Villadom Times Weekly Newpaper Online-August 19, 2009 Issue

Ramsey August 19, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES IV • Page 3 Novakowski receives Honorable Service Medal Ramsey Mayor Christopher Botta and the borough council recently presented Detective Sergeant Robert Novakowski with the Honorable Service Medal for his role in identifying two members of an armed robbery gang and assisting in their apprehension. On April 19, the McDonald’s on Route 17 North in Ramsey was robbed by two individuals. Novakowski, who was off duty at the time, responded to the scene less than an hour after the incident was reported. Once on scene, he quickly took charge of the situation and began his investigation. The two suspects in the Ramsey robbery were also believed to have been involved in two additional robberies in Hackensack and Paramus on the same date. Through his investigation, Novakowski was able to link multiple robberies committed by the two suspects spanning several jurisdictions and counties. Realizing that he had an excellent witness, Novakowski contacted the New Jersey State Police and had composite sketches made and distributed to police agencies throughout northern New Jersey. On April 28, Novakowski received a call from the manager of the Donut Dugout on Route 46 in Pine Brook, a section of Montville. The manager had received a copy of the detective’s TRAK message containing the composite sketches and the RPD contact information. The manager reported that he had a customer who may have given a ride to the two suspects earlier in the week. Novakowski and Detective Smith of the RPD responded to the Montville Police Headquarters to continue the investigation. Two days later, the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office contacted Novakowski and reported that the two suspects were in custody. Novakowski responded to the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office, were he was able to obtain a confession from both suspects. Both men are residents of Passaic. The detective was recognized for his outstanding knowledge and skills, and for his initiative, all of which led to the identification and quick arrest of the two suspects. Mayor Botta; Councilman Bill Jones, chairman of the Public Safety Committee; Detective Sergeant Robert Novakowski; and Police Chief Bryan Gurney. On Aug. 11, two Mahwah residents, a 21-year-old woman and a 32-year-old man, were arrested by the Ramsey Police Department and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, Special Investigations Squad. The woman was charged with theft by extortion, second degree, and wiretapping, third degree. The man was Police charge two Mahwah residents with extortion charged with second degree theft by extortion. The female was employed as a housekeeper by a Ramsey resident and made an audio recording of the victim without her consent or knowledge. She threatened to release copies of the recording unless she received monetary compensation for time that was not worked. The man was arrested after he drove the woman to a local business to meet the victim. Judge Marino set the woman’s bail at $5,000 with a 10 percent option and the man’s bail at $10,000, no 10 percent option. Both posted bail and were released. In Home PERSONAL TRAINING • Flexible Scheduling • Nutrition Guidance • Sports Speciﬁc Training • Men, Women, Children & Couples With Brad �� G.R. Goris     Lose 20 lbs in 10 Weeks Insured Degreed & Certified Sewer & Drain Cleaning Water Heaters BBQ Gas Installs Bathroom Remodeling $ OFF ANY SERVICE CALL with this ad 25 Plumbing Alterations NO JOB TOO SMALL For Free Consultation call: TONE UP/LOSE FAT/ FEEL GREAT 201-925-0381 ��  Weekend & Evening Appointments Available to Fit Your Schedule Serving Mahwah & Surrounding Towns Family Trade Since1927 repair service �� HOME HARDWARE Offers More WEBER® Grill Options Than Any Other Store We Carry The Entire Line Of WEBER® Grills From Standard Models To Premium Versions Not Available In Many Stores. Let Us Show And Explain The Difference To You. �� FREE �� With coupon only VT �� FREE �� VT With coupon only FREE �� VT With coupon only  Plumbing & Heating , LLC NJ Master Plumber #12147 201-995-1380 Emergency Service