Have You Had Your (Gas Main) Break Today? Drive-Thru Trip Causes Evacuation

March 28, 2:30 p.m. – In the vicinity of 300 North Avenue, Sergeant Doug Stoffer stopped David J. Ostrowski, age 38, of 28 North Avenue East in Cranford for a motor vehicle violation. Stoffer's investigation found that the vehicle's registration was suspended and that Ostrowski did not have a valid driver’s license. The vehicle was impounded and Ostrowski was released after being issued several summonses. The case is pending court in Garwood.

March 28, 12:21 p.m. – On Windsor Avenue in Westfield, Patrolman Joseph Ostrander stopped Darshell Hall, age 23, of 1972 Patterson Street in Rahway for a motor vehicle violation. Ostrander's investigation found that the Hall was operating the vehicle with a suspended driving privilege. Summons were issued and Hall was released pending court in Garwood.

March 27, 10:22 p.m. – Near Kennedy Plaza, Damion Ryan, age 36, of 35 East Elizabeth Avenue in Linden was stopped for various motor vehicle violations and was found to be operating his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Patrolman Jeff Kleinsorgen processed Ryan and issued summonses for careless driving and DWI. Ryan was released pending court in Garwood. 

March 27, 4:56 p.m. – A gas main supplying the McDonald's on North Avenue was struck by a motorist while she was navigating the drive-thru. Victoria Negro of Garwood was operating her Jeep Cherokee when she jumped the curb in the rear of the store and struck the outside gas main attached to the rear of the building. Garwood police and fire departments and the first aid squad responded, and traffic was shut down on North Avenue. According to Lieutenant Bruce Underhill, because this was a high pressure line, a safety perimeter was set up, requiring residents in surrounding houses and on adjacent streets to be evacuated for a short period of time. The gas company responded to shut the service down and make repairs. Residents returned to their homes after about an hour, when the area was deemed safe. Negro was issued a summons for careless driving.

March 25, 5:48 p.m. – At The Pointe townhouse complex (Chestnut Court and Maple Court), a resident reported returning home to find that someone had broken into her home and stolen some items. Subsequent investigation found that several other units had been broken into as well. "As we were finishing processing the first unit broken into, a check of neighboring units found two others had been entered," said Lieutenant Bruce Underhill. "The suspect(s) forcibly entered through the front doors while the residents were out. When additional units were discovered broken into, the Union County Sheriff's ID unit was requested to assist in processing the scenes." The investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have seen anyone suspicious in the area is encouraged to contact the Garwood Police Department.

March 25, 4:03 p.m. – After stealing copper tubing from a plumbing, heating and cooling co., the suspect went back the next day looking for a job. Anthony Frodelly, age 19, of 6 Ridgeway Avenue in Blairstown, (and a former Garwood resident) was arrested for theft of movable property. The owner of Cranford Plumbing, Heating & Cooling at 350 Willow Avenue reported copper tubing was taken overnight from his company vehicle. The owner recognized Frodelly from video surveillance when Frodelly returned the next day looking for a job. After notifying police, a motor vehicle stop was made and Frodelly was subsequently arrested and charged. Frodelly was released pending court appearance.

March 25, 1:30 p.m. – The owner of Bensi Restaurant at 300 South Avenue reported that a locker located in the rear of the building had been taken. The locker contained dirty work clothes and is leased to Bensi by an outside contractor who did not take the locker. The incident is under investigation.  

March 12, 11:19 p.m. – On the 200 block of North Avenue, Eric Walano, age 18, of 111 Forest Avenue in Cranford was stopped for a motor vehicle violation and issued several summonses. During the stop, it was determined that several other occupants of the vehicle had been consuming alcohol under the legal age. Two adults and three minors were brought to headquarters, processed and released to parents. Joseph Papandrea and William Devitt, both 18, and the three minors (all from Cranford), were charged with underage consumption of alcohol and face court appearances. Walano had not been drinking and was released.