter allegedly threatened the resident for not paying. Police called the painter and advised him to stop calling the resident. The painter was instructed to pursue claims for his outstanding bill in civil court. The painter told police he needed to go back to the house to pick up tools that had been left at the house. Police advised the painter to call them for assistance, should he return to the house for tools. The resident denied there were any tools left in the house. Police advised the resident to call them if the painter showed up at the house looking for money.

Welfare check
At the request of a family member who was concerned about an exchange of text messages, police checked the welfare of a man at 2:30 a.m., Feb. 6. The man was home and OK.

Cars and roadways
February 2: Police put caution tape on a low-hanging wire on Leatherstocking Lane. Dispatch notified Verizon.

Police asked several drivers to remove their parked cars from village streets in order to facilitate snow removal.

Police issued tickets to cars parked overnight at metered parking spaces in village center. These cars were hindering snow removal.

A car stalled on Heathcote Road, and AAA said they were too busy to respond quickly. At the driver's request, police called Heathcote Gulf for assistance.

Police advised construction workers to refrain from parking too close to the intersection of Cushman and Mamaroneck Roads

February 4:  Two drivers were arguing over the way in which one driver parked her car on Garth Road. Police advised the arguers to stay away from each other to avoid further incidents.

February 6: Police removed pieces of wood from the intersection of Griffen Avenue and Weaver Street.

A neighbor parked her car in an East Taunton Road woman's driveway without notifying the woman. Police tracked down the neighbor, and she moved her car.

February 7: Police put caution tape on a fallen wire on Johnson Road. Dispatch notified Verizon.

February 8: Cooper Road party guests parked their cars on both sides of the street, impeding the flow of traffic. Patrol asked the guests to move their cars to one side of the road, and they complied.

Eight car accidents were reported in the village and on parkways this week.

Raccoon
Police removed a dead raccoon from Post Road, near Lorraine Place, Feb. 4. The sanitation department was notified for pickup.

Lost and found
The owner of La Dentelliere found car keys on her store on East Parkway and gave them to police Feb. 3. Police vouchered the keys at headquarters for safekeeping.

A woman reported losing her wallet in Starbuck's on East Parkway Feb. 3. It contained an expired driver's license, one credit card and approximately $60 cash. Police advised the woman to cancel her credit card and monitor her finances.

Fire
Firefighters helped Con Edison workers check a Barry Road house for possible gas infiltration after a gas reading was detected on the street outside the house Feb. 2.

A malfunctioning oil burner released carbon monoxide in a Sprague Road house Feb. 2. Firefighters shut off the burner, ventilated the house and called Con Edison.

A delayed ignition of a stovetop burner caused a slight natural gas odor in a Stratton Road house Feb. 2. Firefighters advised the resident to call for service.

On Feb. 2, firefighters assisted Con Edison workers with a possible gas leak in the sewer system at Barry and Nelson roads.

A radon ventilation fan was making unusual noises in a Corell Road house Feb. 2. Firefighters advised the resident to service the fan.

A frozen pipe burst in a Springdale Road garage. Firefighters shut water to the affected line and recommended calling for service Feb. 3.

Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a problem with natural gas delivery to a Mamaroneck Road heating unit Feb. 6.

Firefighters helped Con Edison workers check Haverford Road houses for possible gas migration from a leak on the street Feb. 6.

An employee of the Scarsdale Alternative School accidentally burnt toast inside the building, on Wayside Lane, Feb. 6. Firefighters responded to the activated alarm and ventilated the building.

Food residue burned in a toaster oven at Scarsdale Public Library Feb. 6. A smoky odor spread throughout the building, causing evacuation of staff and patrons. Firefighters removed the toaster oven and recommended replacing it. They ventilated the building and declared it safe for re-entry.

Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of an outdoor natural gas odor on Stratton Road Feb. 6.

The compressor of a refrigerator from 1977 was malfunctioning and causing an electrical burning odor in a Marjory Lane house Feb. 7. Firefighters unplugged the refrigerator and advised the resident to call for service.

Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a gas odor on Birchall Road Feb. 7.

Firefighters received a report of a railroad track fire near Scarsdale train station Feb. 7. Finding a small fire burning on the third rail of the southbound tracks, firefighters secured the area and stood by for Metro North authorities. Metro North workers stopped trains and de-energized the third rail. The fire self extinguished. Firefighters stood by for maintenance personnel.

This week, firefighters responded to two false carbon monoxide alarms and six false fire alarms caused by device malfunction and cooking smoke.

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.

Details

Written by: Traci Dutton Ludwig

Published: 04 February 2015

Created: 04 February 2015

Last Updated: 04 February 2015

Hits: 11072

Domestic matters: On Jan. 30, a man reported receiving unwanted messages from his ex-wife.

On Jan. 31, a daughter called police because her father was allegedly acting "belligerent" after an argument. The father told police his daughter had been very loud and had been calling her mother names since the previous day. When the father tried to talk to his daughter, she allegedly refused to listen to him and called police instead. Patrol helped mediate the dispute and left when all was in good order.

