Stranger Approaches Wildwood Road Boy and More from the Scarsdale Police
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- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
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A Wildwood Road mother called police to report that, while playing lacrosse in the front yard, her son was approached by an unknown man driving a white van April 21. According to the boy, the man was Hispanic, approximately 35-50 years old, with a short blond "buzz cut," a goatee that did not fully cover his chin, a medium build, a small nose and a Spanish accent. The man's van allegedly pulled up to where the boy was playing, and the man asked the boy if he wanted pizza – and "if so, to get in the van." The boy told the man "no," ran into his house and reported the incident to his mother. The man drove away by turning left onto Palmer Avenue. The boy said he did not recognize the man; nor had he previously seen the van. The van was described as "dirty," with no side windows except the passenger door window. The boy also noticed multiple dents on the passenger side panel. Police canvassed the neighborhood but did not find the man or the van. Police urged the boy and his parents to report any future suspicious activity and to contact headquarters if they see the suspect or the van again.
Woman arrested in fake check scam
Three attempts to cash fraudulent checks at local banks resulted in the arrest of one suspect – Denisha Monique Wright, 21, of the Bronx – on charges of second-degree possession of a forged instrument (a felony) and petit larceny, April 20. The first reported incident occurred around 2:30 p.m., April 20, at Wells Fargo bank on Chase Road. A teller and a manager told police a man attempted to cash a check in the amount of $625 but was turned away because he did not have two forms of proper identification. He was described as an 18-21 year old black man, with a short style haircut and a possible Mohawk. He was wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and gray sweatpants tucked into Michael Jordan high-top sneakers. The man told the teller he did not want to open an account at Wells Fargo but instead banked with Chase. He left the bank and was seen getting into a white Honda Accord.
A few minutes later, another young man with a similar description entered the same bank and attempted to cash a check for $690. The check was written against the same account as the $625 check brought in by the first man. The manager and teller each said the two men looked like brothers, and they possibly presented the same ID card to bank personnel. The teller and manager did not cash the second check due to the stated reason that the customer did not have enough funds in her account. The man left the bank and was seen getting in to the same white Honda Accord before it drove away. The bank manager contacted the customer whose name was on the checks. She confirmed the checks were fraudulent and said the only pending check on her account had been written to Petco.
Bank employees had written down the Honda's license plate number, and they gave it to police. A computer check of the car's registration identified the car as a 1998 Honda Accord owned by a Mount Vernon resident.
At 3:15 p.m., April 20, an employee of The Bank of America, on Wilmot Road, reported a man attempted to cash a fraudulent check. He was described as a black man, approximately 6ft-3in tall, 230-250 pounds, wearing a multicolored shirt, a baseball hat and white headphones in his ears. He presented a check for $749.50, but the teller became suspicious of the signature and "the way the man was acting." Following up on the teller's suspicions, the manager called the account holder, who confirmed the check was fraudulent. The bank manager took the suspect's ID card and copied it for police. He tried to delay the suspect's departure; however, he was not successful, and the suspect left the bank. The suspect was seen getting into the rear passenger seat of a white Honda Accord with dark tinted windows – the same car noted in the previous incident. The manger said he noticed three other people in the car, all of whom appeared to be black men.
At 4:10 p.m., April 20, a woman, later identified as Denisha Wright, came into the Wells Fargo Bank on Chase Road and attempted to cash a personal check in the amount of $691.33. This check was written against the same account as the fraudulent checks from earlier that day. Based on manager's conversation with the account holder, it was clear this check was also fraudulent. The teller asked the woman for two forms of identification while police were called. Patrol entered the bank and approached the woman. When questioned by patrol, she admitted to trying to cash a check. She further stated she had received the check from a friend, in exchange for providing unspecified services. The woman told police if there was a problem with the check, she would go to another bank. At that time, police detained the woman by placing her in handcuffs. She was read her Miranda rights and taken to headquarters for arrest processing. She was arraigned at Scarsdale Village Justice Court, where bail was set at $1,000 cash or $2,500 bond. Unable to post bail, she was taken to Westchester County Jail.
Employee arrested for stealing cash from Learning Express
On April 21, police arrested Crystal Carino, 31, of the Bronx, on charges of fourth-degree grand larceny. Carino is accused of stealing $2,823.49 from her place of employment, Learning Express, on Spencer Place. She stole this money by creating fake transactions involving alleged cash returns, in which she kept the cash. During a scheduled interview at police headquarters, Marino confessed to the crime. When asked about her motive, she said, "My fiancé wasn't working, and I needed extra cash." She went on to explain that she had no money, and when asked if she had money for bail, she advised, "I actually have to go to court to try and pay my rent off, either that or I'm going to get evicted." After concluding the interview, Marino's arrest was processed on charges of fourth-degree grand larceny. She was released on her own recognizance and issued an appearance ticket to return to court on April 29.
Car break-ins
A Brite Avenue couple reported items missing from two cars parked in their driveway overnight April 20. They said they parked their cars but did not lock them at 9:30 p.m., April 20. At 10 a.m., April 21, the wife noticed the following items missing from her 2012 Ford: a black iPod, a phone charger, a pink purse and about five dollars in coins. The husband drove his 2014 Volkswagen to work and noticed items missing when he reached into the backseat to get them. Specifically, a laptop computer and his work ID tag were missing from a bag in the backseat.
Stolen cell phone
A 15-year-old Nelson Road student reported his iPhone was stolen from his unattended backpack, left at tennis practice at Scarsdale High School April 26. The iPhone showed a ping in the area of Newburgh, New York, via Apple's location app.
Identity theft
On April 20, a Kent Road woman reported someone opened a debit card in her name. She learned about it when she received the debit card in the mail. She called the issuing bank, reported the card as fraudulent and cancelled it. No financial loss was incurred.
Fraudulent tax returns
On April 21, a Wayside Lane woman reported someone filed a fraudulent tax return in her name, using her Social Security number. She learned about it after receiving an unexpected refund check for $9,000 April 20.
On April 21, a Wynmor Road resident reported someone filed a fraudulent tax return in her name, using her Social Security number.
On April 22, a Franklin Road man reported someone filed a fraudulent tax return in his name, using his Social Security number.
On April 24, a Lockwood Road man reported someone filed a fraudulent tax return in his name, using his Social Security number.
On April 26, a Corell Road man reported someone filed a fraudulent tax return in his name, using his Social Security number.
Criminal mischief
A Reynal Crossing resident reported a young white man – in his twenties, with long unkempt hair and wearing aviator style sunglasses – was banging on his front door, wielding a hammer, shortly before 10 a.m., April 23. The young man shouted. "Tell [name undisclosed] to leave me alone." As the young man drove away, the resident noted his license plate number, which police later traced to a Scarsdale resident. Before police arrived at the Reynal Crossing house, the resident's son came home. The son said he had previously been friends with the young man, but they have not had any contact in the past three years. The son allegedly broke off the friendship when the young man began to "smoke a lot of marijuana and display abnormal behavior." Police photographed damage caused to the door. The resident said he did not want to press charges against the young man. Instead, he hoped the young man would "seek medical attention for his ongoing problems."
Sometime between 3 p.m., April 22, and 7:45 a.m., April 24, a 2009 Acura was vandalized while parked in a Secor Road driveway. Both passenger side tires were damaged, and illegible lettering was scratched into the rear passenger side fender.
