Dedicated enforcement to protect and serve citizens, business owners, visitors and property in Harrison had an observant police officer take action after he reportedly observed an unusual situation during his morning tour.
According to a statement released by Harrison Police officials, Officer M. Silva on preventative patrol operations at approximately 2 a.m. Saturday morning observed a grey, Chevy Impala occupied by three individuals parked under the I-280 overpass on Warren Street.
Officials said based on Officer Silva's observation; there was a reason to believe that a drug transaction was underway inside the vehicle.
While Officer Silva activated his spot and overhead lights, the driver of the suspected vehicle attempted to speed off heading westbound on Warren Street the police statement said.
Officials said Officer Silva radioed headquarters for backup and attempted to stop the car in the vicinity of 2nd Street near Sussex Street when the rear male passenger bailed out of the vehicle and tried to discard -what the officer immediately realized was- numerous wax folds of heroin.
The suspect immediately complied when officers ordered him to stop according to police.
Several police officers arrived at the scene to assist, including Officer R. Crudele, who placed Mr. Bernard Clark, 26 of Newark under arrest.
Harrison Police officials said they placed the rear seat passenger, Mr. Rafael Munoz, 41, of South Amboy under arrest and later announced that he was wanted for over $13,000 in outstanding criminal warrants from other jurisdictions.
Police processed Clark then charged him with numerous drug-related offenses and issued him a motor vehicle summons while they charged Munoz with multiple drug-related crimes.
Officers said they confiscated over 200 wax folds of suspected heroin, a dozen bags of suspected crack cocaine, and approximately $700 in drug proceeds.
Harrison Police has conducted dozens of investigations that resulted in arrests of suspects who engaged in criminal activity near streets along the Rt. 280 corridor, Harrison Avenue, and Frank E. Rogers Boulevard during their 24-hour preventative patrol operation.
The incident remains under investigation.