Police Nab Two Alleged Heroin Dealers; One Gave Chase Through Neighborhood

Middletown Police say they have arrested two alleged heroin dealers from a township residence in a neighborhood off Tindall Road.

On Thursday, police arrested Jacquelyn Mozda, 22, at her home on Melrose Place in Middletown. Also arrested at the house was Dashawn O. Nance, 24, whose address is South Arlington Ave. in East Orange. Police charged them with multiple offenses related to heroin possession and distribution

They made the arrests after executing a search warrant at the Melrose Place house after a monthlong investigation conducted by Det. Kevin Gardiner and Officers Anthony Bumbico and Richard Fulham of the Quality of Life Unit.  

Police say Nance slammed the door to the residence on the officers and took off through the back door and into the woods, leading police on a foot pursuit through the neighborhood. Police say Nance discarded around 330 bags of heroin during the chase -- until he was caught by Det. Lieutenant Stephen Dollinger.

The heroin was recovered by the police, authorities said.  

Nance is being held in county jail on $200,000 bail set by Judge David Bauman of the Monmouth County Superior Court. Nance is charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public park (Tindall Park), possession of heroin within 1000 feet of a school zone (Middletown High School North) and possession of drug paraphernalia. He also faces charges of resisting arrest, hindering apprehension and obstructing the administration of law. 

Mozda is being held in county jail on $100,000 bail set by Judge David Bauman of the Monmouth County Superior Court. She is charged with possession of heroin, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute, possession of heroin with the intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public park (Tindall Park), possession of heroin with the intent to distribute with 1000 feet of a school zone (Middletown High School North), possession of hypodermic syringes and possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Both defendants are due back in court on June 24.