This section is based on data provided to the Northern Valley Press by neighborhood police departments. Due to pending court appearances and other variations, the following information shall be read in “press time” context.
CLOSTER, N.J.—On Jan. 2 at 12:25 p.m., Patrolman Jorge Vela observed a New York-registered car illegally parked and idling.
He circled back and ran the car’s plates.
Vela approached the car—noting both occupants did not observe his presence—and observed the passenger using rolling papers to prepare marijuana in plain view.
The driver tried to step out of the car and was ordered back into the vehicle.
Backup officers responded.
The driver—a 33-year-old Bronx, N.Y., man—admitted to police that there was more marijuana in the center console.
The passenger—a 21-year-old Bronx, N.Y., man—admitted to police, when asked if had ever been arrested before, that his house had been raided last year “for guns and money.” He denied knowing if there was anything illegal in the car, but acted extremely nervous, breathing heavy, shaking, constantly placing his hands in his pockets, looking at the driver and pacing.
Patrolman Christopher Barbieri and Vela searched the car and found a black plastic bag containing 10 green cylinders of marijuana, a flip phone and $20 in cash.
The driver told police everything was his. He was handcuffed and arrested without incident.
The passenger, prior to being released, was asked about his pedigree information, and told that if he was providing false information he could be placed under arrest. The passenger told police he had given them a false last name. The man did not have any outstanding warrants and was released.
The driver was charged with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of marijuana and issued a motor vehicle summons.