Motor Vehicle Stop Leads to Crack Cocaine Arrests

A 52-year-old woman and 32-year-old man from Hunterdon County, whom police only would say are related, and have the same last name, each face possession of of crack cocaine and various other charges after said their Jeep was stopped Saturday on Interstate 78 in Bernards Township.

According to police, the vehicle, driven by Jason Burd, 32, from Glen Gardner, was pulled over last Saturday at about 4:50 p.m., for alleged failure to keep right on the westbound highway.

The police report said Patrol Officer William Seiple's observations led him to believe that Burd allegedly may have used a controlled dangerous substance.

The officer also reported that the front seat passenger, Laurie Burd, 52, also of Glen Gardner, allegedly was not wearing a seat belt. The officer also became suspicious after supposedly hearing "inconsistencies" in the driver's travel plans, police said.

Seiple then reportedly asked the passenger in the front seat, Laurie Burd, who also was owner of the vehicle, for her consent to search the interior, which allegedly was granted.

According to the officer, he then allegedly found drug-related items, including a glass smoking pipe, a spoon and empty baggies.

Seiple then allegedly found three baggies of crack cocaine in the woman's purse. Another piece of crack cocaine then was allegedly found on the floor behind the passenger seat, according to police.

Police said both individuals faced possession of crack cocaine and of drug paraphernalia.

Laurie Burd also faces a summons for failure to wear a seat belt, police said. Jason Burd also is charged with possesion of drug paraphernalia and driving with a suspended license.

Police said the pair were taken to police headquarters, where they were processed and released on their own recognizance.