Sleeping Driver On Bender Avenue Arrested On CDS Charges

On May 24, 2011 at approximately 2:15 a.m., in the area of Bender Avenue and Colonial Road, Patrolman Richard Gaylord observed a gray Chevy Blazer with the interior light on. He observed a white male sitting in the driver’s seat sleeping. He further observed the driver to be drooling from his mouth and sweating profusely.

The driver identified himself as Scott Wernoch, age 46 of Elizabeth, NJ. Patrolman Gaylord observed a folding knife on the front passenger seat. He asked Mr. Wernoch to exit the vehicle for further investigation. Further investigation revealed a small Ziplock bag of suspected cocaine.

Mr. Wernoch was placed under arrest and charged with 2C:35-10(a)(1) (possession of cocaine), 2C:35-10.5(e)(1) (possession of Schedule I, II, III, IV drug), and 39:4-49.1 (CDS in a motor vehicle). Mr. Wernoch was released pending a Union County Superior Court date on June 1, 2011.