Traffic Warrants Lead to CDS Arrest

CAPE MAY – Hector E. Cruz-Rodriguez, 29, of Wildwood Crest, was arrested by the Cape May Police Department Sept. 4 at 3:40 p.m. on a traffic warrant from Middle Township Municipal Court and a warrant from Wildwood Municipal Court. Following his arrest police charged him with additional offenses related to his possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
Patrolman Derrik Murphy and Patrolman Scott Krissinger’s investigation developed as they received information that two warrants existed for Hector Cruz-Rodriguez, the driver of a car, 1998 Honda Civic, being operated on Lafayette Street near Ocean Street.
Following the motor vehicle stop an odor of burnt marijuana was detected and a seizure of a controlled dangerous substance, believed to be marijuana, was made from the vehicle. Officers then sought and were granted a search warrant from the Cape May Municipal Court.
The search uncovered an additional quantity of a controlled dangerous substance, believed to be crack-cocaine and contained in 44 small, clear plastic baggies, and an additional quantity of marijuana.
Cruz-Rodriguez was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of a CDS with the intent to distribute, possession of a CDS with the intent to distribute within 500’ of a public park, possession of marijuana under 50 grams, and several motor vehicle violations. He was placed in the Cape May County Correctional Center. Bail was set at $50,000 by the Cape May Municipal Court. He was scheduled to appear in Cape May Municipal Court Sept. 10 at 9 a.m.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.