A 63-year-old Hackensack man was arrested for masturbating on a bench in Guttenberg on Monday, also providing a false name to police when confronted, authorities said.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
On August 4th, at approximately 10:25 a.m., members of the Guttenberg Police Department’s Patrol Division responded to an apartment complex near the intersection of John F. Kennedy Boulevard East and 71st Street, according to Police Lt. Aleksandar Ramadanovic.
They responded to the area after receiving reports of man masturbating on a bench. As the result of their on-scene investigation, officers arrested Mark R. Schmitt, 63, of Hackensack, for burglary, criminal trespass, and lewdness.
Additionally, Schmitt had also provided a false name to officers who responded to the call for service. As a result, he was also charged with hindering his own apprehension. Schmitt was then transported to the Guttenberg Police Department for his arrest processing.
During his arrest processing, it was also discovered that he had an active warrant, issued by the Hackensack Municipal Court.
At the completion of his arrest processing, Schmitt was issued his complaint warrant, stemming from this incident, and issued a complaint summons regarding a criminal trespass investigation from July.
Schmitt was then transported and lodged in the Hudson County Correctional Facility.
“I am extremely grateful for those members of the public that assisted us with this criminal investigation. I’d like to take a moment to encourage the public to always contact your local law enforcement agency or dial 9-1-1 when you see something suspicious,” noted Police Chief Frank Pelaez.
“This arrest led to Mr. Schmitt’s identification as the defendant in an entirely separate incident, that he might never have been identified and/or charged for. We will continue to successfully solve crimes and apprehend criminal offenders as long as our community works as one to ensure the safety of the Town of Guttenberg.”
If anyone has any information pertaining to this incident, they are encouraged to contact the Guttenberg PD at 201-868-3300 or email Lt. Steven Diaz at sdiaz@guttenbergpolice.org or Det. Sgt. Marcin Rysiec at mrysiec@guttenbergpolice.org.
He should run for mayor.