By: Jeff Sommes
Police officials in Passaic County are investigating terroristic threats made at a restaurant in Wayne on New year's Eve.
According to a statement released by Wayne Police, on the evening of December 31st, a man walked into a restaurant on Hamburg Turnpike where he approached New Year's Eve dinner patrons at their tables.
Wayne Police said the suspect then pointed at the patrons' children and threatened to kill them.
Officials said they believed the suspect was intoxicated and carrying a beer can.
Wayne Police Officers responded and the restaurant owner pointed out the male suspect who was outside at that time.
Wayne officials said Officers recognized the man from previous, similar incidents as Mr. Stephen Sales, 42, of Wayne, who had been previously banned from the restaurant due to his behavior.
Police say Mr. Sales was arrested and charged with Defiant Trespass and Terroristic Threats. Mr. Sales was charged on a criminal complaint warrant and placed in Passaic County Jail pending a detention hearing. He was released following that hearing.
In a separate incident, police say on Tuesday, January 10th, at approximately 4 PM, Wayne Police Officers were dispatched to the window of the Wayne Township Violations Bureau for a disorderly male subject who was intoxicated and belligerent toward court staff.
Officials said Wayne Officers encountered Sales and directed him to leave the building due to his disorderly behavior. Mr. Sales was provided information to connect with his court hearing remotely via his cellphone, which he did.
Police say officers kept sight of Mr. Sales as he walked away from Wayne Town Hall. They observed Mr. Sales pause on the front lawn of Wayne Valley High School and proceeded to expose his genitals and urinate.
"Mr. Sales did this while facing the school and at a time when it was still daylight and school students were still present on campus." Wayne Police officials said.
Mr. Sales was taken into custody and was charged with Lewdness, Endangering the Welfare of Children, and Disorderly Conduct. Mr. Sales was placed in Passaic County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Wayne Police arrested Sales ten times since July 2nd, 2022. His charges have included Shoplifting and Aggravated Assault on Police Officers in addition to those previously listed.
Police say he is currently banned from numerous business establishments in Wayne Township due to his disorderly and threatening behavior.