Harassment
A Fox Meadow man reported his wife's half brother was sending him unwanted text messages April 23. The man and his half brother-in-law were in a dispute involving a house that had belonged to the man's father-in-law before the father-in-law recently passed away. Questions of legal ownership, access and possessions were being discussed through the assistance of a lawyer. Police saw the allegedly harassing text messages and noted they did not contain anything criminal in nature. The man did not want police to contact his wife's half brother. He just wanted to document the unwanted messages.
Job solicitation
On April 22, a woman was looking for possible work as a home health aide on Rectory Lane. She said she heard about a possible job from a friend and wanted to speak with the person directly. Patrol advised her she may not solicit work door to door. Patrol explained the proper channels by which she could look for work.
Star gazing
A custodian reported a suspicious Toyota parked at the rear of Quaker Ridge School at 10 p.m., April 24. The custodian said he saw kids running around the school and was unsure if they were trying to get inside. Patrol arrived and found a girl and two friends sitting on a blanket looking at stars. Since school grounds are off limits after dark, patrol asked the girls to leave.
Garage door
The garage door of a Claremont Road house mysteriously opened at 11:30 p.m., April 24, and the resident heard noises in her garage. Patrol checked the perimeter of the house and yard. A back yard gate was ajar, but patrol found no sign of attempted entry or criminality.
Doorbell
A Tompkins Road homeowner reported someone rang his doorbell at 11 p.m., April 25. When the homeowner went to the door, no one was there. The homeowner advised he saw a car driving away, heading north on Tompkins Road. Police checked the perimeter of the house and the surrounding area, and they found nothing suspicious.
Cars and roadways
At 2:15 a.m., April 20, police drove a Wakefield Road couple home in inclement weather after their car became disabled on Crane Road.
Police informed a White Road woman that her Honda was partially submerged under water in the vicinity of Sprague and Wilmot roads April 20. The owner said she was aware of the condition and had already contacted an auto service company to remove it.
Police issued a noise summons to the driver of a Dodge Caravan who honked her horn at another driver on Post Road for no apparent reason April 21.
A driver ran out of gas on Post Road at 6:20 a.m., April 22. Police stood by while a local gas station employee assisted her.
Police contacted the highway department and Con Edison about a fallen tree and tangled electrical wires on Brookby Road April 23.
Police removed a fallen wire from Weaver Street and contacted the utility company April 24.
Patrol advised the water department of water bubbling up from a Southwoods Lane yard and from underneath Church Lane curbstone April 24.
After patrol showed up on Hampton Road, the drivers of several illegally parked cars promptly moved their vehicles April 24.
Seven car accidents were reported in the village this week.
Dogs
Police picked up a loose Golden Retriever on Heathcote Road April 21. The animal control officer contacted the owner and held the dog at headquarters until the owner picked it up. The owner was issued a village code violation summons.
While walking on Normandy Lane, a man was allegedly bitten by a black dog, which he described as a "standard poodle" April 25. The man told police he followed the dog and its owner onto Weaver Street, where he soon lost sight of them. The dog's owner was described as a man with white hair, wearing a black jacket. The dog was leashed at the time of the bite. Police found the dog's owner, who admitted his dog "jumped" on the other man, but he thought the dog did not bite the man. Since the man's hand was gloved at the time of the bite, police advised that the bite might not have been immediately apparent. Examination showed lacerations and bite marks on the victim's hand and upper thigh. The owner proved the dog's vaccines were up to date. The victim refused medical attention, and police urged him to contact his physician.
Lost and found
A passerby reported finding an iPad and three pieces of paper printed with Bible quotes on Whig Road April 21. Police vouchered the items at headquarters.
A resident reported losing his birth certificate and Social Security card on East Parkway April 21.
On April 21, a Fox Meadow Road mother reported her son's backpack, containing a wallet, was either lost or stolen at Scarsdale Middle School. Later, she called police to say the backpack had been recovered.
A boy lost his iPhone and tracked it to a Board of Education vehicle parked at the Scarsdale sanitation yard April 23. The vehicle was locked because it was after working hours. Patrol provided the boy's father with a telephone number for follow-up with the Board of Education.
A Carman Road woman reported losing her national ID card from France somewhere in the village April 25.
A Walworth Avenue homeowner reported finding a computer printer nestled in bushes on her property April 26. He told police the printer appeared new, and he wanted to alert police in case someone was looking for it.
Noise
Police advised contractors on Garden Road to refrain from working with power tools until 10 a.m., Saturday, April 25.
Following neighbors' noise complaints, police spoke to a parent supervising a youth party at the corner of Penn Boulevard and Weaver Street at 10 p.m., April 25. The parent promised to keep the noise level low at his daughter's party.
Open flame
A Sage Terrace resident called police because he was concerned about the safety of his neighbor's barbecue grill April 22. He alleged the grill was in violation of village fire code because of its open flame in proximity to the neighbor's house. Patrol and firefighters checked the safety of the grill and assured everything was in good order and did not violate fire code.
Fire
Firefighters helped a Cohawney Road homeowner get back in her house after she accidentally got locked outside April 21.
Firefighters called Con Edison to check a Donellan Road boiler after the resident's carbon monoxide detector activated in the house April 21. Firefighters did not detect any carbon monoxide with their meters.
An odor in a Brewster Road basement was determined to be caused by cleaning products or paint April 21.
Firefighters closed a section of Brite Avenue while Con Edison repaired a house service line April 21. The service line had burnt and fallen away from the house before firefighters arrived on scene.
An overhead lighting fixture was releasing a burning odor in a Walworth Avenue house April 21. Firefighters shut down the fixture and advised the homeowner to refrain from using it until an electrician made repairs.
Firefighters helped Oxford Road homeowners get back in their house after they accidentally got locked outside April 21.
A falling tree limb struck a Brookby Road street light, causing it to bend and bring down a high tension electrical wire April 23. Firefighters stood by to maintain a safety and direct traffic. Con Edison made repairs, and highway workers cleaned up the street.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a possible natural gas leak in a Cooper Road pool house April 24. Con Edison determined the pressure regulator was missing a necessary vent to the outside, and workers red-tagged the gas service to the pool house. The homeowner was advised to call a plumber.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a possible natural gas leak in front of a Heathcote Road house April 26.
Firefighters were called about an odorless sheen from an unknown substance first noticed in a Murray Hill Road stream April 26. The sheen was also seen in the stream as it extended behind houses on Ross and Bethel roads. Firefighters noted a construction site on Bethel Road, but they could not determine if it was the source of the sheen. While investigating, the sheen disappeared.
This week, firefighters assisted at one car accident in the village. They responded to one false carbon monoxide alarm and 16 false fire alarms caused by device malfunction, cooking smoke, shower steam, spray painting and changing batteries.
This report covering police and fire department activity from April 20-26 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.
Scarsdale Police arrest driver for leaving scene of accident
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- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 11764
A car was submerged at the high school on Monday - see details below
Teacher harassed
On April 17, a teacher reported the impression of being followed for approximately one month. Toward the end of March, on two separate days, after returning to her car at the end of the school day, she observed green chewing gum stuck to the driver's side door handle of her car. On April 9 or 10, the teacher said she visited the Lord and Taylor store in Eastchester and, upon returning to the parking lot, observed similar green gum stuck to her car's driver's door handle. On April 14, after finishing work, the teacher saw three magnets stuck to her car, as well as a stuffed kangaroo placed under her car's windshield. A Post-it note next to the kangaroo read "This is for u" followed by a heart symbol. On April 16 and 17, printouts of a class photo from a Scarsdale High School yearbook were placed under her office door. Each printout had the sentence "I love Rottweilers" written on it. The teacher said she did not understand the significance of the various items left on her car. Police classified the incidents as stalking. They are following up.
