Police: Marijuana Left Out in Plain View Inside Vehicle

One man was arrested after allegedly leaving marijuana out in plain sight during a traffic stop, while other suspects were charged with driving under the influence this week.

POLICE FIND 'BLUNT,' MARIJUANA IN VEHICLE

Officer Brendan Rigler said he observed a 1998 Oldsmobile traveling westbound on Hamburg Turnpike with its headlights off. Rigler pulled the vehicle over near Hinchman Avenue.

Police said that, after speaking with the driver Jaquan Thomas, 20, of Paterson, Rigler smelled the odor of burnt marijuana coming from the interior of the vehicle.

According to police, a partially smoked "blunt" and a clear jar containing marijuana were in plain view. 

Police said Thomas was placed under arrested for possession of marijuana under 50 grams and for operating a vehicle without headlights and with tinted windows. Police also said that two passengers, Derrick McCarthy, 22, and Torre Ervin, 21, both of Paterson, were arrested for having warrants outstanding in Paterson.

ALLEGED DRUNK DRIVER GETS CAR STUCK ATOP PILE OF SNOW

While on duty Feb. 12, Officer Robert Franco observed a 1995 Honda Civic elevated on a snowbank near the Route 46 East service road and Old Turnpike Road. Franco saw four men attempting to push the Honda off the four-foot pile of snow and ice.

According to police, Joseph Paventa, 21, of Woodland Park (listed as West Paterson in the report) blamed losing control of the vehicle on an icy roadway that Franco was unable to find. Police said Paventa exhibited signs of intoxication and was administered standardized field sobriety tests, which he failed.

Paventa was transported to Wayne police headquarters, booked and administered an Alcotest, which, according to police, resulted in a reading of .14 blood alcohol content. 

Police said Paventa was issued summonses for driving under the influence and careless driving and released to a party after he signed a potential liability warning form.

RESIDENT FAILS TO PROVIDE SAMPLE

Off-duty Wayne Police Detective Sgt. James Celentano said he observed a 2007 Jeep Comanche erratically proceeding north on Alps Road shortly before noon on Feb. 11. Celentano notified police headquarters of what he observed. Police said Officer David Hoppe then followed the Jeep onto the Alps Road extension, where Hoppe said it crossed over the double lines. 

According to police, Hoppe stopped the vehicle, which was operated by Victoria Crespo, 46, a township resident. Police said Crespo failed the field sobriety tests and was placed under arrest for operating a motor vehicle under the influence.

Police said Crespo was booked at headquarters and administered an Alcotest. According to police, Crespo failed to provide a proper breath sample and was issued summonses for driving under the influence, refusal to submit a breath sample and failure to maintain a lane.

SHOPPER ATTEMPTS TO 'RETURN' MERCHANDISE

Officer John Culic was dispatched to the Kmart on Hamburg Turnpike on a report of a shoplifter who had fled the store.

Police said Culic located the vehicle and stopped it on Pompton Road. 

According to police, the driver, Ivonne Bernal, 30, of Prospect Park, stated she had just left Kmart where she was trying to make a "return." Police said Bernal was found to be in possession of more than $200 worth of stolen merchandise from Kmart and Burlington Coat Factory, which are located near each other.

Police said Bernal was arrested and booked at police headquarters on a receiving stolen property complaint and released on a summons.