CLOSTER, N.J.—On Aug. 13 at 10:20 a.m., Patrolman Jorge Vela observed a vehicle with an obstructed view and began following it east on Old Hook Road. Vela watched the vehicle travel east on Cedar Lane at 33 mph in a 25-mph zone, then fail to signal properly.
Vela conducted a motor vehicle stop and requested the driver provide his credentials. The driver appeared extremely nervous, breathing heavily, unable to make eye contact, shaking and unable to provide a registration card, Vela wrote in his investigation report.
As the driver fumbled with his documents, Vela questioned where he was traveling to and from. Backup officers were requested to respond.
The driver, 31, from Landing, N.J., was asked to step out of the car. As he did, he put his hands in his pockets and Vela ordered him to remove his hands from his pockets. The driver continued to show signs of nervousness, placing his hands into his pockets.
Due to the totality of circumstances, Vela asked him if he had anything he shouldn’t in his possession, and he stated he had a little bit of marijuana. He was searched with negative results.
A search of the vehicle was conducted. Inside the driver’s backpack was a prescription bottle with no label containing numerous white pills later found to be Lorazepam (a generic for Ativan), a schedule 4 controlled dangerous substance.
(According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: “Lorazepam is used to relieve anxiety. Lorazepam is in a class of medications called benzodiazepines. It works by slowing activity in the brain to allow for relaxation.”)
There was also a clear plastic bag containing marijuana found inside the car.
The driver was arrested and transported to police headquarters without incident. During questioning, after being read his rights, he told police he got the pills from his mother-in-law, and stated he was addicted to pills, and had been to rehab in the past. He requested to take a pill during questioning and throughout his arrest.
He was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of marijuana, and given an Aug. 20 Closter Municipal Court date. He was given a courtesy transport back to his vehicle.