On April 9th, Patrolman Joshua Medrano stopped a 2003 Chevrolet for traffic violations on West Westfield Avenue at Grove Street. A check of the registration revealed the driver to be unlicensed. During the roadside investigation, Patrolman Medrano stated he detected the odor of burning marijuana. A search of the vehicle revealed a small bag containing suspected marijuana under the driver’s seat and six (6) more small bags in a purse hanging on the gear shift. Also located nearby was another bag containing 42 new, unused small bags commonly used to package narcotics. According to police, the search also uncovered a partially consumed bottle of Bacardi rum hidden under the passenger seat.
The driver, Benevia I. Palmer, a 21-year-old Jersey City resident, was arrested and processed at RPPD. She was released with an appearance pending in Roselle Park Municipal Court.
The passenger, Kevin M. Pickett, age 24 of Jersey City, was issued a summons for possessing an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle.