Cocaine, Marijuana Arrests Made in Berkeley Heights

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ — Berkeley Heights Police made five arrests for marijuana and cocaine possessions and warrants arrests recently.

Berkeley Heights Police Blotter:

On Jan. 27 at 2:18 pm: Ptl. Donald Maxwell conducted a motor vehicle stop on Plainfield Avenue for equipment violations. Upon making contact with the occupants, Ptl. Maxwell observed indication of marijuana use inside the vehicle. Subsequent investigation yielded marijuana in the possession of a passenger, identified as Gregory Palmer, 43 years of age from Plainfield, who was arrested for possession of marijuana and for an outstanding warrant out of the Union County Sheriff’s Department. Palmer was processed and transferred to the custody of the Union County Sheriff’s Department.

On Jan. 28 at 2:45 a.m.: Ptl. Thomas Marshall conducted a motor vehicle stop on I-78 West after observing no functioning taillights on the vehicle. Upon making contact with the driver Ptl. Marshall observed indication of marijuana use by the occupants. Subsequent investigation yielded the discovery of marijuana and cocaine inside the vehicle. The driver, Octavio Montealegre, 26 years of age from Brooklyn, New York and Thalia Ramirez, 21 years of age from Richmond Hill, New York were then arrested. Montealegre was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams, possession of cocaine and motor vehicle violations. Ramirez was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams. Both defendants were released pending a court appearance in the Union /county Superior Court.

On Jan. 30 11:36 p.m.: Ptl. Jean-Marie Mocarski conducted a motor vehicle stop on I-78 East. After contacting the driver, identified as Artis Bellamy, 27 years of age from Jersey City, was found to have an outstanding warrant out of Essex Fells. Bellamy was arrested, processed and released pending a new court date with Essex Fells.

On Feb. 1 at 3:27 p.m.: Ptl. Donato Minicozzi and Ptl. Daniel Schafer conducted a motor vehicle stop on Killarney Dr for equipment violations. After contacting the driver, Nathaniel Francis, 28 years of age from Summit, was found to have an outstanding warrant out of Union Twp. Francis was arrested, processed and released after satisfying the warrant.

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