BY: Keith S. Shikowitz, Investigative Reporter
As of the writing of this article, Lieutenant Martinez of the Suffern Police Department claims that there is an investigation into this incident. The information in this article comes from the police report of officer Della-Bella of the Maywood Police Department, and the pictures from the witness to the hit and run.
Maywood NJ – February 19 at 12:37 pm, Suffern Police Sergeant William Osborn, according to police report and a witness, did so while operating a silver 2023 Ford F l50, bearing NY Reg: LFP 2555 and pulling out of a parking spot at 255 West Spring Valley Ave., in Maywood, NJ.
The police report also stated that while in the course of doing do, Osborn did strike the right rear bumper of a parked, unoccupied grey 2016 Nissan Maxima causing damage which was clearly visible, and which is believed to be over $500.
The officer in the report said, “I need to reiterate, there was clear and evident damage to the vehicle that Osborn struck, and that will be demonstrated shortly in this complaint.” According to the witness, who was sitting in his car, with the windows down, waiting for his wife, he witnessed the aforesaid silver Ford 150 pulling out of parking spot when he heard a ”crunch” sound. He observed the silver Ford F150 drive slowly for a short distance and then stop. The witness then observed a white male later identified as William Osborn exit the Ford F 150 and inspect his truck at the site of the collision. Witness further stated the white male proceeded to walk back to the parked vehicle that was struck and inspected the right rear bumper. Witness stated this white male then proceeded back to his F 150 and left the scene. The witness advised the officer that this male was the only occupant in the truck and took three photos:
1. One of the license plate.
2. White male walking back to his truck.
3. the parked vehicle that was struck.
A message was delivered to William Osborn instructing him to make contact with Maywood PD and give his side of the story. As per Officer Della-Bella’s accident report, William Osborn stated he was pulling out of a parking spot and felt his vehicle ”shake” and that he ”left the scene” as he observed ”no damage” to either vehicle.
However, the photos of the parked vehicle (below) show damage to the right rear fender in excess of $500.
The witness left a note to the owner of the car telling what he observed.
Once Officer Della-Bella made contact with Suffern PD, where he was informed that William Osborn is a Sergeant for Suffern PD. This Officer spoke with Suffern PD Sgt Kiernan where Sgt Kiernan was informed William Osborn was involved in a hit & run /leaving the scene accident in their jurisdiction. Following proper protocol, Sgt Kiernan informed Lieutenant Martinez of the incident.
On top of any potential charges, either civil and/or criminal relating to this incident, Sgt. Osborn may also face problems with the NYS DMV. The reason for this is because the address on William Osborn’s NYS driver’s license still comes back to his former address of 39 Maplewood Blvd, Suffern. The aforementioned F 150 registration address also comes back to this address. William Osborn moved to Sloatsburg on or about 09/24/2020. Failure to change his address is a violation of the following NYS VTL: Failure to notify the DMV of the new address will be a violation of VTL 509-8. The section simply states that all licensees are required to notify the commissioner (the DMV) in writing of a change of residence. This can be done through the mail, online, or in person at the DMV. If you move, the address on your license needs to be changed within ten days, specifically with the DMV.
Osborn may also be in violation of Village of Suffern Police Department Regulations and General Orders (the ”Suffern P.D. Manual”), General Order 130. II, A: RULES OF CONDUCT
1. Section I; Conduct brings discredit upon the department.
2. Section 14; Violation of any cult constituted law
3. Section 32; Fail to notify a superior officer that a member has violated department orders.
4. Section 57; Failure to report any information of a police nature in conformance with department orders
5. Disobedience of an order or procedure 6. Failure to treat any person civilly and respectfully 20. Knowingly make a false report, written or oral
Officer Della-Bella stated that William Osborn should be held accountable for his actions.