August 24, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 9 Ridgewood On Aug. 16, the Ridgewood Police Department charged a 21-year-old Massachusetts man with leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident, leaving a hazardous substance on the roadway, and having improper safety glass. The man was released pending an appearance in Ridgewood Municipal Court, and police note that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Earlier that day, the owner of a Jeep found the vehicle, which had suffered extensive damage, parked in a private driveway. The owner contacted the police department. The operator of the vehicle, who reportedly borrowed the Jeep, was identified, and police began their investigation. The driver of the Jeep had struck and knocked down a utility pole on East Ridgewood Avenue at 3:08 a.m. The police department responded to the report of a single vehicle accident and found that the pole had been broken, but the vehicle and driver were not at the scene. Police conducted a search of the area, but did not find the vehicle until the owner reported the damage later that day. The charges of leaving a hazardous substance on the roadway are related to leakage from a transformer on the Police charge Massachusetts man in hit-and-run utility pole, police said. Public Service Electric & Gas has replaced the utility pole. The Ridgewood Police Department is also reporting a recurrence of a scam that was practiced on an older Wyckoff couple a few years ago. The couple were called and told that their grandson, a college student, had been arrested after an accident in Canada and urgently needed bail money to stay out of jail. They were asked to send money by credit transfer or Western Union. In fact, the grandson was not in Canada, had not had an accident, and had never been arrested by the Mounties. Residents are urged to be wary of such scam tactics and to contact the individuals who are allegedly in trouble before sending any money. Individuals who receive these calls should also notify local police if they ascertain that no accident took place that led to an urgent request for bail money or legal money. The Ridgewood Soccer Association has openings in its special needs program for children ages five through 14 who require the individualized attention available in a smaller group setting. This program, which is open to children in Ridgewood and neighboring towns, provides an hour of soccer for players of all skill levels. The Ridgewood High School Girls Soccer team will serve as mentors to the players. The program aims to Special needs soccer program offered develop skills, promote fitness, and emphasize the fun aspects of soccer. Clinics will be held on Saturdays from Sept. 10 through Nov. 5. The cost is $60 for eight sessions. Each player will receive an RSA team shirt and soccer ball. Program details and access to Community Pass, the online registration system, are available at www.ridgewoodsoccer.org. For more information, e-mail registrar@r idgewoodsoccer.org.