Garfield police

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

A Garfield woman has been arrested in connection with an attempted arson and two package thefts, authorities said.

The first incident happened on Friday, Nov. 21, when a resident told Police Officer Patrick Connolly she saw suspicious activity on her home surveillance system earlier that day, Garfield Police Capt. Mario Pozo said.

Police said the video showed a woman approaching the front porch with a cardboard box and a container of clear liquid.

The suspect, described as a heavy-set Hispanic female wearing a white hoodie and black pants, poured the liquid on the box and tried several times to ignite it, according to the report. Police said the woman returned a third time with an aerosol can, igniting the box and creating a visible orange glow.

Responding officers found soot on the porch and recovered a charred cardboard box as evidence. Detective Jon Librizzi later identified the suspect as Evelyn C. Ruiz, 37, who also lives on Division Avenue, police said. A warrant was issued for her arrest.

On Wednesday, Nov. 26, Officer Nicholas Marquez took a report of a package theft at another Division Avenue home. The homeowner provided video showing a woman, later identified as Ruiz, taking a package from the porch and waving at the camera before fleeing. A second theft report also identified Ruiz as the suspect, and warrants were issued, according to police.

Officers Jaime Vazquez and Nicholas Marquez then conducted surveillance in the area on Wednesday afternoon. Police said Ruiz was spotted on Division Avenue and arrested without incident.

Ruiz was taken to the Bergen County Jail and charged with causing or risking widespread injury or damage, endangering another person, and two counts of theft.

Police reminded the public that “all charges are accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.”

Anyone seeking more information may contact the Garfield Police Department Public Information Office.