ELMWOOD PARK — An off-duty New Milford police officer had crack cocaine and a hypodermic needle when he was arrested by Elmwood Park police on Friday, authorities said.

Daniel DeMarco, 28, of Lodi, was arrested in the parking lot of the Elmwood Village Apartment Complex off Boulevard at 2:45 p.m. on Friday for possession of one bag of crack cocaine, a hypodermic syringe and drug paraphernalia, Elmwood Park Police Chief Michael Foligno said.

Police thought DeMarco looked suspicious, Foligno said. Elmwood Park officers frequently patrol the area near Route 4 due to the narcotics traveling through the area, he said.

The off-duty police officer was also charged with being under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance and DWI, the chief said. He was released to a family member following his arrest.

According to minutes from New Milford Borough Council meetings, DeMarco was sworn in as a police officer in December of 2013.

The fact that he is a cop has no bearing, Foligno said.

"We treat everyone the same," he said. "It doesn't matter what you do for a living."

New Milford police confirmed DeMarco was still employed by the department but would not say if he's facing a suspension. New Milford Police declined to answer questions related to the alleged incident.

Mayor Ann Subrizi did not immediately return multiple requests for comment.

DeMarco has a scheduled court appearance on Tuesday. He could not immediately be reached for comment.

Myles Ma may be reached at mma@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MylesMaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.