By: Richard L. Smith
A Linden man is facing multiple weapons charges after police recovered an assault-style rifle loaded with hollow-point ammunition during an early morning investigation on Memorial Day.
According to Linden Police, officers were assisting Roselle Police shortly before 2 a.m. Monday near the 500 block of East St. George Avenue following reports of shots fired in the area.
During the investigation, officers spotted two men dressed in dark clothing and wearing ski masks walking north on Clark Street.
Police said one of the men was carrying a black backpack.
Officers stopped the pair in the parking lot of 30 Burgers to investigate further.
Authorities said one of the men, later identified as 25-year-old Kayvon Branch of Linden, suddenly ran from officers and fled west along East St. George Avenue.
Police chased Branch through several nearby yards before taking him into custody in the 1100 block of Walnut Street.
Investigators said the backpack allegedly carried by Branch was recovered nearby. Inside, officers found a compact assault-style rifle equipped with a high-capacity drum magazine loaded with hollow-point rounds.
The second man detained at the scene was later released without charges.
Branch has been charged with unlawful possession of a weapon, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, possession of a large-capacity magazine, possession of hollow-point ammunition, obstruction and resisting arrest.
He was remanded to the Essex County Jail pending a court appearance.