Car submerged
A Scarsdale High School senior found his car submerged in the high school parking lot after heavy rains on Monday. He parked it in the lot at 8:45 am Monday taking the last spot in the senior lot. Just after 4th period, at 11:45 am, he went outside and found water over the level of the tail pipe of the car. By noon other students were jumping their cars to get them out of the flood but it was too late for his car which is most likely totaled. Parents received an apologetic call from the Assistant Principal.
Unwanted calls
On April 13, an Edgewood woman reported receiving three unwanted phone calls from a man who identified himself as "Paul." The man said he had divorce paperwork that the woman needed to sign. When she advised the man she did not know what he was talking about, the man threatened to arrest her. Police advised the woman to contact her cell phone service provider to block calls from the man's number.
Fraudulent tax returns
This week, eleven residents reported fraudulent tax returns were filed in their names, using their Social Security numbers. Most of these residents – on Walworth Avenue, Spruce, Church and Black Birch lanes and Brown, Heathcote, Cushman, Hampton, Lincoln, Franklin and White roads – discovered the existence of the fraudulent returns when they attempted to file legitimate returns. Fraudulent tax returns are a growing iteration of identity theft. In these situations, suspects file fraudulent returns with fake income figures in an attempt to collect refund checks from the Internal Revenue Service.
Bias incident
During an April 14 SAT prep course taking place in the school section of Scarsdale Synagogue Temples Tremont and Emanu-El, on Ogden Road temple, an individual found a child's wooden building block with the words "Hitler was good" written on it. The block was turned over to security at the temple, who in turn notified the police. It is unknown how long the block was there, and although there does not appear to be any evidentiary value in it, police took it as evidence. No other writings were discovered, and the investigation is ongoing.
Kids
At a mother's request, police spoke with a 12-year-old Quaker Ridge boy at 10: 30 p.m., April 14, and advised him on the importance of going to bed and going to school. Before patrol left the family's house, the boy stated he would go to bed and go to school the next morning.
A 10-year-old Greenacres girl told police a man made threatening gestures to her from a car window while she was walking on Montrose Road at 4:45 p.m., April 16. According to the girl, a black sedan with tinted windows pulled up next her. She said a Hispanic man with a shaved head rolled down the rear driver's side window and positioned his hands in the form of a gun. The man pretended to shoot the girl and blow smoke from the tip of his finger, representing the gun's barrel. The girl said the man laughed, and the car drove away. Police are following up with increased patrols.
On April 17, a father reported his two Quaker Ridge children, ages 14 and 12, were having a "physical altercation," and the "housekeeper was unable to control them." The father was not home with his children when he called police. Police arrived at the house, and an older sister and younger brother told police they had been arguing over the brother being in the sister's room. The housekeeper said the argument was verbal, and no physical fighting had occurred. No one on scene requested further police intervention.
Rolex
A suspicious man attempted to purchase a Rolex watch from Wilson & Son Jewelers on Chase Road by using a possibly fake driver's license and credit card April 17. The man – described as a heavyset black man with a California driver's license – said he was in town visiting friends and decided to purchase a watch. The owner of the store showed the man an $11,650 Rolex watch and engaged him in conversation. The owner became suspicious due to the man's purported residence in California, the man's overall demeanor and the owner's own experience with previous Rolex customers. The man presented the owner with a credit card to purchase the $11,650 watch. The owner said there was an issue with the card, and it could not be used to purchase the watch. The man then said he would pay cash and asked for the location of the nearest Citibank. After being directed to a Citibank location, the man left the store and did not return. Police advised other local jewelry stores about the incident.
Lawn clippings
Police were called to mediate a dispute between a Madison Road family and their Grand Boulevard neighbor over the placement of lawn clippings April 16. Police observed lawn clippings at the juncture of the two yards. Police suggested each family place all lawn clippings on their respective yards. Each family agreed to this resolution.
Photo
A caller saw a man in a white sweatshirt taking pictures of houses on Murray Hill Road April 16. Responding to police questions, the man in the white sweatshirt said he had just finished a job on Murray Hill Road and decided to photograph a house he liked while walking to the bus stop. Patrol spoke with the man's boss who confirmed the job's location that day. Patrol advised the man to refrain from taking pictures of houses in the future.
Death
Edward Kerr, 86, of Fox Meadow Road died at home April 15.
Shelter
At 1:30 a.m., April 17, a homeless person requested assistance in finding a place to sleep for the night. Police contacted a White Plains shelter that had space to take in the person for the night.
Broken glass
A Mamaroneck Road resident reported hearing a loud noise in the vicinity of her basement at 1:12 a.m., April 18. Police investigated the perimeter of the house and discovered broken Plexiglas near a basement window well. Apparently, over time, a rock placed on top of the piece of Plexiglas had crushed the Plexiglas with its weight. There was no sign of criminal activity.
Lights
A woman called police to alert officers that her 84-year-old husband's car was parked on the second floor of Freightway garage, and her husband needed help turning off the lights at 12:20 a.m., April 19. Police met with the woman's husband who was able to rectify the situation without police assistance.
Scofflaw
While issuing a parking summons for an expired meter to the owner of a 2007 Chevrolet parked on East Parkway April 17, police discovered the car was associated with $380 in unpaid parking tickets. The parking enforcement officer called a tow truck to impound the car, but the driver left with the car before the tow arrived. The officer was unable to speak with the driver about the unpaid parking tickets.
Suspended registration
Police stopped a 2005 Acura for speeding on Post Road and discovered the driver had a suspended registration at 1 a.m., April 18. Three suspensions were issued as follows: on March 11 for a "parking violation suspension – 5 tickets/notices of suspension within 12 months," on Jan. 2, 2014 for "failure to pay a driver responsibility assessment" and on Nov. 14, 2014 for failure to resolve a "pending submission to court, out of state." While speaking with the driver – Ryan J. Melahn, 27, of Carmel – police detected a slight odor of alcohol coming from the car. Patrol asked Melahn to perform field sobriety tests, which Melahn successfully completed. Patrol confiscated the car's license plates and had the car towed to a private residence in Yonkers, at Melahn's request. Police issued Melahn three summonses – for speeding in zone, operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended registration and third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Melahn was issued an appearance ticket for Scarsdale Village Justice Court on April 29.
Accident
Using registration information, Connecticut State police traced a car involved in an accident to a Tunstall Road address. April 18. They asked Scarsdale police to go to the house and inform the car's owner to get in touch with Connecticut State police. Connecticut State police instructed the man to return to their jurisdiction with his car. Scarsdale police documented visible damage on the car, in case it might be related to the accident.
Cars and roadways
Cars parked on both sides of Hampton Road posed a potential disruption to passing traffic at 9 a.m., April 14. Patrol asked the principal of a nearby school to alert drivers to park their cars on only one side of Hampton Road.
Police notified Verizon and put caution tape on a low hanging wire on Heathcote Road April 14.
A legally parked minivan was extending farther into the roadway than other parked cars on Woodland Place April 15. Police issued a parking warning.
A concerned caller reported an elderly woman driving erratically in a silver BMW on Wilmot Road April 16. Police initiated a traffic stop on Weaver Street, with cooperation from New Rochelle police department. The woman told police officers she had been in New Rochelle for a hair appointment and had just stopped at the post office to mail a letter. She said she was driving her son's car, and a shoulder injury may have been causing her to swerve a little while driving.
