Strange behavior in Jackson court leads to two arrests outside

An edgy woman in Jackson municipal court draws the attention of the court officer...who ends up arresting two teens waiting for her outside.

Larry Crippen and Nygere Jackson, both Jackson 18-year-olds, face several charges in the wake of the December 1 encounter in the court parking lot.

Curious about the woman's suspicious behavior, Officer William Colangelo followed her to a car containing Crippen and Jackson, police said. Crippen, behind the wheel, ignored an order to stay in the car, and gave the impression that he was about to run, police said.

More cops poured out of the building, and after a brief struggle, officers alleged that Crippen was wanted on a warrant in the township, and gave them a false name to cover up his driver's license suspension. Jackson, they said, was wanted in Howell Township.

The odor of marijuana prompted a search of the car. Police said they found weed, a scale, and a BB gun with the orange tip blacked out to resemble a real weapon.

Crippen was charged with obstruction, hindering apprehension, possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a firearm, driving while suspended, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance while operating a motor vehicle. He was placed in the Ocean County jail, with bail at a full $15,000.

Jackson was released after posting bail related to the Howell warrant.

The woman was ticketed for allowing a suspended driver to operate a vehicle.

Charges are accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless, and until, found guilty in a court of law.