Downtown patrol leads to crack cocaine bust after late night fight calls
Lakewood, NJ – A police response to reports of a fight in downtown Lakewood early Saturday morning led to the arrest of two men after officers uncovered suspected crack cocaine and additional narcotics during a traffic stop.
The incident began around 2:26 a.m. on May 3 when Lakewood police were patrolling the downtown area near 2nd Street following multiple 911 calls reporting a disturbance.
While in the area, officers observed two men whose behavior raised suspicion based on prior knowledge and ongoing narcotics concerns in the neighborhood, according to police.
The individuals were identified as Rashon Peten, 37, of Asbury Park, and Kharii Pringle, 42, of Lakewood.
Police said officers monitored the pair as they moved through town and eventually entered a vehicle. A motor vehicle stop was then conducted for a traffic violation.
During the investigation, officers recovered suspected crack cocaine from Peten along with additional narcotics located inside the vehicle.
Peten was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and failure to turn over CDS.
Pringle was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and failure to turn over CDS.
Both men were transported to the Ocean County Jail pending court proceedings. The driver of the vehicle was released at the scene.
Lakewood Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer credited the officers involved for proactive patrol work and attention to ongoing drug activity in the township.
The charges are accusations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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Key Points
- Two men arrested after downtown Lakewood narcotics investigation
- Police recovered suspected crack cocaine during traffic stop
- Both suspects transported to Ocean County Jail pending court proceedings