Dagger, Switch Blade Found in Man's Car in Kinnelon

Three weapons were recovered from the search of a Pompton Plains man's car Tuesday after police investigated him for allegedly throwing an item off the bridge over Route 287 in Kinnelon.

Steve Otte, 23, was charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose for having a switch blade, butterfly knife and dagger in his car, and charged with providing alcohol to a person underage. He was also issued summonses for having an open container in a motor vehicle and consuming an alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.

His 17-year-old passenger, also from Pompton Plains, was charged with underage possession of alcohol and issued summonses for having an open container of alcohol in a motor vehicle and consuming alcohol in a motor vehicle.

Otte's car was found by Ptl. Rickey Ferriola around 8 p.m. on Elizabeth Drive after police received a call of a suspicious vehicle on Brook Valley Road, according to Kinnelon Police Lt. John Schwartz. Ferriola found the grey Mitsubishi and Otte and the 17-year-old inside.

While talking with them, Schwartz said Ferriola noticed an open Fosters beer can on the passenger's side floor. The 17-year-old told the officer she was drinking and had taken the beer from her home, but Otte said that he bought the beer and was drinking it, Schwartz said.

Police searched the vehicle and found more beer and the knives.

Both were arrested and transported to police headquarters. The 17-year-old was released to her parents.

For questions on this report, email ariana.cohn-sheehan@patch.com