Basketball Court To 'Continue To Remain Closed' After 3rd Incident: Glen Rock Chief

GLEN ROCK, NJ — After a third incident of violence in four months, the basketball court at Glen Rock's Wilde Park will remain closed for now, the town's police chief told Patch on Monday.

"The basketball court remains closed," said Chief Dean Ackermann Monday morning. "The courts will continue to remain closed as the town assesses next steps."

On Tuesday night and then again this past Thursday, a fistfight broke out near the court in the suburban town, police said.

On Tuesday, police headed to the basketball court Wilde Park around 7 p.m., but the fight had ended before they got there.

"The alleged victim was uncooperative with responding officers, refused medical assistance for minor injury, and refused to identify himself, or the alleged [perpetrator]," said Chief Dean Ackermann last week. "Detectives are reviewing video images captured at the basketball court. However, without cooperation on the part of the alleged victim it is unlikely that charges can be filed. "

The police said that they reviewed video of the incident, showing an altercation occurred.

Then, on Thursday, around 8:42 p.m., according to police, a 23-year-old Paterson man and an 18-year-old Lodi woman reported that they had been assaulted by a group of males on the basketball court.

"The male victim reported that he was playing basketball with a group of acquaintances who he could not identify by name. A dispute occurred over the game and 5 to 6 male subjects began to repeatedly beat him," police said Monday. "When his girlfriend tried to break up the fight she was assaulted as well."

They were chased from the park, police said.

The man was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Valley Hospital. The woman declined medical attention.

"Three cooperating witnesses were present with the victims and provided statements to the investigating officers," police said. "However, none could identify the actors by name."

Police said, "Following this incident, the second act of violence in four days, the basketball courts at the park were locked pending further evaluation by town officials."

Shooting Probe Continues

Meanwhile, the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office is still investigating a shooting near the basketball court in May.

Bergen County prosecutors said that around 7:34 p.m. on May 21, police responded to an area where a 23-year-old Paterson man had been shot near the basketball courts at Wilde Memorial Park on Maple Street.

The victim was treated for a single gunshot wound at an area hospital and released, prosecutors said at the time.

Last week, Ackermann said, "The investigation is very much active and ongoing. As the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation, I am unable to provide further comment."

Prosecutors said in May that the shooting took place near where a "large crowd was gathered playing basketball."

A local high school senior said in a video hat he heard "8 to 10" shots coming from the park.

The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the Glen Rock Police Department asked for tips and video. Those with information may remain anonymous and contact the BCPO Tip Line at 201-226-5532.

Anyone with pertinent photos or videos taken in and around Wilde Memorial Park immediately before, during or after the shooting, may submit them by utilizing the following link: https://bcponj.evidence.com/ax...

Glen Rock Schools Superintendent Brett Charleston said in a message to parents in May that he had "limited information," but that counselors would be at all Glen Rock schools on Wednesday to offer support.