Arrest Two by Park for Alleged Possession

VILLAS – Lower Township Police Department’s Detective Division was conducting surveillance operations Aug. 30 for suspicious and controlled dangerous substance (CDS) related activity in Villas. While conducting the operation, the Detective Division observed a suspicious vehicle parked on Caroline Avenue, next to Mulligan Field park. At the time, families were present at the park. 
As detectives approached the vehicle, two occupants were observed hunched over in the vehicle. The occupants were identified as Dana M. Gilroy, 25, and Michael Hale, 47, of North Cape May. Both subjects were asked to exit the vehicle when a hypodermic needle was observed in plain view on the passenger side floor. After the driver, Gilroy, exited the vehicle, another hypodermic needle was observed in the driver’s door along with other drug paraphernalia on the driver’s side floor. Both Gilroy and Hale were placed under arrest at that time, and search incident to arrest, Gilroy was found to have additional drug paraphernalia and three bags of suspected heroin in her possession.
Hale was processed and released on a summons charging him with possession of a hypodermic needle, a disorderly persons offense. Gilroy was processed and charged on a warrant with possession of heroin, a third degree crime. She was also charged on a summons with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a hypodermic needle, both disorderly persons offenses. Judge Thomas Hillegass issued the warrant for Gilroy and set bail at $20,000 full cash. Gilroy was then lodged in the Cape May County Correctional Center in lieu of bail.
Members of the community are urged to call the Lower Township Police Department at 609-886-2711 should they witness any suspicious activity.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. This report is based on information received from law enforcement.