On February 13, 2011 at 5:32 p.m., Patrolman John Deegan observed a 1995 white Volkswagen Jetta, idling curbside facing southbound on Camden Street at East Grant Avenue. The Jetta’s engine was on and the headlights were activated. Patrolman Deegan conducted a welfare check of a sleeping male. An investigation led to the discovery of two (2) open miller lite cans and two (2) blue pills in a prescription bottle which were prescribed to a female which the driver claimed he did not know. It was also revealed the driver had an outstanding warrant from Clark for $1,000 and was a suspended driver.
The driver, Michael Valente, age 31, of South Plainfield was arrested and charged with 2C:35-10(a)(1) (possession of Schedule II prescription drugs), 39:3-40(suspended driver’s license), 39:4-51B (open/unsealed alcoholic container in a motor vehicle), 39:4-51A (consumption of an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle), and 39:4-49.1 (CDS in a motor vehicle). He was committed to Union County Jail in lieu of $5,000 bail pending a Superior Court date of February 18, 2011.