Crime & Safety

Police Blotter: Traffic Stops Lead To Arrests For Drugs, DWI

The following information was obtained from the Cranford Police. An arrest does not indicate a conviction.

Nov. 23

  • Following a stop at 7:15 p.m. for motor vehicle violations on North Avenue East near Forest Avenue, Ptl. Spencer Durkin arrested Christopher Garcia, 30, of Elizabeth on an outstanding warrant issued by Union County. Garcia was processed and turned over to the Union County Sheriff’s Office pending a court appearance.
  • Two people were arrested on drug-related charges at 9:30 p.m. following a motor vehicle stop in the area of North Union Avenue and Claremont Place. Ptl. Spencer Durkin stopped a 2007 Saturn for inoperable brake lights. Following a brief investigation at the scene, the officer located suspected cocaine and paraphernalia on both vehicle occupants, identified as Salvatore Tortorello, 23, of Garwood and Denise Tortorello, 54 of Cranford. They were arrested, processed and released pending a first appearance in Union County Superior Court. Denise Tortorello, who was driving the vehicle, was also processed on an outstanding arrest warrant from Elizabeth. The suspects were charged with possession of cocaine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nov. 24

  • Police arrested an 18-year-old Cranford man following a motor vehicle stop at 12:14 a.m. Patrolman Derek Farbanec stopped a 1996 Honda near the intersection of South Union Avenue and South Avenue West for speeding and reckless driving in the downtown area. Following a brief investigation at the scene, Ptl. Farbanec arrested the driver, Jeffrey Sukovich, for driving while intoxicated. He was processed and released pending a future municipal court date. Sukovich was also cited for reckless driving, speeding, failure to keep right and failure to observe a traffic control signal.
  • Following a police response to a residential burglar alarm at 2:46 a.m., as well as several phone calls reporting an unruly male juvenile, Ptl. John Rattigan located and apprehended a 17-year-old male resident on Gallows Hill Road for criminal mischief. An investigation revealed that the male was intoxicated and had allegedly damaged at least three homes by throwing stones and a plaster sculpture at doors and windows, setting of one burglar alarm. The male, a Cranford resident, was arrested, processed and released to a parent pending juvenile court proceedings.

Nov. 25

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  • At 3:22 a.m., Ptl. Stebe D'Ambola stopped a 2011 Mercedes Benz on North Avenue East at Spingfield Avenue for failing to stop at a red signal. Following a brief investigation at the scene, D’Ambola arrested the driver, Jonathan Segovia, 26, of Kearny, for driving while intoxicated. He was processed and released pending a municipal court appearance. Segovia was also cited for failure to observe a traffic control signal.
  • At 10:54 p.m., Ptl. Brian Lopez stopped a 2007 Kia on Centennial Avenue at the 136 Garden State Parkway entrance ramp for a seatbelt violation. Following a brief investigation at the scene, Ptl. Lopez located a bag of suspected marijuana and paraphernalia in the vehicle. The driver, Marcin Kowalski, 25, of South River, was arrested, processed and released pending a Municipal Court appearance. He was also cited for failure to wear seatbelt.


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