PARK RIDGE, N.J.—An officer on patrol in the Staples parking lot off of Kinderkamack Road the late afternoon of Jan. 9 observed a vehicle with Arizona plates.
A random registration check showed that the owner’s license was suspended and a possible warrant had been issued in Arizona.
While this officer was positioning his patrol vehicle in order to observe the vehicle, the driver returned and began to exit the parking lot onto Kinderkamack Road.
The officer pulled behind the vehicle and initiated a motor vehicle stop in the parking lot.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer immediately smelled the odor of burnt and raw marijuana emanating from the open window.
The driver produced a New Jersey driver’s license and an electronic copy of proof of insurance. He was not able to provide a copy of the registration.
While speaking with the defendant, the officer also observed several cigarillo containers of the type commonly used to make marijuana blunts.
Small particles of greenish vegetation, known as shake were also observed.
Upon returning to his patrol car, the officer ran additional checks. The defendant’s New Jersey driver’s license was valid, though there were multiple summons entries over failure to update address and moving violations.
The vehicle registration showed the defendant had not turned in his Arizona license and that his driving privilege was suspended.
The Arizona return also indicated that an ignition interlock device was required.
An assisting officer arrived and was briefed. He was familiar with the vehicle as he had issued the driver a summons in December 2019.
Central Dispatch confirmed through the Arizona Highway Patrol that the defendant’s license was suspended effective Aug. 13, 2019.
It further confirmed that an ignition interlock was required until this Feb. 7. The warrant, issued by Tempe Municipal Court, was active but non-extraditable.
The assisting officer reported to the reporting officer that he, too, immediately smelled the odor of burnt marijuana. He further reported that the defendant stated he no longer required an ignition interlock device.
The defendant was asked to step out of his vehicle, and a probable cause search was conducted. This turned up a black backpack on the front passenger-side floor. Within was a plastic water bottle that had been converted into a water pipe or bong by the addition of a hollow socket tool to act as a “carb” and an additional hole to inhale smoke.
There was black residue inside of the metal piece and inside the bottle believed to be marijuana.
Also located was a small plastic bag labeled Stoney Patch in a manner similar to Sour Patch candies. There was a trace residue within the pouch.
The evidence was secured, and the defendant was advised that he was under arrest for possession of controlled dangerous substance and paraphernalia. he was searched and handcuffed.
At headquarters he was provided a court date of Jan. 22. After he was served, he was provided courtesy transportation back to his vehicle.
