Ridgewood Man Charged After Allegedly Biting Off Part of Man's Ear

A Ridgewood man was jailed after police say he allegedly bit off part of a man's ear on a Monday afternoon in the middle of downtown Ridgewood.

Police say 23-year-old Ridgewood resident Jhony Ashqui was arrested and charged with aggravated assault for allegedly biting part of a man's ear off during an altercation shortly after 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15 at Van Neste Square. The victim was transported to Valley Hospital, police say, and Detective Chris McDowell added that no cause for the altercation has yet been established. Ashqui was remanded to Bergen County Jail, unable to post bail, according to police.

Other incidents police responded to within the past week:

• Police say a Mulberry Place resident reported that she's received a number of "harassing" phone calls over the past year. Police say they are investigating.
• A Hillcrest Road resident reported to police on March 21 to receiving "threatening" text messages from an out-of-state number. Detectives are investigating.

The Ridgewood Police are also cautioning residents to be careful when walking or biking around the village as the weather heats up. Drivers should be extra-cautious as the number of pedestrians and cyclists will rise.