On June 24, 2011 at 9:39 p.m., Sgt. Dominick Frino observed a Hyundai Elantra traveling westbound on the 500 block of West Westfield Avenue. The driver’s side headlight was not functioning. A traffic stop at West Westfield Avenue at Valley Road resulted in the discovery of a small Ziplock bag of suspected marijuana inside of the vehicle. The driver and the passenger were placed under arrest. Both occupants were charged with 2C:35-1(a)(4) (possession of marijuana).
The driver, Russell K. Payan, age 22 of Elizabeth, was a suspended driver and found to have an $89.00 outstanding warrant from Montclair, NJ. Mr. Payan posted cash bail of $89.00 and was issued motor vehicle summonses for 39-3-40 (suspended driver), 39:3-66 (maintenance of lamps), and 39:4-49.1 (CDS in a motor vehicle). Mr. Payan was then released on his own recognizance.
A 17-year-old juvenile male from Cranford was placed under arrest and released to a parent pending a family court hearing.