SOUTH RIVER, NJ – A routine traffic stop in South River turned into a drug investigation after a passenger allegedly discarded a suspicious object from the vehicle’s window, authorities said.
The incident occurred Wednesday evening when P.O. Jonathan Torres stopped a vehicle that had run a red light. During the stop, an item was seen being thrown from the car, which was later recovered and identified as a bag containing a white powdery substance suspected to be cocaine.
The passenger, identified as 42-year-old Nelson Marques, was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance and Tampering with Evidence. He also received a summons for littering.
The vehicle’s driver was issued a summons for failing to obey a traffic control device.
Additional officers, including Sgt. Hyslop, P.O. Swineford, and P.O. Rader, assisted in the stop and investigation.
All charges remain accusations, and Marques is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Key Points
- Nelson Marques, 42, arrested after suspected cocaine tossed from vehicle
- Traffic stop initiated for running red light in South River
- Passenger charged with drug possession, tampering, and littering