LEWISBORO – Lewisboro police issued a warning to a South Salem resident last week when they were called to the Oakridge Commons housing complex to investigate an harassment complaint.

Officers issued the warning to Ray Valente, who was accused of harassing an African-American couple walking in the area of Oakridge Drive and Smith Ridge Road on July 4.

Police said Dennis and Marquetta Wilson were walking in the area when they passed Valente and another man who were having a conversation. Later, the couple noticed Valente driving slowly behind them. Valente pulled up beside them and asked them if they have a 16-year–son. According to police, Dennis Wilson replied that they had a son, but that he was much younger than that. Valente responded that he must have the wrong people and drove off toward the entrance of the Oakridge Commons. The Wilsons claimed that Valente then turned around and proceeded to drive very slowly as if in an effort to intimidate them. It was at that time they notified the police.

Lewisboro Officer James Stradley responded, along with a New York State trooper and interviewed Valente, who was still sitting in his car when they arrived.

Valente told police that he thought the Wilsons were the parents of an unknown 16-year-old African-American male who lives in the neighborhood who he believed to be harassing his 16-year-old daughter. Valente told police he assumed they were the parents “because there aren’t too many African-American families in the area.”

Offices advised Valente not to judge people based on skin color and that unwanted contact can be construed as a threat. Police then learned that Valente has a standing stay-away order from his ex-wife and daughter.

The Wilsons informed police that Valente never threatened them; however, they were concerned for their safety. Police advised them that if Valente continued to bother them, an order of protection may be warranted.  Valente was advised to have no contact with the Wilsons.

In other police news:

JULY 4

Police responded to a Flintlock Ridge residence for the report of an elderly woman going in and out of consciousness. Upon arrival, Westchester EMS was on the scene administering to the ailing individual, who was 99 years old. She was transported to Northern Westchester Hospital for further treatment and observation.

JULY 4

Police responded to a Mount Holly Road residence for a reported domestic dispute. Upon arrival, police discovered the caller, Kevin Roach, in the house, while his wife Maureen was outside talking on her cell phone. Police alleged that Mrs. Roach was highly intoxicated, which is what her husband said precipitated the event. Mr. Roach said that while his wife was preparing dinner, he entered the kitchen and Mrs. Roach began slapping, scratching, pushing and verbally abusing him, which prompted him to call the police. Officers’ efforts to speak with Mrs. Roach were in vain as she remained in an agitated state and only wanted to discuss an ongoing problem he had with the State Police and “other non-sequiturs.” Officers suggested to Mr. Roach that he leave the premises for the evening to allow his wife to cool off and become less antagonistic. He agreed to do so.

JULY 6

Police were dispatched to Bacio’s restaurant on North Salem Road in Cross River on a call for an accident in the parking lot. Upon the arrival of Officer William Frattarola, he was approached by someone from the restaurant who said someone came into the establishment and seemed disoriented. The restaurant employee was talking to Scarsdale police at the time who told Frattarola that the person – Mrs. Romanoff – was reported missing from their jurisdiction and was in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s. Officer Frattarola stayed with the woman until family members arrived to pick her up.

JULY 8

Police were dispatched to Ashwood Road for a report of criminal mischief. A resident informed police that someone had broken the latch on her mailbox and possibly took the mail. The resident was advised to take fraud protection action and notify the post office.

JULY 9

Police responded to 9 Brady Farm Road in Goldens Bridge to assist New York State police with subduing a resident who become enraged after returning home from a party and began destroying doors and other property within the home. Michael Skalaski was taken under the MHL law and transported to Westchester Medical Center for further evaluation.

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