Newark NJ police recently arrested a 16-year-old who allegedly had an illegal handgun in his possession on a city street.
Members of the Newark Police Department Firearms Interdiction Team were on patrol near 6th Avenue North 13th Street when they allegedly observed two teens, including the suspect, standing in the street.
According to officials, the suspect got scared when he saw the police officers approaching. The suspect allegedly tried to hide a 25-caliber handgun in his waistband. When the officers saw the gun and told him to drop it, he reportedly fled the scene on foot.
Police officers chased the suspect through nearby backyards. The officers reportedly saw the suspect toss the handgun over a brick wall during the chase. Police eventually caught the suspect and arrested him.
Authorities revealed that that the suspect told the officers “It’s not even loaded” when they finally caught him.
The suspect, who lives in Newark NJ, was charged with numerous crimes, including unlawful possession of a weapon, resisting arrest, and obstruction of justice.
If the suspect is charged as an adult, he could face significant penalties. N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5 imposes severe penalties on anyone who illegally possesses a handgun in New Jersey. A conviction for third degree unlawful possession of a weapon could lead to a sentence of 3-5 years in NJ State Prison.
After being placed under arrest and charged, the suspect was transported to the Essex County Juvenile Detention Center in Newark, NJ.
For additional information about this case, view the NJ.com article entitled “Newark Teen Arrested After Showing Off Gun, Police Say.”