The Paramus Police Department announced the arrest of Ms. Danielle Fletcher, 37, and Floyd Artis, 33, both of Rutland, Vermont, for Possession of a Handgun and Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substances.
Police say on Sunday, February 6, at approximately 1:06 am, Paramus Police Officer Cesar Hurtado stopped a 2013 KIA 4-door for several motor vehicle violations on Route 17 North in the area of Powers Drive.
The vehicle was operated by Floyd Artis. At this point, Officer Kevin Grady arrived at the scene of the stop as the backup officer.
Officials said Paramus Officer Hurtado observed a glass pipe used to smoke crack cocaine in the front of the car.
While Officer Hurtado was speaking with Artis at the rear of the car, Artis began yelling to Danielle Fletcher, who appeared to be unconscious in the passenger seat of the KIA.
At this point, Artis suddenly ran back to his car and attempted to get inside. Artis was blocked from entering, and he then fled on foot towards the rear of the West Elm Store located on Route North.
After a brief foot chase, Artis was captured in the area of Powers Drive. Officers then determined that Danielle Fletcher was heavily under the influence of CDS and had her transported to New Bridge Medical Center.
A search of the interior of the vehicle and the suspects revealed a fully loaded 9-mm Makrov Pistol, over 7 ounces of suspected cocaine, 47 suspected Ecstasy Pills and other drug paraphernalia.
Artis was placed under arrest and transported to Paramus Police Headquarters, where he was booked and processed.
After Fletcher was treated and released from the hospital, she was brought to police headquarters, where she was also booked and processed.
Officials said both were remanded to Bergen County Jail pending a bail hearing. The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.