“I’m just hungry,” the woman told the officer, but a routine welfare check quickly spiraled into a Middletown Crack Cocaine Arrest that uncovered a stash of drugs hidden inside a vehicle.
The incident began on September 16, 2023, in Middletown, New Jersey, when police responded to a complaint about two people sleeping in a car. What started as a simple check for “vitality” ended with 43-year-old Diane Sullivan being led away in handcuffs.
Table of Contents
Watch: Middletown Crack Cocaine Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:59:14 where the situation escalates as officers identify the suspected crack cocaine.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
Officer A. Ruane of the Middletown Police Department approached a black Honda Accord parked on the side of the road. Inside were a man and a woman who appeared to be sleeping.
The woman, later identified as Diane Sullivan, explained she was exhausted and couldn’t sleep while driving. The interaction took an unusual turn when the couple began showing off their pets to the officers.
At one point, a cat even jumped into the vehicle, causing a brief moment of levity during the investigation. However, the mood shifted when officers began questioning the occupants about their identification and potential warrants.
Despite the friendly conversation about dogs and cats, the officers’ investigative instincts were sharp. They requested consent to search the vehicle. Sullivan agreed, signing a voluntary consent form and waiving her right to be present during the search.
16 Vials and a “Chore Boy”: The Evidence Found
As Officer Ruane and other units began the search, they moved through the center console and the car’s interior. The discovery was immediate and significant.
Officers located a “Chore Boy” (copper mesh often used as a filter for smoking drugs) and a total of 16 vials. Sullivan admitted to the officers that there was “stuff in it,” confirming their suspicions.
“That’s what crack looks like,” one officer noted as they pulled the items from the car. The search also uncovered white powder suspected to be cocaine.
The Arrest: Charges Against Diane Sullivan
Following the discovery of the controlled substances and paraphernalia, Diane Sullivan was placed under arrest. She was transported to the Middletown Police Department headquarters for processing.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10A(1) | Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (Cocaine) | Up to 3-5 years in prison (3rd Degree Crime) |
| N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2A | Use or Possession with Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia | Up to 6 months in jail (Disorderly Persons) |
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Legal Analysis: Was the Middletown Crack Cocaine Arrest Justified?
Fourth Amendment Check: In this case, the search appears to be legally sound based on “Informed Consent”. Sullivan was told she had the right to refuse the search and the right to stop it at any time. By signing the form, she provided the legal gateway for officers to search without a warrant.
Police Protocol: The officers followed standard procedure for a welfare check on a stationary vehicle. Once they obtained legal consent, they conducted a systematic search of the vehicle’s “wingspan” and storage areas, eventually locating the hidden contraband.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
5 frequently asked questions regarding the legal charges in the Middletown case
What does “Possession of a CDS” actually mean in this case?
CDS stands for Controlled Dangerous Substance. In this specific incident, the defendant was charged with knowingly possessing crack cocaine, which is classified as a Schedule II narcotic under New Jersey law.
Is being charged with a “Third-Degree” crime serious?
Yes, in New Jersey, crimes are classified by degrees. A Third-Degree crime, such as the possession charge in this case, is a felony-level offense. While less severe than a first or second-degree crime, it still carries the potential for significant prison time and a permanent criminal record.
What is a “Chore Boy” and why is it considered drug paraphernalia?
A “Chore Boy” is a brand of copper scouring pad. In drug-related cases, pieces of these metal pads are often used as makeshift filters in glass pipes for smoking crack cocaine. Because it was found alongside 16 vials of suspected cocaine, police charged it as drug paraphernalia intended for drug use.
What is a “Disorderly Persons” offense?
The charge for possessing drug paraphernalia (N.J.S.A. 2C:36-2A) is classified as a Disorderly Persons (DP) offense. In other states, this is often called a misdemeanor. It is handled in municipal court and carries lighter penalties—such as fines or up to 6 months in jail—compared to the more serious felony possession charge.
Why was a “Warrant” issued instead of just a “Summons” ticket?
A judicial officer found Probable Cause based on the 16 vials and paraphernalia found in the vehicle. Because the lead charge was a third-degree felony involving controlled substances, the court issued a Complaint-Warrant, which officially commanded peace officers to arrest the defendant and bring them before the court.
Conclusion & Current Status
Diane Sullivan was processed and issued a complaint-warrant. A judicial officer found probable cause for the charges on the same day as the arrest. Her first appearance was scheduled to take place at the Monmouth County Courts in Freehold, NJ.
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Disclaimer: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report is based on official police records.
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