Water Bongs, Drunk Driving, And More: Washington Twp Police Blotter

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Washington Township Police made multiple arrests during the past week, including for drugs, drunk driving and lying to police officers. Here is the police blotter, as provided by the WTPD.

On July 16, 2017 at 7:05 p.m., Hrs, Patrol Officer Michael Thompson and his K-9 “Cliff” were conducting a property check of Califon Island Park in Califon Boro. PO Thompson approached several juveniles who were acting suspicious. When PO Thompson approached the juveniles he detected the odor of burnt marijuana. One of the juveniles was attempting to conceal a “water bong” in a backpack. PO Thompson took that juvenile into custody. The remaining juveniles were released to their parents at the scene. The one remaining juvenile was transported to the Washington Township Police Headquarters. He was later released to a responsible adult and advised he would be contacted by the Hunterdon County Juvenile Court reference court proceedings.

On July 15, 2017 at 11:00 p.m, Patrol Officer Michael Thompson and his K-9 “Cliff” were conducting a property check of the Hackettstown Hyundai on State Highway Route 46. PO Thompson observed a vehicle parked next to the dealership on East Avenue which was found to be occupied. When he approached the vehicle and spoke with the driver who was identified as Mellissa Cottrell, PO Thompson detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A subsequent investigation by PO Thompson determined that Ms. Cottrell was in possession of marijuana. Ms. Cottrell was placed under arrest and transported to Washington Township Police Headquarters.

Ms. Cottrell was issued a criminal complaint for possession of marijuana (under 50 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Ms. Cottrell was later released with a mandatory court date to appear at the Washington Township Municipal Court.

On July 13, 2017 at 9:37 p.m., Patrol Officer Frank Giaquinto conducted a motor vehicle stop for an equipment violation on Wehrli Road. While speaking to the driver who was identified as Donald Patterson, PO Giaquinto observed a metal grinder on the floor in plain sight which contained suspected marijuana. Mr. Patterson was placed under arrest and transported to Washington Township Police Headquarters.

Mr. Patterson was issued a criminal complaint for possession of marijuana (under 50 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia. Mr. Patterson was also issued a motor vehicle complaint for maintenance of lamps and driving without a valid driver’s license.

On July 11, 2017 at 12:00 a.m., Patrol Officer Derek Heymer conducted a motor vehicle stop on West Mill Road for a motor vehicle violation. Upon speaking with the driver who was identified as Justin Tharaud, PO Heymer detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from the vehicle. A subsequent investigation by PO Heymer determined that Mr. Tharaud was operating his vehicle while intoxicated. Mr. Tharaud was placed under arrest and transported to Washington Township Police Headquarters.

Mr. Tharaud was issued the following Motor Vehicles complaints; DWI, Failure to Keep Right, Failure to Observe Traffic Signals and Reckless Driving. Mr. Tharaud was later released to a responsible party with a mandatory court date to appear in the Washington Township Municipal Court.

On July 10, 2017 at 11:44 a.m. Patrol Officer Kevin Barnes conducted a motor vehicle stopped on East Avenue for a moving violation. Over the course of the investigation it was discovered the passenger, identified as Joshua Hewlett provided a false name and date of birth to PO Barnes. Along with providing false information, Mr. Hewlett also had active warrant issued by Morris County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Hewlett was placed under arrest and transported to Washington Township Police Headquarters.

Mr. Hewlett was issued a Criminal Complaint for Providing False Information to Law Enforcement and released to the Morris County Sheriff’s Office with a pending court date in Washington Township Municipal Court.

Image: Patch file photo