Police Arrest Suspects for Bad Driving, Fake Name

Cranford police charged drivers for nearly striking curbs and other vehicles, and a passenger for trying to get away with a fake name over the weekend. Here are the details:

Friday, May 28:
Officer John Rattigan stopped a vehicle at Elizabeth and Cranford avenues for nearly striking another vehicle at 2:20 a.m. During the vehicle stop, Rattigan detected the odor of alcohol and burnt marijuana. The 41-year-old driver from Cranford was arrested following roadside sobriety tests. A pipe filled with suspected marijuana was found inside the vehicle. The driver was charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

Saturday, May 29:
Officer Eugene Perrota stopped a vehicle on Centennial and N. Lehigh avenues for having inoperable taillights at 12:24 a.m. The 26-year-old passenger from Linden was found to not be wearing a seatbelt. She provided a false name and pedigree in response to the officer's request for identification. Perrota found warrants for her arrest in Linden, Union, Orange and Cranford after determining her true identity. She was also charged with one count of hindering apprehension.

Sunday, May 30:
Officer Thomas Stiansen stopped a vehicle at Centennial Avenue and Elm Street for nearly striking a curb at 10:05 p.m. Stiansen detected the odor of alcohol during the vehicle stop and conducted roadside sobriety tests.The 59-year-old driver from Edison was charged with driving while intoxicated, careless driving, failure to exhibit credentials and failure to wear a seatbelt.