DWI, Simple Assault, Stolen Catalytic Converter Reported In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — Arrests for driving while intoxicated, simple assault along wth reports of a suspicious vehicle were reported recently in Westfield.

Westfield Police Blotter – July 20 to July 26:

On July 20 at 2:30 a.m.: A male suspect damaged a mailbox that was on the exterior wall of a business located on the 400 block of Central Avenue. The male suspect was seen on a surveillance camera trying to pry open the mailbox before walking away.

On July 20 at 3:38 a.m.: Marisbel Paradaarias, 21, of Plainfield, was arrested for DWI following a motor vehicle stop near Algonquin Drive and West South Avenue, Scotch Plains. She was processed and released with summonses to a responsible party.

On July 22 at 8:13 p.m.: Justin Lewand, 52, of Cranford, was placed under arrest for simple assault in the area of the 200 block of West North Avenue. Lewand was taken to Westfield Police Headquarters where he was processed and released on a summons with a mandatory Westfield Municipal Court date.

On July 25 at 7:08 a.m.: Officer Went and Officer Manganaro, were dispatched to the area of Dickson Drive and New England Drive in Westfield for a report of a suspicious vehicle. The caller states he was running on Village Green when he saw a gray-colored Mercedes CLA with three occupants wearing tan face masks. He reported that one rear passenger began to exit the vehicle but quickly reentered upon making eye contact with him, and the vehicle fled down Village Green. Surveillance footage gathered by police shows a gray Mercedes at 6:46 a.m. driving and reversing in front of the 100 block of Dickson Drive. Westfield Police Dispatch was able to identify and confirm through Cedar Grove Police that the vehicle had recently been reported stolen.

On July 26 at 3:25 p.m.: Officer Neri responded to the 200 block of Elizabeth Avenue for a report of a stolen catalytic converter. Upon arrival, Officer Neri spoke with the victim, who stated that on July 24 at around 6 p.m., he parked his black 2000 Honda Accord on the street in front of his residence and did not return to the vehicle until the afternoon of July 25. Upon starting the vehicle, he noticed an excessively loud noise, similar to a missing muffler. On July 26, he brought the vehicle to a service center, where a mechanic advised him that the catalytic converter had been removed. While inspecting the area on the street in front of the residence, as indicated by the victim, Officer Neri saw a pile of rust and broken metal debris, which may be consistent with remnants from a removed catalytic converter.

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