From the Scarsdale Police... a DWI, a Burglary and a Bird in the Wrong Place
- Details
- Hits: 5575
Drunk Driver Arrested: On the evening of March 4, police responded to an accident on Mamaroneck Road near Harvest Drive. They found a woman in a blue Audi with a flat front tire. They spoke to the driver who was sitting in the car with the motor running and found that she had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol on her breath. She admitted to drinking at a friend’s house earlier in the day and presented her license that identified her as Veronique Lauras of Crossway in Scarsdale. She was too drunk to complete the sobriety tests and was arrested and taken to headquarters. She was found to have a blood alcohol level of .28 and charged with three counts of driving while intoxicated. Her car was left in the Scarsdale Pool parking lot and her husband came to pick her up.
Burglary: On the evening of March 4, a Colonial Road man returned home to find that his front door had been kicked in and his home had been burglarized. The lock and doorframe of the front door were damaged and the master bedroom was entered. Drawers were opened and the contents were thrown on the floor. A laptop computer, jewelry, and credit cards were stolen.
Fight!: On the evening of 3/2 a feud broke out between two mechanics at the Shell Station on Scarsdale Avenue about their mechanical abilities. The fight began as a verbal argument but escalated into a pushing and shoving match. The station owner was able to break up the fight and separate the two men. Both agreed to go home for the day and though one man’s hand was scraped he refused medical attention.
Lost: The owner of the Beautiful Home Center on Popham Road reported that two gold rings that were on her
desk were gone on the afternoon of 3/3. Police searched the store and found the rings in the garbage can next to the woman’s desk.
A 16 year-old Meadow Road girl lost her purse after dining at the Southeast Asia Restaurant on Garth Road on March 4th. After leaving the restaurant at 7:30 pm she realized the purse was gone and retraced her steps, but the purse was nowhere to be found.
On March 4th, a resident of Search for Change on the Post Road complained that someone took $117.50 from her locked box, though $500, jewelry and cigarettes were still in the box. Search for Change is a group home and no other larcenies were reported.
Found: The owner of Gingerbread Kidz on Chase Road called police for help on the evening of March 4th when a bird was stuck in the store. Police were able to catch the bird and release it outside.
Car Break ins: A teacher at the Hoff Barthelson Music School left her purse in the car when it was parked at the school on the evening of March 2nd. When she returned to the car around 10 pm, the front passenger wide window of her 2008 Toyota Corolla was broken and her purse was missing. Also gone were the contents of her purse which included a credit card, checkbook, $100 dollar in cash, an Amex gift card, her cell phone and the keys to her apartment.
A Honda Civic that belonged to a 17 year-old girl was also vandalized that evening when it was parked in the Hoff Barthelson lot on School Lane. The car was damaged and the girl’s credit card, license, health insurance card, medicine and $7.00 in cash were taken. The girl reported that when she arrived at the school around 10 pm she saw a black man about 5’ 10” tall, wearing a black coat standing near the side entrance to the school.
Damaged: A Yonkers man was parked in his 2010 Mercedes C30 at Chase Road and Woodland Place at 10 pm on 2/28, when a large branch from a Village tree fell on his car, damaging the windshield and the front hood.
Vandalism: An empty beer bottle was thrown through the moon roof of a 2010 Honda Pilot when it was parked in the driveway of a Rodney Road home overnight from March 5-6. The bottle, which was found on the front passenger seat, caused $1,200 in damage to the car.
Noise: Police received a call about some noisy kids in Aspen Road Park at 11:45 pm on March 4th. Police asked the kids to leave the area and they complied. At 11:45 pm on March 5th, police received a complaint about a loud party on Franklin Road. Police knocked on the door and asked the homeowner to turn down the music. She agreed to and apologized for the inconvenience.
Identity Theft: A Stratton Road woman reported that on 2/25 someone wrote two fraudulent checks from her Bank of America account – one for $6,400 payable to Chase Bank and another for $1,500 payable to Citibank. The checks had the correct account and routing numbers but looked different than her real checks. The woman did not recognize the signature on the checks and Bank of America closed the account.
In addition, on March 4th a Heathcote Road man was called by Chase Bank to report that someone had presented a counterfeit check bearing his account number for payment. The check was made out for $4,796.28 payable to Thania Lliguichuzhca. The bank advised the man to cancel his account.
Harassed: A 26 year-old Axtell Drive woman reported being harassed by someone she friended on Facebook on March 1. Starting on March 2nd, she started to receive text messages and phone calls from the man that were sexual in nature. She asked him to stop contacting her but he persisted all day. Police contacted the man but his phone was off and advised the victim to “defriend” the man.
On March 3rd, a Brite Avenue woman came to police to report that a woman she had interviewed for a housekeeping position was calling her and sending unwanted text messages. The Scarsdale woman had decided not to hire the candidate and wanted the calls to stop. Police contacted the interviewee who denied sending the messages and claimed that her children might have been playing with her phone. Police told her to have no further contact with the Scarsdale woman.