On Feb. 1, a woman called 911 alleging her husband was being verbally abusive and slammed a door during an argument. The woman then drove to headquarters to speak with police. There she said she dialed 911 as a scare tactic, in the hope of avoiding continued conversation with her husband. She apologized for misusing 911 services, and police informed her about other available services.

Phone threats, harassment
A Quaker Ridge boy received a call from an unknown man claiming the boy's mother owed a $1,000 loan Jan. 26. The boy said he was a child and knew nothing about the loan. The man responded by saying if the loan was not paid off, the boy's family would be killed. The boy hung up and called police. Police traced the man's number to an address in Florida. They advised the boy and his mother that the call was most likely an attempt to scam money. Patrol told the boy and his mother to contact the police department if they receive other similar calls.

On Feb. 1, a Quaker Ridge woman reported receiving two harassing phone calls from an unknown male caller. The caller said, "I heard from [your neighbor] you like to be dominated in the basement." The woman immediately hung up the phone, but the caller called back. The woman told him she was contacting police, and he responded by threatening to "hurt her and her family in the basement" if she contacted police. Police traced the phone number and called it. A Brooklyn woman answered the phone and denied making the calls. She said her boyfriend's 15-year-old friend had been at her house earlier that day and had borrowed her cell phone. She said the boy was no longer at her house, and she did not know his whereabouts. She then hung up the phone and did not answer patrol's calls. Police checked the Quaker Ridge woman's house and offered tips about enhancing security.

Harassed jogger
On Jan. 29, a female jogger reported a man repeatedly harasses her while she is running on Fenimore Road. The most recent incident occurred on Jan. 25, when the woman was approaching the intersection with Brewster Road. There, the man, who was jogging in the opposite direction, allegedly said, "You ... Are you stupid? Get off the middle of my road." Earlier in December, the man allegedly made similar comments as they encountered each other jogging. The woman asked police to document the incident in case the situation escalates.

Housekeeper arrested after stealing $50 from employer
On Jan. 26, a Tisdale Road resident reported a $50 bill was stolen from her wallet while inside her house. She said the bill was in her wallet before a cleaning service arrived at her house, and the bill was missing after the cleaners left. She said money has also disappeared from her husband's and son's wallets over the past month, and she believes their money also disappeared during times when the cleaners were in the house. The woman advised police she would no longer use the cleaning service. Detectives investigating the incident scheduled an interview with the cleaners, including Jenny Illescas, 33, of White Plains, on Jan. 27. During the interview, Illescas admitted to stealing $50 from the resident's wallet on Jan. 26. She denied taking money or property from the house on other occasions. Police subsequently charged Illescas with petit larceny. She was booked and released on her own recognizance, with an appearance ticket for Village Justice Court on Feb. 18.

Stolen shield
On Jan. 28, a White Plains man reported his New York City Veterans Police shield was stolen from the back bumper of his 1998 Ford Explorer parked in the Wilgrin parking lot on Jan. 19. The 8"x4" bronze shield had been attached to the car's bumper with a bolt, he said.

Identity theft
On Jan. 30, a Crossway woman reported someone attempted to withdraw "a large sum of money" from her Chase Bank account. The attempt occurred at a Florida bank, where an unknown woman was posing as the legitimate account holder. The teller became suspicious of the identification provided to her, and at that point, the suspect fled the bank. The woman said Chase bank closed her accounts and opened new ones. In addition, she filed a fraud alert with the credit reporting agencies.

Unusual calls
On Jan. 31, a Bradley Road man said his wife received several calls over the last few days in which an unknown caller asked for his wife by name and then hung up without saying anything else. At the time one of the calls was received, a white sedan was parked outside the couple's house. The couple believed that, while it could have been a coincidence, the presence of the car was odd. Police advised the couple to notify headquarters if they receive more hang-up calls.

Confused
On Jan. 29, an Edgewood resident reported cash was stolen from his home while he was sleeping the previous night. He said he believed the perpetrator had keys to his house and used sleeping gas on him. While questioning the man, it became clear he was suffering from dementia. There were no facts to back up the man's story, and details of the story kept changing. Patrol attempted to notify the man's daughter but were unable to reach her.

Where's my car?
A woman called police because she thought her car had been stolen from the HSBC Bank parking lot at Popham and Overhill roads Jan. 27. Police helped her find the car, which was actually parked on Scarsdale Avenue.

Too cold
A person called police after voluntarily leaving her Heathcote Road house at 6:15 p.m., Jan. 31. She said it was too cold for her to wait outside for a ride from a friend, and she had no money for a taxi. Police drove her to headquarters where she could use a telephone and wait for her friend in a warm building. The person called a friend and made arrangements to take a train to New York City and meet the friend there. Police escorted the person to the Scarsdale train station. Police offered to provide contact information for a Social Services agency or drive the person to a housing shelter, but she declined.

Scofflaw
On Jan. 28, the parking enforcement officer noticed a 2008 Ford involved with scofflaw incidents parked on Boniface Circle. The officer issued a ticket for an expired meter and called Village Justice Court to confirm the car's scofflaw status. A court clerk confirmed the car's registered owner had 19 open parking tickets and owed $1,950 in fines. Patrol called the police department's duty tow and had the car towed to the police impound lot in Mamaroneck. Patrol contacted the owner of the car, a 29-year-old Mahopac woman, and told her to follow up with Village Justice Court regarding the outstanding fines and the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles regarding the suspended status of her license and registration.

