A North Bergen police officer was able to stop a man from jumping off an a highway overpass last week.
According to Commander of the Detective Bureau Lt. Frank Cannella, police received a 911 call on March 15 at 8:02 a.m. of a “man hanging from the overpass.”
Six police units were dispatched to the scene, along with North Hudson Regional Fire and Rescue. A man was standing on the narrow ledge of Route 495 West, a couple of yards short of where Route 3 and the New Jersey Turnpike split, said Cannella.
Sgt. Alex Guzman began to talk to the man alone, while police and the fire department waited beneath the ledge in the Park and Ride lot.
“The victim began to remove his jacket and walk toward the edge of the overpass, looking as if he was contemplating jumping,” said Cannella.
“Sgt. Guzman should be commended for his actions and his patience in possibly saving this man’s life.” – Frank Cannella
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He was turned over to Port Authority Police around 9:30 a.m. and soon after was taken to Jersey City Medical Center, said Cannella.
“Sgt. Guzman should be commended for his actions and his patience in possibly saving this man’s life,” said Cannella.
Bough breaks, alleged burglar falls
According to Guttenberg Police, an alleged burglar fell out of a tree trying to enter a local home, but that didn’t stop him from allegedly breaking into another home shortly afterward.
Capt. Joel Magenheimer said that a 70th Street resident called police because she witnessed a man climbing a tree and allegedly reaching for her window. The tree branch broke and he fell to the ground.
Police canvassed the area and could not find the individual the victim described. Then residents on 69th Street called police after they found an alleged burglar in their home.
Magenheimer said that Gustavo Jacobo, 18, Guttenberg, allegedly broke into the home, but was caught by one of the occupants, who held him at bay with a broom stick until police arrived on scene.
Jacobo allegedly entered the residence by pushing an air conditioner from a window and allegedly threatened the homeowner by waving a metal pan above his head until the owner’s son was able to pin him against the wall.
Police said they noticed a strong odor of alcohol on Jacobo’s breath.
According to police, Jacobo was positively identified by the owners of the first house soon afterward.
After his arrest, Jacobo was transported to Palisades Medical Center for injuries to his face, arm, elbow and shoulder.
He was charged with two counts of burglary and criminal mischief. He was sent to Hudson County Jail after bail was set at $50,000.
Allegedly built wall to hide car
According to Guttenberg Police, while patrolling the area they noticed that a resident had illegally built a wall on his house and placed their car behind it.
Fermin Alpizar of 68th Street had allegedly constructed a wall with two doors in order to protect a Jeep and his drive way from the “elements,” he said.
However, since he did not contact the Guttenberg Building Department when he did so, the construction was illegal and a fire hazard.
He also had a portable kerosene heater in the enclosed driveway, which police told him to disconnect because it also was a fire hazard.
According to magenheimer, Alpizar removed the wall on March 18 and the matter has been resolved.
The issue was passed on the Building Code Official Bob Rogers, who said nine years ago two cars were found inside of the same property.
Alpizar, while standing in his driveway last Wednesday said that he didn’t see what the big deal was, since the enclosed area wasn’t really “attached” to his house.
“I just put it there to protect my driveway,” said Alpizar.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.