Newark NJ police recently arrested two local men on weapons charges.
Members of the Newark Police Department gang enforcement unit were on “proactive” patrols near 18th Avenue and Rose Street when they saw a man who appeared to be drinking alcohol.
When the officers got out of their patrol vehicle and approached the man, a 28-year-old Newark resident, they noticed him adjusting an item in his waistband. The man then allegedly said, “I have a BB gun.” However, the officers investigated and determined that the gun was actually a loaded, defaced 9mm handgun.
The officers arrested the suspect and charged him with a number of weapons offenses, including unlawful possession of a weapon, illegal possession of a weapon by a felon, and possession of a defaced weapon. The suspect was also charged with hindering apprehension.
A short time later, Newark detectives made another arrest. The detectives were on patrol in the area of Garside Street and 2nd Avenue when they saw two people riding bicycles.
The officers approached the men, prompting one of the suspects to leap from his bike and begin to flee. According to police, the 18-year-old suspect adjusted his waistband as he ran away from the officers.
During the pursuit, the officers reportedly saw the suspect toss a handgun onto the street. When police later recovered the weapon, they determined that it was loaded with hollow-point bullets.
The suspect was eventually apprehended and placed under arrest. He has been charged with resisting arrest, as well as several weapons offenses.
Additionally, police reportedly found the suspect with a small amount of heroin on his person. As a result, he also faces charges for heroin possession.
To learn more, access the NJ.com article entitled “Police: Newark Man Tried to Claim Firearm Was BB Gun.”