Traffic Stop Leads to Arrest for Out of State Driver

Fairfield (NJ) – The Fairfield Police Department announces the arrest of Kayla Casterline, (33), of Elsmere, KY, on drug charges after a motor vehicle stop on March 23, 2026.

On that date at approximately 1:30 am, Officer Carmelo Caramanna was patrolling Route 46 West when he conducted a motor vehicle stop on a Dodge Charger for an equipment violation.

During the course of the stop, it is alleged the driver and Casterline, who was a passenger, explained they had driven to Paterson, NJ for the weekend to visit friends and were on their way back to Kentucky. Upon speaking further, both occupants appeared nervous and moved around frequently in the car. Officers observed an empty pill bottle inside the vehicle and had both occupants exit. The Essex County Sheriff’s Department was dispatched with a K9 and, upon their arrival, it is alleged the dog gave a positive alert for narcotics in the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

The driver was issued summonses and released from the scene. Casterline was placed under arrest and was transported to headquarters for processing. She was charged with possession of Gabapentin, Xylazine, and drug paraphernalia and transported to the Essex County Jail pending a first court appearance.

(Charges are merely allegations until the defendant is proven guilty or pleads guilty in a court of law).

Issued by: Officer Stacy Chiarolanza (PIO)