According to police, an adult allegedly attempted to pass himself off as a juvenile in order to face lesser charges recently.
On April 23, at around 11 p.m., Louis Riofrio-Arias, 20, of Union City, and two juveniles known to police were arrested for allegedly breaking into a car, said Commander of the Detective Bureau Lt. Frank Cannella.
Cannella said that witnesses observed the three allegedly breaking into a Nissan Sentra and removing a cologne bottle.
After being transported to headquarters, Riofrio-Arias allegedly gave police a different name and date of birth, allegedly stating that he was a juvenile.
On May 4, Investigator Anthony Caramucci said he saw Riofrio-Arias’ photo and recognized him as being 20 years old instead of 17.
“So while we were waiting for Mr. Riofrio to come to headquarters on an unrelated court appearance, we drew up warrants for his arrest,” said Cannella.
After arriving at court, he was arrested by police.
In addition to being charged with burglary and theft from the April 23 incident, Riofrio-Arias was charged with obstruction and hindering.
Cannella said that the man’s sister signed for him at headquarters after his arrest and he was released to her, so she also may face charges.
His bail was set by Judge Joseph Romano at $10,000 with no 10 percent bail bond option. Cannella said that he has since been remanded to Hudson County Jail.
Cops find stolen car, arrest driver
According to Cannella, on May 4 at 6:45 p.m., Det. Louis Velez was in an unmarked police vehicle when he witnessed a gold Honda Accord swerving over the double yellow lines on Paterson Plank Road near Third Street.
When he called in the license plate, it came back as a stolen vehicle out of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J.
Cannella said that Velez kept a safe distance from the vehicle and when the driver, Hector Martinez, 19, of North Bergen, began to park the vehicle, Velez initiated a motor vehicle stop. He then placed Martinez under arrest and charged him with receiving stolen property.
His bail was set at $2,500 with no 10 percent bail bond option.
“Martinez was currently out on bail from a robbery charge from last year in North Bergen where a handgun was used,” said Cannella.
Beware of diversion burglaries
Cannella said that on April 29 at 2:15 p.m., two males rang the doorbell for an elderly North Bergen woman and claimed that they were state employees who needed to check her drain pipes.
The victim told the individuals that her pipes were fine, but they pleaded to enter her home for another 25 minutes.
“While the one suspect was distracting the victim, the other unknown male entered the victim’s apartment. The victim’s daughter surprised the suspect, who appeared to be crouching down by the kitchen stove,” Cannella said.
“We urge people to be vigilant and not let anyone in their house and to call the Police Department if they notice anything suspicious.” – Frank Cannella
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The two men left the residence and walked north onto Grand Avenue, before entering a black SUV and leaving the area. However, before they left, the male allegedly shuffled through the victim’s bedroom, taking $200 in cash from her pocketbook with him.
The first suspect was described at slim, wearing a white and blue striped t-shirt and dark colored baseball cap. The other man was also slim, with some facial hair, and he was also wearing a baseball cap. Both appeared to be of either Arabic or Latin descent.
They also were carrying two-way radios and one had a flashlight.
Cannella said that the victims were able to identify one man in a photo book who is known to the police and goes by many different names. They have placed a warrant out for his arrest. His last known address was in Edgewater, N.J.
Cannella said that the springtime is when these diversion burglaries occur most often and he said that North Bergen residents should not allow anyone in their homes who is a stranger.
“We urge people to be vigilant and not let anyone in their house and to call the Police Department if they notice anything suspicious,” said Cannella.
Those with information may call the police at (201) 392-2100.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.