Police blotter
The following items are based on information from police, unless otherwise noted:
TRENTON
Drug Arrests: Marquis Foster, 24, and Andrew Petras, 28, were arrested Wednesday evening on drug charges. Trenton Street Crime Unit Detectives Crystal Everett and Erik Mancheno were patrolling the 600block of Riverside Avenue about 6:10p.m. Wednesday when they observed a narcotics transaction taking place in that area. Foster was allegedly distributing drugs to Petras. The detectives stopped to conduct an investigation on the alleged transaction, prompting Foster to allegedly flee the scene on foot but he was apprehended by Everett and charged with a variety of drug offenses and resisting arrest. Petras was arrested at the scene and later released from police custody on a summons charging him with possession of a controlled dangerous substance. The detectives recovered 11decks of heroin during the investigation. Trenton Police arrested Foster earlier this year when officers found him in alleged possession of 593decks of heroin.
MONTGOMERY TOWNSHIP
Cars Stolen, Juveniles Charged: Two juveniles from the Newark area have been charged in connection with a string of car thefts that recently occurred in the township. Between June 25 and July 3, Montgomery Township Police investigated a total of six motor vehicle thefts. All of the stolen motor vehicles were taken from residences in the area of Routes 206 and 601. Township police also investigated a number of motor vehicle burglaries from vehicles in the same area during this time frame. In each of the vehicle thefts the vehicle was left unlocked with the key inside the vehicle. Likewise in each of the cases involving thefts from vehicles, all of the vehicles were left unlocked, with valuables in plain sight. Montgomery Police Detective Sgt. Brian Hofacker and Detective William Wilkes coordinated and led a multi-jurisdictional investigation to address the rash of thefts. As a result, every vehicle stolen from Montgomery Township was recovered within a day or two of its theft. All of the vehicles were recovered in Newark with the exception of one vehicle that was recovered in Montgomery Township. The coordinated investigation also resulted in the recovery of a number of additional vehicles stolen from other jurisdictions throughout the area. The investigation resulted in complaints being filed against the two juveniles from the Newark area. In an effort to prevent future incidents, the Montgomery Township Police Department advises residents to lock their vehicles, remove valuables from plain sight and never leave their keys or key fobs in the vehicle.
PLAINSBORO
Drug Arrest: Christian A. Mendez-Lopez, 22, of Hamilton Township, was arrested Tuesday night on drug charges following a motor vehicle stop on Plainsboro Road. A Plainsboro police officer stopped a 2005 black Infiniti G35 coupe for maintenance of lamps. The police investigation revealed that the driver, identified as Mendez-Lopez, was driving while suspended and in alleged possession of marijuana. Mendez-Lopez was arrested about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday and transported to Plainsboro Township Police Department headquarters for processing. Mendez-Lopez, a bank teller by occupation, was released from police custody pending a mandatory court date at the Plainsboro Municipal Court. Another Drug Arrest: Immanuel Desane, 18, of Hamilton Township, was arrested Labor Day on drug charges subsequent to a motor vehicle stop on Route 1. Plainsboro Police conducted a motor vehicle stop on a Blue Hyundai for having an inoperable headlight. Upon further investigation the passenger, identified as Desane, was found to be in alleged possession of under 50 grams of marijuana. Desane, a graphic designer by occupation, was arrested about 11:10 p.m. Labor Day Monday, processed and released from police custody pending a future court date at the Plainsboro Township Municipal Court. The following motor vehicle summonses were issued: Maintenance of lamps and controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle.
Yet Another Drug Arrest: Benjamin Weeks, 38, of Trenton, was arrested about 10:25 p.m. Aug. 31 on drunken driving and marijuana possession charges subsequent to a motor vehicle stop on Route 1 North. He also had six active traffic warrants.