Linden Police Department

10/16/2026

We’ve partnered with Mayor Derek Armstead, the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, and the Linden Opioid Ad-Hoc Committee to offer free Mental Health First Aid training to the public!

Mental Health First Aid training teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health challenges and substance use disorders. This training teaches you the best ways to provide initial support, approach difficult situations with confidence, and connect to appropriate care and resources for your family, friends, coworkers, and community.

Three opportunities to attend:

* October 24 | 8 AM–4 PM @ JTG Recreation Center

* November 21 | 8 AM–4 PM @ JTG Recreation Center

* December 5 | 8 AM–4 PM @ Linden Public Library

Each of us has the power to make a difference in someone’s life. Recognizing the signs, starting the conversation, and connecting someone is the first step. Take the training. Be prepared.

10/13/2026

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Domestic violence impacts every community. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, income, ability, immigration status, or background. We all play a role in helping to prevent it.

Please join us in spreading awareness, sharing resources, standing with survivors, honoring those we have lost, and speaking out.

If you or someone you know needs support, call the NJ Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-572-SAFE (7233) or visit njcedv.org/programs.

10/12/2026

Our prayers are with Sgt. Andrews family and friends.

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the passing of Sergeant Richard Andrews Jr. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and fellow officers during this difficult time. Please keep his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.

10/11/2026

Congratulations to Captain Williams on this much deserved recognition!

10/10/2026

Today is , an important time to remind ourselves that mental health matters. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Check in on yourself and others, and remember that no one has to face their struggles alone. A little understanding, compassion, and support can make a big difference.

10/08/2026

The FBI Newark Field Office issued a warning about sophisticated scams in which criminals impersonate federal law enforcement agents to steal money.

These same tactics can also be used to impersonate local police officers, law enforcement officials, elected officials, or other trusted public servants.

Scammers typically claim you are involved in an investigation or owe money and demand immediate payment or personal information. They often spoof legitimate government or law enforcement phone numbers, use the names of real officials, or even use fake video calls to appear legitimate.

Remember: Law enforcement officers and government officials will never demand that you send money through gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or other unusual payment methods.

Protect yourself:

* Never send money or provide sensitive information because of an unexpected phone call, text, or email.

* Look up the agency’s official phone number and dial the agency directly before providing any information - DO NOT rely on caller ID or click on any link.

* If you believe you are being targeted by an FBI impersonation scam, report it at tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI.

When in doubt, stop, hang up, and verify independently.

10/06/2026

Keansburg man charged for Eluding which resulted in serious injuries

On Monday, October 5th, a Keansburg man was arrested and charged with eluding that resulted in a motor vehicle accident which caused severe injuries, Union County Prosecutor William A.
Daniel and Linden Police Chief David Hart announced today.

Darryl Petlock, age 48, was charged with two counts of second-degree eluding, five counts of second-degree aggravated assault while eluding, and three counts of fourth-degree assault by
auto.

The preliminary investigation revealed that at approximately 2:45 p.m. on October 5, 2026, Linden Police Officers were notified of a Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling at a high rate of speed on East Linden Avenue. Linden Officers responded to the area and observed the Jeep driving at a high rate of speed into oncoming traffic in an attempt to drive around a pickup truck. This ultimately resulted in a head-on collision with a Honda Civic containing three passengers, a 33-year-old female, a 29-year old male, and a 3-month-old baby. The passengers of the Honda Civic were transported to a local area hospital with critical injuries.

The driver of the subject vehicle, Petlock, was taken into custody and transported to a local area hospital.

The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation. Anyone with information should contact Union County Prosecutor’s Office Special Prosecutions Unit Detective Grace Proetta at (908) 358-7932 or Sergeant Craig Famoso at (908) 578-1036.

These criminal charges are mere accusations. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless and
until proven guilty in a Court of law.

10/05/2026

A serious motor vehicle crash that occurred this afternoon is under investigation.

The four-car crash occurred on the 200 block of E. Linden Ave at approximately 2:45 p.m. Two adults and an infant were critically injured in the crash and taken to University Hospital in Newark, along with another adult that sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The crash remains under investigation by the Union County Police Department. Linden Ave remains closed in both directions between Willow Glade and Wood Avenues. Please avoid the area.

10/05/2026

There’s still time to register for our upcoming self-defense training!

The class will be held this Thursday, October 8th, from 5pm - 7pm in the John T Gregorio Recreation Center, 330 Helen St.

This training is open to adults (18+), including seniors. Participants should be able to engage in light physical activity, but there is nothing crazy here.... our certified Police instructors will go through some basic movements to help keep you safe and protect yourself. Everything we teach can be modified to your physical abilities, and your participation level is completely up to you. You can even participate as a spectator if that's what you're comfortable with!

Please contact the Department of Parks & Recreation at (908) 474-8600 to register.