Motor Vehicle Stop Leads to Two CDS Arrests

CAPE MAY – David P. Costanza, 52, of Somers Point, and Brian N. Tsosie, 30, of North Cape May, were arrested following a motor vehicle stop by Patrolman D. Murphy of the Cape May Police Department Sept. 17 at 11:36 p.m. on charges related to controlled dangerous substance violations and a weapons offense.
A 1996 Dodge Ram Pickup Truck driven by Costanza was stopped by police for a seat belt violation on Broadway in West Cape May. Following the stop, police observed the driver to be in possession of a knife and a controlled dangerous substance. A search of the vehicle revealed additional controlled dangerous substances and drug paraphernalia.
A passenger in the vehicle, later identified as Tsosie, initially provided police with misleading information. When correctly identified, it was discovered that Tsosie was wanted on a West Cape May Municipal Court warrant (bail $1,000). Arresting officers uncovered a controlled dangerous substance on Tsosie at the time of his arrest.
Tsosie was charged on a summons complaint with unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance, under 50 grams of marijuana, obstructing administration of law or other governmental function, and cited for not wearing a seat belt. He was unable to post the $1,000 bail on the West Cape May warrant and was placed in the Cape May County Correctional Facility.
Costanza was charged on a summons complaint with unlawful possession of a controlled dangerous substance, marijuana under 50 grams and crystal methamphetamine, a third degree offense, unlawful possession of a weapon, a fourth degree offense, possession of drug paraphernalia, and cited for failure to wear a seat belt and operating a motor vehicle while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
Both were scheduled to appear in West Cape May Municipal Court Sept. 25 at 9 a.m.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.