Attempted Arson Alleged at Bloomfield Dentist Office

A West Orange man tried to burn down the office of Bloomfield dentist Dr. Ed Kaplan by pouring a flammable liquid on to the floor and lighting it on fire, according to police.

The suspect, identified as Gray Harewood, 69, by NorthJersey.com, attempted to flee the scene on Monday but was restrained by several people who witnessed the incident, police said. There were no injuries.

NorthJersey.com said the suspect was upset about dental work from five years ago and poured an unknown liquid on the floor. "He then went past the reception area into the office area, where he is alleged to have tried to push the doctor into the burning room," Capt. Joe Pulido said.

Kaplan runs Advanced Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry at 301 Belleville Avenue in Bloomfield.  According to his website, Kaplan and his team have been practicing in Essex County since 1950.

In other crime news, the Bloomfield police provided the following information.  The reports do not indicate a conviction.

BURGLARY

Residential Burglaries

Oct. 7: A resident on the 200 block of Franklin Street reported someone forced open the door to an apartment stole $1,200 cash from a rear bedroom.

Attempt Burglary

Oct. 3: A resident on the 200 block of Stone House Road reported a rear window and screen were removed from the house and a patio chair was found under the window. No entry was gained to the house.

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Stolen Vehicles

Oct. 7: A 2006 Lexus was stolen from the 100 block of Evans Road. 

 Oct. 9:  A 2007 Toyota Camry was stolen from 279 Bloomfield Ave. 

Attempt Theft of a Vehicle

Oct. 8: An attempt was made to steal a 2000 Hyundai with an open window from 87 LaFrance Ave. 

Theft From Vehicles

Oct. 8: A resident on the 30 block of John Street said someone pried open his driver side door lock and stole an iPod 160gb in a black case.

Oct. 8: A victim at 556 Bloomfield Ave. said someone enteredhis car and removed a set of Ping golf clubs. There was no damage to the car.

Theft

Oct. 10: A resident on the 30 block of Martin Street reported someone stole her bicycle from the back of the house.

Robbery

Oct. 7: A woman walking on the 50 block of Waldo Avenue reported two men approached her while she was walking. One man forcibly took $20 bill from her while the other suspect removed her gold necklace.

Oct. 8: A woman purse was stolen as she sat in her car at 135 Bloomfield Ave.

The woman reported two men came up to the car and threatened her, with one man saying, “Do not look at me or I will kill you.” He then reached across her lap and removed her pocketbook containing the her driver’s license, Social Security card and numerous other items. The suspects then fled on the train tracks.

Criminal Mischief

Oct. 5: A man said someone scratched his parked car on the 500 block of Beardsley Avenue. 

Oct. 5: A man said another man set fire to leaves and garbage behind his home on the 190 block of State Street. The homeowner chased the suspect, but was unable to catch him. 

Oct. 6: A woman said someone scratched her parked car in a lot at 60 West St. 

Oct. 6: A woman said someone broke out the rear window of her parked car at 186 Franklin St.

Oct. 7: A woman said someone scratched her parked car on the 50 block of Rena Lane while it was parked overnight.                                    

ARRESTS

 Oct. 7: Jaison Martinez of Newark was arrested for motor vehicle theft, altering a vehicle identification number, possession of a stolen automobile and endangering the welfare of a minor. 

Oct. 7:  Damion Mikell of Newark was arrested for conspiracy to commit theft, altering a vehicle identification number, possession of stolen automobile and endangering the welfare of a minor. 

Oct. 8:  Rajohn Blakewood of Newark was arrested for burglary and  theft. 

Oct. 9:  Rene Magna of Bloomfield was arrested for outstanding warrants. 

Oct. 10:  Gray Harewood of West Orange was arrested for arson and various other charges.