Two men were arrested early Saturday after police discovered crack cocaine and other narcotics during a traffic stop that followed multiple reports of a downtown altercation, authorities said.
Officers from the Lakewood Police Department were patrolling the downtown area around 2:26 a.m. on May 3 in response to 9-1-1 calls reporting a fight near a business on 2nd Street when they observed Rashon Peten, 37, of Asbury Park, and Kharii Pringle, 42, of Lakewood, whose behavior raised suspicion based on prior police knowledge and ongoing concerns about narcotics activity in the area.
After monitoring the two men as they moved through town and entered a vehicle, officers conducted a motor vehicle stop for a traffic violation. Further investigation led to the recovery of suspected crack cocaine from Peten, along with additional narcotics found inside the vehicle, police said.
Peten was taken into custody and 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 also arrested and 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.
Police Chief Gregory H. Meyer praised the officers involved in the operation.
“This arrest highlights the proactive work being done by our officers during overnight hours,” Meyer said in a statement. “Their awareness, attention to detail, and commitment to addressing ongoing drug activity in our community continue to make a difference.”
