(Press Release) PERTH AMBOY – Perth Amboy’s crime surge continued this past weekend as eight vehicles were reportedly broken into and vandalized at the Green Village Apartments located nearby the James J. Flynn Elementary School.

This follows several months of violent crime activity in the bay city with little or no advisory notifications to residents. Last week’s reports of multiple stabbings was preceded by over 30 bullet casings found at the corner of Madison Avenue and Jefferson Street and previous reports of a murder on High Street and Hall Avenue and an attempted rape days before.

“Residents are desperate to find out what Police Director Mayor Diaz and Chief Roman Mckeon are doing to stem the tide of violent crimes encroaching every City neighborhood. Sadly, the City Council is complicit in shielding the Mayor and Police Chief instead of protecting the health and safety of the residents they took an oath to serve and protect,” stated Joseph B. Vas.

In recent weeks, Vas has repeatedly demanded the City Council conduct an emergency public meeting to allow residents and the City Council the opportunity to ask questions and provide any information they may have about this unprecedented crime surge. Council President William Petrick who has endorsed a fellow council member, has refused the requests, referring to the problem as purely political.

“There is nothing political about murder, shootings, rape, and vandalism. Hiding relevant information from residents puts everyone on their heals and elevates the distrust our community already feels. Arming our residents with accurate information and recruiting their eyes and ears is an essential asset to our police officers and an important element of community policing strategy,” added Vas.

Last week, Chief Mckeon posted a second video acknowledging the crime activity, but dismissing the community’s right to know, stating such investigations require a level of secrecy. Furthermore, he and Police Director Mayor Diaz have refused to comment about the appointment of an unqualified department lieutenant to Acting Captain assigned to the patrol division while also serving as Campaign Manager to the Diaz re-election campaign.

The department is required to follow Civil Service Regulations and appoint from the civil service list of eligible and qualified candidates. The Fraternal Order of Police Officers, the labor union representing the eligible officers, has filed a formal complaint with the City.

“Apparently, it’s politics over safety for Mayor Diaz and the City Council. I promise the residents of Perth Amboy I will be on their side if I am elected Mayor,” concluded Vas.