Wyckoff Teens Accused of Reservoir Vandalism

Two Wyckoff teenagers were scheduled to make their first appearance in court today to answer charges that they vandalized the MacMillan Reservoir, releasing millions of gallons of water over the weekend.

Eric Michael, 19, and Christopher Vivona, 18, were scheduled to appear in court at 1:30 p.m. in Hackensack on charges of third-degree criminal mischief and defiant trespass in connection with the incident at the Ramapo Reservation in Mahwah on Sunday.

Bergen County police said that Michael and Vivona, who's a Ramapo High School student, are responsible for the release of approximately 15 million gallons of water, causing the reservoir's water level to drop 5 to 7 feet.

The Bergen police and Bergen County Parks Department had responded to a call at about 9 a.m. Sunday reporting the abnormally low water level. Police and Parks officials determined a fenced-in area protected by chain locks was accessed, allowing Michael and Vivona to tamper with the valve systems, police said. The Wyckoff teens broke the valves, allowing the water to flow under a dam and into an adjoining stream, police said.

Parks personnel estimate the vandalism caused $4,000 in damage.

Both Michael, who is unemployed, and Vivona were arrested at their homes Tuesday without incident. They were released on their own recognizance.

The MacMillan Reservoir is on a tributary of the Ramapo River and is used for recreation.