Cranford Police Reports: Two Charged With Eluding Police

CRANFORD, NJ — The Cranford Police Department recently released details of its reports from late July and early August. Among them: traffic stops that led to drug arrests, two bike thefts, at least two people charged with eluding police, then released.

Here is the recent list:

"Hand-to-Hand Narcotics Transaction"

On Aug. 5, police arrested two men on Miln Street around noon after police observed a "hand-to-hand narcotics transaction" in that area, police said.

Detective Jason D'Agostino arrested Damian Beaton, 47, of Maplewood and Jason Delorme, 50, of Eatontown. The pair were charged with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia. In addition, Beaton was charged with distribution of cocaine and distribution in a school zone.

According to police, both Beaton and Delorme were processed and were given a date to appear in Superior Court.

Bike Thefts And An Arrest

On Aug. 3 at 1 p.m., George Brown, 63, was arrested by Detective Matthew Siessel. He was charged with a count of burglary and two counts of theft. Police said that on July 26, they had responded to two locations on reports of bicycle thefts, one from a residential garage on Dartmouth Road and one from Crescent Place. The investigation led police to issue a warrant for Brown's arrest.

Drug Arrest After Parkway Vehicle Stop

Cranford Police Officer Gregory Federici arrested Ahmed Welch, 31, of Irvington on July 26 on North Avenue East near the Garden State Parkway Interchange, police said.

Police said that Officer Federici stopped a 2008 Chrysler at 9:50 a.m. for having an inoperable brake light. After a brief investigation, Welch, the driver, was arrested for distribution of CDS (controlled dangerous substance) crack cocaine, distribution of CDS heroin, possession of CDS, possession of CDS paraphernalia, and resisting arrest. He was also issued motor vehicle summonses for the brake light violation, being a suspended driver, and having CDS in a motor vehicle, police said.

Welch was processed and provided with a Superior Court appearance date.

A Motorcycle, A Phone, And No Helmet

On July 28, Detective Ryan Gerrity arrested Estiven Guillengil, 25, of Elizabeth at North Avenue East and Springfield Avenue. Police said that around 10:49 a.m., Patrolman Corey LoForte observed a motorcyclist operating a motorcycle without a helmet while using a handheld cell phone, police said.

When LoForte attempted to conduct a motor vehicle stop, the driver "eluded" him, police said. Following an investigation, he was arrested, processed, and given a Superior Court appearance date. He was issued numerous motor vehicle summonses, including reckless driving, careless driving, driving with a handheld cellphone, riding a motorcycle without a helmet, red light violation, improper passing, speeding and having an unregistered vehicle.

Arrested After 'Eluding'

Also on July 28, around 12:33 a.m., Lauren Werner, 41, of Roselle was arrested at North Avenue East and John Street by Officer Michael Gamba and charged with eluding, obstruction, and resisting arrest.

Police said that Gamba stopped a 2017 Volkswagen on North Avenue East and John Street for a traffic signal violation.

Police said that as Gamba invesigated, Werner "fled the scene." She was then located at a business on the 300 Block of North Avenue East. She was charged with eluding, obstruction, and resisting arrest, police said. She was processed and provided with a Superior Court appearance date.

In addition, Werner was issued motor vehicle summonses for failure to observe a traffic signal, careless driving, unlicensed driver, failure to exhibit a license, registration and insurance card, failure to notify of a change address, and improper parking, police said.

Recent Union County Crime Stories

• Summit Car Thefts For July
• One Car, Two Bikes Stolen In Westfield
• Cars Are Being Stolen At Union County Country Clubs
• 3 Police Are Injured As Westfield Teen Is Charged In Car Thefts
• Running Mercedes With Top Down Is Swiped At Mountainside 7-11

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