CLINTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (Hunterdon County) – A Pennsylvania man faces charges after police reportedly found him asleep inside a stolen U-Haul, while also in possession of a stolen motorcycle and drugs in Clinton Township, according to Clinton Township Police Chief Thomas A. DeRosa.
On Tuesday, Feb. 7, at around 11:36 a.m., officers were conducting patrol in the parking lot of McDonald’s when officers conducted a random registration inquiry on a U-Haul van occupied by a male sleeping inside. The inquiry on the van returned as a stolen vehicle out of New York, DeRosa said.
The sole occupant, Pedro B. Rodriguez of Allentown, was immediately arrested. A further investigation revealed he was in possession of a Honda CBR motorcycle inside the van which was stolen out of Hoboken, NJ and controlled dangerous substances, DeRosa said.
Rodriguez was charged with two counts of third-degree receiving stolen property, third-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance, fourth-degree possession of burglar’s tools, fourth-degree hindering apprehension, fourth-degree obstruction of justice, fourth-degree credit card theft, and being under the influence.
During the investigation, it was determined that Rodriguez was wanted out of New York for three counts of robbery and he was then charged with being a fugitive from justice, DeRosa said.
Rodriguez was then lodged in the Warren County Jail.
The investigation is still ongoing and more criminal charges are under review as the Clinton Township Police Department is now working with the NYPD, DeRosa said.
