EXCLUSIVE: An Englewood man whose car broke down in front of City Hall ended up with much more trouble after he beat on a passing motorist’s car, took the driver’s cellphone when he tried to call police and then threatened to harm him, authorities said.
The driver said he was passing the Municipal Building just before 9 a.m. Tuesday when Shareem Taylor walked into the street.
Taylor’s car had broken down out front and he had to get a tow, Police Chief Lawrence Suffern told CLIFFVIEW PILOT.
The driver said he honked his horn at Taylor, who began beating on his car as he continued past.
The motorist said he stopped and began calling police on his cellphone when Taylor, 29, ran up to his window, snatched the phone and took off.
He then stopped, took out the battery and returned the phone to the motorist before walking away, Suffern said.
Responding officers found Taylor returning to his car after summoning a tow truck, the chief said.
“He denied it was him, but we had the victim right there,” Suffern said.
The chief said Taylor then told the motorist: “It’s very dangerous out here. I hope you don’t get hurt.”
“We consider that a threat,” Suffern said.
Taylor, who has a previous burglary conviction on his record, remained held on $35,000 bail in the Bergen County Jail today, charged with robbery and making threats.
MUGSHOT: Courtesy ENGLEWOOD PD