Police helped Westchester County police close the southbound ramp of the Hutchinson River Parkway due to a truck striking a low bridge April 17. Because of height restrictions, trucks are not permitted on the HRP.
On April 18, police placed traffic cones around a disabled car on Mamaroneck Road while the owner waited for help from AAA.
Police removed dangling cable wires from Palmer Avenue and notified Con Edison about a fallen electrical wire on the street April 18.
On April 19, police encountered a driver with a disabled car on Heathcote Road. The driver said AAA had been dispatched, but their estimated arrival was about an hour later. Police offered to dispatch their duty tow truck to help the woman. The duty tow truck driver responded immediately. The woman was grateful because she had small children in her car.
This week, seven car accidents were reported in the village.
Animals
A Brite Avenue woman reported a Rottweiler was sitting on her front lawn April 13. Patrol determined the dog belonged to a Hampton Road resident. The woman called the dog's owner, who came to pick up the dog.
A Cooper Road resident complained about outdoor noises from an animal at 3 a.m., April 14. Police checked the area but could neither pinpoint the location of the noises nor discern from which animal the noises were coming.
Police issued a summons to a Fairview Road resident who left barking dogs outside April 14.
A woman said a loose dog jumped on her while she was out walking in the area of Eastwoods and Forest lanes April 16. A nearby contractor took control of the dog and held it until police arrived. The woman told police the dog did not bite her, and its owner had already been notified. When the owner arrived, she told police the dog must have mistakenly gotten out of the Forest Lane property where she lived. Police issued the woman a warning for having a dog at large.
A Woods Lane homeowner found a loose dog in her yard April 17. Police called the dog's owner, and the owner picked up the dog.
Noise
At 7:45 a.m., April 18, a Brite Avenue caller complained about noise coming from a neighbor's yard. The noise was caused by a group of girls having a slumber party. The homeowner apologized for the noise and promised to keep the party quiet.
Civil matter
On April 14, a Black Birch Lane man reported he did not like the attitude of a Sears refrigerator installation employee and requested police assistance. The man claimed he asked the employee to leave his house, and he said the employee "refused." After speaking with the employee, police determined that the employee did not actually refuse to leave. Instead, the employee advised he needed a minute to comply with the request to leave, in order to prevent the refrigerator door from falling on his co-worker. After the door was safely placed into position, the employee left the man's house and waited in the truck until the completion of the installation job. Police advised the man to call Sears regarding any complaints about their technicians.
Lost and found
A woman found money in Balducci's parking lot and brought it to headquarters April 14. Dispatch contacted a Balducci's manager who said no one had reported losing money there. Later, a resident called headquarters to report he lost cash in Balducci's parking lot. He was able to verify the amount, the form in which the cash was found and where he had parked his car. He came to headquarters and retrieved his lost cash.
A wallet was found on East Parkway April 14. Police examined the wallet for ID information and called its owner, a Yonkers woman. She subsequently picked up her wallet from headquarters.
A Paddington Road man reported losing his driver's license, but he was unsure about where he lost it April 19.
A girl reported losing her black iPhone 6 in a white case April 17.
Firefighters
A Springdale Road resident smelled a possible odor coming from her refrigerator April 13. Firefighters examined the refrigerator and did not detect any danger or obvious malfunction. Firefighters advised the homeowner to call for service.
Firefighters helped Con Edison check a Haverford Road house for a possible natural gas leak April 14.
Firefighters shut the water supply to an outdoor irrigation system in a Sprague Road house because the system was making unusual noises April 15. Firefighters advised the homeowner to call for service.
A Heathcote Road resident reported an outdoor odor of natural gas April 15. Firefighters stood by for Con Edison.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a natural gas leak at Edgewood and Hamilton roads April 15.
Firefighters checked a Dickel Road house after residents reported a possible gas odor April 18. Firefighters did not detect any gas readings or find any evidence of a leak.
A leaking compressor set off a false fire alarm in a Palmer Avenue building April 18. Firefighters notified the building manager for follow up.
Firefighters notified Con Edison about detached electrical wires at a Heathcote Road house April 19. They shut breakers at the main panel.
This week, firefighters assisted with car accidents in the village. They responded to two false carbon monoxide alarms and 15 false fire and/or heat alarms caused by device malfunction, hair dryer heat, cooking smoke, shower steam, exhaust from power tools, construction dust and a resident changing batteries.
This report covering police and fire department activity from April 13-19 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.
Police report: Identity theft and fraudulent tax returns top crime this week
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- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 5824
Identity theft: On April 2, a Lawrence Road woman reported someone made an unauthorized wire transfer from her Citibank savings account. She discovered it while checking her online account records April 1. Citibank's fraud department was notified. The person who made the unauthorized transfer executed the transaction at a New York City bank branch by presenting a fraudulent passport and providing personal account information.
Fraudulent tax returns
On March 31, a Hamilton Road woman and a Carthage Road man each reported someone filed a fraudulent tax return in their names. No monetary losses were incurred. The fraudulent returns were not related.
On April 4, a Franklin Road resident reported a fraudulent tax return was filed his name. In addition, Experian reported a fraudulent account was opened in the resident's name. The resident informed the IRS and Experian of the fraud. The resident signed up for a credit monitoring service.
On April 4, a Brewster Road resident reported someone filed fraudulent tax returns in his name and his wife's name in 2013 and 2014. A fraudulent refund check was allegedly issued to the suspect, but the IRS would not release any details regarding the check.
Domestic incident
On March 30, a man asked police for advice about obtaining an order of protection for his brother and his family due to an ongoing domestic relations problem.
Missing person
On April 4, a Quaker Ridge resident reported a 79-year-old person from Massachusetts was missing in the village. According to the police report, the person was subsequently located. No other information was made available.
Criminal mischief
On April 5, two village traffic signs were knocked down on Palmer Avenue. Remnants of a vehicle's undercarriage and tire were left behind at the scene. Police picked up the signs, and a note was made for the highway department to reposition the signs as soon as possible. The incident was classified as criminal mischief.
Social Security number
A Graham Road woman reported her secretary accidentally emailed the woman's Social Security number to an incorrect email address April 3. The email address was similar to the woman's correct email address, with the exception of two characters. The woman said she has taken precautionary measures to safeguard her personal information. She was advised to inform police if she discovers any criminal activity or identity theft as a result of the improperly emailed Social Security number.
Welfare check
At the request of a concerned daughter, police and Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps checked the welfare of an 86-year-old Heathcote woman March 31. The woman refused medical assistance, and SVAC noticed the woman might not have taken her medication the previous night. Patrol informed the daughter and advised her to go to her mother's house to make sure she was living in her usual conditions. The daughter said she would check on her mother that evening.
Lost iPhone
A Crossway woman lost her iPhone at a CVS store in Eastchester and remotely locked it April 1. Later she used a tracking feature to trace the phone's location to a house on Secor Road. The woman retrieved her phone from the homeowner of the Secor Road house who had found the phone and brought it home. Police advised the person who found the phone to always notify local authorities about the discovery of lost property.
Parking dispute:
On April 1, a woman reported a man yelled at her in the high school parking lot because he did not approve of where she parked her car. The woman noted the man's license plate number and reported the incident to police. Police called the man and spoke with his wife. The man refused to speak with patrol but said he would accept communication by email. Patrol advised the man to contact police about any future parking problems, as opposed to taking matters into his own hands.
Aggressive driving:
Two men walked into headquarters for help resolving an issue regarding alleged aggressive driving April 1. The men each gave different stories to police regarding the incident. They eventually left headquarters after the matter was diffused.
