On Monday, May 2, 2011 at 12:03 a.m. while conducting stationary radar at the intersection of Galloping Hill Road and Lehigh Avenue, Patrolman Robert Harms observed a grey Nissan Maxima, traveling northbound on Galloping Hill Road at a high rate of speed – 60 MPH in a 25 MPH zone. As Patrolman Harms approached the vehicle, he observed the vehicle apply its brakes and make a sharp right-hand turn onto Martin Road in Union, NJ. The vehicle’s lights then turned off.
As Patrolman Harms continued eastbound on Martin Road, he observed brake lights illuminate on a parked vehicle which was parked in the driveway of a residence on the 300 block of Martin Road with exhaust smoke coming from the tailpipe. He also observed the occupants crouching down inside the vehicle. Patrolman Harms then conducted a motor vehicle stop which resulted in the discovery of an Altoid can. Inside the can was nine (9) small clear Ziplock bags containing suspected marijuana that were recovered.
The driver, Oscar Sotelo, age 19 of Linden, NJ and the two (2) other occupants, Miguel Rocha, age 20 of Union, NJ and a 17 year-old male from Roselle were arrested for possession of marijuana.
The driver was also displaying signs of being under the influence of alcohol and was additionally charged with suspicion of DWI.
Mr. Sotelo was charged with 39:4-50.14 (Underage DWI); 39:4-50(g) (DWI in a School Zone); 39:4-49.1 (CDS in a motor vehicle); 39:4-98 (Speeding); 39:4-96 (Reckless Driving); 39:3-40 (Suspended Driver’s License); 39:3-76.2(f) (No Seatbelt) and 39:3-74 (View Obstruction).
Miguel Rocha was also issued a motor vehicle summons for 39:3-76.2(f) (No Seatbelt).
The juvenile was issued a motor vehicle summons for 39:3-76.2(f) (No Seatbelt).