Cops honored for response to murder

Guttenberg’s mayor and Town Council honored three police officers who investigated the gruesome death of a local store owner, and recognized local scholars, at the council meeting a week ago Monday.
Three officers who responded to the murder of the owner of the Mister Fresh grocery store were honored as part of the ongoing Officer of the Month program.
On April 26 at 5 a.m., police officer Laura Sorto was on patrol in the area of 70th Street and Bergenline Avenue when she was flagged down by a person who had attempted to go into Mister Fresh. That person reported there was someone in the store allegedly brandishing a knife, and Sorto immediately called for backup.

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“We think it’s equally important to recognize our scholars.” – Mayor Gerald Drasheff
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Officer Albert Hernandez responded and both officers approached the store. According to police reports, they saw a man and a woman allegedly in possession of two bloody knives. The officers ordered them to drop the knives and took them into custody. The suspects were charged with the murder of the owner of the store.
The arrest was coordinated by Sgt. James Hosie and was completed without injury to the accused or the officers.
“This is a classic example of what police officers face,” said Mayor Gerald Drasheff. “It was 5 o’clock in the morning…and in a matter of seconds it goes from boredom to a very dangerous situation. I want to thank you.”

Students honored

Drasheff said he attended the North Bergen High School graduation two weeks ago and extended an invitation for several members of the school community to be honored for their achievements. Drasheff made special mention of Mabel Oviedo, who won a full scholarship to the University of Pennsylvania from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Drasheff also mentioned Principal Pedro Garrido and Board of Education member Delores Loppe. He said that the pair worked hard for the students.
“We started a couple years ago a tradition in town…to recognize our honors students,” said Drasheff. “We’re very proud of you.”

Other affairs

The council and mayor, operating as the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, issued two five-day suspensions to the business M Restaurant, LLC for allegedly operating with an expired liquor license transfer. The suspensions were based on a July 5, 2007 incident. The closures will take place on June 27 to July 2 and Sept. 5 to Sept. 10. The business will have to post a “closed” sign during those periods.
An ordinance was introduced setting a fee for updating the tax map. After the approval of any new subdivision, the applicant must pay the town $250 for updating and amending the tax map to reflect the changes.