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Clifton PD: Drug-Dealing Driver Pepper-Sprayed After Resisting Arrest

CLIFTON, N.J. -- Clifton police had to use pepper spray and a baton to subdue a driver who fought against being removed from his car after an overnight drug stop Wednesday, authorities said.

Joseph Lee

Joseph Lee

Photo Credit: MUGSHOT: Courtesy CLIFTON PD

Officer Jomarcell Urena was joined by fellow Officers James Zenock and Alessio Esposito after he stopped a 2005 Acura TSX on Lakeview Avenue near Garretsee Place around 2:10 a.m., Detective Lt. Robert Bracken said.

The driver, 25-year-old Joseph Lee of Clifton, had no registration or insurance and refused to get out of the car, which smelled of marijuana, Bracken said.

"The vehicle's tinted windows prevented the officer from observing the driver's activity inside the vehicle," he added.

His backups arrived and helped Urena try to remove Lee, who grabbed onto the door and the steering wheel before trying to slide into the passenger seat, the lieutenant said.

They eventually got him out and into custody, Bracken said.

Lee was charged with obstruction, resisting arrest and various pot-related possession and distribution charges. He was released pending further court action.

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