Police Blotter: Resident Arrested for Assaulting a Police Officer

Cranford Police arrested resident Rebecca Shafer, 18, for Aggravated Assault on a Police Officer and Disorderly Conduct Sunday. Police responded to a report of suspicious activity near the waterfalls at High Street and Lincoln Avenue, where Shafer and a 19-year-old male were parked. During the interview, Shafer became belligerent and began punching Officer John Rattigan. She was arrested for Disorderly Conduct and Aggravated Assault. Shafer was processed and released with a court date of July 6th in Superior Court. The 19-year-old male was not charged and was released at the scene.

Here are the rest of the Cranford Police Department arrests.

Thursday, June 30th

Albert Smith, 43, of Edison, was arrested for Contempt of Court. Smith was stopped on South Avenue near Lincoln Avenue for motor vehicle violations, when Officier John Rattigan discovered an outstanding traffic warrant from Metuchen. He was processed and released with a new court date in Metuchen Municipal Court.

Saturday, July 2nd

Brian Friend, 58, of Cranford, was arrested for Contempt of Court. Friend was arrested on an outstanding traffic warrant from Deal. He was processed and released after posting bail.

Sunday, July 3rd

Marc Moore, 38, of Newark, was arrested for Contempt of Court. Moore was stopped on Centennial Avenue near Hayes Street for motor vehicle violations, when Officer Brian Lopez discovered an outstanding traffic warrant from Irvington. Moore was processed and released after posting bail.

Monday, July 4th

• Daniel Castanheira, 18, of Linden and Steven Goncalves, 18, of Kenilworth, were arrested for Creating a Hazardous Condition. A passing motorist reported a vehicle whose occupants were handling what appeared to be a handgun and possibly pointing it out the window. Officer Steve D’Ambola stopped the vehicle near the Roselle Park border. Castanheira and Goncalves were in possession of two “Airsoft” plastic BB pistols and two containers of plastic pellets. Both were arrested, processed and released with a court date of July 13th.
• Patricia Cornacchia, 47, of Clark, was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. Cornacchia was stopped on Raritan Road near Kelly Court for driving erratically. Following an investigation at the scene, Officer Steven D’Ambola arrested Cornaccia for DWI. She was processed and released with a court date of July 13th. Cornacchia was also cited for Open Container of Alcohol in a Motor Vehicle, Careless Driving and Delaying Traffic.