Police recently arrested two Newark New Jersey men who were allegedly in possession of loaded handguns.
The arrests occurred during two separate incidents.
According to Newark police, the first suspect was a 20-year-old male. The suspect was reportedly caught during the morning hours while walking on the corner of Thomas Street and Austin Street.
Several Newark police officers had set up surveillance in the area. The officers reportedly saw a group of men, including the suspect, approach different motor vehicles that drove past the intersection.
According to police, the suspect was seen taking money from one of the drivers of the cars. Once he had the cash, the suspect allegedly made his way into the backyard of a residence on Thomas Street. The suspect then reportedly removed a clear plastic bag that had been placed underneath a parked van.
When police approached the suspect, he was reportedly startled and said, “You got me.” At that moment, he allegedly dropped a vial to the ground. Police believe that the vial contained cocaine.
A subsequent search of the van led police to allegedly discover a loaded .380-caliber handgun. Police also reportedly discovered more vials of cocaine hidden underneath the van.
Police officers placed the suspect under arrest without further incident. He has been charged with several criminal offenses, including unlawful possession of a weapon and cocaine possession.
The second arrest occurred later that night. Detectives with the Newark Violence Reduction Initiative reportedly saw several men standing in front of an abandoned house located on the 30s block of Kent Street in Newark, NJ.
Police allegedly saw one of the men, the 19-year-old suspect, start to walk away. When the officers approached the suspect, he allegedly took a loaded .40-caliber handgun out of his front waistband and tucked it into the back of his pants.
Newark police placed the suspect under arrest a short time later. He has been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon.
For further information about this case, view the NJ.com article entitled “Alleged Cocaine Dealer Among 2 Arrested with Loaded Guns in Newark, Police Say.”