Heroin, DWI Crash, Foot Chase Among Recent Long Valley Arrests

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Suspected heroin discovered during an investigation of a disabled vehicle, a crash that led to an assault-by-auto charge and a brief foot chase were among several recent incidents handled by Washington Township police.

Police recently released a roundup of arrests and enforcement activity. The department did not identify the defendants in its summary.

In one incident, officers found a disabled vehicle on East Avenue and said the driver gave police a false name. Officers subsequently determined that the driver had an active NCIC warrant out of Warren County, according to police.

A search of the driver allegedly turned up suspected heroin, while additional suspected heroin and drug paraphernalia were found during a search of the vehicle, police said.

The driver was charged with third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, hindering apprehension by providing false information and possession of drug paraphernalia. The defendant was taken to the Morris County Correctional Facility pending a detention hearing and was also being held on a Warren County detainer, police said.

In a separate East Avenue incident, officers responded to a two-vehicle crash and suspected one of the drivers of operating while intoxicated. That driver was charged with fourth-degree assault by auto, driving while intoxicated and several motor vehicle violations, according to police. The case is scheduled to be heard in Morris County Superior Court.

Police also reported several traffic stops that resulted in warrants or additional charges:

• During an East Avenue stop, police said a driver was found to have a suspended license and an active traffic warrant from Lopatcong Municipal Court. The driver received motor vehicle summonses and was released pending court appearances.
• A driver stopped on Mill Street was found to have an active traffic warrant from West Amwell Municipal Court, police said. The driver was issued summonses and released pending appearances in both municipal courts.
• During a Route 46 West stop, a driver allegedly presented a fraudulent insurance card. Police said a follow-up investigation on Sept. 13 confirmed the card was fraudulent. The defendant was charged with fourth-degree presenting a false insurance card and disorderly persons possession of a false insurance card.
• Officers stopped another vehicle on Route 46 West near Tynan's Service Center and attempted to obtain identifying information from a passenger. Police said the passenger ran from the scene but was captured following a short foot pursuit. Officers then learned the person had an active NCIC warrant. The defendant was charged with obstruction and taken to the Morris County Correctional Facility.
• Another East Avenue traffic stop resulted in police discovering that the vehicle's registered owner had an active traffic warrant from Phillipsburg Municipal Court. The defendant received a motor vehicle summons and was released pending court appearances.