SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Police have charged two men with allegedly illegally possessing handguns.
Kyle Moore, 24, and Virenkuma Patel, 22, both of Monmouth Junction, were identified as suspects on Aug. 30.
Around 8:30 a.m., officers were called to the area of Ridge Road and Pierson Street for a report of two men walking on the train tracks, one of whom was alleged to have been armed, according to a statement prepared by the South Brunswick Police Department.
Police Chief Raymond Hayducka heard the call and responded to the scene. He and Officer Chris Magee-Vanderveen arrived and reportedly observed Moore and Virenkuma in the parking lot of the Old English Square strip mall at 613 Ridge Rd.
Hayducka approached the males and identified himself as a police officer, according to the statement. The two were able to apprehend Moore and Patel, and a search allegedly revealed that both men were armed with handguns. Officers at the scene stated that Patel and Moore reportedly appeared to be highly impaired at the time of the incident, officials said. The investigation into drug use remains ongoing.
The two men were charged with possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon, with bail set at $60,000 for Moore and $75,000 for Patel. Both were lodged at the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center.
“Officers, both on and off duty, responded to the scene to ensure two men armed with handguns were apprehended. The safety of our community is the foremost responsibility of the South Brunswick Police Department. The brave actions, intelligent approach and professionalism demonstrated by the chief and officers are what is expected of us and is what was delivered,” said Deputy Police Chief James Stoddard.
