Drug Dealer Arrested Near Elementary School In Gloucester Township After Chase

A 24-year-old Gloucester Township man was arrested Wednesday for trying to sell pot near an elementary school, police said.

The Gloucester Township Police Department Special Investigations Unit recently concluded a lengthy investigation into the sale of Controlled Dangerous Substances in Gloucester Township. The Gloucester Township Police Department has implemented a number of initiatives and programs to combat the sales of illegal narcotics.

A local marijuana dealer became the primary focus of a prolonged police investigation. William Truitt, a 24-year-old male from Blackwood, was reported to be distributing marijuana, police said.

The Gloucester Township Police Department received several anonymous tips from the community utilizing our recently implemented Citizen Observer's "tip411" system. This system allows our residents and community members to forward anonymous tips about crime and other information through text messages and on the web http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-8jgse8UHg.

Strategic enhanced police operations were conducted in the immediate area of 1500 Little Gloucester Rd. Blackwood. Information was obtained by the Gloucester Township Police Operations Response Unit (ORU) and provided to the Gloucester Township Police Special Investigations Unit (SIU).

On Wednesday, the Gloucester Township Special Investigations Unit and Operations Response Unit, Winslow Township Police Department, and Voorhees Township Police Department arrested Truitt exiting his residence at approximately 6:30 p.m., police said. 

Truitt fled from police on foot after discarding a large plastic bag of marijuana. A search warrant was then executed at the 1500 block of Little Gloucester Rd. Blackwood. The residence was occupied by a 19-year-old female and 9 month child. The child was unharmed and the female was not involved.

Police recovered over an ounce of marijuana, numerous drug paraphernalia, and a quantity of U.S. currency. Truitt was charged with one count of Distribution of CDS (3rd degree), one count of Distribution of CDS (4th degree), Possession of CDS (DP), two counts Distribution of CDS Within 1000 feet of the C.W. Lewis Elementary School (3rd degree), Resisting Arrest by Flight (4th degree), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (DP). Truitt was remanded to the Camden County Correctional Facility in default of $75,000.00/10 percent bail.

Citizens or observers are encouraged to report any suspicious or criminal activity to our GTPD Anonymous Crime Tip Line: 856-842-5560. To send an Anonymous Tip via Text Message to Gloucester Township Police, text the keyword GLOTWP and your tip message to 847411 (tip411). You may also click here to access our Anonymous Web Tip page: http://www.citizenobserver.com/cov6/app/webTipForm.html?id=7510