Community Corner

Suspended Sheriff's Officer From Teaneck Charged In Break-In Attempt

Officer appeared to be high on drugs, according to Westwood police.

by Jim Leggate

WESTWOOD -- A Bergen County Sheriff's Officer who is currently suspended was charged with allegedly trying to break into a Westwood home last week.

Lyons Place residents reported a man was trying to break into their home shortly after 4:30 a.m. July 16, according to Westwood Police Chief Frank Regino. When officers responded, they found Kevin Garrett, 28, of Teaneck, nearby. The residents identified him as the man who had been banging on their doors and windows, Regino said.

Garrett, an officer with the Bergen County Sheriff's Office, allegedly appeared to be high on drugs. He was exhibiting "uncontrollable twitching," Regino told Patch. "He was extremely excited and agitated."

Police sent Garrett to Hackensack University Medical Center for treatment.

Garrett was charged with being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance and attempting to unlawfully enter a dwelling.

According to Bergen County Sheriff's Office representative Dave Martinez, Garrett was already suspended before the incident in Westwood. He declined to give any further details.

"Following NJ Attorney General guidelines on internal affairs, we cannot offer a comment on personnel matters," Martinez said.

Follow Patch on TwitterFacebook and click to sign up for News Alerts. News tip? E-mail teaneck@patch.com



Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here