Parking Boot Company Owner Arrested In NJ: Cops Find Weapons, Police Hat

Newark, NJ – Authorities arrested the owner of a parking boot service company after catching him with a stash of police gear and weapons on Thursday in Newark, according to the Essex County Sheriff’s Office.

The encounter began when Essex County sheriff’s officers on patrol stopped a 2004 Ford F-15 pick-up truck that was flashing numerous red, amber and white lights and “emblazoned with numerous Newark Police Department decals” around 10:30 p.m. at the intersection of 7th and Mt. Prospect avenues, police said.

During questioning the driver, James Lewis, 46 of Roselle, who was wearing a Newark Police Department hat, couldn’t produce a driver’s registration card, police said.

Inside the vehicle, officers found a bullet-proof vest, police baton, handcuffs and a bottle of oleoresin capsicum (pepper spray), authorities said.

After conducting an investigation, officers determined that Lewis was neither a law enforcement officer nor an employee of a private security firm.

Lewis is the owner of PBS Parking Boot Service, according to the Essex County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities issued Lewis summonses for failure to have a permit for emergency lights, as well as the possession of handcuffs, oleoresin and a police baton.

He was released on his own recognizance and will be arraigned on July 28.

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