Crack Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana Found In Cranford Car

CRANFORD, NJ — Cranford Police reported finding a multitude of drugs inside a car in the township, including crack cocaine, marijuana and heroin.

On Aug. 2 at 6:46 a.m., patrol units responded to the area of E. South Avenue and Thomas Street for a physical altercation in progress. Upon arrival, Patrolman Ali Muhammad observed an occupied 2006 Nissan in the area.

Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Muhammad located a multitude of narcotics inside the vehicle, including crack cocaine, marijuana and heroin, police report.

The owner of the vehicle, Jalen Pierce, 23, of West Orange claimed ownership of the narcotics. Pierce was charged with possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine and marijuana, possession with the intent to distribute within a school zone, possession of a controlled dangerous substance (heroin), possession of marijuana and possession of heroin.

A passenger inside the vehicle, Jonathan Loewing, 23, of Manchester was found to be in possession of marijuana. Both Pierce and Loewing were arrested, processed and released pending a Superior Court appearance.

Other Cranford Police Blotter items:

On July 25 at 8:46 p.m.: A 1987 BMW was stopped at the intersection of E. North Avenue and John Street for multiple equipment violations. Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Timothy Handy located marijuana inside the vehicle. The driver, Ryan Andre, 20, of Union was arrested for possession of marijuana (under 50 grams) and possession of paraphernalia, processed and released pending a Municipal Court appearance. Additionally, Andre was issued motor vehicle summonses for unclear plates, improper window tint, cracked windshield and possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle.

On July 26 at 4:50 p.m.: A 2009 Honda was stopped at the intersection of E. South Avenue and Thomas Street for an equipment violation. Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Robert Jordan located a hypodermic syringe and a glass pipe, commonly used to ingest narcotics, inside the vehicle. A passenger, Christina Wetmore, 34, of Colonia was arrested, processed and released pending a Municipal Court appearance. The driver was issued a motor vehicle summons for having a cracked windshield.

On July 29 at 10:24 p.m.: A 2006 Dodge was stopped at the intersection of Raritan Road and Garden State Parkway exit 136 southbound ramp for an equipment violation. Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Ryan Gerrity located marijuana inside the vehicle. The driver, Dimitri Lauvanis, 32, of Rahway was arrested for possession of marijuana (under 50 grams) and possession of paraphernalia, processed and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

On July 31 at 3:26 p.m.: A 1994 Honda was stopped at the intersection of Myrtle Street and Rod Smith Place for a seatbelt violation. Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Brian Lopez located marijuana inside the vehicle. The driver, Kaleek Boulding, 22, of North Brunswick was arrested for possession of marijuana (under 50 grams ) and possession of paraphernalia, processed and released pending a Municipal Court appearance. Boulding was also issued motor vehicle summonses for having a cracked windshield, failure to wear a seatbelt and possessing a controlled dangerous substance inside a motor vehicle.

On Aug. 3 at 11:50 a.m.: A 1999 Honda was stopped at the intersection of Centennial Avenue and Raritan Road for a seatbelt violation. Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Robert Jordan located marijuana inside the vehicle. The driver, Veronica Figueroa, 36, of Linden was arrested for possession of marijuana (under 50 grams) and possession of paraphernalia, processed and released pending a Municipal Court appearance. Additionally, Figueroa was issued motor vehicle summonses for driving while suspended, failure to wear a seatbelt and possession of a controlled dangerous substance inside a motor vehicle.

On Aug. 4 at 11:14 p.m.: A 2015 Infiniti was stopped at the intersection of Centennial Avenue and Raritan Road for a seatbelt violation. Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Gregory Federici located cocaine and heroin inside the vehicle. A passenger, Vasilios Elzahr, 39, of Elizabeth was arrested for possession of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine and heroin) and possession of paraphernalia, processed, and released pending a Superior Court appearance. Elzahr was also issued a motor vehicle summonses for failing to wear a seatbelt.

On Aug. 6 at 1:33 a.m.: Patrol Units responded to the area of McClellan Street for a report of an individual sleeping in a running motor vehicle. Following an investigation at the scene, Patrolman Ryan Gerrity determined that the driver, Leonard Paszkowski, 53, of Cranford was driving while intoxicated. Paszkowski was arrested for driving while intoxicated, processed and released to a family member, pending a Municipal Court date. Paszkowski was issued motor vehicle summonses for driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to breath testing.

(Image via Shutterstock)

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.