On April 18, 2011 at approximately 10:38 p.m., while conducting a property check of the Roselle Park High School, Patrolman Richard Gaylord observed approximately six (6) people standing around several vehicles in the rear parking lot near the tennis courts. He then observed one (1) male come from the rear of where the vehicles were parked and walk quickly towards him.
He also observed another male quickly walk away from a Chrysler PT Cruiser he was standing next to. Patrolman Gaylord exited his patrol vehicle and told the males to stop. He identified himself as Nicholas DiMaggio, age 19 of Roselle Park. As officer Gaylord spoke to DiMaggio, he immediately detected the odor of burnt marijuana coming from his person. Dimaggio appeared to be very nervous.
Dimaggio’s vehicle, a 2001 grey Honda Accord, was parked behind the silver Chrysler PT Cruiser and a red Ford Focus.
An investigation led to the discovery of three (3) partially smoked suspected marijuana cigarettes and one (1) pair of brass knuckles in DiMaggio’s possession.
DiMaggio was arrested and charged with 2C:39-3(e) (possession of prohibited weapons); 2C:35-10(a)(4) (possession of marijuana); and 2C:36-2 (possession of drug paraphernalia). Mr. DiMaggio was released pending a Union County Superior Court first appearance date on April 25, 2011.
All other parties where searched and released, after being advised not to congregate on school grounds.