Cars and roadways
An illegally parked scooter on Depot Place was impeding snow removal efforts Jan. 29. Patrol unsuccessfully attempted to contact the scooter's registered owner, and patrol issued the owner a parking ticket.

On Jan. 30, police issued a parking ticket to the owner of a car parked on Freightway because the car was blocking the passage of snowplows.

Five car accidents were reported in the village this week.

Civil matter
On Jan. 31, a Ridgecrest West man told police he and his neighbor were involved in a civil matter involving a cat. Police advised the man that civil matters are not police matters and must be resolved through a civil process.

Lost and found
An electrician found an iPad near a Murray Hill Road construction site and gave it to police Jan. 26.

Police tracked down the owner of a cell phone left at the high school track Jan. 27. The owner successfully answered questions about the phone to confirm his ownership, and he picked it up from headquarters.

On Jan. 28, a Tompkins Road woman reported losing her wallet somewhere near her house. A few hours later, she called headquarters to cancel the report. She found the wallet in her driveway.

A passerby found a wallet near the intersection of Boulevard and Gaylor Road and gave it to police Jan. 29.

On Jan. 31, a person found a set of car keys on Dobbs Terrace, tied the keys to a nearby white car and notified police. Police spoke with the owner of the car to which the keys were tied and learned the keys did not belong to that person. Using a CVS tag attached to the keys, police contacted the owner of the keys. She thanked police for finding the keys and said she or her husband would come to headquarters to pick up the keys on Feb. 2.

On Jan. 31, a passerby found a pocketbook on Greenacres Avenue and brought it to Hitchcock Church. A church employee then brought the purse to headquarters. Police looked in the purse for identifying information and contacted the owner, a Greenacres Avenue resident, to inform her that her purse had been found.

On Feb. 1, a Walworth Avenue woman reported her son lost his $400 clarinet at Scarsdale Middle School. The last time he saw the clarinet was after a band concert on Jan. 14.

Fire on train tracks
Police witnessed an explosion on the Metro North railroad tracks near the south side of the platform at Scarsdale train station Jan. 29. Dispatch informed the fire department and the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Police stood by and assisted as needed. According to the fire department's report, the fire was caused when "the third rail shorted to the ground, burning through a steel mount plate." Once MTA workers shut power to the rails, the fire self extinguished. Firefighters stood by and assisted as needed.

Fire
A Sage Terrace resident reported a gasoline odor in her basement Jan. 26. The cause was probably a gasoline spill down a Brewster Road drain the previous day. As per health department recommendations, firefighters ran water down the drains in the Sage Terrace house until the odor dissipated.

Lint was smoking in a Carthage Road dryer Jan. 26. Firefighters shut off the dryer, removed the lint and advised the homeowner to call for service.

A burning odor was coming from a washing machine in a Broadmoor Road house Jan. 26. Firefighters confirmed there was no fire, unplugged the washing machine and advised the homeowner to call for service.

On Jan. 27, firefighters helped a Vanderbilt Road resident get back in her house after she was accidentally locked out. The next day, on Jan. 28, firefighters helped a Boulevard resident get back in her house after she was also accidentally locked out.

Con Edison discovered a gas leak under the street at Boulevard and Webster Road Jan. 29. Firefighters helped Con Edison workers check manholes and 12 nearby houses for possible gas infiltration. Firefighters stood by until released by Con Edison.

A Barry Road resident reported a light switch sparked when used Jan. 30. Firefighters checked the house and found no more sparking switches, arcing wires or burning odors. They advised the resident to hire an electrician to change the switches.

Firefighters helped Con Edison workers check three houses on Church Lane South, Popham Road and Elmdorf Road for possible gas infiltration related to a gas leak in the area Jan. 30.

A smoke odor in a Brewster Road house was caused by a malfunctioning gas-firedburner Jan. 31. Firefighters shut gas to the unit and advised the homeowner to call for service.

A citizen complained about overcrowding at Chat restaurant on Christie Place Jan. 31. Firefighters checked the restaurant. They observed it was busy and full, but it was not overcrowded in a dangerous way. They advised the manager to open curtains placed in front of one of the exit doors to make the doors visible, as per safety code.

Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the sites of four natural gas leaks at street valve boxes on Richbell Road Feb. 1.

An oil burner malfunctioned in a Franklin Road house Feb. 1. Firefighters shut down the unit and advised the homeowner to call for service.

Firefighters called Con Edison to check a gas pressure regulator making a "buzzing" noise in a Pinecrest Road house Feb.1.

This week, firefighters assisted at one car accident in the village. They responded to 12 false fire or heat alarms caused by device malfunction, excessive dust, cooking smoke and fireplace smoke.

This report covering police and fire department activity from Jan. 26 to Feb. 1 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.

Details

Written by: Traci Dutton Ludwig

Published: 27 January 2015

Created: 27 January 2015

Last Updated: 15 May 2020

Hits: 15800

A 33 year-old White Plains woman who worked at a housekeeper in several homes in Scarsdale was arrested on Tuesday January 27 for stealing cash from a home she cleaned on Tisdale Road. Following a complaint from the homeowners, police conducted an investigation which resulted in the arrest of Jenny Illescas for Petit Larceny. She is scheduled to appear in court on February 18th.