Unwanted visitor:
At 9 p.m., April 1, a Drake Road resident reported someone knocked on his door, requesting permission to enter the house. The resident did not open the door because he was not expecting any visitors, and he felt it was too late to open the door to a stranger. The person was described as a white man in his 20s, with black hair, wearing a jumpsuit.
Dog waste
On April 1, a Brite Avenue homeowner reported a neighbor's dog has been defecating on her yard for approximately one year, and the owner has not been cleaning up after the dog. The homeowner thought these actions might be intentional and related to a previous dispute over the property line between the two houses. Police spoke with the dog owner about village code regarding proper disposal of dog waste. The owner said she understood patrol's instructions.
Wildlife
On April 2, an injured hawk was blocking traffic at the intersection of Olmsted and Brewster roads. The hawk eventually flew into a Hickory Lane yard, where it was picked up by a wildlife rehabilitator.
A Chesterfield Road homeowner reported a bat was loose inside her house with her children at 9 p.m., April 2. From outside the house, patrol could see the bat flying around in an interior upstairs room. Patrol shut the door to the room, trapping the bat inside. Patrol provided the homeowner with a trapper's phone number. The trapper said he could come to the house in 45 minutes to catch the bat.
Cars and roadways
On March 31, police noticed a large pothole at Brite Avenue and Donellan Road. The highway department said Con Edison would have to make the repair because the pothole was due to a sunken gas cut. Police placed a traffic cone over the hole and informed Con Edison.
Patrol notified the highway department about several large potholes on Huntington Avenue and Franklin Road March 31.
A car parked on Freightway Road was missing its front right tire and taking up two spaces March 31. Patrol issued a summons for improper parking to the registered owner.
Patrol helped a driver change a flat tire at the intersection of Fenimore Road and Walworth Avenue March 31.
On April 4, police called a towing company to help a driver who had accidentally locked his keys in his car with the engine running on Webster Road.
Patrol notified the water department about a broken water main on Birchall Drive April 4.
A driver was reportedly slumped over her steering wheel at Burgess and Richbell roads at 9 p.m., April 4. Police arrived to investigate the call and discovered the driver in good condition. She was lost and had stopped to consult a map.
Patrol helped a driver move her disabled car from Heathcote and Post roads April 5. The car was parked at Village Hall, and the driver said her husband would pick up the car for repair the next morning.
Six car accidents were reported in the village this week.
Village code
On April 4, police advised a Canterbury Road landscaper he was not permitted to use gas-powered blowers before 10 a.m. that day. The landscaper apologized and promised to comply with village code.
Police issued a summons to another landscaper for using a gas-powered blower on Innes Road before 10 a.m., April 4.
After receiving a report of reckless driving by a silver SUV and a black sedan in the parking lot of Edgewood School at 7:30 p.m., April 5, police found the cars parked at the school. Patrol spoke with both drivers and advised them of the complaint. Patrol advised the drivers to leave school grounds immediately since it was after dark.
Fire
On March 31, a woman called firefighters because she kept receiving calls stating her house was on fire. She thought the calls were pranks because she checked her entire house and found no cause for alarm. Firefighters checked her house and confirmed there was no fire. They checked with the dispatcher and learned there was a house fire at a similar street address but in a different jurisdiction.
On March 31, firefighters helped Con Edison check over 20 houses for possible gas infiltration after a gas leak was discovered in the sewer system on Harvest Road.
Firefighters called Con Edison about an outdoor gas odor on Fox Meadow Road and positive gas readings in nearby storm drains March 31.
A self-cleaning oven would not open in a Windward Lane kitchen April 1. The resident was concerned that the adjacent cabinets might be too hot. Firefighters used a thermal imaging camera and determined the kitchen cabinets were not at risk of burning. The oven was determined to be functioning properly.
Firefighters advised a Garden Road resident to call for boiler service after a smoke odor was detected in the house without cause for alarm.
Firefighters called Con Edison about a Hamilton Road gas leak caused by a contractor puncturing a gas line April 1. Firefighters helped check nearby homes for safety.
A pipe in an Oakstwain Road pool house was leaking water into two Donellan Road basements April 1, Firefighters shut water and advised the homeowner to call a plumber. Water damage occurred in both Donellan Road houses.
A hot water boiler was under pressure and leaking water in a Mamaroneck Road house April 2.
Firefighters shut off the boiler's automatic water fill valve and turned off gas and electricity connections.
Firefighters extinguished a small pile of debris smoldering in a Valley Road yard April 2. The cause of the fire was undetermined, but the report noted there was "no evidence of intentional ignition."
A car was left running in a Brite Avenue garage for approximately 16 hours, after an elderly resident asked her housekeeper to start the car for her. At 4:15 a.m., April 3, a carbon monoxide alarm went off in the house, and the elderly homeowner self evacuated. Firefighters detected extremely high levels of carbon monoxide in the house and dropping levels of oxygen. They put on protective equipment, turned off the running car and used a fan to ventilate the house. Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps treated the homeowner for carbon monoxide poisoning and took her to White Plains Hospital Center for further care.
Smoke on Autenreith Road was caused by a resident burning something as part of a religious observation April 3.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a reported gas odor on Dolma Road April 3.
Smoke near the Bronx River Parkway was coming from a car with a broken radiator hose April 4.
Food residue ignited in a self-cleaning oven in a Hillview Drive house April 4. The fire self extinguished before firefighters arrived. Firefighters confirmed the fire did not extend beyond the oven. They advised the homeowner to wait until the oven cooled off before opening it and removing large pieces of food residue.
Firefighters helped Hartsdale firefighters with a brush fire near the Metro North train tracks in Hartsdale April 5.
This week, firefighters assisted at one car accident on the Hutchinson River Parkway. They responded to 15 false fire alarms caused by device malfunction, cooking smoke, burnt microwave food and heat from a hair dryer.
This report covering police and fire department activity from March 30 – April 5 was compiled from official information. Scarsdale Village Justice Court was not in session April 1.
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.
103 Year-Old Man Passes Away, Burglary in Heathcote and Missing Underwear
- Details
- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 11951
Hien-Chee Fang died at his home on Butler Road on April 6. He was 103 years old. His daughter called police at 9:45 am when she found her father to be unresponsive. She last spoke to him the previous night at 10:30 pm before he went to bed. Fang did not have any major health issues but was having a hard time walking and sleeping.
Suspect arrested for trying to cash forged checks:
Police arrested Bertron Hardy, 22, of Mount Vernon, on charges of second-degree possession of a forged instrument April 8. Hardy is accused of previously attempting to cash a forged check at the Bank of America branch on Wilmot Road. His actions were captured on video surveillance. He was arraigned at Scarsdale Village Justice court, where Judge Joachim Alemany set bail at $500 cash or $1,000 bond. Unable to post bail, Hardy was sent to Westchester County Jail, pending a future court appearance.
Canterbury Road house burglarized:
On April 12, Canterbury Road residents returned home from a brief vacation to find their house had been burglarized. According to the police report, the residents first noticed their rear sliding glass door was broken. Then, they noticed several cabinets throughout the house appeared to be tampered with. The residents said they would provide police with a list of stolen items as soon as possible. The house was not protected by a home security system as the time of the burglary.
Stolen money:
On April 11, the owner of Learning Express on Spencer Place in Scarsdale Village reported that an employee has been stealing money from his business since February. According to the owner, the employee has created numerous fraudulent cash returns for store merchandise in order to steal cash. From February through April, the owner calculated $3,370.99 in fraudulent returns, but he said there might be more. The owner said he began investigating when he discovered odd transactions in the store's log. For example, he noticed 20 cash returns for an item; however, the store only carries six units of that specific item. The owner said he wanted to attempt to settle the matter with the employee on a civil basis before requesting direct police involvement.
