7 Arrested For Cocaine, Marijuana In Cranford

CRANFORD, NJ — A total of seven people were arrested for possession of cocaine or marijuana. One person was also arrested for driving while intoxicated in Cranford, police report.

Cranford Police Blotter:

On Oct. 27 at 2:39 p.m.: A 2003 Ford was stopped on Centennial Avenue at Hayes Street for not having a drivers side mirror. Following an investigation the driver, Scott Munroe, 44, of Keyport provided the officer with a fictitious name. Munroe was arrested for hindering apprehension, processed and released pending a municipal court hearing. Munroe was also issued motor vehicle summonses for driving while suspended, not having a drivers side mirror, and failure to exhibit documents.

On Oct. 27 at 8:17 p.m.: A 2002 Honda was stopped on North Avenue East at Carpenter Place for a seat belt violation. Following an investigation a passenger, Jelani Okantey, 19, of Roselle was found to be in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. Okantey was arrested for possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia, processed and released pending a municipal court hearing. Okantey and the driver of the vehicle were issued motor vehicle summonses for failing to wear seat belts.

On Oct. 27 at 10:40 p.m.: A 2012 Chevrolet was stopped on Raritan Road at Moen Street for having an inoperable license plate light. Following an investigation the driver, Arthur Gathercole, 22, of Garwood was found to be in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. Gathercole was arrested for possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia, processed and released pending a municipal court hearing. Gathercole was also issued motor vehicle summonses for having an unclear license plate, careless driving, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle.

On Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m.: A 2001 Honda was stopped on East North Avenue at Carpenter Place for having inoperable brake lights. Following an investigation the driver, Tahlir Jones, 28, of Elizabeth was found to be in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. Jones was arrested for possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia, processed and released pending a municipal court hearing. Jones was also issued motor vehicle summonses for driving while suspended, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a vehicle and improper maintenance of lamps.

On Oct. 31 at 12:44 a.m.: Police responded to a report of a motor vehicle accident that involved an overturned vehicle on Lincoln Avenue West at Burnside Avenue. Following an investigation it was determined that the driver of the vehicle involved, Deirdre Cooney, 39, of North Plainfield was intoxicated, and had struck a parked vehicle. Cooney was arrested for DWI, reckless driving and refusal to submit to a breathalyzer, processed and released pending a municipal court hearing.

On Oct. 31 at 9:13 a.m.: A 2003 Honda was stopped on Springfield Avenue at Orange Avenue for failing to signal before a turn. Following an investigation it was determined that Kerlens Genelien, 30, of Rahway was in possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and paraphernalia. Genelien was arrested for possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia, processed and released pending a municipal court hearing. Genelien was also issued motor vehicle summons for having an unclear license plate and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle.

On Nov. 2 at 7:24 p.m.: A 2007 Honda was stopped at North Union Avenue at Elizabeth Avenue for a seat belt violation. Following an investigation the driver, David Carson, 32, of Westfield was found to be in possession of crack cocaine and paraphernalia. Carson was arrested for possession of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine) and possession of paraphernalia, processed and released pending a superior court hearing. Carson was also issued motor vehicle summonses for failure to wear a seat belt and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a vehicle.

On Nov. 2 at 7:32 p.m.: A 2002 Chrysler was stopped at North Avenue East and Springfield Avenue for having an inoperable brake light. Following an investigation the driver, Louis May, 57, of Maplewood was found to be in possession of a crack cocaine and paraphernalia. May was arrested for possession of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine) and possession of paraphernalia, processed, and released pending a superior court hearing. May was also issued motor vehicle summonses for having a brake light out and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle.

On Nov. 2 at 10:43 p.m.: A 1996 Buick was stopped on South Avenue East for not having a light on the rear license plate. Following an investigation the driver, Thomas Birkner, 38, of Clark was found to be in possession of crack cocaine and paraphernalia. Birkner was arrested for possession of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine) and possession of paraphernalia, processed and released pending a superior court hearing. Birkner was also issued motor vehicle summonses for failing to wear a seat belt and maintenance of lamps.

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