CLINTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Hunterdon County) — Two men face criminal charges following a motor vehicle stop last month that led to the discovery of narcotics in Clinton Township, authorities said.
A Clinton Township police officer on routine patrol observed the driver of a silver Ford Econoline van commit a motor vehicle violation on Dec. 20. A check of the vehicle’s registered owner showed the driver’s license was expired, and the officer initiated a traffic stop on Route 22 West near Petticoat Lane, police said.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer observed the driver, James P. Miller, 53, of Whitehouse Station, and the front-seat passenger, Kenneth B. Wideman, 35, of Flemington, moving suspiciously inside the van, authorities said. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered narcotics and drug paraphernalia.
Both men were arrested and transported to police headquarters for processing, and the vehicle was impounded.
Miller was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was also issued motor vehicle summonses for driving without a valid license, following too closely, having no liability insurance and failing to produce proof of insurance. Miller was released pending a future court appearance in Hunterdon County Superior Court.
Wideman was charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Police said he became uncooperative and combative during processing and was transported to Hunterdon Medical Center, where he continued to display violent and disruptive behavior.
Wideman’s charges were placed on a warrant, and he was later transported to the Hunterdon County Jail. He was also charged with obstructing the administration of law, throwing bodily fluid at a law enforcement officer, disorderly conduct and trespassing, authorities said.