DWI
A Scarsdale man was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense) and operation of a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level of at least .08 of one percent, following an accident that landed his 2002 Lexus into a ditch at the Heathcote Bypass and Weaver Street at midnight, Jan. 22. The car had apparently been traveling south on the Bypass when it drove off the road. The driver was out of the car when police arrived. He advised he was not injured and declined medical attention. He was swaying as he walked, and his eyes were glassy and bloodshot. His breath smelled of alcohol, and he told police he drank three beers at Brother Jimmy's Barbecue restaurant in White Plains earlier that evening. He failed field sobriety tests, and he tested positive in an alcohol pre-screening test. At headquarters, a Datamaster test measured his blood alcohol level at .17 percent. Following his arrest booking, he was released on his own recognizance. He was issued an appearance ticket for Scarsdale Village Justice Court on Jan. 28.

Identity theft
On Jan. 20, an Aspen Road woman reported someone created a fraudulent check and cashed it against her Bank of American account on Jan. 16. According to the woman, the check was a duplicate of a check number she had not yet issued, and it contained a forged signature. The fraudulent check was made payable to an auto company in Florida. In following up with her bank, the woman learned the perpetrator made other small transactions against the account, as a way of checking if the account was active. The bank closed the account to prevent further fraudulent transactions. Police advised the woman to monitor her credit report as a precaution.
On Jan. 23, a Clarence Road woman reported receiving a collection notice about a Verizon telephone account
opened in her name without her knowledge or permission. After speaking with Verizon's fraud department and the collection agency, the woman learned the account was opened in March 2013 and closed in July 2013. Verizon's fraud department is following up.

"Fare" change
A cab driver called police when a passenger's credit card was declined and the passenger, from Walworth Avenue, offered to pay the $80 fare in coins or by personal check. Police advised the driver that although it might be inconvenient to accept $80 in coins, the coins represent valid US currency and therefore should be accepted as payment. The passenger gave the driver $80 in coins, which he accepted as full payment for the fare.

Noises
Police checked a Nelson Road house after the homeowner thought she heard a cupboard door open at approximately 2:45 p.m., Jan. 19. Police found no sign of forced entry or criminal activity.

Police checked an Innes Road house after the homeowner heard an unusual noise and thought someone might be trying to get inside Jan. 22. Police found no sign of criminal activity.

Footprints
Police checked a Gatehouse Road house after a homeowner reported concerns about footprints in the snow around the perimeter of her house Jan. 25. Police found no signs of criminal activity and noted the footprints appeared to have been made by an animal.

Scofflaws

The parking enforcement officer saw a car parked on Spencer Place that was associated with $740 in parking ticket scofflaw fines Jan. 20. While patrol was waiting for a tow truck to arrive, the driver returned to the car. Patrol advised her to resolve the unpaid fines in Village Justice Court.

The parking enforcement officer saw a car parked on East Parkway that was associated with $720 in parking ticket scofflaw fines Jan. 20. While patrol was waiting for a tow truck to arrive, the driver returned to the car. Patrol advised her to resolve the unpaid fines in Village Justice Court.

Cars and roadways
On Jan. 19, a Boulder Brook Road man was concerned someone might have punctured the tires of his car while it was parked in his driveway overnight. Police examined the car and determined the damage did not look like criminal mischief. Rather, the damage was consistent with damage caused by tires ripped open by running against a curb.

A motorist complained about a large pothole at Post and Fenimore roads Jan. 19. Police placed a traffic cone there to warn motorists, and they alerted transportation officials for repair.

Although legally parked, two cars were causing a hazardous condition on Oakstwain Road Jan. 20. Police contacted the registered owners and asked them to move their cars.

Police notified the water department of a broken water main on Church Lane Jan. 21. The highway department applied salt to the area to prevent icing.

A car became disabled near the intersection of Mamaroneck Road and Harvest Drive Jan. 23. The driver asked police if he could leave the car in the Scarsdale pool parking lot overnight until it could be picked up for repair the next day.

A branch and wires fell on Huntington Avenue Jan. 24. Patrol blocked off the area with caution tape and notified Con Edison and the highway department. They also taped off the area around a branch leaning on wires on Quaker Center. Patrol notified the homeowner, who contacted a tree service.
Patrol stood by while a driver changed a flat tire near the intersection of Heathcote Road and Palmer Avenue Jan. 25.
Police notified the water department about pooling water on Brewster Road, possibly caused by a defective sewer, Jan. 25.
A man who appeared to be sleeping in his car on Claremont Road was a tutor who arrived early for an appointment and decided to relax and listen to a radio show in the meantime Jan. 25.
Patrol notified New Rochelle police and appropriate road maintenance agencies about a large piece of blacktop that became dislodged from Weaver Street and was causing a hazard Jan. 25.
Concerned about road rage, a driver pulled into headquarters Jan. 25. He alleged another driver had been "recklessly following" him from the Bronx River Parkway. He said the aggressive driver stopped only after he pulled into the public safety parking lot.
Seven car accidents were reported in the village and on parkways this week.