An employee of the Scarsdale School District called police on March 4 to report that a man was calling the district several times a day to inquire about a substitute teacher who is no longer employed by the district. The man has been calling the school for years, asking for different people, and has also called school officials at home.
The grandfather of a Continental Road boy reported that two men were taking photographs of the boy as he got off the school bus on February 28. Since the boy’s mother is going through a divorce, he is concerned about the safety of his grandson.
A Fenimore Road man called police several times on 2/28 to reported that his ex-girlfriend was sitting in a car outside of his home. He first called at 8 pm, and then at 11:38 pm. At 11:30 pm on 3/1 he called police again to complain that someone was ringing his doorbell and harassing him.
A young man from Quentin Road called police on the afternoon of March 1 to complain that his father would not give him the car keys. Police spoke to the Dad who advised them that his son is not able to drive at this time.
More Flooding on the Bronx River Parkway
- Details
- Hits: 7120
For the second time this week heavy rain has caused the Bronx River parkway to close. Today, Friday March 11, the Parkway is flooded from the split with the Sprain Brook Parkway all the way up to Virginia Road in White Plains. Over 2.8 inches of rain fell on Thursday night into Friday morning causing extensive flooding. On Monday March 7 three inches of rain fell the previous night and caused the Bronx River to overflow and spill onto the roadway.These photos are taken from the overpass at Greenacrs Avenue where both the north and the south sides of the parkway are flooded.
According the Westchester County Police nothing can be done to alleviate the flooding. They are 
simply waiting for Mother Nature to take its course and waiting for the water to recede. A spokesman for the County Safety Department claimed that inadequate storm drains are just part of the problem and Scarsdale's Deputy Village Manager Stephen Pappalardo agrees. The Bronx River is filled with silt and therefore has limited capacity to capture excess water. Dredging the river to remove the silt is an environmental concern as it would upset the ecological system and wildlife. In addition, with increased development there is reduced impervious surfaces in the areas above the river, further exacerbating the flooding.
In the meantime, traffic is sure to be snarled in Westchester on Friday as drivers will need to avoid the flooded parkways and take alternative routes.
Fraud, Identity Theft and a Pedestrian Hit from the 10583 Police
- Details
- Hits: 5030
Fraud: Chase Bank on Palmer Avenue was the scene of another fraud attempt this week. On the afternoon of 2/24 a 6’5” man in a long black coat, carrying a Louie Vuitton bag approached a teller at the bank with a withdrawal slip for $3,500. The teller asked for identification and the man presented a Texas driver’s license and a Capitol One Visa. When the teller checked the account she found there were numerous alerts and also noted that the license looked “funny.” She asked the man to have a seat while she verified the account, but instead he left the branch.
When police arrived they found that the license was fraudulent and the account had been flagged because someone had called Chase Customer Service several times that day about the account.
Police contacted the man whose name was listed on the account in Tomball, Texas and it turned out that he had not authorized any withdrawals. Police canvassed the area but were not able to find the man.
An unidentified person withdrew funds from the Chase account of a Ridgecrest East couple between January 20 and February 18. All told, $23,000 was taken from the account to pay bills and credit card debts. Another $8,408 was spent on a fraudulent Macy’s account set up in the couple’s name.
Bad Check: the manager of Rothmans reported that a man had purchased $729.08 in clothing on 12/24/10 and his check had bounced. The store attempted to contact the man, Ken Levy of Mt. Kisco,, but his number was not in service. The store also emailed the man several times and though Levy said he would call, he never did. Police attempted to contact Levy on 2/24 but were unsuccessful but on 2/25 they got in touch and Levy agreed to pay the monies owed.
Stolen: A Lee Road man reported the theft of his $1,200 Batavus cycle and child seat from the Scarsdale Train Station where it was locked on February 17th. The lock and chain were gone as well but he found his helmet nearby.
Lost: On 2/25 an Aspen Road woman reported losing a $12,500 diamond ring inside her home sometime between 2/18-2/25.
A Marjory Lane man reported the lost of a 14K gold bracelet valued at $100.00 on East Parkway. He said it was lost sometime between 2/18 and 2/23 and is engraved with the words “Leon Z Mener, Love-Mom and Dad.”
Arrested: Tyson Tinsley, age 23 of Mount Vernon was arrested on a bench warrant in Mount Vernon and transferred to Scarsdale at 2 am on 2/24. After a conversation with Judge Galloway Tinsley was released pending a 3/2 court date.
Locked out: The ex-husband of a Brite Avenue woman came to police headquarters on 2/25 to inquire about his rights to enter the home of his ex-wife. Police advised him to speak to his attorney.
