EAST BRUNSWICK–Two male and one female suspects were charged after East Brunswick police reportedly found 14 bags of crack cocaine and a handgun in their vehicle around 4:25 p.m. on June 4.
Patrolman Patrick Lem initiated a motor vehicle stop with a 2016 Chevrolet on Route 18 north just prior to the New Jersey Turnpike toll plaza for multiple motor vehicle violations, according to police.
During the course of the traffic stop, the driver, a 26-year-old male from Newark, and his passenger, a 21-year-old male from Perth Amboy, allegedly provided Lem with false information regarding their names and dates of birth, according to police.
The information the men provided was allegedly supported by the third passenger, a 23-year-old woman from Keansburg.
The subsequent investigation revealed the man from Perth Amboy to be in possession of drug paraphernalia and one .40 caliber bullet, according to police.
Upon discovering the loose bullet, the man from Newark reportedly fled the traffic stop on foot and a foot pursuit ensued with the man and Patrolman Dan Werner and Patrolman Michael Egan, who both arrived on scene as back up. The man was taken into custody after running toward the Turnpike, police said.
Further investigation revealed the man from Perth Amboy was allegedly in possession of 14 bags of crack cocaine. Additionally, a loaded .40 caliber handgun was located inside the vehicle, tucked between the rear seats, according to police.
The man from Perth Amboy was also charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession with intent to distribute, hindering apprehension and possession of drug paraphernalia, according to police.
The man from Newark was charged with resisting arrest, hindering apprehension and child neglect.
The woman was charged with hindering apprehension and child neglect. The child neglect charges are due to the presence of an infant in the car during the incident, according to police.
Additionally, all three suspects were charged with possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon, according to police.
All three suspects were remanded to the Middlesex County Adult Correction Center. The infant was turned over to a family member, according to police.
Contact Vashti Harris at vharris@newspapermediagroup.com.
