Deal done as cops watch, authorities say

An apparent drug deal in Lakewood with police officers watching, unnoticed, leaves a township man facing a raft of charges.

Mark Barroso, 20, is charged with three possession-related counts and several traffic violations for the October 12 episode.

According to police, Officers Kristie Buble and Stephanie Campbell watched Barroso enter the High Point Condominium Complex in a 1998 Toyota Camry at about 8:40 PM, and engage someone outside the car in a conversation and brief exchange.

Once the unidentified individual outside the car spotted the cops, Barroso sped away, police said. The officers caught up with him on River Avenue, and noticed Barroso propping something against the inner car door with his leg, police said.

The patrol officers recovered about two ounces of marijuana and $1,837, authorities said.

Bail for Barroso was set at $15,000, no 10-percent option for release, on counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute in a school zone. He also received several traffic tickets.

Police said that a 24-year-old woman in the car had no apparent role in the incident. They did not identify the other individual involved, nor did they indicate whether charges would be lodged against him.