Crime & Safety

A Filet Mignon Thief Gets Brought to Justice – Plus, Cranford Teens Arrested for DWI, Underage Drinking

Garwood police activity from April 8 - 28, 2011

April 27, 1:31 p.m. – On the 700 block of North Avenue, Patrolman Jeff Kleinsorgen stopped Eva B. Guasconni of 515 Trinity Place in Westfield for a motor vehicle violation and his investigation found that she had several warrants from various jurisdictions totaling $900. Guasconni was transported to headquarters where she posted bail and was released pending court.

April 27 – Sergeant James Wright and Patrolman Jeff Kleinsorgen responded to The Point shopping complex to field several calls reporting damage to their vehicles. According to Lieutenant Bruce Underhill, attempts were made to gain entry to five vehicles during the early morning hours. Three of the vehicles sustained damage, but were not entered while two others were entered and ransacked. One of those victims reported the theft of a dress valued at $400 and the other reported nothing missing from his unlocked Jeep. Underhill stated that "surrounding towns have reported similar incidents which appear to be linked to ours." All incidents remain under investigation.

April 26, 12 a.m.  – Robert J. Shanley, 42, of 2751 Spruce Street in Union was arrested and charged with a shoplifting theft which occurred at the Garwood Kings Supermarket, 300 South Avenue on April 8 at approximately 7:43 p.m. Shanley was observed on video surveillance concealing six large filet mignons in a shopping cart under a bag of dog food and exiting the store without paying for the items which totaled $607. Lt. Bruce Underhill developed information which led to Shanley's identification. Shanley turned himself in accompanied by his attorney on April 26 and was released after posting bail. The case is pending court.

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April 22, 1:12 a.m. – Sergeant Douglas Stoffer stopped a 2009 black Kia on South Avenue near East Street, after observing several motor vehicle violations.  His investigation found the operator, a 17-year-old from Cranford to be under the influence of alcohol.  She was subsequently arrested for DWI, as well as the underage consumption of alcohol.  Additionally, two other occupants of the vehicle, a 17-year-old and 18-year-old Nicole Somma, both of Cranford, were arrested and charged with underage consumption of alcohol. 

While being processed the driver became loud and abusive, ripping wallpaper off the wall and at one point punching her girlfriend in the face. The driver did provide breath samples which indicated a reading of 0.15 percent BAC – well over the legal limit. The driver was charged with DWI, underage consumption of alcohol, simple assault and criminal mischief. Medical attention was summoned but refused by the assault victim and her parent. The driver however, was transported to the hospital for evaluation. All parties were released with complaints pending court.  

Find out what's happening in Clark-Garwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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