Crime & Safety
Prescription Drugs Caused Sheriff Officer's Erratic Behavior, Attorney Says
Suspended Bergen County Sheriff's Officer Kevin Garrett was charged with allegedly attempting to break into a Westwood home last week.
A suspended Bergen County Sheriff Officer who allegedly tried to break into a Westwood home last week made his first appearance in court Wednesday.
Kevin Garrett, who has been with the Sheriff's Office since 2011, was charged with being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance and attempting to unlawfully enter a dwelling after Westwood residents reported he was banging on their home shortly after 4:30 a.m. July 16.
When Westwood Police found Garrett, he was exhibiting "uncontrollable twitching" and acting "extremely excited and agitated," Police Chief Frank Regino previously said.
Garrett's attorney, Patrick Toscano, told Patch that the officer's erratic behavior was caused by prescription medication.
"We are confident all criminal charges against him will be dropped," Toscano said.
In court Wednesday, Toscano said that Garrett planned to plead not guilty, but Judge Alan Karch said they would have to wait until the matter had been referred to the Bergen County Prosecutor before making a plea.
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