By Victoria Hurley-Schubert, Staff Writer
A Princeton Township police officer made two drug busts in one evening that resulted in three arrests and three teens being escorted home by police over the weekend.
While on foot patrol, Patrolman Christopher King located four teens on the property of the Community Park School after hours. Upon contact with the four high school sophomores at 8:52 p.m. on April 27, the officer King reported a strong odor of marijuana was detected and it was determined that one of them was in possession of suspected marijuana along with rolling papers.
That teen was taken into custody and charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and trespassing and later turned over to his parents at police headquarters.
The other three were taken from the scene to their respective residences where they were also turned over to their parents and charged with trespassing.
Later that evening, officer King, who has been with the department 10 years, was on patrol at 11:20 p.m. and reported witnessing a drug transaction at the corner of John Street and Leigh Avenue between Damien Freeman of Maple Terrace and Travis Henderson of Wilkinson Way.
When officer King attempted to make contactMr. Freeman, 19, attempted to flee the area, and while doing so assaulted the officer, said police.
Mr. Freeman was able to run from the scene, and officer King took custody of Mr. Henderson, 20, as he also tried to flee the area. Mr. Henderson was found to be in possession of marijuana.
Mr. Henderson was charged with possession of controlled dangerous substance and attempting to elude an officer. He was released on his own recognizance.
Mr. Freeman was taken into custody a short time later when Sgt. Michael Bender of the Princeton Borough Police Department observed him running on Leigh Avenue. He was charged with distribution of controlled dangerous substance, distribution within a school zone, obstruction, resisting arrest and aggravated assault
Officer King was allegedly punched by the suspect, but did not need medical attention and had no injuries.
