Chester Police Handled Over 3,100 Incidents Last Month

CHESTER, NJ — According to the Chester Police Department, its officers handled over 3,100 incidents in last month. Some of those included:

• the investigation of 30 motor vehicle crashes
• 59 calls assisting the first aid squad
• 19 calls assisting the fire department

Police said the remaining incidents consisted of both dispatched and self-generated duties conducted by officers, such as: traffic enforcement, property/business/area checks, motor vehicle stops, community policing actions, school posts, administrative tasks, among other assignments.

In Dec. 2020, officers made seven arrests, including but not limited to: aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, possession of controlled dangerous substance (CDS), DWI, warrants and one juvenile complaint.

Notable Incidents (Source: Chester Police Department)

• On Dec. 2, 2020, CPD officers responded to a residence on Old Chester Road for a report of a motor vehicle stolen from the driveway. Contact was made with the victim, who advised that she had returned home at approximately 10:30 a.m. and parked her vehicle in the driveway. She advised that approximately ten minutes later, she noticed that the vehicle was no longer in the driveaway. During the course of the investigation, the vehicle was reported to be traveling at a high rate of speed on Interstate 78 Eastbound. The vehicle was later recovered in Irvington, NJ. The vehicle was reportedly unlocked with the keys inside when it was stolen from the driveway.
• On Dec. 6, 2020, CPD officers were investigating a motor vehicle crash on Main Street. During the course of the investigation, an adult male from Randolph, NJ became confrontational towards officers. The male subject then assaulted an adult female family member in the presence of the officers on scene. As officers attempted to separate parties, the male subject struck an officer in the face with his right hand. He then actively resisted arrest and failed to comply with commands of the officers. Eventually, he was placed into custody, charged with aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, domestic violence and simple assault. He was released on a summons with a mandatory Morris County Superior Court appearance at a later date.
• Between Dec. 19, 2020 and Dec. 21, 2020, at least 15 vehicles throughout Chester were targeted in for burglaries/attempted burglaries. Most of the vehicles involved in these successful burglaries were reported to be unlocked during the commission of the burglaries, however, two of the vehicles were found to have its windows vandalized and valuables taken from within.

The Chester Police Department continues to urge residents and visitors to lock their vehicles, remove all valuables and key fobs.

"Car theft rings are targeting vehicles in our area at an increasing rate and we need your help! Recently, we have dealt with countless thefts and burglaries in various areas of town, from populated residential and business sections, to more rural, back roads," the police department posted on its official Facebook page.

Police encourage residents to call 911 if they observe any suspicious persons or vehicles.

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