According to a statement released by Orange Police, on Tuesday, January 5, members of the Orange Police Department Street Crimes Gang & Narcotics Task Force conducted a narcotics investigation at 387 Cleveland Street., due to citizen complaints of open-air narcotics trafficking occurring at this location.
Police say during this surveillance, police observed a white 2019 Kia Forte with a Lyft light-up sign in the windshield pull in front of the target location. An unknown African American male exited the target location and waved the passenger inside.
The passenger, later identified as Mr. Malik G Tory, exited the rear passenger seat of the vehicle and approached the unknown male. Both males conversed for a short time, then Tory handed the unknown male money in exchange for an unknown item. Tory stuffed the item in the crotch area of his pants and walked back to the Lyft vehicle and entered the rear passenger seat.
Polices say the vehicle then traveled south on Cleveland Street towards Alden Street. The Orange Police Department Street Crimes Gang & Narcotics Task Force was able to conduct a motor vehicle stop near the intersection of Alden and Cleveland Street. As they approached the rear of the vehicle they noticed Tory reaching down attempting to conceal something.
Police ordered him out of the vehicle. As Tory exited the vehicle he dropped a black handgun later revealed to be a loaded 9MM Ruger LCP that contained four hollow-point bullets. Tory was also found to have on his persons 20 grams of raw crack cocaine and was taken into custody.
Orange Police Director Todd Warren and Chief of Police Vincent Vitiello commended the Detectives on removing controlled dangerous substances and another weapon off of the streets of the City of Orange.
Mayor Dwayne Warren said, "We are grateful that the driver, Mr. Aibangbee was unharmed as our law enforcement officers were able to quickly and safely take an armed suspect off the streets of Orange. Congratulations to the Orange Police Department whose swift actions prevented what could have been a tragic outcome. And, a special thanks to Mr. Aibangbee, who cooperated with our officers during this incident."