Cedar Grove Police Blotter

The following reports were prepared by the Cedar Grove Police department and do not necessarily indicate a conviction.

On Thursday, Dec. 29 at 5:20 p.m., police investigated a motor vehicle crash involving a deer.  The involved vehicle, a 2010 Ford Explorer, had been traveling west on East Lindsley Road when a deer ran into the roadway resulting in a collision.  The vehicle sustained reportable property damage and the deer ran off into a wooded area following the collision. Due to the large deer population in the area, motorists are urged to use caution when operating near wooded areas, especially between dusk and dawn.

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On Thursday, Dec. 29 at 11:50 p.m., Ptl. Jason Rivers initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed violation.  As the officer secured the operator’s credentials, he detected the odor of the Controlled Dangerous Substance Marijuana emanating from the vehicle.  A subsequent investigation resulted in the detention of the 17 year-old vehicle operator after he was found to be in possession of CDS marijuana (under 50g). The juvenile, a Montclair resident, was processed at police headquarters and released to the custody of his guardian pending Juvenile Court proceedings.

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On Sunday, Jan. 1 at 3:40 a.m., Ptl. Dominick Buscio initiated a motor vehicle stop after observing a speeding vehicle being operated in an erratic manner.  As the officer secured the operator’s credentials, he detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage on the man’s breath.  Following a series of standardized field sobriety tests, the officer arrested the 22 year-old operator, Ryan B. Lawrence of Bloomfield, on a charge of driving while intoxicated.  The defendant was processed on the charge at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

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On Sunday, Jan. 1 at 11:46 a.m., police arrested a Newark man on a charge that he was operating a motor vehicle while his NJ driving privileges were under suspension.  The 27 year-old defendant, Kevin M. Phelps, was processed on the charge at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.  Ptl. Jose Rodriguez was the arresting officer.

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On Monday. Jan. 2 at 1:23 a.m., Ptl. Dominick Buscio initiated a motor vehicle stop for an observed speeding violation.  As the officer secured the operator’s credentials, he detected the odor of CDS marijuana emanating from the vehicle.  A subsequent investigation resulted in the arrest of the 22 year-old operator, Joseph J. Cretella of Wayne, after he was found to be in possession of CDS marijuana (under 50g) and drug paraphernalia.  The defendant was processed on the charges at police headquarters and released pending a Municipal Court appearance.

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The Cedar Grove Police Department requests that the public report all suspicious activity observed, as it occurs.  The police department telephone number is 973-239-4100 and in case of emergency 9-1-1.  All reports are investigated and all assistance is appreciated.

All persons charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty.