An Essex County man and woman were taken into custody for multiple weapons and narcotic-related offenses during the course of a motor vehicle stop on Eastman Street Monday, September 12^th, 2022.

At approximately 2044 hours, Officer Ryan Drew observed a Blue 2005 Chevy commit multiple motor vehicle violations in the area of Eastman Street at Miln Street.  Subsequently, Officer Drew effected a motor vehicle stop of the Chevy on Eastman Street near Alden Street, and Officer Joshua Sousa was dispatched as his back-up.  Officer Drew identified the driver as Willie Montague, 72, of Newark NJ and the passenger as Safiatou Dieng, 24, of Newark NJ. 

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

Subsequently, as the investigation continued it was discovered that Montague and Dieng were in possession of a Gerstenberger & Eberwien 6-shot revolver loaded with hollow-point bullets as well CDS Crack-Cocaine and CDS paraphernalia.

Montague was charged with 2^nd Degree Possession of a Firearm, 2^nd Degree Certain Persons Not To Possess Firearms, 4^th Degree Possession of Hollow Point Bullets, 3^rd Degree Possession of CDS Crack Cocaine, and Possession of CDS Paraphernalia.  Dieng was charged with 2^nd Degree Possession of a Firearm, 4^th 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.

At the time of this arrest, Montague and Dieng were awaiting commitment to the Union County Jail pending a detention hearing.

#          #          #

Releaase by D/Lt. Matthew R. Nazzaro

Public Information Officer - Cranford Police Department

m-nazzaro@cranfordnj.org / 908-709-4313