Newark NJ police arrested a man accused of carrying a loaded handgun on a city street.
According to authorities, the Newark Police Department received an anonymous tip about a man illegally carrying a weapon. Members of the Newark Violence Reduction Initiative then staked out a local store located near Norfolk Street and New Street. The law enforcement group includes personnel with the NJ State Police, NJ State Parole, Essex County Sheriff’s Department, Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and the FBI.
While conducting surveillance in the area, detectives reportedly saw the 26-year-old suspect walking on the street and pulling a handgun from his waistband.
When police officers approached the suspect, he allegedly tossed the gun to the ground and began to run away.
Police chased after the suspect and quickly apprehended him. Police also reportedly found the weapon, a loaded a Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun.
The suspect, who is from Newark NJ, was placed under arrest and charged with illegal possession of a handgun.
If the suspect is ultimately convicted on the weapons offense charges, he faces severe penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(b), unlawful possession of a weapon such as a handgun is classified as a second degree crime and carries a penalty of 5-10 years in New Jersey State Prison.
For additional information about this case, see the NJ.com article entitled “Tip Leads to Arrest of Newark Man on Gun Charges.”
