The investigation into a series of suspicious vehicles resulted in the arrest of four Manchester Township adults on Wednesday evening. 67-year old, Joseph Alex Jr., 36-year-old, Priest Taylor, 36-year-old, Diane Carle, and 38-year-old Leander Harper, all of the Summit Park section of the Township, were arrested by members of the Narcotics Enforcement Team (NET) after each was found to be in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
On May 31, 2017, members of the Department’s Narcotics Enforcement Team observed suspicious activity in the Summit Park section of the Township. At approximately 9:30 p.m., officers observed suspicious activity between the occupants of two separate vehicles. Both vehicles were eventually stopped in separate areas. During the investigation, it was learned that the occupants of two vehicles met for the purpose of conducting a drug transaction.
During the stop of the first vehicle, Joseph Alex Jr, of Harrison Place was found to be in possession of a quantity of Oxycodone, as well as drug paraphernalia. Alex also had an outstanding warrant and was taken into custody without incident. During the stop of the second vehicle, the operator, Priest Taylor of Housen Street, was found to be in possession of 4 bags of heroin, a transdermal fentanyl patch, and drug paraphernalia. Additionally, his passenger, Diane Carle also of Housen Street, was found to be in possession of 17 bags of heroin and drug paraphernalia. She was also found to have outstanding warrants out of other jurisdictions. Also inside of the vehicle was the pair’s 5-year-old daughter. Taylor and Carle were arrested without incident and the 5-year-old was left in the care of a family member. A subsequent referral was made the Division of Child Protection and Permanency.
While conducting an investigation into the first incident, members of the Narcotics Enforcement Team also observed an unrelated vehicle occupied by two occupants. It was later learned that the driver, Leander Harper, of Housen Street was in possession of a quantity of marijuana.
Alex was charged with Distribution of Heroin, Possession of Oxycodone, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Loitering for the Purpose to Buy/Sell Narcotics. Taylor was charged with Distribution of Oxycodone, Possession of Heroin, Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Loitering for the Purpose to Buy/Sell Narcotics, Hindering Apprehension of Another, and Child Abuse/Neglect. Carle was charged with Possession of Heroin, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Loitering for the Purpose to Buy/Sell Narcotics, Hindering Apprehension with False Information, Failure to Surrender Evidence, and Child Abuse/Neglect. Harper was charged with Possession of Marijuana under Fifty Grams and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Harper and Taylor were released on summonses, while Alex and Carle were transferred to Ocean County Jail due to their outstanding warrants.
Also assisting in the investigation were members of the Manchester Township Police Department’s Patrol Bureau and K-9 Unit.
Residents are reminded that drug tips can be reported to the Manchester Police anonymously at 732-657-6111 or online via the Department’s website, www.manchesterpolicenj.com, by clicking the “Tip Line” link.