NJ man wanted to be arrested for drug treatment

NORTH PLAINFIELD, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey man told investigators he wanted to go to jail so he could receive treatment for his drug addiction, authorities said.

The Somerset County Prosecutor's Office told the Courier News of Bridgewater (http://mycj.co/2b8UIzw ) 56-year-old Troy Crane demanded a bank teller in North Plainfield cash a forged check. Bank employees told police the transaction was denied by an employee until confirmation could be authorized from the account holder.

Acting Somerset County Prosecutor Michael Robertson said Crane became upset with the employee and left the bank. An affidavit said Crane decided he would say anything to be arrested. He came back later and told the teller he needed money and would "attempt to rob this place," Robertson said.

Robertson said the teller gave Crane some money, but instead of fleeing, he sat in a chair, placed the money on the counter and asked the teller, "How long will the cops take to get here?"

Crane was arrested without incident on Friday. He is charged with uttering a forged document and false public alarm. He told police he was addicted to drugs and wanted to go to jail as a way to fight his addiction, according to an affidavit.

He's held on $15,000 bail, and it's not known if he has an attorney.