Car Stop Leads to Arrest for Warrants, Drug Paraphernalia

[Chief M Richards]

On Thursday November 10, 2016 at 7:53pm, Special Officer Raul Couce conducted a motor vehicle stop on Spring Street after he observed a subject driving while on his cell phone.  The driver of the vehicle was identified as Bryan J. Johnston.  During the stop, Johnston was found to have two active warrants for his arrest.  The warrants were issued by the Essex County Superior Court and the Morris County Superior Court.  Once the warrants were confirmed, Johnston was placed into custody.  While Johnston was being removed from the vehicle, a hypodermic needle was found on the seat.  A search incident to arrest revealed that Johnston was in possession of two empty bags suspected of having contained heroin and ten additional needles.

 

Bryan J. Johnston, a 28-year-old, unemployed male from Newton, was charged with the following criminal charges:

 

• Possession of Hypodermic Syringe, N.J.S. 2C:36-6, a Disorderly Persons Offense
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, N.J.S. 2C:36-2, a Disorderly Persons Offense

 

Additionally, Johnston was charged with the following motor vehicle violations:

 

• 39:4-97.3 – Use of Cell Phone While Driving
• 39:3-66 – Maintenance of Lamps
• 39:8-1 – Failure to Inspect
• 39:3-40 – Driving While Suspended
• 39:3-10 – Unlicensed Driver (Expired)

 

After being processed and issued his summonses, Johnston was turned to the Morris County Sheriff’s Department and lodged in the Morris County Correctional Facility.

 

The investigating officers were Special Officer Raul Couce and Ptl. John Flanagan.