Solicitors: A Vernon Road resident reported a suspicious car and solicitors on the street on the morning of 2/26. Police stopped the solicitors who were trying to sign people up for home heating oil contracts. As they did not have a permit they were given a warning.
Intruders? At 2:19 am on 2/27, a Sycamore Road woman called police to say that she heard someone attempting to open her front door. Police went to the home and searched the area but found no suspects. Shortly thereafter, at 3 am police found a 2010 Jeep parked on Bansom Road and questioned the driver. The man admitted that he had just left his girlfriend on Sycamore Road and he was admonished by police and released.
Sewage: Cayuga Road residents called police to report that a sewer had backed up into their basement on the evening of 2/27. Police called the Highway Department to respond.
Gas leak: In response to a gas leak on 2/27, police had to enter a Murray Hill Road home while the homeowners were away. Police got in through an unlocked rear sliding door and found the master bedroom in disarray. They got in touch with the homeowner who was in Florida and he was not concerned.
Accident: A Post Road woman who was attempting to cross Post Road at 7:40 am on 2/25 was hit by a car driven by a New Rochelle man. The victim, Jessica Crockett complained of pain in her legs and right hand and was taken to White Plains hospital by SVAC for treatment. She stated that the accident was not the fault of the driver.
Damage: Luigi Vippolis parked his 2009 BMW 328I in the Freightway lot on the morning of 2/25. When he returned at 8 pm that night he found that the fenders were scratched and the front right tire and both rear tires were slashed. There were no witnesses.
Scarsdale Police Arrest Drunk Drivers
- Details
- Hits: 5764
Randolph Ramrup age 35 of the Bronx was caught driving 50 mph on the Post Road at 2:15 am on February 19. Police chased him and he initially resisted police but later pulled over onto the sidewalk at the intersection of Burgess and Post Roads. Police smelled alcohol on Ramrup’s breath and he claimed he had left his driver’s license at the bar. He failed the sobriety tests and was found to have an elevated BAC. Ramrup was placed under arrest and his car was parked in the high school lot. He was booked for speeding and driving while intoxicated and released.
The following night Ramrup came into headquarters to report that his wallet was taken from his car while it was parked in front of Scarsdale High School. He claimed that when he returned for the car the next day, his coach wallet, driver’s license, debit card and student id were missing, though it should be noted that the previous night Ramrup claimed he did not have his license.
At 4:30 am, police spotted a Honda on the Post Road with no rear plate light. They stopped the car on Fenimore Road and smelled alcohol on the driver’s breath. The man admitted that he had just left the Misky Bar in White Plains where he drank four beers. The man only had a Mexican driver’s license that identified him as Rene Gonzalez, age 26 of Dobbs Ferry Road, Scarsdale. Police conducted a DMV check and found that Gonzalez had been suspended five times by the DMV. Gonzales was arrested and booked for driving while intoxicated, driving without a license and for inadequate lights on his car. He was released on $400 cash bail.
Shortly after midnight on 2/20 police stopped a speeding driver on the Post Road. They found that the driver appeared drunk and the car smelled of marijuana. The man admitted to drinking a beer and smoking a joint before he left the bar. He failed sobriety tests and was placed under arrest. A search of his car revealed a bag of marijuana. Eric Stapen, age 32 of Popham Road, Scarsdale was arrested for driving while intoxicated, speeding, driving under the influence of drugs and possession of marijuana.
Minutes later, at 5 am, police stopped the driver of a speeding Acura at Post and Sherbrooke Roads and smelled alcohol on his breath. The driver identified himself as Gersson D. Jimenez of New Rochelle and admitted that he had just left the Cabo Bar in White Plains where had had consumed mixed drinks and beer. The man had no license and said that his license had been revoked. There was a half full bottle of beer on the console and a drunk passenger in the front seat. The driver was found to be inebriated and his car was impounded. He was arrested for speeding, driving without a license, driving while intoxicated, and carrying an open alcohol container in the car.
Slipped: An 84-year old Overlook Road man slipped on the ice in Scarsdale Village around noon on 12/18. He fell on Spencer Place and possibly broke some ribs. He was taken to Westchester Medical Center by SVAC. A 76 year-old woman from Inverness Road tripped on Spencer Place on the morning of 2/19, injuring her right hand and knee. She was also taken to White Plains Hospital by SVAC.
On the afternoon of 2/18 Ronald Walter, the property manager for the Wilgrin Parking lot on Palmer Avenue reported that a truck drove over a parking island and knocked down a tree. There were not witnesses.
Wind Damage: A large tree branch fell on two cars parked in the lot at the Scarsdale library on the afternoon of 2/19. A Toyota and a Mazda were trapped under the branch and the Highway Department had to cut the branch to free the cars. Though no damage was done to the Mazda, the roof, hood and fender of the Toyota were damaged.
