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. 5 at 3:07 a.m., Patrolman Daniel Hargrave observed a vehicle with a headlight out traveling at 41 mph in a 35 mph zone on Closter Dock Road.
Hargrave conducted a U-turn and began to follow the vehicle, conducting a motor vehicle stop on Durie Avenue. He approached the driver and requested his credentials.
While speaking with the driver, Hargrave detected the odor of marijuana emanating from within the cabin of the vehicle. The driver appeared to be very nervous, was trembling and refused to make eye contact.
The driver, 33, stated he was coming from Harriman State Park in New York State, traveling home to New Milford. He was asked to remain in the car as Hargrave went to conduct a department of motor vehicles check. The driver did not have any active warrants.
Upon returning to the car, Hargrave asked the driver if he had anything illegal in the car, prompting him to stare straight and sigh. Hargrave advised the driver that now was the time to be honest and let him know if there was anything in the car. The driver replied “there is nothing crazy.” He then confessed to having marijuana, pipes he uses with THC wax and “NO2 cartridges.”
The driver stated he had a medical marijuana card for the marijuana, and he produced his New Jersey State Medical Marijuana card. Hargrave asked where the marijuana was located, and the driver stated it was in his backpack, located on the floorboard of the front passenger seat.
Once Sgt. James Buccola arrived, the driver was ordered to step out of the vehicle, patted down, and told to stand on the sidewalk as his car was searched.
The search yielded a glass jar containing raw marijuana under 50 grams, one small red plastic container labeled “Medical cannabis California 3.5 grams,” a glass bong and a glass bowl/pipe, both containing THC wax residue, one glass pipe, one metal pipe, and three NO2 cartridges.
The driver was advised that the marijuana card was not valid for the marijuana and drug paraphernalia, due to violating numerous guidelines set forth by the New Jersey Department of Health.
The driver was placed under arrest, handcuffed and transported to headquarters, while his car was parked in a safe location.
At headquarters, the man was fingerprinted, photographed, charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also issued four motor vehicle summonses.
The driver was issued a Jan. 22 court date, given a courtesy transport back to his vehicle and released without incident.