Nutley Police Arrest ‘Suspicious’ Pair Near Sleepy Hollow Complex

Nutley, NJ – Nutley police arrested two Newark and Pennsylvania residents last month – both with multiple active warrants – and recovered gloves, a nylon stocking and an air soft gun while on patrol for “suspicious activity,” authorities say.

According to Nutley Police Director Alphonse Petracco, on June 21, officers Mathew Murphy and John Mecka were on duty as part of a specialized task force assigned to “investigate suspicious activity and be proactive.”

While on duty, the officers noticed that a car was parked near the Sleepy Hollow apartment complex and a man was walking in the area.

After speaking to the driver and passenger, the officers determined that each had multiple outstanding arrest warrants from several jurisdictions.

According to police, James Lockwood, 38, of Newark, had two active wants out of Phillipsburg, and Yareliz Cruz, 36, of Lauderdale, PA, had outstanding warrants out of Pennsauken Township, Bloomfield and Sparta Township.

Officers further investigated and found an air soft gun in the vehicle with the orange safety tip removed. The officers also recovered gloves and a nylon stocking from Lockwood.

Police issued Cruz a traffic summons. All jurisdictions were contacted and they released her on her own recognizance and advised her of her court dates.

Lockwood was charged with possession of an imitation firearm (4th degree), and his bail was set at $2,500 with a 10 percent option. He was transported to Essex County Jail and left in the custody of officers.

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