Police: Man Charged After Alleged Machete Confrontation

Ridgewood Police responded to a location on Van Emburgh Avenue on the morning of May 3 on a report of threats. The victim, police said, charged that his employer had threatened him with a machete after a dispute.

Police arrested 50-year-old Donald Valich, of Midland Park, with simple assault and unwarranted possession of a weapon, according to the RPD. He will face a future date in municipal court. 

Copper stolen from home under construction

On May 4, a Manor Road homeowner told police that while her home was under construction, someone entered the new addition and taken copper flashing from the roof, which is estimated to have a value of $4,000. Detectives are investigating.

Man charged after alleged pill fraud attempt

The owner of Harding Pharmacy reported to police on May 7 just past 12:00 p.m. that a man attempted to obtain a fraudulent prescription. Police say they stopped a 44-year-old Mahwah man, Craig Saunders, 44, and charged him with possession of a controlled dangerous substance obtained fraudulently. He was released pending an appearance in Ridgewood Municipal Court.

Police charge two teens in alleged underaged drinking party

Police say they broke up an underaged drinking party on the night of Saturday, May 7 on Hillcrest Road. According to police, there were complaints of noise and underaged drinking, which were confirmed when officers arrived on scene. Two 18-year-old Ridgewood women were charged for their roles in the alleged party. One 18-year-old was charged with making real property available for the consumption of alcohol while the other was charged with possession of a "fraudulent government document" as well as underaged drinking, police say. Both were released and face a future appearance in municipal court.

Man charged after alleged morning hit-and-run

A 24-year-old New Milford man was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia at 7:26 a.m. on Monday, May 9 according to police. The man, Christopher Rafferty, is alleged to have been the driver in a hit-and-run accident, according to police. He was released pending an appearance in municipal court.

Ridgewood woman facing DWI charge

A 56-year-old Ridgewood woman is facing a DWI charge after a traffic stop at 12:30 a.m. on Oak Street on Tuesday, May 10, according to police. The woman was released pending an appearance in municipal court.

Three accidents Monday

Police also responded to the scene of three separate accidents on Monday in less than five hours from rush hour to early afternoon.

In one accident, a driver is alleged to have sped through a red light on Spring and Maple. That driver was issued a summons and there were injuries to both drivers.

Separately, a driver on Franklin and Maple rear-ended the car in front, which then caused the next three cars to all sustain damage based on forward momentum. No citations were reportedly issued.

Finally, a vehicle traveling on Rt. 17 North between the Exxon and Shell station had a tire dislodge. That tire reportedly hopped over the median and struck a vehicle in the southbound side, causing a head injury, Captain Jacqueline Luthcke reported.