On May 2nd, 2011 at approximately 6:07 p.m., on the 200 block of East Westfield Avenue, Sgt. Dominick Frino observed a grey Toyota traveling at a close distance to the vehicle in front of it in the inside lane. The vehicle switched lanes several times without signaling during heavy traffic conditions, cutting numerous vehicles off and passing them on right. A motor vehicle stop occurred on the 500 block of West Westfield Avenue.
The driver, Taras Idak, age 23 of Parlin, NJ explained he was in a rush to get home to take his girlfriend out to dinner. While speaking to the driver, Sgt. Frino observed a void just under the steering column that contained a white pill in some plastic wrap next to an orange straw. An investigation resulted in the discovery of four (4) folds of suspected heroin, one (1) medium-sized Ziplock bag containing suspected marijuana.
Mr. Idak was placed under arrest and charged with 2C:35-10(a)(1) (possession of heroin), 2C:35-10(a)(2) (possession of Schedule II narcotic), 2C:35-10(a)(4) (possession of marijuana); 2C:36-2 (possession of drug paraphernalia); 39:3-33 (no front plate); 39:4-88(b) (failure to maintain lane); 39:4-49.1 (CDS in a motor vehicle) and was released pending a Superior Court hearing on May 16, 2011.