On September 17, 2021, a juvenile was arrested with a handgun and cocaine during a narcotics transaction. At 1:13 PM, Detectives Chris Dodson, Chris Smith, and Darrin Lorady of the Special Investigations Section were conducting surveillance in the area of Tennessee and Central Avenues in reference to citizen complaints regarding the sale of narcotics. The detectives observed a 17-year old male engage in a drug transaction with Desiree Mendez.
The detectives moved in to arrest both parties. The 17-year old attempted to hand a satchel that he was carrying to a man nearby who refused it. Mendez dropped crack cocaine to the ground. The cocaine and satchel were recovered and both were arrested without incident. Inside the satchel, detectives located a loaded handgun and a small amount of cocaine.
ARRESTED: A 17-year old male from Pleasantville, NJ
CHARGES: Unlawful possession of a weapon, Possession of weapon while committing a CDS offense, possession of a large capacity magazine, possession of hollow-point ammunition, possession of CDS, possession with intent to distribute CDS, and possession with intent to distribute CDS within 500 feet of a public zone.The male was remanded to the Harborfields Detention Facility.
ARRESTED: Desiree Mendez, 38, of Atlantic City.
CHARGES: Possession of CDS .Mendez was released on a summons with a future court date. Charges are mere accusations, and the accused are considered innocent until proven guilty.