East Orange Police Department

09/02/2026

Drunk driving fatalities spike in NJ during the summer months. EOPD is joining the NJ Division of Highway Traffic and law enforcement partners across the nation for the end of summer impaired driving crackdown.

08/31/2026

"East Orange, make memories — not mistakes.
One bad decision is all it takes.

Enjoy the long weekend. Have a good time.
But drinking and driving can cost you more than a fine.

If you’re going to drink, make a plan for your ride.
Call a friend, call a cab — just don’t drink and drive."

As we head into Labor Day weekend, please be reminded that New Jersey's "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" mobilization continues until September 7, 2026.

Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety (HTS) announced the start of the annual enforcement and public awareness campaign on August 18.

Running until Labor Day, September 7, the campaign is part of a nationwide, high-visibility enforcement effort during one of the busiest travel periods of the summer. Drivers can expect increased patrols and sobriety checkpoints focused on identifying and removing impaired drivers from New Jersey’s roadways.

The East Orange Police Department, which received $7,000 in grant funding, was among the 106 local law enforcement agencies to receive state funding to support this effort.

“A celebration should never end with someone taking a chance behind the wheel,” said Attorney General Davenport. “Impaired drivers put our children, passengers, families, pedestrians, cyclists, police officers, and everyone else using our roads in danger. Make the responsible decision before the festivities begin. Arrange a sober ride, designate a driver, or stay where you are. There is never an acceptable reason to drive impaired.”

According to the most recent statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,367 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes nationwide in 2024, accounting for approximately 20 percent of all traffic fatalities. That represents approximately 31 people killed every day in impaired driving crashes alone.

In New Jersey, 186 people were killed in crashes involving an alcohol- or drug-impaired driver in 2024. Impaired driving was a contributing factor in approximately 27 percent of the state’s fatal crashes during that period.

The risks extend beyond alcohol. Cannabis, certain prescription medications, illegal drugs, and combinations of substances can affect judgment, coordination, reaction time, and the ability to safely operate a vehicle. A driver may be impaired even when the effects are not immediately obvious.

“Impairment affects judgment before many drivers recognize that they are no longer capable of driving safely,” said Michael J. Rizol Jr., Director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety. “That is why the safest decision must be made in advance. Plan your ride home before drinking or using any impairing substance. A rideshare, taxi, sober friend, or overnight stay may require a little planning, but those choices are far better than an arrest, a crash, or a life permanently changed.”

Drivers arrested for impaired driving face license suspension, significant fines and fees, higher insurance costs, mandatory participation in education or treatment programs, ignition interlock requirements, and possible incarceration. An impaired driver who causes a serious or fatal crash may also face years in prison and a permanent criminal record.

During New Jersey’s 2025 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, participating law enforcement agencies made 1,612 impaired-driving arrests and issued 6,228 speeding summonses, 3,192 seat belt citations, and 1,526 cell-phone use citations. Officers also issued 88,599 additional summonses for other motor vehicle violations.

The Division of Highway Traffic Safety urges everyone to plan a safe ride before drinking or using any impairing substance, never ride with or allow an impaired person to drive, and report suspected impaired drivers when it is safe to do so by calling 911.

“Preventing impaired-driving tragedies is a responsibility we all share,” said Director Rizol. “Law enforcement will be highly visible throughout the mobilization, but every driver, passenger, friend, and family member also has a role to play. Make a plan, drive sober, and help others get home safely.”

For additional information about impaired driving and other traffic safety initiatives, visit the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety website. www.NJSafeRoads.com.

'tdrinkanddrive

08/18/2026

Our Junior Cadets from our East Orange NJ Cops 4 Kids Program are learning that public safety starts with education, positive relationships and making smart choices!

Through hands-on activities and engaging lessons, our young cadets are connecting with members of law enforcement while learning important skills they can use every day — including bike and helmet safety, personal safety, teamwork, discipline and responsibility.

Programs like Cops 4 Kids, which was founded under the leadership of EOPD Captain Mary Berrouet, give our children an opportunity to directly interact with our School Resource Officers as mentors, role models and trusted members of their community. Just as importantly, they give our officers a chance to build meaningful relationships with our youngest residents.

