Area February 9, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 5 Trial of Ogdensburg man ends in guilty verdict by John Koster The Ogdensburg salesman who threw a jug of bleach at Wyckoff’s then-Police Captain Benjamin Fox and then grappled with Fox for the officer’s service weapon, was found guilty on two counts. The verdict was issued last week in Bergen County Superior Court. “I’m basically relieved that it’s all over,” said Fox, who is currently Wyckoff’s chief of police. ”The jury heard all sides of it, and basically they came down on our side of it for the more important charges. They were a good jury.” The jury found Russell Stewart guilty of one count of attempting to disarm a law enforcement officer and one count of aggravated assault on a police officer. Judge Edward Jerejian remanded Stewart to the Bergen County Bail without bail after the verdict was issued. He will face sentencing on March 18. Chief Fox said Stewart faces a sentence of five to 10 years and must serve 85 percent of the time in actual imprisonment. Stewart was found not guilty of assault charges against the drivers and passengers of two cars that he reportedly rammed at Boulder Run Shopping Center before Fox pulled him over and got into the confrontation on Sept. 11, 2008. The other drivers and passengers were not injured, although their cars were damaged. Fox, though surprised by the assault, hit Stewart with a metal-cased flashlight, winning the praise of fellow officers and Wyckoff Township Committee members for his calm response in a life-threatening situation. Prosecutor Ron McCormick had argued, with some success, that Fox had expected to be helping a disabled motorist when he was assaulted by Stewart, who seriously intended to take his firearm, placing the officer in fear for his life. Stewart, 46, was originally charged with possession of marijuana, possession of narcotics paraphernalia, leaving the scene of an accident, and obstruction of justice, with bail set at $25,000 after he got out of Bergen County Medical Center. Wyckoff Patrolman Michael Musto, who transported Stewart to Bergen County Medical Center, told the court that Stewart had told him he had intended to kill Fox if he obtained control of Fox’s gun, and that he intended to commit suicide if he got his hands on Patrolman Musto’s gun. Fox said it was his only experience in Wyckoff law enforcement where he was literally in fear for his life. ����������������������������� �������������������������� ✤ ����������������������������� ✤ �������������������� ✤ �������������������� ✤ ����������������� ✤ ������������������������� ��������������������������������������� ������������� ������������������ ����������� ������������������������� ������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������� HARDING WINE & SPIRIT ����������������������� ���������������������� WORTH THE TRIP! HUGE WINE SELECTION Beer • Super Premium Spirits Party Planning • Gift Baskets Free Parking • Ice • Soda Wow! We knew it was good, but not in our wildest imagination did we think Coastal Vines would become such a success in our store. We have people coming from towns all over Bergen County buying cases of Coastal Vines. Thanks to Coastal Vines and this newspaper, at our last count we have sold 6,659 bottles. Unbelievable but true! Remember it tastes like a $10 bottle of wine but we are selling it for only $5.01! 305 E. Ridgewood Ave Ridgewood, NJ DEBIT CARDS ACCEPTED 201-445-7122 Coastal Vines $ Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay & Pinot Noir 5 .01 750 ml No rain checks issued. Not responsible for typographical errors.