Charges Pending Against Marijuana-Using Drivers: Newtown Twp. Police

NEWTOWN TOWNSHIP, PA — The Newtown Township Police Department handled six incidents between Sept. 9 and 15, including two suspected DUIs involving marijuana use, one public intoxication, one check fraud case and one retail theft.

September 9

• At approximately 11 p.m. police conducted a traffic stop on a Honda Civic operator for committing a vehicle code violation in the area of Swamp Road and Short Lane. Upon contact with the operator, the officer detected the strong odor of burnt marijuana. The operator was unable to perform field sobriety tests satisfactorily and was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. Suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia were also discovered and seized as evidence. Charges are pending blood evidence results.

September 11

• At approximately 12:15 a.m. police conducted a traffic stop on a Porsche sedan operator for committing a vehicle code violation in the area of Swamp Road and Twining Bridge Road. Upon contact with the operator, the officer detected the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. The operator was unable to perform field sobriety tests satisfactorily and was placed under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. Suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia were also discovered and seized as evidence. The operator refused to submit blood for chemical testing. Charges are pending.

September 12

• While on routine patrol in the area of North Sycamore Street, patrol observed an incoherent subject around 11 p.m. As a result of the investigation, the subject was transported to a hotel and cited for public intoxication.

September 14

• At approximately 11:45 a.m. police received the report of a check fraud that occurred in Newtown Township. The investigation is ongoing at this time.
• At approximately 3 p.m. police responded to the area of Swamp Road for a report of an incident involving a Council Rock school bus. The officer’s quick response and thorough investigation led to an arrest being made without incident.

September 15

• At approximately 8:30 a.m. police were dispatched to Acme Markets for the report of an attempted retail theft. The subject paid for the items and was instructed not to return to the location, and there was no further police action was required.