SOUTH SALEM, N.Y. - The first half of April saw Lewisboro Police respond to reports of fraud, a neighbor dispute, and several fires. At the same time, milder spring weather resulted in fewer vehicle accidents than usual.
Police responded to a brush fire at the Goldens Bridge train station on Wednesday, April 8. The fire, located adjacent to the commuter lot off Route 138, had spread along the tracks and up an embankment, covering an area approximately 75 by 30 feet. The responding officer assisted the Golden's Bridge Fire Department by helping haul a hose to the top of the hill to contain the flames. The fire was fully extinguished shortly after an MTA Police officer arrived on scene, at which point the situation was turned over to him.
One week later, on April 15, police responded to a yard fire at a home in South Salem. Upon arrival, the officer observed a large leaf blower engulfed in flames along with nearby brush. The officer used a fire extinguisher to control the blaze until the South Salem Fire Department arrived and extinguished the remaining fire. The leaf blower was determined to be the cause.
Police also handled several incidents involving identity theft and fraud. On April 1, a South Salem resident reported that an unknown individual attempted to open a credit card using his personal information. The credit card company declined to provide further details and advised the resident to file a police report. No financial loss has been reported.
On April 3, a South Salem resident reported a door-to-door solicitor canvassing the Ridgefield Avenue area without a permit. An officer located a man matching the description, who admitted to soliciting without authorization and left the neighborhood without further incident.
Also on April 3, a Katonah couple reported they had fallen victim to a “check-washing” scheme, in which criminals steal checks from mailboxes and chemically alter them to change the payee and amount. The couple’s check, originally written for less than $100, was altered to more than $15,000 and cashed, resulting in a significant loss. They also remained responsible for the original payment.
A similar incident was reported on April 6 by a Goldens Bridge resident who had $2,500 stolen from his account. His bank traced the transaction, closed the compromised account, opened a new one, and reimbursed the lost funds. The resident is also notifying the postal inspector, as the original check had been mailed from the Goldens Bridge Post Office. Police provided identity theft prevention materials.
On April 9, a Cross River resident reported another case of check fraud involving a mailed bill payment. Bank records showed the payee had been altered to a private individual, with the name appearing in a different font. The resident’s bank agreed to refund the loss, and a report was filed with the postal inspector. Police are continuing to monitor the case.
Police also addressed a neighborhood safety concern on April 6, when two Katonah residents reported that youths across the street were using a BB gun to shoot at a water bottle and a stop sign. The complainant provided video evidence. Officers spoke with the youths’ parents about the potential dangers, particularly the risk of injury or property damage. All parties agreed that future target practice would take place at a proper range.
Traffic Reports
The early part of the month saw fewer accidents and traffic violations, likely due to improved weather conditions.
On April 3, police responded to a deer-related crash in Goldens Bridge. A driver traveling east on Route 138 struck a deer that entered the roadway near Old Bedford Road. No injuries were reported, including to two children in the back seat, though the vehicle sustained significant front-end damage. The driver declined an official accident report.
Another deer strike occurred on April 6 on Route 138 near Increase Miller Road. The driver had pulled into Increase Miller School with hazard lights on while waiting for assistance from AAA. Don’s Automotive removed the vehicle, and an officer transported the driver home.
On April 9, a minor two-car accident occurred at Orchard Square Plaza in Cross River when a vehicle attempting to park struck a parked car. Both parties declined a formal report.
On April 14, an officer on Route 35 in Cross River observed a truck traveling east with two front-seat passengers not wearing seatbelts. After stopping the vehicle, an eJustice check revealed the driver’s license was suspended for failure to answer a summons. The vehicle was impounded by Lisi’s Towing, and the driver was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation and issued a desk appearance ticket.
The following day, April 15, an officer conducting surveillance at Debbie Lane and Route 35 observed a driver using a cell phone while operating an SUV. A subsequent stop revealed the driver was also not wearing a seatbelt. Records showed his Connecticut license had been suspended after accumulating four points within a four-month period. The driver was issued multiple citations, including for unlicensed operation, failure to wear a seatbelt, inadequate stop lamps, and use of a portable electronic device while driving. He was also issued a court appearance ticket, and the vehicle was impounded by East Towing.
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