A 31-year-old Newark man was arrested after he was caught unloading various items from a flatbed Monday.
According to police, at approximately 11 p.m., members of the Illegal Dumping Task Force observed a red pickup truck loaded with various items protruding from the flatbed in the area of South Orange Avenue and South 11th Street.
Shortly after, detectives observed the driver, Mr. Daniel Valentin, 31, of Newark, exit the truck and unloaded items, including three crates, a mirror and box spring, from the flatbed onto the sidewalk.
Police arrested Valentin in the act of dumping a mattress.
Authorities charged Mr. Valentin with illegal dumping and illegal transport of solid waste. The also charged Mr. Valentin with contempt of court on an outstanding warrant.
The vehicle used to transport the illegally dumped materials was towed and is subject to seizure by forfeiture.
These charges are merely accusations. The suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Officials urge anyone with information about any incident of illegal dumping within the City of Newark to call the Department's 24-hour Crime Stopper tip line at 1-877-NWK-TIPS (1-877-695-8477) or 1-877-NWK-GUNS (1-877-695-4867).
All anonymous Crime Stopper tips are kept confidential and could result in a reward.