To dispel some of the rumors that have been swirling since Monday afternoon, the Verona Police Department has issued the following statement:
Yesterday, at approximately 3:45 PM, the Verona Police Department responded to Park Place on a report of a suspicious incident. Officers spoke with all of the individuals involved and reviewed nearby surveillance videos.
The videos show an adult male walking south on Park Place. While walking past a juvenile female, he brushed a car key across the back of her neck and hair. The adult male continues to walk south as three juvenile males walk north. The adult male briefly gestures, with open arms, to the three juveniles but then quickly lowers his arms and continues on his way.
The adult male was identified as a 54-year-old Paterson resident who works at a nearby Verona business.
The adult male explained that he was “saying hello” in a manner that is culturally acceptable in his home country and apologized for any misunderstanding.
Due to the contact made with the juvenile female, the adult male was issued a Petty Disorderly Persons Summons for 2C:33-4B “Harassment – subject another to striking, kicking, shoving, or other offensive touching” and will have to appear in Verona Municipal Court.
If you heard any other version of this incident, it is false.