We’re proud to invest in experiences that help our young people grow with confidence, character and a strong sense of community.

Today’s Junior Cadets. Tomorrow’s Leaders.

08/17/2026

TODAY!!

08/07/2026

08/04/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of East Orange Continues Aggressive Enforcement Against Illegal Smoke Shops; Seizes More than 225 Pounds of Ma*****na

EAST ORANGE, NJ, August 4, 2026: The City of East Orange continues its commitment to protecting the health, safety, and quality of life of its residents through the ongoing enforcement and closure of illegal smoke shops operating throughout the city.

Working collaboratively, the East Orange Police Department, the Department of Code Enforcement, and the Department of Health and Human Services successfully investigated and shut down eight (8) businesses found to be operating in violation of state and local laws.

During its joint investigation, EOPD discovered and confiscated up to 225 pounds of ma*****na, more than $17,000 in cash and six (6) vehicles. Although cannabis is legally available through licensed dispensaries, products sold by unlicensed smoke shops are not subject to New Jersey's strict testing, labeling, or quality control requirements, creating unnecessary risks for consumers—particularly young people.

The following individuals were arrested and charged separately with various offenses, including possession with intent to distribute—the most serious charge filed in most of the cases:

• Mohamed Segan, 50, of Bronx, NY
• Amin Mohannad, 18 of Brooklyn, NY
• Hisham Ahmed Qaid Alfaqih, 29, of Mount Laurel, NJ
• Alexis Vladinir Balcacer, 23, of New York, NY
• Otniel Rodriguez, 24, of Yonkers, NY
• Ahmad Abdek Nabi Abu Khalil, 23, of Clifton, NJ
• Osamah A. Mohsen, 29, of Totowa, NJ
• Salah Alaheri, 19, of Brooklyn, NY
• Tevin A. Harding, 31, of Newark, NJ
• Akeem Coombs, 30, of Orange, NJ
• Frantz A. Pierre-Louis, 31, of East Orange, NJ

The coordinated enforcement of the three departments reflects the city's unwavering commitment to maintaining safe commercial corridors, protecting consumers, and ensuring businesses operate legally and responsibly.

Since March 2026, the following businesses have been shut down:

• H & H Variety, 448–452 Central Avenue
• Flavors, 613–623 Central Avenue
• Vibez, 582–620 Central Avenue
• Red Magic, 487 Central Avenue
• K & K (Kangni Kangni), 392–396A Central Avenue
• Top Dog Exotics, 252 Sanford Street
• Elevation, 236–238 Tremont Avenue
• T and B Convenience Store, 225–233 Central Avenue

"The safety of our residents will always be our highest priority," said Mayor Ted R. Green. "When businesses choose to operate outside the law, they endanger our neighborhoods, our young people, and our community. We will continue to work hand in hand with our East Orange Police Department, Department of Code Enforcement, and Department of Health and Human Services to hold violators accountable and ensure our commercial districts remain safe, welcoming, and compliant.”

The City of East Orange encourages residents to report suspicious or illegal business activity to the East Orange Police Department at 973.266.5000.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

08/03/2026

East Orange will join communities across the nation for National Night Out 2026—an opportunity to strengthen the relationships that make our neighborhoods safer, stronger, and more connected.

🏡 Tuesday, August 4
🕔 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Here's how you can participate:
💡 Turn your porch lights on.
🤝 Meet your neighbors.
❤️ Help us keep our community safe.

When neighbors know one another, we create a stronger sense of belonging and a united front against crime. A simple conversation, a wave from the porch, or introducing yourself to someone new can make a lasting difference.

Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council, and the Department of Public Safety invite every resident to take part in this annual tradition of community pride and partnership.

07/24/2026

East Orange, New Jersey, is adopting next-generation technologies to enhance emergency response, strengthen public safety, and improve overall quality of life for residents.

07/16/2026

Thank you to Sage's Sweet Shop on Springdale Avenue for providing our EOPD junior cadets with a sweet treat this week!