Man Admits Smoking Crystal Meth Behind Route 17 Motel: Mahwah Police

MAHWAH, N.J. — A man charged with smoking crystal methamphetamine Tuesday was arrested after he fled from police and lied to authorities about his identity, authorities said.

Detective Sgt. Hebert was on patrol when he noticed a suspicious man in a wooded area behind a Route 17 motel at about 11 p.m., said Chief James N. Batelli.

The man immediately placed his hands down the front of pants and fled when Herbert approached him, the chief said.

The man, later identified as Alfonso F. Deleon-Mejia, 25, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, flailed his arms and resisted Hebert’s attempts to try and see his hands, Batelli said.

Police brought Deleon-Mejia to the ground and found a methamphetamine pipe, torch lighter, and homemade ski mask in the front of his pants, police said.

Deleon-Mejia admitted smoking methamphetamine to police and gave them fake information to try and prevent authorities from determining his identity, the chief said.

Deleon-Mejia was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, preventing a law enforcement officer from making a lawful arrest, and providing false information to a law enforcement officer. He was released pending an appearance in court Nov. 1.

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Alfonso F. Deleon-Mejia, 25, of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania