Local arrests
Loose dog
SUSSEX — Sheriff Michael F. Strada announced the arrest of Michael L. Blackman, 21, formerly of Morristown.
On Wednesday, July 16, while assigned to Community Policing duties within the Borough of Sussex, Sheriff’s Officer Samantha Schilling received a complaint from a borough resident regarding a loose pit bull that had wandered into the roadway and had very nearly been struck by a motor vehicle. Officer Schilling responded to the area in which the resident had described and observed the dog. Eventually, Officer Schilling, along with an Animal Control Officer, was able to secure the dog.
While attempting to locate the owner, Officer Schilling observed several other pit bull puppies in the yard of one of the nearby residences. After speaking with one of the residents of that house, a man claiming to be Michael Peterson acknowledged ownership of the dogs.
Further investigation revealed the man was actually Michael L. Blackman. Blackman was the subject of several outstanding municipal court warrants. Officer Schilling immediately placed Blackman under arrest and subsequently transported him to the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office for processing.
Blackman was charged with knowingly providing false information to a law enforcement officer with the purpose of implicating another, a crime of the fourth degree. He was issued a summons for that charge and given a future date to appear in Wantage Township Municipal Court.
Custody of Blackman was turned over to the Township of Morris Police who, in turn, transported him to the Morris County Jail.
A charge is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Fugitive Apprehension
NEWTON — Sheriff Michael F. today announced the arrest of Robert D. Lutz, 30, of Newton.
On Wednesday, July 30, while assigned to Fugitive Apprehension duties within the Town of Newton, Sheriff’s Officers Ed Galinski and Joseph Cahill located Robert D. Lutz. Lutz was the subject of an outstanding Superior Court warrant for failure to appear in court. Lutz was immediately taken into custody and transported to the Keogh-Dwyer Correctional Facility where he was lodged.
A charge is merely an accusation, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.