5 Drug, 2 DWI Arrests Made In Cranford

CRANFORD, NJ — A total of five drug and two driving while intoxicated arrests were made last week in Cranford, according to police.

Cranford Police Blotter:

On July 14 at 10:30 p.m.: A 2006 Chevrolet was stopped at the intersection of E. Lincoln Avenue and Thomas Street for a seat belt violation. Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Brian Trotter located marijuana inside the vehicle. A passenger, Matthew Grecco, 22, of Williamson, West Virginia was arrested for possession of marijuana (under 50 grams) and possession of paraphernalia, processed and released pending a Municipal Court appearance. The driver was issued a motor vehicle summons for failing to wear a seat belt.

On July 14 at 8:13 p.m.: Patrol Units responded to the intersection of Hampton Road and Eastman Street on a reported motor vehicle accident. Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Joseph Sherbo determined that the driver, Zenasia Bowers, 22, of Elizabeth was driving while intoxicated. Bowers was arrested for driving while intoxicated, processed and released to a family member, pending a Municipal Court appearance. Additionally, Bowers was issued motor vehicle summonses for driving while intoxicated, driving while suspended, careless driving, reckless driving and having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.

On July 16 at 3:26 a.m.: A 2006 Chevrolet was stopped at the intersection of Centennial Avenue and Jackson Drive for failing to signal. Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Michael O’Neil determined that the driver, Darnell Fagg, 27, of East Orange was driving while intoxicated. Fagg was arrested for driving while intoxicated, processed and released to a friend pending a Municipal Court appearance. Fagg was also issued motor vehicle summonses for driving while intoxicated, careless driving and failure to signal.

On July 17 at 7:45 p.m.: A 2002 Hyundai was stopped at the intersection of Centennial Avenue and Myrtle Street for an equipment violation. Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Daniel Donnerstag located heroin and a hypodermic syringe inside the vehicle. A passenger, Michael Knips, 38, of Avenel was arrested for possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a hypodermic syringe and possession of paraphernalia, processed and released pending a Superior Court appearance. The driver was issued a summons for having a view obstruction.

On July 18 at 12:56 a.m.: While investigating the source of an odor of marijuana, Patrolman Michael O’Neil conducted a pedestrian stop of an individual, Christopher Boyd, 45, of Cranford. Boyd was found to be in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. Boyd was arrested for possession of marijuana (under 50 grams) and possession of paraphernalia, processed and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

On July 18 at 7:40 p.m.: A 2001 Subaru was stopped at the intersection of Garden State Parkway exit 137 northbound and E. North Avenue for a seat belt violation. Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Michael O’Neil located marijuana inside the vehicle. A passenger, Kevin Chance, 31, of East Orange was arrested for possession of marijuana (under 50 grams), possession of paraphernalia and contempt of court, processed and released pending a Municipal Court appearance. Chance was also issued a motor vehicle summons for failure to wear a seat belt.

On July 20 at 10:47 p.m.: While on routine patrol, Patrolman John Rattigan located a suspicious occupied vehicle in the area of Beech Street. Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Rattigan determined that the occupant, Joie Tortorello, 27, of Garwood had multiple active warrants for her arrest. Furthermore, it was discovered that Tortorello was in possession of cocaine. Tortorello was arrested for possession of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine), possession of paraphernalia and contempt of court, processed, issued a date to appear in Superior Court, and turned over to the Westfield Police Department on an active warrant.

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