WARRANT ARRESTS
January 12, 2026:
At approximately 2002 hours, PO Nash conducted a random license plate inquiry on a green Chrysler traveling southbound on Frank E Rodgers Blvd near Sussex Street, which returned an active warrant out of Newark with a $3,500 bail. A motor vehicle stop was initiated. The driver and registered owner, Andres Choloquingacholoq, advised he did not possess a valid driver’s license. Mr. Choloquingacholoq was placed under arrest on the outstanding warrant and was later released on his own recognizance.
At approximately 2321 hours, PO Soltis observed a black Acura ATL in the area of 1st Street and Bergen associated with an individual known to have outstanding warrants out of Harrison and Union, each for $1,000. The individual exited the vehicle and was identified via photo on the officer’s MDT. When questioned, the individual refused to answer and was detained until additional units arrived. Warrants were confirmed by dispatch. The individual was placed under arrest on the outstanding warrants and was later released after bail was posted.
While on patrol, PO Nash observed a white pickup truck make a left turn onto Harrison Ave and conducted a random license plate inquiry. The inquiry returned information inconsistent with the vehicle observed and revealed the registered owner had an active warrant out of Elizabeth. A motor vehicle stop was initiated in front of Town Hall. Officers made contact with the driver, who was only able to provide a driver’s license and proof of insurance. The driver stated the license plates were from another vehicle he owns and advised he had recently purchased the vehicle. A VIN inquiry returned to a different vehicle. The driver was advised of the active warrant. He was later released on his own recognizance.
January 13, 2026:
During proactive patrol, PO Burgo conducted a random license plate inquiry on a black 2021 BMW in the area of South 5th Street and Crucible which revealed an active NCIC want out of Union County. Emergency lights and sirens were activated, and a motor vehicle stop was conducted. The driver was confirmed as the registered owner, Mr. Hamed A. Lawal. The NCIC want was confirmed by dispatch. The driver complied with requests and was subsequently placed under arrest. Custody of Mr. Lawal was later transferred to the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
STOLEN MOTOR VEHICLE
January 12, 2026:
Officers were dispatched to headquarters for a report of a stolen motor vehicle. The reporting party advised that the vehicle had been left in the care of a friend while the owner was out of the country to avoid parking violations. The reporting party stated the vehicle was last seen parked at the intersection of Hamilton St. and Davis Ave on 01/08/2026 at 2300 hours. The reporting party provided video surveillance footage showing the vehicle being parked at approximately 2302 hours. The footage depicts a white vehicle pulling alongside, after which a male exits, canvasses the parked vehicle, and gains entry through the rear passenger-side door using an unknown device. The suspect then enters the driver’s seat. The white vehicle departs, followed by the stolen vehicle traveling westbound on Hamilton St.
DUI ARRESTS
January 11, 2026:
On 01/11/26, at approximately 21:32 hours, PO Rueda responded to 318 Ann Street regarding a reported hit-and-run three-car motor vehicle accident. Upon arrival, he met with the caller, who stated that her vehicle and another vehicle, were struck by a tan Hyundai Elantra (NJ Reg: W94VUL), which subsequently fled the scene. PO Nash observed an unoccupied Hyundai Elantra improperly parked on 7th Street near the Enrite gas station. The owner of the Hyundai Elantra, later identified as Jimmy A. Alvarado, walked to the scene of the accident. While speaking with Mr. Alvarado, PO Rueda observed that his eyes were bloodshot and watery/glassy and detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. Mr. Alvarado was asked where he was coming from, and he stated that he had just parked his vehicle at the Enrite Gas Station. Mr. Alvarado was asked where he had been prior to the accident, and he stated that he was coming from around the corner, referring to La Patrona Sports Bar & Grill. Mr. Alvarado agreed to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and admitted to consuming alcohol. He failed SFSTs and was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated.
January 12, 2026:
On January 12, 2026, at approximately 01:18 AM, PO Nash responded to the area of 5 Manor Avenue on a report of motor vehicle that had struck two parked vehicles. PO Nash observed a red Chevrolet Equinox bearing NJ Registration U86LRX parked diagonally in the middle of the road. Upon contact with the driver, later identified as Mr. Lawrence Kelly, the officer detected a strong odor of alcohol emanating from his breath. Mr. Kelly agreed to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and admitted to consuming alcohol 2 to 3 hours in the past. He failed SFSTs and was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated.