Noticing a sheriff’s deputy tailing them at about 1 a.m. on July 6, three young stooges in a black VW sought to allay official suspicions by veering suddenly into the Bergen Park parking lot and laying chilly. It was the first of many tactical blunders.

When asked about their itinerary, the trio seemed uncertain, variously claiming to be returning from the movies, going to the movies, or leaving a fictitious Lewis Ridge Road address on non-specific business. “It’s complicated,” explained one, unhelpfully.

Detecting a piquant aroma wafting from the car’s open window, the deputy asked after its source and was rewarded with a cigarette box containing marijuana which, they unanimously assured him, was all the contraband they had available. Not satisfied, the officer asked again, prompting Larry, Curly and Moe to discover a small trove of paraphernalia and a painted jar containing a quantity of wacky-weed they’d possibly forgotten about until that moment. The quick-thinking three were issued summonses and left, probably to find a jumbo bag of Nacho Cheese Doritos and contemplate the importance of honesty.