Harrison police blotter: Man tried to murder his mother, police say

April 4

Police arrested Carlos Gonzalez, 49, of Harrison, on a charge of attempted murder after Gonzalez allegedly tried to smother his 85-year-old father with a pillow in the family’s home on Cleveland Ave.

Police said they were called to the home at about 11 a.m. by someone at the residence and learned that the alleged assault had happened during a domestic dispute during the night at the residence.

During an arraignment at Hudson County Central Judicial Processing Court in Jersey City on April 7, the court set bail for the accused at $250,000 and Gonzalez was sent to Hudson County Jail pending action by the county prosecutor’s office.

April 7

At 3 p.m., police were dispatched to the 500 block of Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. North on a report of a verbal dispute. Upon arrival, police learned that one of the parties involved, Magno Fortunato, 18, of Harrison, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest from East Newark. He was then placed under arrest.

April 8

At 8:41 p.m., police were sent to a Sussex St. location on a report of a victim of harassment. Two Harrison juveniles told police they were home alone, watching TV, while their mother was out shopping when they heard a popping noise outside and discovered that someone had thrown eggs at their house, hitting the façade and front window. Police said an investigation turned out possible suspects who are juveniles. Detectives are pursuing the matter.

April 9

Police responded to the Rite Aid Pharmacy on Frank E. Rodgers Blvd. North at 10 a.m. on a report of a shoplifting. The store manager told police he’d observed a man walking up and down the aisles, grabbing items and looking around, and then placed them back on the shelves after employees began watching him. The man identified himself to police as Peethu Menon, 34, of Upper Saddle River, and told them he was just browsing. After investigation disclosed that Menon had outstanding warrants from Millburn and Newark, police arrested Menon on the warrants. – Ron Leir

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