According to Haledon Police officials, on Sunday at 11:46 PM, Haledon Police Officer Jeffrey Welsh stopped a white 2007 Nissan Altima on Haledon Avenue. Police say the vehicle was not displaying a valid inspection sticker and failed to signal a turn properly.
Upon approaching the car, Police Officer Welsh detected a strong odor of raw marijuana emanating from within the vehicle. Officials say Officer Welsh asked the driver to see her license, registration, and insurance.
According to Haledon Police officials, the vehicle was also occupied by one front seat passenger and two rear-seat passengers. Special Police Officer Michael Moore and Special Police Officer Kris Duci arrived on the scene to assist.
Officials say all occupants were asked to step out of the vehicle and as the rear seat passenger, Mr. Raekwon Farrar, 22, of East Orange, exited the car, he suddenly ran and fled on foot. Police Officer Welsh, Special Police Officer Moore, and Special Police Officer Duci engaged in a foot chase.
Sergeant Tim Lindberg, Police Officer Edar Merza, and Police Officer Andrea Len responded to assist. After a brief foot pursuit, the officers apprehended Farrar.
Police say while searching Farrar, a .380 caliber, silver and red, Tauras Spectrum handgun, loaded with six (6) hollow-point bullets, was found in the right pocket of Mr. Farrar's jacket.
The vehicle, which was uninsured and unregistered, was impounded. The driver was cited for multiple motor vehicle violations.
Mr. Farrar was charged with Unlawful Possession of a Handgun, Certain Persons Not to Have Weapons, Unlawful Possession of a Handgun for Unlawful Purpose, Resisting Arrest Possession of Hollow-Point Bullets, Possession of Marijuana under 50 Grams, and Obstructing the Administration of Law.
Police say Farrar was lodged in Passaic County Jail, pending a court appearance in Passaic County Central Judicial Processing Court.
Chief of Police Angelo J. Daniele said the following: "We are fortunate to have this illegal handgun seized and removed off our streets. Keeping Haledon safe remains our highest priority."
"The handgun was logged into evidence, and it will be submitted for ballistic analysis," Lieutenant George Guzman said.