Man Charged After Trying To Fill Fake Prescription In Howell

HOWELL, NJ — Three people were arrested Sunday after one tried to fill a fraudulent prescription at a Route 9 pharmacy, Howell police said Wednesday.

Walter Capellan, 25, and Mairelis Cruz, 21, both of the Bronx, and Genesis Duarte, 23, of Philadelphia, face drug and credit card theft charges, police said.

Police were called to Future Pharmacy in the Pointe O’ Woods Center, 979 Route 9 North, at 12:16 p.m. for a report of a man trying to fill a fraudulent prescription for prescription grade cough syrup, a controlled dangerous substance, police said.

Patrolman William Brooks arrived and spoke to the man, later identified as Capellan, who ran out of the pharmacy and got into the back seat of a vehicle that appeared to be parked and waiting for him near the 7-Eleven, police said.

Brooks chased Capellan and ordered Cruz and Duarte to not move the vehicle, and Capellan got out and ran away toward Casino Drive. Brooks stayed with the vehicle and Cruz, who was driving and Duarte.

Sgt. Nick Bondarew and K-9 Vito responded, along with other officers, and began to track Capellan, police said. Meanwhile, officers spoke with Cruz and Duarte, who initially denied knowing Capellan, but police were able to determine that wasn't true. During the discussion, Brooks smelled the odor of marijuana. A search turned up several burned marijuana cigarettes, a small package of unsmoked marijuana, and a glass pipe. Brooks also found two baby bottles, one of which contained a syrup-type substance consistent with a cough medication, similar to what was being sought at the pharmacy.

Police also found 10 credit cards in the headliner of the vehicle that appeared to be either stolen/fraudulent. Both Cruz (who also had an outstanding warrant issued by Clifton municipal court) and Duarte were arrested, police said.

Meanwhile, as officers searched for Capellan, Patrolman Brett Kyle found a man matching the description of the one at the pharmacy near 1300 Route 9 South, and he was arrested. All three were taken to the station and their 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was impounded/seized.

Capellan was charged with obtaining CDS by fraud, obstruction and possession of controlled dangerous substance (marijuana).

Cruz was charged with conspiracy to obtain CDS by fraud, possession of controlled dangerous substance (marijuana) and driving while suspended.

Duarte was charged with conspiracy to obtain CDS by fraud, possession of CDS (marijuana), and possession of drug paraphernalia.

All three were released on summonses.

"Howell Township Police Department maintains its commitment to community by not only safeguarding our citizens but by also tirelessly pursuing those offenders who mistakenly choose our jurisdiction to commit their offenses," police said. "If anyone has information pertaining to criminal activity, please contact the police department, via telephone (732-938-4111), Facebook Messenger, or utilize our confidential/anonymous tip service (www.p3tips.com).

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