Village code, safety
On Jan. 19, police told a Greenacres Avenue contactor he was in violation of village code for using power equipment in violation of village code on a holiday. The contractor said he did not realize it was a holiday and stopped work immediately.

Police advised an ice skater to leave Duck Pond due to possible danger from thin ice Jan. 22.

On Jan. 22, patrol advised a Carthage Road man and his kids that their hockey game was causing a noise disturbance for some neighbors who had complained. The man apologized and stopped the game.

Patrol spoke to a Dolma Road homeowner after a neighbor complained of noise from the homeowner's generator Jan. 22. The homeowner said he was not sure why the generator was running, and he would return to the house to investigate the problem the next morning.

At 6:30 a.m., Jan. 24, police advised a sanitation truck driver that garbage removal needed to be done during designated hours, as per village code.

Police dispersed noisy kids form Berkeley Road at 10:30 p.m., Jan. 24.

Lost badge
A parking enforcement officer dropped his official badge in Christie Place Garage Jan. 21. A person found it and notified headquarters. The officer promptly retrieved his badge.

Fire
Firefighters shut the water supply to a broken hose bib at a Cayuga Road house Jan. 19.

Firefighters investigated pooling water in a Carthage Road yard and advised the homeowner to call the building department with concerns Jan. 19. A sump pump stopped working in a Mamaroneck Road basement and a large amount of water entered the house Jan. 19. Firefighters shut the gas supply to affected appliances and pumped water from the basement.

Firefighters looked at a small amount of water in a Crossway basement Jan. 19. It was not enough to pump out.
Firefighters advised the homeowner to contact a plumber to check the sump pump.

A stove was leaking gas in a Johnson Road house Jan. 20. Firefighters shut off the gas connection and informed Con Edison.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a probable gas leak on Rock Creek Lane Jan. 21.

Firefighters, police and Con Edison workers forced their way into a Carman Road house because of suspected gas infiltration from an active curb valve leak on the street Jan. 21. Con Edison workers detected gas readings in the basement and took over the scene.

Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a probable gas leak in a Carthage Road house Jan. 21.

A senior resident reported there was no heat in her Coralyn Road house Jan. 22. Firefighters discovered the pilot light was out in the gas furnace. They relit the pilot light, and the furnace began functioning again. A plumber was called to check the boiler.

Firefighters checked a Secor Road house for a possible gas leak Jan. 22. Con Edison workers, who were also called to the scene, found a gas leak outdoors and addressed it.

Firefighters advised a Cohawney Road resident to report fallen phone wires to Verizon Jan. 24. Firefighters also helped the resident knock heavy snow from low hanging branches leaning precariously on other wires.

Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a natural gas leak running alongside curbing in an open area of Butler Woods Jan. 25.

A Brewster Road resident said he inadvertently poured up to two gallons of gasoline down the drain of a basement slop sink Jan. 25. Firefighters ventilated the house and used running water to flush the drain for approximately an hour. An odor of gasoline, caused by this incident, was also reported in a neighbor's house. Firefighters checked the neighbor's house, found a poorly sealed sewer trap, ventilated the house and flushed the sewer line with water. The Westchester County Department of Health was notified.

Firefighters assisted at one car accident in the village. They responded to 11 false alarms caused by device malfunction, construction dust, cooking smoke and a battery change.

Arrest on warrant
On Jan. 23, police arrested Gustavo A. Burgos, 22, of Yonkers, on the strength of an active bench warrant, previously issued out of Scarsdale Village Justice Court for failing to appear in court on vehicle and traffic misdemeanors. After Burgos's surrender to police, he was released on his own recognizance to his father, who had accompanied him to headquarters. He was issued an appearance ticket for Jan. 28 at Scarsdale Village Justice Court.

Scarsdale Village Justice Court
Stephen J. Broege was arraigned on charges of DWI (first offense) and DWI with a blood alcohol level of at least .08 of one percent. His license was suspended pending prosecution, but the court granted him a hardship license. Broege was assigned, for evaluation, to Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities. The case was adjourned to Feb. 18.

Allen F. Bryant pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of a registration violation and was fined $193.

Gregory A. Fucci pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of a registration violation and was fined $193.

Joseph M. Gentile, Jr., pleaded guilty to the reduced charges of driving without a license and disobeying a traffic control device. He was fined $408.

Brian J. Higgins pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of a registration violation and was fined $193.

David M. Hill's bail was reduced to $1,000, and he was assigned, for evaluation, to Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities. The case was adjourned to Feb. 11.

Deanna L. Mifsud was arraigned on charges of DWI (first offense), DWI with a blood alcohol level of at least .08 of one percent and speeding (55/30). Her license was surrendered pending prosecution, but hardship privileges were granted. Mifsud was assigned, for evaluation, to Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities. The case was adjourned to Feb. 11.

S.A. Signorelli pleaded guilty to speeding and the reduced charge of driving without a license. Signorelli was fined $438.

Ashley E. Stevens pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of driving while ability impaired. Her license was suspended for 90 days with a 20-day stay. She was ordered to attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel and a drinking and driving program organized by the Department of Motor Vehicles. She was fined $560.
One case was sealed.

The court issued five warrant letters to defendants who did not appear in court as directed. One previously issued bench warrant stayed in effect for a defendant who did not appear in court on vehicle and traffic charges.
Adjournments included some cases with the following charges: possession of a hypodermic instrument, use of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, fourth-degree grand larceny, third-degree possession of a forged instrument, seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, first-degree operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, second-degree obstruction of government administration, disorderly conduct, second-degree criminal contempt, second-degree identity theft and various vehicle and traffic violations.

This report covering police and fire department activity from Jan. 19-25 and the Scarsdale Village Justice Court calendar from Jan. 21 was complied 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.

Details

Written by: Traci Dutton Ludwig

Published: 21 January 2015

Created: 21 January 2015

Last Updated: 09 January 2026

Hits: 283125

Following an investigation of reported assault between patrons at Chat bar and restaurant on Dec. 19, 2014, police arrested David M. Hill, 43, of New Rochelle, on Jan. 14. He was charged with second-degree assault, a felony. According to the police report of the original incident, a 33 year-old New York City man said he was assaulted while attending a law firm holiday party at Chat. At the party he was speaking to two members of his firm (including Hill) and got into a discussion about whiskey. A few minutes into it, Hill allegedly called the victim an idiot and said, "Who should I hit? You or him?" The victim told him that would be a bad idea and said that if they got into a fight, he (the victim) would win. At that point, the Hill allegedly handed the victim an empty glass and punched him in the forehead, causing a small cut. The victim went to the bathroom to clean up. Then, he left. He sought medical treatment but nothing needed to be done. He first spoke to members of the law firm but was not satisfied with their response. Evidence gathered from witness statements and recorded video surveillance supported the victim's account of the incident. On Jan. 14, the arrest was made in cooperation with a Westchester County probation officer, who was holding Hill at the Westchester County Probation Office, until Scarsdale detectives arrived. Following his arrest, Hill was served with an Order of Protection and was advised he must return to court on Jan. 21. As recommended by the District Attorney's Office, bail was set at $5,000. Hill was unable to post bail and was subsequently taken to Westchester County Jail. Some personal property, including a brown leather bag containing numerous personal papers and miscellaneous items, was not accepted at the jail; so police vouchered it at headquarters for safekeeping instead.

Mt. Vernon driver arrested for DWI

At 11:45 p.m., Jan. 17, patrol saw a 2012 Honda Minivan driving without any operational taillights on Post Road. Patrol caught up with the car at a traffic light, and the driver – Stephen J. Broege, 43, of Mt. Vernon – accelerated to approximately 54 miles per hour. Patrol was able to determine this speed by pacing Broege's car at a steady distance and speed. Patrol initiated a traffic stop near Wayside Lane and noticed Broege displayed signs of intoxication – including alcohol smelling breath and glassy eyes. Broege attempted but was unable to successfully perform field sobriety tests. Broege refused to take an alcohol sensor breath test. Based on patrol's observations and Broege's failure to successfully complete the field sobriety tests, Broege was arrested for driving while intoxicated. At 1:05 a.m., Broege agreed to take a Datamaster blood alcohol test, which measured his blood alcohol level at .16 of one percent. Broege was charged with driving while intoxicated, driving with .08 of one percent or more of alcohol in the blood, failure to submit to a breath test, speeding, and no tail lights. Police released Broege on his own recognizance at 3:40 a.m. He was ordered to return to court on Jan. 21.

Arrested Bronxville man wanted by Pennsylvania State Police

On Jan. 18, police officers were dispatched to Yonkers police headquarters to extradite Daniel Raymond Smith, 35, of Bronxville, on the grounds of an outstanding arrest warrant issued out of Scarsdale Village Justice Court on Dec. 3, 2014, for failing to appear on multiple vehicle and traffic charges. While processing Smith's arrest at headquarters, police determined there was also an outstanding warrant for Smith's arrest, previously issued by Pennsylvania State Police for charges of driving under the influence of drugs. Pennsylvania State Police were notified of Smith's arrest in Scarsdale, and they said they would come to extradite him. Smith was subsequently charged with being a fugitive from justice, a section of NYS penal law. Smith was arraigned on Scarsdale charges at Scarsdale Village Justice Court. Judge John Galloway ordered him to return to court on Jan. 21 and remanded him to Westchester County Jail to facilitate the extradition by Pennsylvania State Police.

Missing jewels

A Stratton Road woman called police because she thought workers employed by a junk removal service might have stolen a gold bracelet and a ring with a green stone from her bedroom jewelry box Jan. 16. The owner of the junk removal service said he had spoken with his workers, and each one had denied stealing the jewelry. Detectives went to the woman's house, interviewed each of the workers and searched the trucks, but the jewelry was not found.

Missing property

On Jan. 16, a Park Road woman reported several personal belongings were taken from her house without permission. The theft occurred sometime between Dec. 29, 2014 and Jan. 1, 2015. No further information was provided.

Stolen miter saw

On Jan. 17, an employee of Baek Min Presbyterian Church, on Murray Hill Road, reported a $200 miter saw and miscellaneous tools valued at $60 had been stolen from a storage shed sometime between Jan. 1 and 16. Including the incident involving the theft, the employee said the shed's lock had been pried off at least two times for the purpose of a break-in. These break-ins damaged the shed's door and the locks.

