Newark New Jersey police arrested a local woman accused of possessing a loaded handgun on a city street.

According to law enforcement, the 24-year-old suspect was among a large group of people who were standing near an apartment building around Stratford Place and Avon Avenue in Newark, NJ. Members of the Newark Violence Reduction Initiative were patrolling the area around 9:00 p.m. when they saw the suspect with the butt of a gun sticking out of her pocket.

When police walked toward the group of people, they allegedly began to flee. A police officer followed the suspect and instructed her to stop running. She allegedly ignored the command and continued to run away.

At some point during the chase, the suspect reportedly threw a gun over a fence.

Police officers eventually managed to chase down the suspect. She was then arrested without further incident.

Newark NJ police subsequently performed a search of the suspect and allegedly found her with a 9mm handgun. According to officials, the handgun was loaded.

The suspect was charged with multiple weapons offenses, including unlawful possession of a weapon.

If the suspect is ultimately convicted of the most serious charge of illegal handgun possession, she would be subject to significant penalties. As set forth by N.J.S.A. 2C:39-5(b), illegal possession of a handgun can be classified as a second degree felony and result in a sentence of 5-10 years in New Jersey State Prison.

The Newark Police Department is asking for the public’s help with the investigation. Anyone with information about the suspect should reach out to the Newark Crime Stoppers tip line at 877-695-8477.

To learn more about this case, check out the NJ.com article entitled “Woman Tried to Ditch Gun During Newark Chase, Cops Say.”