By: Richard L. Smith
Somerset County Prosecutor John P. McDonald announced the arrest of Quincy K. Clark, 49, of Burlington Township, in connection with weapons and drug offenses that occurred in Franklin Township on Tuesday, October 15.
At approximately 6:09 a.m., Franklin Township Police responded to a 9-1-1 call about a vehicle with two flat tires being driven through the campus of a private school.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Clark emerging from nearby bushes with his hands in his pockets.
After a search, officers discovered a high-capacity ammunition magazine on Clark, and further investigation of the area revealed a firearm loaded with hollow-point bullets hidden in the bushes.
Detectives from the Franklin Township Police Department, along with the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Investigation Unit, were called in to assist.
The school was closed as authorities conducted a thorough search of the grounds.
A court-ordered search of Clark's vehicle led to the discovery of over half an ounce of suspected cocaine and additional ammunition.
As a result, Clark was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including 2nd-degree possession of a handgun, 3rd-degree possession of a firearm on school grounds, 4th-degree possession of a large-capacity ammunition magazine, 2nd-degree possession of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine) with intent to distribute, and 4th-degree possession of hollow-point bullets.
He was transported to Somerset County Jail pending a detention hearing.
Prosecutor McDonald emphasized that Clark had no known connection to the school, its staff, or students, and authorities are continuing to investigate the motive behind the incident and Clark's actions prior to his arrival on the school campus.
The prosecutor commended the Franklin Township Police for their swift response and coordination with school officials to ensure the safety of the campus during the investigation.
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