Missing underwear:
A woman called police after a disagreement with an employee at Spruce and Bond (formerly Completely Bare) at 12 Chase Road resulted in an alleged false accusation on April 12. The woman said she went with a friend to the business to get her eyebrows waxed. However, the store manager told her that the store no longer offered eyebrow waxing. The woman said she had store credit, so she browsed through merchandise. But she did not find anything she wanted to buy. The woman said she received a call about a minute after leaving the store, advising her to return to the store because she or her friend allegedly stole a pair of underwear. The women denied stealing any underwear and called police. Patrol spoke with the store employee, who said the two women were being "snotty" and while one woman "distracted her," the other "put a pair of underwear in her purse." Patrol asked the store employee is she had actually seen the woman put the underwear in her purse. The employee said she did not see either woman steal the underwear, but "a pair of underwear was missing from the shelf inventory." A video camera monitors the store, but it could only be accessed by the store's Chief Executive Officer. Patrol called the CEO who said he wanted to review the video footage to determine if the underwear had actually been stolen before reporting it as a larceny. The woman accused of stealing the underwear told police that the employee revoked her store credit after the incident occurred. Patrol advised the woman that the revocation of store credit was a civil matter and she could follow up with the CEO or pursue the matter in Village Justice Court.
Identity theft:
On April 7, a Webster Road woman reported someone used her credit card to fraudulently purchase $400 worth of unknown materials in West Africa. She informed her credit card company the transaction was not authorized. The credit card company refunded her the money and opened an investigation. The incident might be related to a security breach reported by BlueCross BlueShield, the woman's health insurance provider.
On April 7, a woman reported her mother's identity had been used to open a fraudulent account with Verizon on Jan. 27. Additional charges to the account amounted to $177.44. The mother is a resident of Rural Drive. Verizon representatives told the woman they required a police report to close the account.
On April 7, a Donellan Road man reported his personal information was used to open a fraudulent business account in Las Vegas. Additionally, three other fraudulent credit card applications were made since February. The incident might be related to a security breach reported by BlueCross BlueShield, the man's health insurance provider.
Fraudulent tax returns:
On April 6, a Jefferson Road teenager reported someone filed a tax return in his name, using his Social Security number. He told police he believed a refund was issued, but he was unsure of the amount.
On April 8, residents of Highland Way and Brown Road each reported someone filed a fraudulent tax return in their names, using their Social Security numbers. The incidents were unrelated.
On April 11, residents of Black Birch Lane, Foxhall Place, Greenacres Avenue and Corell Road each reported someone filed a fraudulent tax return in their names, using their Social Security numbers. The incidents were unrelated.
On April 12, a Thornwood Place man reported someone filed a fraudulent tax return in his name, using his Social Security number.
Marijuana odor:
A Popham Road resident reported an odor of marijuana smoke in his apartment April 9. The resident said he often smells marijuana in the building and has complained to the building's management about it. Management allegedly said they would speak with the person who is smoking. Neither patrol nor the resident could determine the source of the smoke.
Man in yard:
A Stonehouse Road homeowner reported a suspicious man walking through her yard around 7 a.m., April 10. The man was described as light-skinned, approximately 30 years old, wearing a red hoodie and tan pants and carrying a green backpack. Police canvassed the area and checked the train station platform, but the man was not located.
Painter:
On April 10, a Brambach Road woman advised a person called her to request money. Approximately 15 minutes after hanging up the phone, the woman's painter knocked at her door, looking for work. The woman wondered if the incidents might be related. Police first interviewed the woman, and then they called the painter. The woman and the painter each said the painter had come to the woman's house "to say hello" and "ask about having jobs done." The woman said she advised the painter to refrain from coming back to her house. The painter told police he would comply. The painter denied making phone calls to the woman about money.
Welfare check:
A Normandy Road housekeeper could not make contact with her employer; so police performed a welfare check April 10. The homeowner was OK. There had been confusion about the date and time of the housekeeper's work schedule.
Fence:
A Meadow Road resident reported a neighbor put up a fence on the wrong side of the property line April 11. Police spoke with the homeowner whose contractor was responsible for the fence. The homeowner was on vacation at the time. He apologized and said he would ask his contractor to take down the fence because the contractor made a mistake regarding the survey. He promised to make sure the fence was installed properly.
Cars and roadways:
At 6:40 a.m., April 8, a Mercedes-Benz ran out of gas and stopped on Post Road. Police stood by while the driver waited for gasoline delivery from a roadside assistance agency.
A car became disabled on Weaver Street April 8. Police helped the driver move the car to a nearby commercial lot, pending the arrival of a tow.
Police directed traffic around a car with a flat tire on Griffen Avenue April 9.
Police called a tow for a driver on Mamaroneck Road who had previously sustained two flat tires on the Hutchinson River Parkway April 10.
On April 11, police notified Verizon about a low-hanging wire on Nelson Road.
Patrol issued a summons to the registered owner of a car parked too close to the intersection of Ewart and Brown roads April 12.
A one car accident was reported in this village this week.
Tree cutting:
A concerned citizen reported a tree was being cut down, possibly without a permit, on Ridgecrest West, April 9. Patrol spoke with the tree cutter, who said he had inquired about a permit at Village Hall but was told the tree did not require a permit. Police confirmed this with Village Hall.
Leaf blowers:
On April 11, police issued summonses to landscapers using gas-powered leaf blowers before 10 a.m. on Ridgecrest North and Brewster and Kingston roads.
Animals:
Police issued a Meadow Road homeowner a warning about her barking dog April 6. According to the report, neighbors have frequently complained about the noisy dog in the past.
A "wild animal" died in a Paddington Road backyard April 6. To assist the homeowner, patrol placed the carcass in a box for disposal.
Patrol notified White Plains police department about a dead raccoon on Secor Road April 9. WPPD said they would arrange for the carcass to be removed. Traffic travelling through the area was unhindered.
Lost and found:
On April 6, a Boulder Brook man reported losing his wallet somewhere in the village.
On April 7, a Crossway man told police he inadvertently left his license plates on his old car when he returned the car to his dealership. Police recorded the lost license plates in the appropriate database, so the man could properly cancel his registration.
Fire:
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a gas odor at Kent and Fox Meadow roads April 6.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a gas odor coming from a Palmer Avenue curb box April 6.
Firefighters determined an unusual odor in a Cohawney Road house was most likely due to recent carpet installation April 7. While at the house, firefighters noticed a loose sewer cap and advised the resident to correct it.
Due to a natural gas odor in a Mamaroneck Road house, firefighters shut gas to a Mamaroneck Road stove and advised the resident to have the appliance serviced before using it again April 8.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of an indoor gas odor in a Wayside Lane house April 9.
Refrigerant was leaking from a geothermal heating unit in a Kent Road house April 9. Firefighters shut power to the unit and set up a negative pressure fan for ventilation.
Firefighters spread absorbent on an oily spill on Overhill Road April 10.
Con Edison disconnected a stove that was releasing carbon monoxide inside a Johnson Road house April 10.
Firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of an indoor gas odor in a Forest Lane basement April 10.
On April 11, firefighters stood by for Con Edison at the site of a natural gas odor near sanitary sewer manholes on Fox Meadow Road.
