Man Tried To Hide Cocaine While Handcuffed, Police Say

Three people have been charged with drug offenses after a crack pipe and an open Budwesier were found in a car during traffic stop in Lakehurst on Friday, police said.

James Stanley, 42, of Jackson; Jennifer Broz, 38, of Beachwood, and Robert Zahn, 51, of Lakewood, all were arrested in the incident, Lakehurst Police Chief Eric Higgins said.

Broz was the driver when the 1998 Chrysler was pulled over by Officer Michael Drybola because the car had a cracked windshield, Higgins said.

When Broz stopped the car, James Stanley, who was in the back seat, got out of the car, Higgins said, crushed a glass pipe and attempted to walk away. He stopped when Drybola ordered him to stop, Higgins said. Stanley was then arrested on charges of possession of drug paraphernalia and being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance and put in a police car as officers continued their investigation, Higgins said.

While Stanley was in the back seat of the patrol car, Higgins -- who was at the scene assisting -- saw Stanley moving around in the back of the patrol vehicle and approached to investigate. Higgins said Stanley, while still handcuffed, had been able to take his shoes off and was attempting to hide a small bag that contained a piece of “rock” cocaine. The evidence was secured from Stanley, Higgins said.

A search of the car turned up a crack pipe and an open container of Budweiser beer, Higgins said. At that point Broz and Zahn were arrested, he said.

Stanley was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, being under the influence of of a controlled dangerous substance and tampering with evidence, Higgins said. He is being held in the Ocean County Jail, Toms River, in lieu of $25,000 bail set by Judge Daniel Sahin.

Zahn was charged with being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, consumption of alcohol in a motor vehicle, and having an open container in a motor vehicle, he said.

Broz was charged with being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and operating with a cracked windshield, Higgins said.

Both Zahn and Broz were released on summonses.

Drybola was assisted by Officer Iain James and Chief Higgins.