RIDGEFIELD MAN ARRESTED FOR SPITTING INCIDENT DURING FAIRVIEW PROTEST

A Ridgefield man has been arrested after allegedly spitting on two individuals during a protest in Fairview that later escalated into violence.

Giancarlo Pontecorvo, 26, was taken into custody on Monday, July 14, at his workplace in Carlstadt, according to Fairview Police. Authorities say he was attending a protest on Saturday, July 12, when he first spat on a fellow demonstrator. He then crossed Anderson Avenue and allegedly spat on a passing motorist, identified as Linda Roglen, 62, of North Bergen.

Moments later, Roglen drove her vehicle into the crowd. Police say she initially struck Pontecorvo, prompting other demonstrators to surround her car. Roglen then continued forward, hitting several more people. One protester was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Pontecorvo has been charged with two counts of simple assault and was released pending a court appearance.

Roglen faces more serious charges: four counts of assault by auto, as well as citations for careless driving, reckless driving, failure to stop for a pedestrian, and leaving the scene of an accident. She was also released pending further proceedings.

The protest, organized by the advocacy group United Without Fear, was focused on immigration enforcement and had remained peaceful prior to the incident.

Fairview Police are continuing to investigate and are urging anyone with additional information or video footage to come forward.