Patrolman Jeffrey Rapach stopped a 2000 Dodge early Sunday morning, December 16th, on East Westfield Avenue after observing the driver using a handheld electronic device. The driver identified herself as Tammy Cepda but could not provide a driver’s license. A brief investigation revealed that “Cepda” was in fact Latoya S. Fitzgerald, a parole absconder wanted by the State of New Jersey. Fitzgerald was taken into custody without incident.
Once inside police headquarters, Fitzgerald became combative and uncontrollable. She broke a handcuff-like leg restraint then urinated on the floor of the cell block.
Fitzgerald was charged with hindering her own apprehension by giving a false name and with criminal mischief for damaging Borough property. She later spit saliva in the rear of a patrol vehicle. Bail was set at $1,000 by Judge Gary Bundy. Fitzgerald was found to have a no-bail-warrant issued by the Intensive Supervision program of the Administrative Office of the Courts (NJ). Fitzgerald was lodged into the Union County Jail.