At 3:20 am on 2/19, a large tree fell on Jefferson Road and knocked down the power line.
High winds caused a large tree branch to fall on a car travelling on Heathcote Road on the afternoon of 2/19. The branch broke the windshield of a car that belonged to George Telonis of Boulder Brook Road.
A water main broke at 4 am on 2/22 on Saxon Woods Road near the intersection of Black Birch Lane. Water pouring from the broken pipe froze on the road causing hazardous, icy conditions. Highway workers shut down the road and workers from the water department were summoned.
A Burglary, A Con Woman and A Dishonest Babysitter
- Details
- Hits: 10324
Burglary on Grand Park: a houseguest who was staying at 11 Grand Park Avenue returned to the house at 9 pm on February 15 and discovered that someone had entered the house through a rear basement door and pried open an interior door that leads to the first floor of the house. Many items were missing. As the owner is away, the guest provided a partial list of what was taken from the home, which included liquor, two laptop computers, two flat screen televisions and an iPod.
Con Artist: A woman who claimed to be Amanda M. King of California made two fraudulent withdrawals of $3,000 each from the Chase Bank on Palmer Avenue on February 15. The teller and assistant manager of the bank questioned the woman about what she was doing in Scarsdale and scrutinized her identification, but as she was able to give the correct account password and had knowledge of the last four transactions on the account, they gave her the funds.
However, later that day, the Scarsdale Chase Branch Manager got a call informing her that after leaving Scarsdale, the same woman then travelled to the Chase Bank on Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains and attempted to make another cash withdrawal. It turned out the California driver’s license number was fraudulent and that she was not Amanda King. She was actually Dorothy Hogue of the Bronx and she was arrested for identity theft, possession of forged instruments, forgery and grand larceny.
Served: Sahit Muja of Saxon Woods Road called police on the evening of February 15 to complain that a man was trying to get into his house. Police went to the home and spoke to the alleged intruder who identified himself as Thomas Roskin. Mr. Roskin explained that he was at the home to serve divorce papers to Mr. Muja. However, when police scanned Roskin’s driver’s license number they found that he was on federal probation for securities fraud. Police attempted to contact Roskin’s parole officer but were unable to get in touch with him. Despite Roskin’s status, he was found to be a legitimate process server and police let Muja know that Roskin was there to serve legal papers. Muja is well known in town due to the giant snow sculpture he recently built in his front yard.
Inside Job: A Popham Road man came to police on February 15 to report that $350 had been taken from an envelope in his bedroom. As he suspected that his babysitter was taking the cash, he replaced the money and monitored the draw with an in-home video camera. The tape showed the sitter taking another$20 and when he confronted her she admitted to stealing the money and promised to pay it back. On February 17, the man received a text message from the sitter that said that the baby’s car seat and a gift were outside the apartment. The man found the car seat, three pocketbooks and a letter promising to pay back the funds. The man wanted to document the incident with police.
Lisa Glaser of Pomona, NY reported that her credit card was stolen while she was at work at Harwood Court sometime after February 9th. Citicard notified her that fraudulent charges had been made on the card at Best Buy, the Getty station and Buy Buy Baby.
Arrest: Francisco Rivera, age 57, who had an outstanding bench warrant in Scarsdale was arrested in Yonkers at 1 am on 2/16. Yonkers police notified the Scarsdale Police who drove to Yonkers, transported Rivera to Scarsdale and booked him. He was released on $300 bail pending an appearance.
Threats: A Madison Road woman received a death threat via a text message on her phone on February 16. She made contact with the woman at the number from which the message was sent and the woman knew nothing about it. Police called the woman whose number was the origin of the threatening text. She said that Verizon told her she was the victim of “phone spoofing.”
A Brite Avenue woman called to report that her ex-husband had entered her home without her permission on the night of February 15. The man entered the home through the garage and put his children to bed.
Animals: On February 15 a Brookby Road woman reported that a neighborhood dog keeps going on her lawn. As she does not know whom the dog belongs to, she wanted to file a report.
A coyote was reported on the lawn of a Horseguard Lane home on the morning of 2/16 and another coyote was spotted on Harvest Drive at 7:24 am on 2/17.
Smokin’:On the morning of February 18, Fred Goldberg, the Assistant Principal of SHS called the police to report that students were outside smoking marijuana on Harcourt Road. By the time police arrived, the kids were gone.
Accidents: A 17 year-old boy lost control of his car when it hit an ice patch on the afternoon of February 14. The boy was driving west on Harcourt Road when the car went into a skid and hit a wire that supports a telephone post. Since the support wire was broken, Con Edison was notified.
A young woman from Larchmont ran her 2008 Jeep into a fence at 2 Broadmoor Road on the afternoon of February 15. She said she swerved to avoid a truck that was travelling north on Griffen Road. She was issued a summons for “failing to operate (the car) in a safe manner to avoid collision.”
