Plainfield man wanted to be arrested so he could get drug treatment

NORTH PLAINFIELD - Troy Crane wished he could go to jail so he could get treatment for his drug addiction.

The 56-year-old Plainfield resident was granted his wish Friday when he allegedly tried to cash a forged check at a Route 22 bank.

Crane even waited in a chair in the bank for the police to arrive and arrest him.

He is now in the Somerset County Jail in lieu of $15,000 bail set by Superior Court Judge Robert Reed on charges of uttering a forged document and making a false public alarm.

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According to Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson, North Plainfield police responded to a bank alarm at Valley National Bank at about 11:20 a.m. Friday.

Bank employees told police that Crane walked into the bank and tried to cash a Valley National Bank personal check made out to him in the amount of $275, but the transaction was denied by a bank employee until confirmation could be authorized from the account holder.

Crane became upset with the employee and left the bank.

But he came back a short time later, spoke to a different teller and said he "needed money," Robertson said. 

Crane also told the teller that he would “attempt to rob this place," according to the prosecutor.

The teller complied with Crane’s request and after being given some money, Crane did not flee the bank, but instead sat in a chair.

Crane then went back to the teller and placed the money on the counter. Crane then asked the teller, “how long will the cops take to get here," Robertson said.

Crane was arrested without incident.

After being given his Miranda warning against self-incrimination, Crane told police he first tried to cash the forged check because he needed money., according to an affidavit filed in Superior Court.

Crane said he became angry when the check wasn't cashed so he decided to say anything in order to be arrested, the affidavit said.
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Crane told police he was addicted to drugs and wanted to go to jail as a way to fight his addiction, according to the affidavit..

Staff Writer Mike Deak: 908-243-6607; mdeak@mycentraljersey.com