This week, firefighters assisted at one car accident in the village and on parkways. They responded to three false carbon monoxide alarms and 20 false alarms caused by device malfunction, cooking smoke, dust, burnt toast, a battery problem, iron steam and shower steam.
This report covering police and fire department activity from April 6-12 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.
Police investigate suspicious person talking to kids at school bus stop
- Details
- Written by Traci Dutton Ludwig
- Hits: 19083
According to Scarsdale Middle School officials, some students were waiting for a school bus at the corner of Greenacres and Walworth on the morning of April 1 when they noticed an adult male in a car waiting for the light to change. There was a dog in the front seat. The boys commented about the dog, and the man asked them if they wanted to pet the dog. The kids wisely refused, and the car left when the light changed. The students got on their bus, went to school and reported the incident to their House Counselor.
The Counselor contacted the police department's youth officer who sent officers to the school to interview the boys. The students were very helpful in providing the officers with a description of the man, his car and the dog. At this point in time, the police do not regard what happened as an attempt to lure the boys into the car, but they are following up by checking out the area where it occurred. Police will be monitoring the area in marked and unmarked cars, particularly at drop off and pick up times. They will do so even while we are on spring break in case they are able to locate the car and the individual for follow up.
According to an email message distributed by the middle school to parents, "This situation may provide you with a good opportunity to reinforce with your own children that they should avoid contact with strangers and should report to adults any suspicious activity."
Two men arrested for DWI
At 10:30 p.m., March 28, police arrested Katsuo Katano, 61, of Mamaroneck, on charges of driving while intoxicated (first offense) and aggravated DWI following a car accident at the corner of Mamaroneck Road and Palmer Avenue. There, Katano rear-ended his 2006 Ford van into the back of a 2014 BMW, while the BMW was stopped at a red traffic light. Katano said he did not see the red light. Katano showed visible signs of intoxication and admitted to police that he "had two beers" earlier that night. Katano was unable to successfully perform field sobriety tests. An alco-sensor breath screening test and a Datamaster test each indicated a positive blood alcohol reading of .21 percent. Katano's van was impounded. Katano was released on his own recognizance to his wife. He was issued an appearance ticket for Scarsdale Village Justice Court on April 8.
At 2:30 a.m., March 29, police arrested a second person – Frank Cardillo, 30, of Scarsdale –for alleged drunk driving this week after a Continental Road man reported seeing a car drive across a neighbor's lawn and hearing a man moaning outside. After arriving on the scene, police officers noticed Cardillo lying face down on the ground beside his 1998 Chevy Blazer. Fresh tire tracks across a lawn and leading to the SUV were consistent with the witness's description of events. Police and members of Scarsdale Volunteer Ambulance Corps approached Cardillo, and Cardillo said, "I am inebriated." His eyes were glassy; his speech was blurred; and there was vomit and mucus on his face and jacket. There was also vomit inside and outside Cardillo's car. Cardillo said he left work about an hour earlier and drank vodka, beer and shots of Fireball brand liquor. As Cardillo began moving around on the ground in an attempt to get up, police noticed a handgun tucked inside Cardillo's waistband. Cardillo was instructed not to move, and police removed the handgun, as well as a pocketknife found in his pocket. Cardillo stated he had several permits for the handgun. He also had licenses to be an armed security guard. SVAC examined Cardillo, and Cardillo refused further medical treatment. While driving Cardillo to headquarters for arrest processing, Cardillo vomited out the window of the patrol car. At headquarters, Cardillo said he backed his car out of his driveway but then decided not to drive anywhere because he realized how intoxicated he was. He said he then pulled his car back onto his property. He said he began yelling and moaning because he needed help for his severely intoxicated condition. A Datamaster test measured Cardillo's blood alcohol level at .14 percent. He was charged with DWI (first offense) and DWI with a blood alcohol content of at least .08 of one percent. Cardillo's handgun was vouchered at headquarters for safekeeping while Cardillo fell asleep at headquarters. At 8 a.m., police work him up, and he was surprised to learn he had vomited in his car and in patrol's car. He remembered backing his car out of his driveway and attempting to park it again. Cardillo was released on his own recognizance with an appearance ticket for Scarsdale Village Justice Court, returnable on April 8.
Men attempt to cash fraudulent checks
On March 27, police responded to Bank of America on Wilmot Road on the report of a counterfeit check. According to the bank manager, a man came into the bank around 1:30 p.m. and attempted to cash a check for $720.30 written as "cash." Upon examination of the check, the teller realized that the signature on the check did not match the writing on the rest of the check. The teller copied the check and noticed it did not contain the security features that are present when legitimate checks are copied. As the teller was looking into the check, the man who brought the check into the bank asked to use the restroom. However, instead of using the restroom, he used the opportunity to retrieve his documents and flee the bank. Upon investigation of the incident, another bank employee stated he recognized the man from a previous attempt to cash a check fro $819.08 written to himself on March 4. Later it was determined the check had been fraudulent, and the man's Bank of America account was closed by the bank's fraud department. According tot the police report, bank officials felt the man's account was only used to facilitate such fraudulent transactions.
The fraudulent check was made out against a woman's bank account. Police contacted the woman's son and daughter. They helped their mother make necessary changes to the account to safeguard its security. They informed police that their mother wrote a check to Visa earlier this month, but the check never reached its destination after it was mailed.
On both March 27 and March 4, a second man came into the bank and attempted to cash a different fraudulent check. On March 27, the check was written for $2,863.89 from a company called "HVAC, Inc." The man did not show identification; nor did he have an account with the bank. When the teller showed suspicions regarding the check, the man left the bank without the check or the deposit slip. The deposit slip stated an alleged address in the Bronx. The suspect was described as a black man in his mid twenties, with short hair and a thin build. He was wearing jeans. Police attempted to contact HVAC Inc. by leaving a voicemail message requesting a callback.
According to the police report, bank officials alerted area branches about the incidents, and the first man that attempted to cash the fraudulent check on March 27 was later arrested by White Plains police for a similar incident in their jurisdiction. Police did not release the name of the suspect but said he was a 21-year-old man from Mount Vernon.
Car break-ins
An unlocked 2013 Cadillac Escalade parked in a Brite Avenue driveway was entered overnight March 22, and more than $50 in items were stolen. These items included $40 in quarters, $10 cash, an EZ Pass and miscellaneous children's DVDs. The owner discovered the crime upon noticing her glove box was open and heavily tossed. She reported the crime March 23.
On March 24, an Olmsted Road woman reported items had been stolen from her husband's parked car sometime between 10 p.m., March 22 and 7 a.m., March 23. The only stolen item listed in the police report was a raincoat.
Man arrested for pay bills with resident's account number
On March 27, police arrested Shamnarine Mangroo, 42, of Richmond Hill, on charges of fourth-degree grand larceny and third-degree possession of a forged instrument. According to the arrest report, Mangroo had been using a River Road resident's checking account and routing numbers to make payments to an American Express account he held jointly with his brother-in-law. Mangroo obtained the numbers from a check he found on the floor of the button factory where he works, and he used his cell phone to make the payments. During an interview with detectives, Mangroo admitted to altering a letter from Capital One Bank to reflect a non-existent banking error which was intended to serve as account verification. Following his arrest, Mangroo was released on $500 cash bail posted by his brother-in-law. He is due to appear in Scarsdale Village Justice Court on April 9.
Counterfeit checks
On March 26, a Bradley Road man reported he received a call from a check cashing business in Yonkers regarding a suspicious check. At that location, a woman attempted to cash a check for $823.56, allegedly written from the man's business account. The man said he did not know the woman and had never issued the check in question. The check cashing company held the check, and the man picked it up the next day. He reported the incident to police March 27.
