Search Results for: Bergen County

Man accused of repeated sexual assaults on juvenile in Hackensack

Man accused of repeated sexual assaults on juvenile in hackensack

Hackensack Man Arrested on Sexual Assault Charges

**Hackensack, NJ** – Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrest of 44-year-old Florelvi Paulino Vasquez from Hackensack, NJ. The arrest pertains to charges of sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

The investigation was a joint effort involving the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, the Hackensack Police Department, and the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office. On Saturday, November 9, 2024, the Hackensack Police Department informed the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit about a previous alleged sexual assault of a juvenile.

The investigation revealed that Vasquez sexually assaulted and endangered a juvenile in Hackensack on numerous occasions between November 2017 and November 2018. As a consequence of the investigation, on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, Vasquez was formally charged.

Vasquez turned himself in to the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, March 9, 2025, and was subsequently held at the Bergen County Jail. He is awaiting a first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack, NJ. Prosecutor Musella emphasized the charges are accusations

Two Arrests Made in Drug-Induced Death Case

Bars from a prison jail cast a shadow on the floro.

Two Arrests Made in Drug-Induced Death Case

**Hackensack, NJ** – Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced the arrests of Robert Wichowski, 31, and Xiomara Frias-Barbosa, 28, from Hasbrouck Heights, NJ, for drug-induced death and related drug offenses. The operation was conducted by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and Hackensack Police Department, led by Chiefs Matthew Finck and Michael Antista.

On November 2, Hackensack Police Department responded to a medical emergency involving the death of a 54-year-old man. Evidence suggested a Fentanyl overdose, prompting an investigation.

Following a thorough investigation, detectives identified Wichowski and Frias-Barbosa as suppliers of the fatal drug dose. With support from Bergen County Sheriff’s Office, Hasbrouck Heights PD, and Bergen County Regional SWAT Team, a search warrant was executed on March 5 at their residence, leading to the seizure of several hundred bags of suspected Fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.

Both individuals were charged with numerous offenses including strict liability for a drug-induced death, possession and distribution of Fentanyl, and possession of drug paraphernalia. They

Shots Fired in Teaneck Lead to Two Arrests

Shell casings

Shots Fired in Teaneck Lead to Two Arrests

**TEANECK, NJ** – Early Thursday morning at approximately 4:27 a.m., a 9-1-1 call was received about gunfire near Harding Avenue and Glenwood Avenue. Responding officers reported residents heard three gunshots and saw two cars leaving the area at high speed.

Witnesses also noted three individuals in dark clothing and ski masks walking on Washington Street, near Glenwood Avenue. A vehicle occupied by three males was stopped by officers in the vicinity. The males in the vehicle were wearing dark clothing and face coverings.

Upon investigation, officers found a black bag in the rear seat containing a loaded Glock 43X 9mm handgun with a tactical light. Two individuals, Alexander J. McFarland and Kawan N. Vining, were subsequently charged with various offenses.

Mr. McFarland faces charges of unlawful possession of a handgun and a large capacity magazine. He was processed and held at the Bergen County Correctional and Rehabilitation Center. Mr. Vining was charged with obstruction and released on a summons. The third suspect was released with no charges at this time. The investigation into the gunfire is ongoing, and police urge anyone with information to

Paterson Police Department Welcomes 15 New Officers

Paterson police dept. Cruiser - stock photo by paterson pd

Paterson Police Department Welcomes 15 New Officers

**LODI, N.J.**—Officer in Charge Isa Abbassi and other officials from the Paterson Police Department celebrated the addition of 15 new officers on Wednesday. The officers graduated from the Bergen County Police Academy at Felician University’s Lodi Campus, bringing Paterson’s police force to over 400 members.

The newly sworn-in officers joined the department as part of the PPD NextGen strategy, which aims to enhance policing with a focus on constitutional rights and community service. Officer in Charge Abbassi expressed gratitude to the Bergen County Police Academy for their continued collaboration and support in training the officers.

Over a 23-week program, the recruits were trained in various areas, including criminal law, use of force, and first aid. They also completed the Integrating Communications Assessment and Tactics (ICAT) course, which trains officers to manage critical incidents with minimal force.

The new officers reflect Paterson’s diversity and language capabilities, which will aid community relations. Their initial assignments will involve engaging with the Paterson community to foster better relationships between police and residents.