Two suspects were arrested and two handguns were seized following a traffic stop in Newark’s North Ward on Wednesday evening by Essex County sheriff’s officers.
According to authorities, Patrol Division officers Wednesday observed a 2007 Acura traveling erratically near the intersection of Branch Brook Drive and Clifton Avenue and conducted a motor vehicle stop.
Police say that the driver, later identified as Yefri Castro, 20 of Newark, could not produce a valid driver’s license and provided officers a false identity. When Castro was asked to step out of the vehicle, the officers noticed a large bulge in his pants pocket.
According to officials, during a pat-down search, Castro was found in possession of a fully loaded, 9mm, Hi-Point semi-automatic handgun. Castro’s passenger, later identified as Jose Figueroa, 18 of Paterson, was also found to have a fully loaded, .22 caliber, RG revlover in his front waistband and a plastic bag containing 13 rounds hollow point bullets in his pants pocket. Police subsequently placed both men under arrest.
Authorities charged Castro with the unlawful possession of a weapon and hindering arrest. He was also issued motor vehicle summonses for careless driving, having tinted windows and driving without a license. Figueroa was charged with the unlawful possession of a weapon and possession of prohibited devices (hollow point bullets).
Officials say both suspects were lodged at the county jail where they will await bail hearings.