Drug Arrest, Fraud Reported In Westfield

WESTFIELD, NJ — A drug arrest, fraud, and more were reported recently in the latest Westfield Police blotter.

Westfield Police Blotter – Aug. 18 to Aug. 24:

On Aug. 19 at 2:46 p.m.: Westfield Police responded to the 100 block of East Broad Street for a reported disturbance involving several juveniles. Upon arrival, a group of juveniles were found and said an unknown actor, believed to be about 17 years old, approached them on an electric bike as they stood on the sidewalk of East Broad Street. The actor cornered one juvenile and tried to remove several items from him after cornering him in a business vestibule. The actor fled and it is unknown if he successfully obtained any items from any victims. The actor was described as a skinny white man with a short beard around 17 years old wearing a motorcycle helmet.

On Aug. 21 at 7:56 a.m.: A resident of the 200 block of Tuttle Parkway responded to Westfield Police Headquarters to report an incident of fraud. The victim was contacted online about selling an item, at which time an unknown person sent them a check for $1,500 for the item. The victim was advised to cash the check, retain $500 and send $1,000 back to the buyer. The victim identified this as a scam and notified Westfield Police.

On Aug. 21 at 1 p.m.: A resident from the 300 block of W. Dudley Avenue responded to Westfield Police Headquarters to report that he was the victim of fraud. On Aug. 12 a check was deposited at Stride Bank located in Oklahoma with a total value of $200 under the name "Jordan Moore" coming from the victim's account. Also, on Aug. 19 another check was deposited at the same location with a total value of $300 to the same person.

On Aug. 24 at 2:25 a.m.: Officer Perconte conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Clark Street and Ferris Place for a random plate inquiry that revealed an active, outstanding warrant for the registered owner of the vehicle, Matthew Abucay, 26, Clifton. Pursuant to Perconte's investigation, Abucay was placed under arrest for second-degree distribution of marijuana, third-degree distribution of cocaine, third-degree distribution of CDS within 1,000 feet of a school, third-degree possession of cocaine, fourth-degree possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Additionally, Abucay had an active, outstanding ATS warrant out of Union Municipal Court for $1,000. He was subsequently taken to Westfield Police Headquarters where he was processed and turned over to Union County Jail without incident.

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