PARSIPPANY — Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Officers responded to the Parsippany Exxon gas station, 3019 Route 46 East, for a verbal argument at 7:23 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20.

Upon arrival of responding officers, the victim advised them that he was being verbally harassed by at least one occupant of a parked 2014 Toyota Corolla while he was outside of the building getting water.

The occupant continued to verbally harass him and taunt him. The victim took a picture of the vehicle’s plate so he could document the incident. As he did so, two male occupants exited the vehicle and one of them confronted the victim.

That person was later identified as Stephen Laverty, 20, Morris Plains. Mr. Laverty began to use racial comments towards the victim and attempted to take his phone and punch him. The victim was able to avoid the punch and call 911. The victim further stated that the occupants got back into the Toyota Corolla and left the area.

As officers were searching for the vehicle, the Parsippany Police Department’s Communication Center received a phone call at 10:28 p.m. regarding a suspicious vehicle and possible drug activity. The dispatcher quickly realized it was the same vehicle from the earlier incident at the Exxon Gas Station and dispatched officers to 7-11 Convenience Store, 31 North Beverwyck Road.

Officers conducted a traffic stop on the Toyota as it attempted to leave the parking lot. After a brief investigation, passengers Stephen Laverty and Antony Wyzga, 23, Lake Hiawatha, were found to be in possession of CDS. It was also confirmed that Mr. Laverty was the male who attempted to strike the victim earlier at the Exxon Gas Station. They were both transported back to police headquarters for processing. Parsippany Police Department Detectives also assisted in the investigation.

Stephen Laverty was charged with one count of Bias Intimidation in the Fourth Degree, one count of Possession of CDS in the Third Degree (Vyvanse Pills), one count of Possession of CDS on the Third Degree (Xanex Pill), one count of Under the Influence of CDS a Disorderly Persons Offense, one count of Failure to turn over CDS to Police a Disorderly Persons Offense, one count of Harassment-Striking/Offensive Touching a Petty Disorderly Persons Offense and one count of Harassment-Communication in a Manner to Cause Alarm a Petty Disorderly Persons Offense.

Antony Wyzga was charged with one count of Possession or Use of CDS in the Third Degree (Vyvanse Pills), one count of Possession of less than fifty grams of Marijuana, a Disorderly Persons Offense, one count of Under the Influence of CDS without a Prescription, a Disorderly Persons Offense, one count of Failure to turn over CDS to Police, a Disorderly Persons Offense.

Both males were transported to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending their first court appearance.

Editors Note: A criminal complaint is merely an accusation. Despite this accusation, the defendant is presumed innocent until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

PARSIPPANY – Mayor Michael Soriano is proud to announce that Captain Andrew Miller will be promoted to Chief of the Parsippany-Troy Hills Police Department, effective March 1.

“Over the past two months, it has been a true honor to get to know the men and women of Parsippany’s police force, including our senior leadership,” Soriano said.  “After an extensive decision-making process and careful consideration of every eligible candidate, as well as the recent tragedy in Florida, I came to the conclusion that Captain Miller is my choice to the lead the department, particularly during these troubled times.”

“This was not an easy decision,” Soriano continued.  “Deputy Chief Richard Pantina and Captain Jay Weiners embody the spirit of public service that we need in this township and this country.  I am proud to have both of them in senior leadership positions in our department.

Captain Miller has served with the Parsippany Police Department for twenty-six years, most recently serving as commander of the Investigative Division.  In addition to eight years of honorable service in the New Jersey Army National Guard, he holds a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Farleigh Dickinson University.  He is also the recipient of eleven awards and commendations from the Parsippany Police Department, including the Exceptional Duty Medal and Life Saving Award.

“Having proudly served the Parsippany Police Department for twenty-six years, it is with great excitement that I accept the honor of serving as Chief of Police,” Miller commented.  “This incredible opportunity is owed to the Parsippany Police Officers who I’ve worked for and with over the years, whose leadership, influence and shared job experiences provide the knowledge and ability necessary for me to assume this trust.  To Mayor Michael Soriano, your confidence and trust in me is greatly appreciated.”

Miller continued, “We all congratulate Chief Paul Philipps on his well-deserved retirement after thirty-eight years of highly dedicated service to the law enforcement community.

Chief Paul Philipps will retire on March 1, after thirty-eight years of service to the Parsippany Police Department.

“Although we did not have the opportunity to work together for very long, I have a deep respect for Chief Philipps’ dedication to this township,” Soriano said.  “I know that Andrew Miller will continue the commitment to excellence that has been demonstrated by the Parsippany Police Department since its founding, and I look forward to our residents seeing the innovative and purposeful ideas he will bring to our community.”