6 Arrested For Shoplifting, DWI, Drugs In Watchung

WATCHUNG, NJ — Watchung Police made multiple arrests on charges of shoplifting, driving while intoxicated, drug possession and outstanding warrants, according to the police blotter.

Watchung Police Blotter:

On Feb. 16 at 10:56 a.m.: Brian Pedroza, 21, of Union was arrested on two outstanding warrants out of Watchung for $500 and Elizabeth for $100. He was released on his own recognizance on the Elizabeth warrant and processed and released after posting bail on the Watchung warrant.

On Feb. 15 at 11:51 a.m.: Karla Escalante, 26, of Plainfield was arrested for shoplifting $222.52 worth of unpaid makeup from Walmart on Route 22 West. She was seen by a Loss Prevention Officer putting the merchandise inside her purse and attempting to leave the store without paying. She was charged with shoplifting and released with a court date.

On Feb. 15 at 11:51 a.m.: Ana Menjivar-Recinos, 28, of Plainfield was arrested for shoplifting $329.27 worth of unpaid makeup and clothing from Walmart on Route 22 West. She was seen by a Loss Prevention Officer putting the merchandise inside her purse and attempting to leave the store without paying. She was charged with shoplifting and released with a court date.

On Feb. 13 at 8:13 p.m.: Anthony Abate, 20, of North Haven, Connecticut was arrested for DWI, possession of controlled dangerous substance (CDS) and possession of CDS paraphernalia following a traffic stop on Mountain Boulevard. He was transported to headquarters and also issued summonses for maintenance of lamps, careless driving and operating a motor vehicle in possession of CDS. He was released with a court date.

On Feb. 14 at 3:35 a.m.: Emanuel Goodman, 28, of Dover was arrested following a suspicious vehicle investigation. A search of the vehicle found one hypodermic needle, one glass crack pipe, one dime bag containing suspected heroin residue and chore boy. He was charged with drug paraphernalia and possession of hypodermic needle. He was transported to headquarters, processed and released on summonses.

On Feb. 13 at 1:19 a.m.: John Kucharik, 60, of Bridgewater was arrested at Middlesex County Jail for having a warrant out of Watchung for $550. He was transported to Somerset County Jail in lieu of bail.

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