Clinton Township

Clinton Township Police Departmen t Press Release August 10, 2009

Driving While Intoxicated

On Thursday, August 6, at approximately 10:45 pm, Patrolman John Tiger stopped a vehicle operated by Paul Fletcher, age 60, of Fords, on Route 626 near Route 173 for erratic driving.  During the stop, Ptl. Tiger detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage on Mr. Fletcher’s breath and soon determined that he was intoxicated.  Mr. Fletcher was arrested and transported to police headquarters where he was given a breath test to determine the content of alcohol in his blood.  Ptl. Tiger charged Mr. Fletcher with Driving While Intoxicated, Failure To Signal Turn, Failure to Maintain Lane, Obstructing Traffic, and Maintenance of Lamps.  He was released to the custody of an acquaintance and his vehicle was towed and impounded.

Marijuana Charges

On Thursday, August 6, at approximately 11:35 pm, Patrolman Jeffery Glennon stopped a vehicle operated by Rebecca Atwood, age 26, of Long Island City, NY on Route 31 South near Center Street for making an unsafe lane change.  During the stop, Ptl. Glennon detected the odor of burnt marijuana and soon discovered that Ms. Atwood was in possession of a small amount of marijuana and rolling papers.  As a result, Ptl. Glennon charged Ms. Atwood with Possession of Under 50 Grams of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Operating a Motor Vehicle While In Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Careless Driving, and Failure to Notify of Change of Address.  She was released ROR.

On Friday, August 7, at approximately 2:50 am, Sergeant Matthew McGill stopped a vehicle operated by Dahkil North, age 19, of Newark, on Route 22 West near Petticoat Lane.  During the stop, Sgt. McGill discovered that the vehicle’s temporary registration had been altered with “white out” and that Mr. North’s driver’s license was suspended.  He also detected the odor of burnt marijuana and observed marijuana residue throughout the vehicle.  A search produced a bag of marijuana and a partially-smoked “blunt” in the center console.  As a result, Sgt. McGill arrested Mr. North as well as passengers Zachary Johnson, age 30 and James Austin, age 22, both of Newark, and charged them with Possession of Under 50 Grams of Marijuana.  In addition, Mr. North was issued motor vehicle summonses for Operating a Motor Vehicle While In Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance, Driving While Suspended, Driving an Expired Vehicle, Failure to Maintain Lane, and Unclear Plates.  Last, Mr. Johnson was charged with Hindering Apprehension for first identifying himself as David Simms and then as Stefany Johnson before his true identity was finally discovered.  All were released ROR.

On Saturday, August 8, at approximately 1:20 am, Patrolman Jeffery Glennon stopped a vehicle operated by Jacob Burke, age 20, of Falls, PA on Route 31 North near Regional Road because the vehicle’s driver’s side taillight was out.  During the stop, Ptl. Glennon observed that passenger Nicholas Lydon, age 20, of Clarks Summit, PA appeared to be under the influence of marijuana.  Ptl. Glennon soon observed a bag of marijuana in plain view on the passenger’s side floor.  A search produced an additional small amount of marijuana and a grinder.  As a result, Ptl. Glennon arrested Mr. Burke, Mr. Lydon, and Michael Chrzan, age 20, of Clarks Summit, PA and charged them with Possession of Under 50 Grams of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  In addition, Mr. Burke was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While In Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Maintenance of Lamps.  All were released ROR. 

Increased Speed Patrols

The Clinton Township Police Department conducts traffic enforcement posts on various roads throughout the township on an “as-needed” basis.  In keeping with this approach, as well as due to recent complaints from residents, the Clinton Township Police Department will be conducting speed enforcement posts in the Potterstown Road area over the next several weeks.  Area residents are reminded to be aware of, and abide by, posted speed limits and to show caution when proceeding past those walking on or near the roadway.

The filing of criminal charges is merely one step in the process of determining a person’s guilt.  All persons mentioned in this press release are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.