On February 17, the theft of a catalytic converter was reported at 700 Mountain Avenue.
An additional catalytic converter was also stolen from the property of 301 Sicomac Avenue.
Det. Sgt. Michael Ragucci and Det. Sgt. Michael DeMaio reviewed security video from the
thefts and worked with other law enforcement agencies to identify a suspect. Shefki Cocka,
Kinnelon NJ, age; 39 was charged on March 10 with two counts each of burglary, theft,
and criminal mischief. Cocka was found to be lodged in the Morris County Jail and a copy
of the complaint warrant was sent to them.
On February 4, 2022, P.O. James Bakelaar and P.O. Kaitlyn Maglione were dispatched to
a Franklin Avenue business on a report that an unknown customer used a counterfeit onehundred-dollar bill to purchase a gift card. Det. Sgt. Michael Ragucci and Det. Sgt.
Michael DeMaio reviewed security video and worked with other law enforcement agencies
to identify a suspect. On May 11, 2022, an arrest warrant was issued for Alex BurnettDeroche, Jersey City NJ, age; 32. He was charged with one count of theft by deception and
one count of uttering a forged document. On March 13, 2023, the detectives learned that
Burnett-Deroche was in custody in Bridgeport CT. A copy of the warrant was sent to
Bridgeport and Burnett-Deroche will be extradited to New Jersey upon his release.
On March 17, at approximately 11:15 AM, P.O. Robert Schlossberg stopped the driver of a
red Dodge Avenger on Route 208 North for speeding and having an inoperative brake
light. The investigation resulted in the arrest of David A. Barnes, Cuddebackville NY, age
31. He was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of
narcotics paraphernalia, and failure to maintain lamps. After processing, he was released
from custody.
On March 28, at approximately 7:00 PM, Det. Sgt. Michael DeMaio was off duty when he
observed a vehicle parked in the Boulder Run Shopping Center that matched a vehicle
used in several local shopliftings. Sgt. DeMaio contacted officers who were on duty. The
subsequent investigation resulted in the arrests of Gary L. Davis, Paterson NJ, age; 66, and
Shawn T. Washington, Paterson NJ, age; 47. Davis was charged with one count of 4th
degree shoplifting and released to the Passaic County Sheriff's Office on an outstanding
arrest warrant. Davis was also found to have committed another shoplifting in Wyckoff on
March 23 and was issued an additional complaint for a 3rd degree shoplifting. Washington
was charged on a complaint summons with one count of conspiracy to commit shoplifting.
Washington was also identified as the actor in a shoplifting that occurred at the Wyckoff
ShopRite on February 16, 2023. An arrest warrant has been issued for Washington for the
that incident.
On August 5, 2019, P.O. William Christopher took a report from a resident of Brownstone
Court. The resident advised that their home was currently vacant, and she believed
someone had unlawfully taken up residence in the house. Det. Sgt. Michael Ragucci
investigated and identified a suspect, Peter McElkenny, LKA Oakland NJ, age; 43. On
October 1, 2021, McElkenny was charged on a complaint warrant with one count each of
burglary and theft. His location was unknown at the time charges were filed. On March
30, 2023, the Palisades Interstate Parkway Police advised Wyckoff Communications that
McElkenny was in their custody. He was transported to Wyckoff Headquarters, processed
for the arrest, and remanded to the Bergen County Jail.
On April 3, at approximately 2:30 PM, P.O. Michael Scalise took a report of a shoplifting
that occurred at the Stop & Shop, 327 Franklin Avenue. Det. Sgt. Ragucci investigated and
identified the suspect as Hamad Alqanawi, Passaic NJ, age; 27. A warrant charging him
with one count of shoplifting was issued for his arrest. On April 27, Clifton NJ Police
reported that they had Alqanawi in custody. Wyckoff officers responded to Clifton and
took custody of him, he was processed, and transported to the Bergen County Jail.
The Wyckoff Police Department would like to point out that the above individuals have been
charged with a crime, offense, and or motor vehicle violations. However, they are presumed
innocent unless and until they are found guilty in a court of law.
We cannot stress enough the value of our residents remaining alert in their neighborhoods
and reporting anything unusual or suspicious to the police, “Hear It! See It!, Report It!”
We encourage all residents to report ANY suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity occurring at
any time to the Wyckoff Police – County Communications Center at 201-891-2121 or 911 in
the event of an emergency.
