Ventnor Police Chase Down Two Suspects Who Flee Stopped Car
A traffic stop, drugs, fleeing suspects and a foot pursuit - all in Ventnor before Noon on Friday.
Ventnor Police say they conducted a motor vehicle stop in the area of Dorset and Atlantic Avenues, just before 11am. Here's what happened next:
The vehicle was operated by Kimberly A. Baldwin, 43 year old female from Egg Harbor Township New Jersey, and occupied by three additional passengers. During the initial investigation, Officer Arentz observed items in the vehicle associated with the use of illicit drugs, and after briefly talking with the driver, believed that she may be impaired.
While investigating that matter, two passengers, later identified as Erich L. Lewis, 32 year old male from Vineland New Jersey, and Ahmad S. McKinley, 25 year old male from Atlantic City New Jersey exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Additional patrol units were detailed and after a brief foot pursuit, both Lewis and McKinley were apprehended and taken into custody by Officer Kevin Brady and Officer Michael Newell, respectively. While fleeing, Lewis was observed discarding a bag under a nearby parked vehicle. The bag was recovered and contained 220 bags of suspected heroin, and a substantial amount of cash. McKinley was found to have suspected heroin in his possession upon search incident to arrest. A search of the vehicle also located additional CDS and drug paraphernalia.
Baldwin was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance. She was processed and released on summons.
The third passenger, who remained in the vehicle, was identified as Eric P. Salata, 32 year old male from Mays Landing New Jersey, was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of hypodermic syringes. He was processed and released on summons.
McKinley was charged with obstructing the administration of law, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia on a summons. McKinley was found to have active warrants for his arrest and was remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility on those warrants.
Lewis was charged with obstructing the administration of law, resisting arrest, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute within a public park area, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia on a summons. Lewis was found to have multiple active warrants and he was also remanded to the Atlantic County Justice Facility on those warrants.