By: Richard L. Smith
An Essex County Sheriff’s patrol in Newark led to the recovery of an illegal handgun and the arrest of a driver earlier this week, authorities announced.
According to a statement released by the Essex County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Amir D. Jones said the weapon was recovered on Tuesday, March 3, during a proactive patrol conducted by sheriff’s officers in the city.
Officials said the arrest came as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to combat illegal firearms and enhance public safety through proactive enforcement operations across Essex County.
Authorities reported that sheriff’s officers were patrolling along Oraton Parkway near 14th Avenue, in the area of Vailsburg Park, when they observed a vehicle committing several traffic violations, including following another vehicle too closely.
Officers initiated a motor vehicle stop to investigate further.
During the stop, officers conducted a lawful search of the vehicle.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the search led to the discovery of a .40-caliber Glock handgun along with 13 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition inside a factory-installed storage compartment in the vehicle.
The firearm was safely secured at the scene, officials said.
The driver was taken into custody and charged with multiple weapons-related offenses, including unlawful possession of a weapon and unlawful transportation of a firearm.
Authorities also issued several motor vehicle summonses in connection with the stop.
Following the arrest, the suspect was transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility, where the individual is being held pending court proceedings.
Sheriff Jones praised the officers involved in the incident, commending their attentiveness and professionalism while carrying out their duties to keep Essex County communities safe.