Cops Bust 2 Teen Drinking Parties; 3 Charged

Two residents have been charged in connection with an alleged underage drinking party.

Police responded to a High Meadow Court home at 12:54 a.m. May 16 on a report that a 17-year-old Teaneck girl was drunk and unresponsive after allegedly drinking with other teens at a party. Upon arrival, police had the girl transported to the hospital for treatment of alcohol poisoning. They also said a 14-year-old Wyckoff girl was found "passed out" in a bedroom and was driven home to her parents.

A lengthy investigation into the incident resulted in charges for the homeowner, Mary L. Matsakis, 57, and a 15-year-old Wyckoff girl who was at the party. Both face complaints of making property available to minors to consume alcohol.

Earlier charges against Matsakis were dismissed and she instead was found guilty in municipal court of a disorderly persons charge — an ordinance violation — on October 26.

Sgt. Dale Winters, Detective Sgt. Joseph Soto, Detective Michael Musto and Patrolman Kevin Pinches investigated.

• A Hamburg man was arrested on drug charges after a motor vehicle crash on June 21.

Police said Daniel S. Garrett, 20, drove his 2003 Mitsubishi off the road and into a utility pole at approximately 7 a.m. that day at Franklin Avenue and Cresthaven Road.

The ensuing investigation uncovered narcotics in the car, police said. Garrett was charged with possession of heroin, possession of a hypodermic needle and possession of drug paraphernalia for a metal spoon allegedly found in the car.

The Hamburg man also had to be hospitalized for treatment of minor injuries after the crash. He is scheduled to answer the charges in Municipal Court on July 8.

• Another township teen was charged with hosting an underage drinking party on June 19.

Police responded to an Old Post Road home at 10:30 p.m. on a report of a loud party. Upon arrival, police said they found about 10 minors drinking alcohol in the rear of the home. Most of the teens, estimated to be between 14 and 16, fled when officers arrived, but 30 open beer cans and bottles of vodka were present, police said.

The homeowner's 14-year-old daughter, who was home alone, was charged on a juvenile complaint of making property available to minors to consume alcohol. Her case has been referred to Juvenile Court.

• A Hawthorne man was charged with drunken driving after being stopped for speeding.

Police pulled over James R. Verrengia, 26, at 3:24 a.m. June 19 for allegedly driving 47 mph on Brookside Avenue. Police determined he was under the influence, and he was charged with DWI and speeding.

Verrengia is scheduled to appear in Municipal Court.

• A Wyckoff man faces an assault charge after allegedly hitting and injuring his 21-year-old companion on June 17.

Police said they responded to a Clinton Avenue home on a domestic violence complaint. Their investigation determined that the 26-year-old alleged assailant injured the other man during an altercation.

The resident was arrested and released on $1,000 bail. He will answer the charge in Municipal Court.