Former Glen Rock Man, 36, Charged In Halloween Night Vandalism

GLEN ROCK, NJ – A 36-year-old former Glen Rock resident faces charges after police say he went on Halloween night vandalism spree that included throwing a pumpkin through the front window of a local business.

Matthew Ackerman, who now resides in Vernon, was arrested Tuesday and charged with two counts of criminal mischief in connection following an investigation by Glen Rock police, Chief Dean Ackermann said.

Around 8 a.m. on Nov. 1, the owner of Bellezza Salon on Prospect Street reported to police that someone had thrown a large pumpkin through the window, according to Ackermann. Across the street at Bergen News Plus, the owner told police a protective cover over the HVAC system at the rear of the building was damaged, along with the motor.

Both incidents reportedly occurred overnight and caused $1,258 in damages at the salon and $2,491 worth of damages at Bergen News Plus, the chief said.

After obtaining video surveillance footage from other nearby stores, Detective Sgt. James Calaski and Det. Lucas Doney were able to identify Ackerman as the suspect, the chief said.

He was released pending a Dec. 6 appearance before Central Judicial Processing at the Superior Court in Hackensack.