JACKSON – An incident that began when police officers observed litter being thrown from a car ended with the arrest of three individuals in a convenience store parking lot in Jackson.
According to police, at 11:35 p.m. on May 12, officers working a directed enforcement detail observed the occupants of a 2005 Dodge who were acting suspiciously in the parking lot of a convenience store on East Veterans Highway.
Police said officers Michael Kelly and Derek Thomason observed an occupant of the vehicle discard litter into the parking lot. At that time the officers approached the vehicle and observed a woman in the front seat who was partially disrobed as the male driver was committing what police described as a lewd act on her.
Police said the officers observed drug paraphernalia in plain view. An investigation resulted in the seizure of glass pipes that are used to smoke crack cocaine and suspected stolen clothing. The vehicle was impounded.
A 30-year-old woman was charged with possession of crack cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and receiving stolen property. She was processed and released.
A 62-year-old woman was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and receiving stolen property. She was processed and released.
A 56-year-old man was charged with sexual assault. He was processed and lodged in the Ocean County jail, Toms River.
Sgt. Mitch Cowit, Sgt. Fred Meabe and Detective Robert Reiff assisted in the incident. Police said the investigation is continuing and additional charges may be pending.
In other incidents reported by Jackson police:
• At 2:47 a.m. on May 12, Police Officer Wes Thomason was working a detail for a road closure on East Veterans Highway when a 1999 Honda entered the work zone. Observations were made that the driver appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Police said the 24-year-old male driver from Yardley, Pa., was charged with driving while intoxicated and other offenses. He was processed and released.
• At 11:14 a.m. on May 12 while working a detail at Six Flags Great Adventure, Police Officer Cherrick Daniels responded to a report of a woman who was attempting to enter the theme park with what appeared to be cocaine in her possession. Police said the 30-year-old resident of Flushing, N.Y., was arrested, transported to police headquarters and charged with possession of cocaine. She was released pending a court appearance.
• At 10:25 p.m. on May 12 while working a directed enforcement detail comprised of officers assigned to the evening and overnight squads, police officers Keith French and Wes Thomason were on patrol in the Willow Point Complex on East Commodore Boulevard.
While checking the complex, the officers observed a parked 2002 Jeep occupied by two individuals. As the officers approached the vehicle on foot, they were able to detect the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.
A search resulted in the seizure of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia. An 18-year-old female resident of Jackson was charged with possession of marijuana. She was processed and released.
• At 10:39 p.m. on May 12, officers responded to a home on Jackson Mills Road for a report of a possible drug overdose. The officers located a 19-year-old male who appeared unconscious as he was seated in a parked vehicle in the driveway. When the officers shined a flashlight on the male, he became alert and conscious. The male was treated by representatives of a first aid squad, but declined further treatment. Suspected heroin was recovered and seized, but the male was not charged in accordance with the Overdose Prevention Act.
• At 3:47 a.m. on May 13, police officers Wes Thomason, Chris Schinder, Shannon Foote, Keith French and Phil Minissale responded to a residence on Laurel Avenue to investigate a report of a disturbance involving a 21-year-old male who was reportedly armed with two knives.
Police said the officers encountered the uncooperative male and he dropped one knife to the ground as he made threats to damage a neighbor’s house. The man then produced a second knife from a pocket and attempted to walk away from the officers.
As the male turned to say something to one of the officers, Oleoresin Capsicum spray was used by the police and had an immediate effect on the man as he dropped the knife in order to wipe his eyes. The officers were then able to take the man into custody.
Police said care was provided to the man following the use of the chemical spray. The man was charged with disorderly conduct and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. He was initially placed in the Ocean County jail, Toms River.