Identity theft

Someone fraudulently used a Rock Creek Lane man's Bloomingdale's credit card for two merchandise purchases in November 2014. On Jan. 9, the man received a letter containing information about an upgraded card from Bloomingdale's. The letter stated the man's new account status was due to the amount of his recent purchases. Because the man had not used his Bloomingdale's account since 2013, he became alarmed. He cancelled his credit card and informed a store representative of the fraudulent purchases. He reported the incident to police on Jan. 14.

On Jan. 17, a Stonehouse Road man reported someone attempted to fraudulently open at least two credit card accounts in his name on Jan. 10 and 11. The man learned about the attempts after receiving a call from Equifax, a credit reporting agency. Police advised the man to continue monitoring his credit reports as a precaution.

Broken light

While a Tisdale Road homeowner was away, she received a call from her landscaper on Jan. 12. He informed her that a post light in front of her house was broken. On Jan. 13, the homeowner reported the incident and told police the light had been damaged several times in the past. The fixture was valued at approximately $100.

Rental car not returned

On Jan. 16, an employee from the Avis Budget Group reported a rental car was not returned to its rental location on Scarsdale Avenue. According to the employee, the 2014 gray Ford Edge, with a Massachusetts registration, was rented to a Bronx man on Dec. 4. It was scheduled for return on Dec. 11. Numerous attempts to contact the renter by phone and certified mail were made, but the renter did not respond. Police called the renter and left a voicemail, advising him he could be charged, at the least, with third-degree unauthorized use of a vehicle, a misdemeanor.

Parking attendant hit by car

A 21-year-old Bronx man drove his 2010 Ford into the Overhill Road parking garage Jan. 15. He got out of the car without putting the car in park or closing the driver's side door. The Ford began to roll forward, striking a parked 2012 Honda with its open door. At that time, a parking attendant stepped in front of the car in an attempt to stop it from rolling further. The parking attendant's thumb was injured; however, he refused medical attention. The Bronx driver, who was nearby, was able to get back in the car, apply the brake and properly put it in park.

Gymnast on Carthage Road

Police questioned a man doing gymnastics in the middle of Carthage and Lincoln roads at 7:15 p.m., Jan. 12. The man said he was only "listening to music and getting exercise in the roadway." Police advised the man that since it was dark and raining, he might be better off heading home. The man agreed and left the street.

Anybody home?

Patrol noticed the front door of a Claremont Road house was open at 2 a.m., Jan. 13. No cars were parked outside. Additional units arrived, and two patrol officers went inside to check the house for possible criminal activity. In the meantime, other officers monitored the perimeter of the house. While searching the first floor of the house, the two patrol officers noticed the second floor of the house might be occupied. The officers announced their presence and were greeted by the homeowner. He said his son had been the last person to come home and might not have properly locked the door.

Smashed TV

Police responded to a Heathcote Road house after a neighbor reported the teenage boys were acting disorderly without adult supervision Jan 16. At the house, police spoke with the homeowner who explained the boys were filming an independent movie and smashed an old, broken TV on her property. She confirmed the boys' actions occurred with her authorization.

Too loud?

A Barry Road resident was becoming irate about noise made by Con Edison workers investigating a possible gas leak in the area at 2:30 a.m., Jan. 18. Con Edison workers asked police to stand by so they could perform their work without further trouble.

Are you ok?

Police checked the welfare of a Mamaroneck Road woman and noted she was OK Jan 14.

Cars and roadways
-Police advised a hitchhiker on Weaver Street that residents and passing motorists were complaining Jan. 12. The hitchhiker left the area.
-Police called tow trucks to remove cars stalled on Mamaroneck Road, Post Road and in the intersection between Cooper and Murray Hill roads Jan. 13.
-Responding to a report of a man walking in the roadway on Post Road, police encountered a man heading toward White Plains. He said he had enough money for a taxi but preferred to walk. Police advised him to walk only on the sidewalk and provided him with the telephone number of a cab company.
-A driver reported a provisionally repaired pot hole "broke apart" at Palmer Avenue and Heathcote Road Jan. 14. Police notified transportation officials for prompt repair of the pot hole.
-Police issued a village code violation summons for unnecessary noise to a driver who honked her horn at another driver who was slowing down for a yellow traffic light on East Parkway Jan. 15.
-Police notified Con Edison about a low hanging wire above Mamaroneck Road and Leatherstocking Lane Jan. 16. Cablevision was notified about a fallen cable wire in the same area.
-Police removed large branches and debris from Cushman Road and Willow Lane Jan. 16.
-Police called a tow truck for a motorist whose car had a flat tire on Mamaroneck Road Jan.16.
-A resident called police about ice on Barry Road Jan. 17. Police notified the highway department. The highway department, in turn, notified the water department because the icing condition seemed to be related to a water main break.
-Numerous cars were sliding on ice on village roadways Jan. 18. Police closed several roads, including Drake, Murray Hill and Heathcote roads, where ice conditions were especially bad. Fox Meadow Road was also closed because of flooding.
-Police helped several drivers move their cars to safe locations when the cars became disabled due to extremely icy conditions on Post, Murray Hill and Heathcote roads and Weaver Street Jan. 18.
-Police temporarily blocked traffic on Post Road to help a driver back out of her very steep and very icy driveway Jan. 18.
-Six car accidents were reported in the village this week.

