2 Arrested On Firearm, Drug-Related Offenses In Cranford: Police

CRANFORD, NJ — An Essex County man and woman were arrested for multiple weapons and narcotic-related offenses during a motor vehicle stop in Cranford Monday night, according to police.

At about 8:44 p.m., Cranford Officer Ryan Drew saw a blue 2005 Chevy commit several motor vehicle violations in the area of Eastman Street at Miln Street, police said. The officer later discovered a loaded gun, as well as crack cocaine and other drug paraphernalia in the car.

After Drew pulled over the Chevy, he identified the driver as Willie Montague, 72, and the passenger as Safiatou Dieng, 24, who were both from Newark, police said.

While both Montague and Dieng were separated, Drew observed narcotics, as well as a handgun within the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Officers Drew and Joshua Sousa immediately placed Montague in handcuffs and, following a brief struggle, took Dieng into custody, police said.

Police found that Montague and Dieng were in possession of a Gerstenberger & Eberwien 6-shot revolver loaded with hollow-point bullets, as well crack-cocaine and other drug paraphernalia.

Montague was charged with second-degree possession of a firearm, second-degree certain persons not to possess firearms, fourth-degree possession of hollow point bullets, third-degree possession of CDS crack cocaine and possession of CDS paraphernalia, according to police.

Dieng was charged with second-degree possession of a firearm, fourth-degree possession of hollow point bullets, resisting arrest and possession of CDS paraphernalia. In addition, Montague was issued multiple motor vehicle summonses for moving and equipment violations, police said.

At the time of this arrest, Williams and Robinson were awaiting commitment to the Union County Jail pending a detention hearing, Cranford Police said.

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