Identity theft
On March 23, a Donellan Road man complained his personal information had been used to open fraudulent credit card accounts. One account was opened at Game Stop and had accumulated charges of $1,600. Other accounts were opened at Victoria's Secret, TJ Maxx, Home Goods and Marshalls. The credit card companies were informed, and the accounts were cancelled. The man was told he would not be responsible for the fraudulent charges.
On March 27, a Tunstall Road resident reported he was contacted by a Hawaiian financial institution in regard to a fraudulent credit card application submitted in January. He believed it was an isolated incident until he received a letter from the IRS informing him of a $19,000 refund. Since the man had not even filed his 2014 tax return, he contacted the IRS and reported the fraud.
Fraudulent tax return
On March 23, a Black Birch Lane woman reported someone filed fraudulent tax returns for 2013 and 2014 in her name. She learned about the fraudulent returns when attempting to file her current 2014 tax return electronically.
On March 29, a Kent Road man reported receiving correspondence from the IRS regarding a 2014 tax return that was inconsistent with the tax return he filed. He reported the return as fraudulent.
Computer scam
On March 25, a Dobbs Terrace woman reported she had been tricked by a caller who alleged he was from a "Microsoft corporation help line" and could help her remotely fix a "security breach" problem with her computer. According to the woman, the caller solicited business from her by stating her computer was having a problem. The caller then obtained remote access to her computer and "froze" the computer. In addition, the woman said she answered questions over the phone to provide personal and financial information. She first provided the man with her credit card number to pay for the "$145. Later the man called the woman and said he was having difficulty processing her credit card payment. He asked her to send him the payment by Western Union. The woman became suspicious and realized she was also locked out of her computer. She called her financial institutions to freeze all credit accounts, pending the issue of new account numbers.
Litter
A Spier Road man called police at 6:30 a.m., March 23, to report beer bottles and a skull on his front lawn. On the scene, officers determined the bottles and a toy Styrofoam skull were rubbish. The items were discarded.
Smoking
A group of four kids were sitting in and standing around a parked pickup truck and black sedan on Cayuga Road at 11 p.m., March 24. One of the kids said they had been at one kid's parent's house on Mamaroneck Road. They left the house because they wanted to smoke cigarettes. They apologized for causing concern and returned to the parent's house.
ATM
After a call from a concerned citizen at 6:30 p.m., March 26, police questioned a man working on an ATM machine inside the Chase Bank branch on Palmer Avenue. The man confirmed he was an official technician performing scheduled maintenance of the ATM's shutter mechanism.
Syringes
On March 27, a Rochambeau Road resident found six syringes on the side of his property. Police picked up the syringes and placed them in a protective sharps container until they could be disposed of properly.
Mean woman
A Garth Road man reported he misdialed when attempting to call a local deli and spoke with a woman who was "very mean" March 27. Police explained that while the woman's tone may have been unnerving, the call was not a matter necessitating police response.
Assistance
Police stood by while a Quaker Ridge woman retrieved her things from her mother's house March 25. The woman originally called police alleging her mother would not let her in the house.
Dog bite
A 16-year-old boy was bitten by a small dog on Brewster Road near the high school around 5 p.m., March 26. The dog, as well as another dog, were being walked by a person at the time. The person apologized after the dog bit the boy. The boy went to the hospital after being bitten and was advised he would have to undergo a series of rabies shots if he was unable to determine if the dog's vaccines were up to date. He hoped to track down the dog and its owner by reviewing dog license records. Patrol advised him to check with Village Hall for that information. On March 27, the boy and his mother contacted police with possible ownership information about the dog in question. Police, the boy and his mother went to a Hampton Road house, where the dog was properly identified. The homeowner said she uses a dog walking service and was unaware of a bite incident. She called her dog walker, who confirmed the bite had occurred. The homeowner provided police, the boy and his mother with paperwork documenting that the dog's vaccines were up to date. Police advised the woman to quarantine the dog for ten days, as per public health policy.
Wire down
A secondary power line ruptured on Weaver Street and fell into the roadway March 27. Patrol notified nearby residents to stay inside their houses for safety, while waiting for Con Edison to arrive.
Pedestrian struck
On March 25, a 58-year-old Sleepy Hollow construction worker was stuck by a 2003 Nissan in a Post Road driveway March 25. The Nissan was being driven by a 66-year-old Eastchester man. The construction worker was taken to White Plains Hospital Center for evaluation.
Cars and roadways
A resident complained of numerous potholes on the Heathcote Bypass March 23. Police notified the highway department for repair.
Police directed traffic around a work zone at Fenimore and Tompkins roads while members of the building department worked on a manhole Feb. 24.
On March 25, police located the drivers of four parked cars that were blocking access to Scarsdale Avenue sewers. The drivers moved their cars.
Patrol placed flares around a disabled truck at Crane and Post roads March 25. The driver was awaiting a tow.
On March 26, police asked workers to move their parked cars from Montrose Road in order to allow school buses to get through.
A driver reported getting a flat tire from a piece of loose metal on Post Road March 26. The metal was embedded in the driver's tire, and there was no other debris in the roadway.
On March 28, police notified the water department about a water main break on Taunton Road. On March 29, water from the leak was freezing and causing ice to form on the road. Police notified the highway and water departments.
Patrol stood by a parked car on Depot Place and Popham Road while a driver waited for a tow for his stalled car March 28.
A driver sustained a flat tire from a Murray Hill Road pothole March 28. Police stood by to provide a safe area while the driver changed his tire.
Six car accidents were reported in the village this week.
Lost and found
A person found a wallet on a Metro North train and brought it to headquarters March 23. It contained personal documents, cash and Chinese currency. Police attempted to contact the owner but were unsuccessful.
A Sage Terrace man reported losing his wallet somewhere in the village March 24. It contained his driver's license, credit cards, an attorney registration card and $25 cash.
On March 27, a Lyons Road man reported losing a package containing two license plates somewhere in the village.
A passerby found car keys on Brewster Road and brought them to headquarters March 29. Police attempted to find the owner but were unsuccessful.
Arrest on warrant
On March 25, Jonathan Fernandez, 22, of Mt. Vernon, turned himself in on the strength of an active bench warrant previously issued out of Scarsdale Village Justice Court. He was released on $500 cash bail and issued an appearance ticket for April 8.
Fire
Firefighters unplugged the power supply to a Penn Road sump pump with a jammed switch March 25.
Firefighters shut power to a malfunctioning air handler in a Carthage Road attic and advised the homeowner to have the unit serviced.
On March 26, alarmed by a recent gas explosion in New York City, a Catherine Road resident asked firefighters to examine her gas meter because she had allegedly been smelling gas near the meter for about a year. Firefighters' meters did not detect the presence of any gas. They notified Con Edison for follow-up.
Firefighters shut power to an arcing electrical outlet in a Post Road house March 27. They advised the resident to call an electrician for service.
Firefighters called the water department about a fire hydrant that was damaged in a car accident on Post Road March 29.
On March 29, firefighters turned off a stove in a Wakefield Road house because the owner smelled gas. Con Edison was notified.
This week, firefighters assisted at three car accidents in the village and on the Hutchinson River Parkway. They responded to two false carbon monoxide alarms and seven false fire alarms caused by device malfunction, construction work, a smoke machine, cooking smoke and dust.
This report covering police and fire department activity from March 23-29 was compiled from official information.
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