Frozen pipes
Pipes froze and burst inside six houses in the village this week. Police and firefighters assisted in turning off the water supply and contacting homeowners or real estate agents to advise of flooding situations and related damages. Utilities affected by flooded equipment were turned off for safety, as needed. In locations where water was creating icing conditions, the highway department was notified as well.

Village code
After a neighbor complained of noise at 11:15 p.m., Jan. 13, police advised a Cushman Road contractor of village noise ordinances. The contractor said he was not working; he was only packing his tools.
Police spoke with contractors on Greenacres Avenue after neighbors complained of noise from heavy demolition machinery at 8 a.m., Jan. 14. The contractors said they were aware of village code and, while they might warm up their equipment prior to 8 a.m., they do not start work until after 8 a.m. Patrol reminded them to always abide by village regulations.

Lost and found
Police identified and notified the owner of a set of lost keys found on the top floor of Freightway Garage Jan. 13. Police put the keys in safekeeping at headquarters, pending the owner's retrieval.
Police found an LG cell phone on Scarsdale Avenue and notified the owner Jan. 14. The owner said he would come to headquarters later that day to pick up his phone.
A passerby reported an unattended backpack on an East Parkway sidewalk Jan. 15. Police opened the bag and noted it contained an Apple iPad, clothing and other miscellaneous items. Patrol contacted the owner's mother, who said she would pick up her son's backpack as soon as possible. In the meantime, the backpack and its contents were vouchered at headquarters for safekeeping.
An Oak Way man reported a missing license plate from his 2009 Toyota Corolla Jan. 18. The last time he saw the license plate was Jan. 15, when he parked the car in his driveway, he said.
While walking on Fenimore Road Jan. 16, a passerby found a blank HSBC check, a MetroNorth purchase receipt and a pair of eyeglasses on the ground. Patrol collected the items and contacted the owner. Shortly thereafter, the owner arrived at headquarters to pick up his property.
Police identified the owner of a license plate found at Scarsdale High School and returned the plate to him Jan. 17.

Fire
-Firefighters checked 10 Stonehouse Road houses for possible gas migration after natural gas was found in a nearby manhole Jan. 12. Con Edison was working on the scene.
-Firefighters shut power to wet circuits, related to a faulty washing machine, in a Dickel Road house Jan. 13.
-On Jan. 14, firefighters used bolt cutters to help police remove malfunctioning handcuffs from a person in police custody. The handcuff removal caused no injury to the person.
-Firefighters helped an elderly Garden Road homeowner replace a battery in a smoke detector Jan. 15.
-A Mohican Trail teenager accidentally dropped a cell phone out of a third-floor house window Jan. 16. The phone slid down the roof and landed in a gutter. Firefighters used an aerial truck to retrieve the phone.
-Firefighters examined a Hillview Dive house for possible abnormal heat in a dining room ceiling after the dining room light fixture flickered and shorted out Jan. 17. Firefighters advised the homeowner to keep the circuit breaker in the "off" position and call an electrician for service.
-Due to a burning odor in a Walworth Avenue basement, firefighters removed basement wall paneling and located an electrical wire that was shorting out due to water seeping in through the foundation wall Jan. 18. Firefighters isolated the circuit breaker and shut it off. They advised the homeowner to contact and electrician and a contractor to resolve the two issues.
-Firefighters shut the water supply to a sink backing up in a Barry Road house Jan. 18.
-Firefighters assisted a Harvest Drive resident with a water problem Jan. 18.
-Firefighters started a sump pump in a Brewster Road basement holding approximately three inches of water Jan. 18.
-Firefighters turned off the gas and electrical supply to a Webster Road hot water heater due to several inches of water in the basement Jan. 18. They advised the homeowner to install a sump pump.
-This week, firefighters assisted at two car accidents on parkways, one involving the extrication of an injured passenger from a smashed car. They responded to one false carbon monoxide alarm and nine false fire alarms caused by device malfunction, water leaking into a detector, cooking smoke, smoke from burnt food, construction dust and steam from a commercial iron.

Scarsdale Village Justice Court – Jan. 14, 2015

K.D. Pastilha pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of driving while ability impaired. Pastilha's driver's license was suspended for 90 days with a 20-day stay. Pastilha was fined $560 and ordered to attend a MADD Victim Impact Panel and a drinking and driving program organized by the NYS Department of Motor Vehicles.

Pietro Russo pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of driving without a license and speeding. He was fined $386, plus an additional $140 in scofflaw lift fees.

The court issued one arrest warrant and one warrant letter to defendants who did not appear in court as scheduled.

Adjourned cases included the following charges: first-degree operation of a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs, possession of marijuana, driving while intoxicated (first offense), DWI with a blood alcohol level of at least .08 of one percent. Aggravated DWI, driving while ability impaired, second-degree possession of a forged instrument, third-degree grand larceny, a breath test violation and various vehicle and traffic charges.

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.