A man with a history of criminal activity in Upper Saddle River was taken into custody in Chestnut Ridge this week after allegedly threatening to kill a police officer, authorities said.
Lejay Jamal Butler, 34, of Chestnut Ridge, had previously been arrested in March 2023 on domestic-related charges in Upper Saddle River, including stalking, harassment, criminal mischief, and weapons possession. He was again taken into custody in July after allegedly violating a temporary restraining order by impersonating his victim on Instagram.
According to Upper Saddle River Detective Capt. Edward Kane, Butler resurfaced last week, making a series of threatening calls to police headquarters. On March 13, he allegedly placed three hang-up calls before cursing and issuing a death threat during a fourth call.
Police quickly obtained a warrant for Butler’s arrest on multiple charges, including making terroristic threats, stalking, filing a false report, and hindering apprehension.
Authorities located and apprehended Butler in Clarkstown on Monday. He was extradited to New Jersey on Wednesday, March 20, and is currently being held at the Bergen County Jail, pending his first court appearance in Hackensack’s Central Judicial Processing Court.
Officials noted Butler is a military veteran, standing 6-foot-3 and weighing approximately 220 pounds.