Recent Washington Twp Police Activity: April 17-26

LONG VALLEY, NJ— Washington Township (Morris) police made multiple arrests between April 17 and April 26. Below are descriptions of these arrests, provided by police.

On April 17, 2017 at 11:22 AM, Patrol Officer Kevin Barnes conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 46 for a motor vehicle violation. Upon speaking with the driver who was identified as Johan Ospina-Sanchez, 21, Randolph, and his passenger Haronson Damus, 24, Budd Lake, PO Barnes detected the odor of marijuana emanating from within the vehicle. A subsequent investigation by PO Barnes found that Mr. Ospina-Sanchez and Mr. Damus were in possession of marijuana. It was also learned that Mr. Damus had an outstanding no bail Warrant issued by Morris County Prosecutors Office. Mr. Ospina-Sanchez and Mr. Damus were placed under arrest and transported to Washington Township Police Headquarters. Mr. Damus was issued a Criminal Complaint for possession of marijuana (under 50 grams). Mr. Ospina-Sanchez was issued a Criminal Complaint for possession of marijuana (under 50 grams). Mr. Ospina-Sanchez was also issued Motor Vehicle complaints for Front Window Tint, Failure to Inspect, and Controlled Dangerous Substance in a Motor Vehicle. Mr. Ospina-Sanchez and Mr. Damus were issued a pending court date in Washington Township Municipal Court. Mr. Ospina was later released on his own recognizance. Mr. Damus was turned over to the Morris County Prosecutors Office.

On April 26, 2017 at 22.38 Hrs, Patrol Officer Michael Thompson conducted a motor vehicle stop on Route 46 for an equipment violation. While speaking with the driver who was identified as Peter King, 64, Kinnelon, PO Thompson detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from within the vehicle. A subsequent investigation by PO Thompson determined that Mr. King was operating his motor vehicle while intoxicated. Mr. King was placed under arrest and transported to Washington Township Police Headquarters. Mr. King was issued motor vehicle complaints for DWI and Tinted windows. Mr. King was later released to a responsible adult with a pending court date in Washington Township Municipal Court.

On April 26, 2017 at 13.52 Hrs, Patrol Officer Kevin Barnes conducted a motor vehicle stop on U.S. Route 46 for a motor vehicle violation. While speaking to the driver of the vehicle, PO Barnes observed loose marijuana throughout the vehicle. A subsequent investigation revealed the driver, Robert Blake, 25, Great Meadows, was in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Mr. Blake was placed under arrest and was transported to Washington Township Police Headquarters. Mr. Black was issued a Criminal Complaint for Possession of marijuana (under 50 grams) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Mr. Blake was also issued Motor Vehicle Complaints for Speeding and Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance in a Motor Vehicle. Mr. Blake was later released with a pending court date in Washington Township Municipal Court.

On April 26, 2017 at 02:05 AM, Sgt. Brian Bigham conducted a motor vehicle stop on U.S. Route 46 for a motor vehicle violation. While speaking to the driver of the vehicle, Sgt. Bigham detected the odor of marijuana emanating from within the vehicle. A subsequent investigation revealed the back seat passenger, Joel Mattappillil, 20, Teaneckm was in Possession of marijuana along with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Mr. Mattappillil was placed under arrest and was transported to Washington Township Police Headquarters. Mr. Mattappillil was issued a Criminal Complaint for Possession of marijuana (under 50 grams) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Mr. Mattappillil was later released with a pending court date in Washington Township Municipal Court. The owner of the vehicle was in was issued a motor vehicle complaint for maintenance of lamps.

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