Paramus Police Officer Stops Stolen Car On GSP, Finds Heroin, Hotel Keys

PARAMUS, N.J. -- A Paramus police officer stopped a car on the Garden State Parkway moments after it was stolen from a local restaurant employee Friday afternoon, authorities said.

Nicholas Mazzola
Photo Credit: *MUGSHOT: Courtesy PARAMUS PD*

Jerry DeMarco

03/17/2017 5:43 p.m.

Officer Sean Nutland spotted the 2005 Honda Civic on the southbound parkway after hearing a stolen car alert just before 12:30 p.m., Deputy Police Chief Robert Guidetti said.

Behind the wheel was 38-year-old Nicholas Mazzola of Spotswood, who'd taken the car from outside the Bonefish Grill after swiping the owner's wallet and keys from the hostess stand while she was working, Guidetti said.

Police found Mazzola carrying the wallet and several sets of keys on assorted rings -- one of which belonbed to the Marriot Hotel’s maintenance staff, the deputy chief said.

He also had 13 decks of heroin stamped “Pink Panther” and 13 assorted pills without a prescription, Guidetti said.

Police charged Mazzola with receiving stolen property and possession of both heroin and prescription pills.

He was released pending an April 7 court appearance, under New Jersey's new bail law.

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