"NEXT TIME SLOW DOWN!!!"

On February 14, 2003 at 1:17am, while patrolling Rt. 78 west, Officer Stephen Sexton of the New Jersey State Department of Human Services Police Force was passed by a 2001 GMC Yukon Denali bearing no license plates, traveling at high rate of speed. Officer Sexton initiated a motor vehicle stop of this vehicle in the vicinity of exit 12. As Officer Sexton approached the vehicle on foot, the vehicle pulled back onto the highway at a high rate of speed. Officer Sexton returned to his vehicle and initiated a pursuit, while requesting assistance from the New Jersey State Police - Perryville Barracks.

After a brief pursuit, the Yukon Denali again came to a stop. The driver exited the vehicle, ignoring Officer Sexton's verbal commands and then attempted to resist and flee as Officer Sexton approached. When subdued, a loaded five shot .22-caliber revolver was found in the driver's pants pocket.

Upon initial examination of the Yukon Denali, Officer Sexton detected a strong smell of marijuana, and observed several cellular telephones and pager on the console. Several soft canvas bags and luggage were also observed in the rear of the vehicle. The GMC Yukon Denali was impounded and transported back to the Human Services Police - Hagedorn Station, along with its' driver.

A search warrant was subsequently obtained for the vehicle with the assistance of: DSGT. John Gregory - HSP, Sgt. Debra Faillo, K-9 Caesar - NJSP, and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Task Force.

Seized was approximately one hundred pounds of marijuana with an approximate street value of $250,000 dollars. The marijuana was compressed into six large packages located in the various pieces of luggage in the rear of the Yukon.

The apprehended individual was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana over twenty-five pounds, unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of a weapon while committing a violation of 2C:35-5, resisting arrest, hindering apprehension and several motor vehicle violations. He was remanded to the Hunterdon County Jail on $300,000 bail.

The NJNEOA proudly salutes Officer Stephen Sexton, the NJ Department of Human Services Police Force, the New Jersey State Police Canine Unit, K-9 Caesar and the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office Narcotics Task Force for their diligent efforts.

The 2001 GMC Yukon Denali

The 100 lbs of marijuana