Driver, Unconscious Passenger Charged After Paramus Traffic Stop

PARAMUS, NJ — A driver and an unconscious passenger were both charged after police say they found what they suspect is cocaine and ecstasy pills, along with a fully loaded handgun in Paramus on Sunday.

A Paramus police officer stopped a 2013 Kia on Route 17 North near Powers Drive on Sunday morning just after 1 a.m.

A glass pipe was found in the front of the car showing the driver and passenger may have been using cocaine, according to police.

While the officer was talking to the driver outside the car, the driver began yelling to a woman "who appeared to be unconscious in the passenger seat."

The man "suddenly ran back to his car and attempted to get inside," but the officers stopped him, police said. He ran towards a store on Route 17 North and police caught him near Powers Drive.

Police called a paramedic to take the woman to New Bridge Medical Center because they suspected she was under the influence of controlled substances.

In searching the vehicle, officers found a fully-loaded 9mm Makarov pistol, more than 7 ounces of suspected cocaine, 47 suspected ecstasy pills, and other drug paraphernalia, the news release said.

Officers arrested the driver, 33-year-old Floyd Artis and took him to Paramus Police Headquarters. The passenger, 37-year-old Danielle Fletcher, was arrested and charged after her release from the hospital. Both are residents of Rutland, VT according to police.

Artis and Fletcher were both charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a handgun, and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to police. Fletcher faces an additional charge of possession of pills - controlled dangerous substance. Artis was also charged with resisting arrest.