Allegedly intoxicated man lewd in public
Last week, North Bergen Police were dispatched to an apartment building after a female victim called them stating that a man with no pants on was behaving strangely outside.
According to Capt. Robert Dowd, on May 7 at around 11 p.m., police were dispatched to Second Avenue, where they allegedly found a North Bergen man sitting on the steps of an apartment building.
Dowd said that the man allegedly was without pants and was wearing a t-shirt that fell just at his knees. He allegedly was pulling his shirt up when people walked by, exposing his genitalia and masturbating.
“The victim who unfortunately witnessed the incident, a 29-year-old female, stated he was [allegedly] saying all kinds of strange comments and making her feel extremely uncomfortable,” said Dowd.
When police arrived on scene, Nicholas Caputo, 44, of North Bergen was allegedly believed to be intoxicated and had slurred speech.
Dowd said that Caputo was arrested and charged with lewdness. Due to the charge being a disorderly persons offense, he was released on a summons.
Caputo is known to the department, said Dowd.
Wrong side of the road
A North Bergen Police Patrol Division sergeant was traveling in the area of 55th Street and Tonnelle Avenue on May 12 around 1 a.m. when he observed a vehicle allegedly driving north in the southbound lane heading directly toward him, said Dowd.
Dowd said that the officer swerved out of the way and avoided a head-on collision before safely turning around and pursing the driver.
“Thank God she didn’t hurt anybody.” – Robert Dowd
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The officer was allegedly able to detect an odor on Sylvia Rivera, 48, of Toms River, N.J.
When Rivera was allegedly “fumbling” for her driving credentials, the officer noticed that two yellow pills marked with the letter “v” fell out of her wallet, which she did not have prescription for, he said.
“The officer attempted to question Ms. Rivera to detect if she was under the influence and she [allegedly] just kept saying ‘I’m sorry; I’m trying to get to New Jersey,’ ” said Dowd.
Dowd said that the woman allegedly claimed she only had three beers and said that the pills were Valium.
She was also allegedly unable to stand during the field sobriety test, so it was discontinued. Rivera allegedly blew a .15 on the breathalyzer test, police said.
“Thank God she didn’t hurt anybody,” said Dowd.
River was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, possession of prescription drugs without a prescription, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle.
Her vehicle was impounded and River was released on a summons.
Tricia Tirella may be reached at TriciaT@hudsonreporter.com.