Authorities arrested a 35-year-old man for at least three counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute after an alleged confrontation over a New Jersey parking spot. He faces at least five drug charges along with charges for three other offenses.
The incident reportedly occurred after the man parked in a restricted spot at a housing complex and became angry when the complex ticketed him. He went to the office, where he allegedly threatened two workers and took his anger out on the building, causing an estimated $5,500 worth of damage. The police obtained a warrant for his arrest.
He was taken into custody when he returned to the complex. Law enforcement personnel then discovered him to be in possession of marijuana and two different prescription drugs as well as a baseball bat. They proceeded to his apartment, in which they found additional marijuana, prescription drugs and drug paraphernalia.
The housing complex has a history of criminal activity, including drug complaints and assaults. Authorities observed that sometimes outside parties go to the complex to stir up trouble, and they are working to clean up the area.
When someone is accused of drug crimes, they could face serious penalties, especially if the charges include allegations of drug sales. Drug offenses sometimes carry mandatory sentencing penalties, such as fines, probation, community service hours and time in jail or prison. A criminal defense attorney might be able convince the prosecution to allow the person to attend substance abuse treatment instead of serving harsher punishments. Drug rehab sometimes helps people overcome the substance abuse issues that caused their initial involvement in crime.
Source: Fortlee Patch, “Englewood Parking Dispute Leads to Weapon, Drug Charges,” Noah Cohen, April 3, 2013