PUBLIC SAFETY NOW FRONT & CENTER IN WAKE OF RIDGE ROAD MURDERS!
Residents convey concerns with candidate Balwierczak in the wake of homicides.
NORTH ARLINGTON – While authorities continue to investigate the savage Ridge Road murders of two young men, residents remain concerned if this is just an isolated incident or a true spike in crime.
This is the second major incident involving crime here in North Arlington.
Last Spring a federal raid of a North Arlington business on the Belleville Turnpike regarding drugs has gone largely without comment by the Pronti Administration.
The business known as The Peak, LLC was the subject of the raid and apparently is now closed.
As of today, there has been no public announcement of arrests or criminal charges in the Ridge Road, double homicide investigation, and the case remains under investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and the North Arlington Police Department.
The victims were identified as Brian Dominick Lockett, 28, of North Arlington, and Ezequiel Aquino, 29, of Newark. Investigators continue to state that the shooting stemmed from an altercation between two small groups near the intersection of Ridge Road and Belleville Turnpike on the evening of July 19, 2026.
Authorities have emphasized that the incident was targeted and isolated, and not a random attack.
One aspect that has drawn attention is media reporting that the confrontation may have arisen during a child custody exchange involving one of the victims, his former partner, and her current boyfriend.
Those details have appeared in media accounts based on family interviews, but law enforcement has not officially confirmed that narrative as the motive for the killings.
To date, no major public initiatives have been made public since the shootings.
There has been no announced package of new crime-fighting initiatives, such as expanding the police force, installing additional surveillance cameras, creating a dedicated Ridge Road patrol, imposing new late-night business regulations, or proposing new public safety ordinances.
John Balwierczak, the Democratic nominee for mayor, credited NAPD and the Bergen County Prosecutor for their efforts in this ongoing murder investiagation.
“I’m confident that this case will be solved in due time. We need to remain patient and supportive of these efforts by the appropriate authorities. Residents are obviously concerned and rightly so. Since I am not an elected official, my comments will be measured and should voters seek a change, I will withhold specific comment until the appropriate time,” offered Balwierczak.
“The Ridge Road double homicide is an extraordinary news event, not representative of the borough’s typical crime patterns. For now, being supportive of the victims and their families is the correct course of action,” offered the lifelong NA resident.
The murders have prompted broader discussion about whether North Arlington should install more public security cameras along Ridge Road, increase overnight police patrols, improve lighting in commercial areas, expand the use of license plate readers, and strengthen partnerships between businesses and police.
Whether the borough ultimately adopts any of these measures will likely depend on what investigators determine about how the shootings unfolded and whether any security gaps were identified.
“An after-action review once the investigation concludes will probably be forthcoming. If successful, I’ll work closely with the Chief as to what is that best course of action should I assume the office of Mayor.”
Balwierczak, who temporarily suspended his campaign after the untimely and unexpected passing of his mother Marie, 65, is back canvassing door to door speaking with voters.
“People want to know what’s happening, and they appreciate my efforts to stay engaged in these difficult circumstances. North Arlington is a family, and we come together in times of a crisis such as this,” offered Balwierczak.
Meet John Balwierczak. 
He’ll be happy to stop by your home and talk about the issues you really want to talk about.
His number is (201) 655-8497 or via e-mail at [email protected]