Verona PD Releases 2018 Report: Arrest Stats, Cameras, New Chief

VERONA, NJ — The rollout of body worn cameras, a new chief and more than 3,300 traffic summonses were among the highlights of the Verona Police Department’s 2018 annual report.

“I am extremely honored to represent the fine men and women of the Verona Police Department and I feel privileged to be given the responsibility of this position,” said the VPD’s new chief, Christopher Kiernan, who took over the post last August.

The report – released earlier this month – includes a wealth of statistics about the VPD’s activities last year (see below image, click to enlarge).

Verona police also released the year’s traffic stats, including the following message:

“The Verona Police Department has made traffic law enforcement a top priority. Through proactively enforcing traffic laws, the department is striving to reduce the number of traffic-related injuries and fatalities, by specifically addressing speeding, distracted driving habits and driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In a town where walking to school is highly encouraged, Verona officers are strongly committed to reducing the likelihood of traffic related tragedies. Traffic studies have shown that consistent, proactive traffic enforcement reduces the number of traffic crashes.”

2018 traffic enforcement stats included:

• Total Summonses Issued - 3,318
• Moving Violations - 1,618
• Speeding Violations - 172
• Cell Phone Violations - 50
• Parking Violations - 1,700
• DWI Arrests - 21
• CDS (Narcotics) in a Motor Vehicle - 19
• Unregistered Motor Vehicle - 207
• Suspended Driver License/Registration - 167
• Careless Driving - 91
• Traffic Details Conducted – 215

Verona police also offered details about some key arrests that took place last year.

Man Runs From Officer – “On Tuesday, January 9, 2018, Officer Colon observed a suspicious male walking on Sunset Avenue at approximately 4:15 am. As Officer Colon attempted to speak with the individual, later identified as Mr. Damon Abnathya (39), he ran from Officer Colon and continued to flee after numerous commands to stop. As back up units arrived they began to search the area for Mr. Abnathya, who was ultimately located by Officer McMahon. Mr. Abnathya was found hiding in the backyard of a residence on Mount Prospect Avenue. Mr. Abnathya was placed under arrest and a subsequent investigation revealed that Mr. Abnathya was in possession of multiple stolen items, which he admitted to taking from various unlocked vehicles in the nearby area. Mr. Abnathya was charged with Title 2C:20-3A, “Theft By Unlawful Taking or Disposition” (4th Degree Crime), 2C:29-1A ,“Obstructing Administration of Law by Means of Flight” (4th Degree Crime) and 2C:29-2A(2), “Resisting Arrest/Eluding Officer to Prevent Arrest” (4th Degree Crime). Upon completion of processing, Mr. Abnathya was transferred to the Essex County Correctional Facility (E.C.C.F.).”

Burglary Arrest – “On September 28, 2018, the Verona Police Department charged Jonathan Joseph with 25 counts of burglary, 2 counts of criminal attempt, and 1 count of motor vehicle theft. These charges stem from a lengthy investigation of a burglary spree that occurred in the Laning area of town during July. Mr. Joseph also committed multiple burglaries in surrounding towns, as well as in Morris and Middlesex Counties. Information sharing between agencies helped in identifying Mr. Joseph and helped lead to his arrest.”

Chase Leads To Arrest – “September 7, 2018 - While on patrol, Officer Pami observed a vehicle traveling on Pompton Avenue at approximately 12:30 am with multiple motor vehicle equipment violations and a fraudulent temporary registration. As Officer Pami attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop, the vehicle began to flee at a high rate of speed. After a brief pursuit, the suspect vehicle struck another vehicle and the occupants fled into the wooded area of Eagle Rock Reservation. Shortly thereafter, two occupants were apprehended. While on scene, it was determined that the suspect vehicle was stolen out of Little Silver and its occupants were wanted for questioning in regards to a homicide. Officers from the Cedar Grove Police Department, West Orange Police Department and the Essex County Sheriff’s Department assisted during this incident.”

In addition to the above enforcement activities, the Verona Police Department participated in several other initiatives, authorities reported.

Body Worn Cameras – “In November of 2018, the Verona Police Department implemented the use of Body Worn Cameras. A Body Worn Camera (BWC) is a useful tool used to capture audio and video when an officer effects a police action. BWC’s have strengthened the trust between law enforcement and the community it serves. It furthers the public trust with a sense of transparency and accountability. Every Officer within the VPD is issued a BWC and it is in use on every call for service and public interaction. The VPD was the first police department in the West Essex area to implement and use BWC’s.”

Verona High School Outreach – “Detective Joel Martin continued his involvement with Mr. Tamburro’s Law and Criminal Justice in America High School class, along with several Verona Officers, who instructed students in the fall and spring semesters.”

Community Relations – “Every year the members of the Verona Police Department come together to enhance the relationships between the Officers and the members of the public. In 2018, Officers from the Verona Police Department attended and hosted numerous community events throughout the year. 2018 also saw the inception of the Department’s Community Outreach Unit.”

Christmas Theft – “In December of 2018, the Verona Police Department responded to a residence on a report of a package theft. During the investigation, it was learned that many of the stolen packages were intended Christmas gifts for Brian, a young Verona resident. The members of Verona PBA Local 72, in conjunction with the Verona Police Department, invited Brian along with his family to the Police Department for a tour of Headquarters. At Headquarters, Brian was presented with a few gifts from our members. In return, Brian took the time to draw a police car, which he gifted to the Department.”

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