In Cedar Grove: DWI Car Crash, Siphoned Gas, Marijuana Arrest, Traffic Violations

Editor’s Note: The following incidents are taken directly from the Cedar Grove Police Blotter, which may not include the full scope of police activity in the area. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

On Monday, May 25, at 8:49 a.m., police arrested a West Orange woman on an outstanding traffic warrant issued by the Woodland Park Court. The 53 year-old defendant, Denise P. Jules, was processed at police headquarters and released after posting the required bail. Ptl. Jose Rodriguez was the arresting officer.

On Monday, May 25, at 3:21 p.m., Ptl. Jose Rodriguez initiated a motor vehicle stop for observed violations. A subsequent investigation revealed the operator was wanted on an outstanding traffic warrant issued by the Cedar Grove Court. The 39 year-old operator, Jessica Lugo of Wayne, was arrested on the warrant, processed at police headquarters and released after posting the required bail.

On Tuesday, May 26, a resident of the Cedar Grove Garden Apartments on Highland Road reported the theft of gasoline from her parked vehicle. The victim reported unknown person(s) had siphoned a half tank of gas from her 2011 Hyundai sometime during the overnight hours. No suspect information was available and the cost of the stolen gas was estimated at $20.

On Tuesday, May 26, at 12:07 p.m., Ptl. Kristian Schneider initiated a motor vehicle stop after observing the operator using a hand held cell phone while driving. A subsequent check of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) computer revealed the operator was unlicensed and her driving privileges suspended. The 23 year-old operator, Courtney A. Robinson of North Plainfield, was arrested on the charges and transported to police headquarters for processing. A check of the Automated Traffic System (ATS) revealed Robinson was also wanted on outstanding warrants issued by the Union Township Court. The defendant was processed on all charges at police headquarters and turned over to Union Township Police on their warrants.

On Tuesday, May 26, at 12:50 p.m., police responded to the rear of the Foodtown Plaza on a report of a motor vehicle crash. A subsequent investigation revealed the involved vehicle was exiting the plaza towards Bowden Road when it left the roadway and struck a utility pole. Following the impact, the vehicle began to roll back down the driveway, striking a second vehicle, before coming to a stop. Upon speaking to the vehicle operator, Sgt. Frank Pumphrey detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage on the woman’s breath, along with signs of impairment. Following a series of standardized field sobriety tests, the 63 year-old operator, Mary Dailey of Cedar Grove, was arrested on a charge of driving while intoxicated. The defendant was processed at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance. No one was injured in the crash.

On Tuesday, May 26, at 11:04 p.m., Lt. John Kennedy initiated a motor vehicle stop after observing a vehicle being operated in an erratic manner. As the officer secured the operator’s credentials, he detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of a vehicle passenger, 23 year-old Nikimarie Notte of Little Falls, after she was found to be in of CDS marijuana (under 50g) and drug paraphernalia (rolling papers and a metal grinder). Notte was processed on the charges at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

On Saturday, May 30, at 8:22 p.m., police charged a Newark woman with operating an unregistered motor vehicle while her NJ driving privileges were under suspension. The 23 year-old defendant, Christina E. Quinones, was cited for the violations and released pending a Municipal Court appearance. Ptl. Raymond Cassella was the investigating officer.